For dogs with a penchant for destruction, finding toys that can withstand their powerful jaws is a constant challenge for pet owners. While no toy is truly indestructible, selecting durable options designed for aggressive chewers can significantly extend playtime and keep your furry friend safe and engaged. This guide explores the top choices for aggressive chewers, drawing on expert advice from veterinarians and trainers, and highlights the importance of supervision to prevent potential health emergencies.
Top Picks for Durable Dog Toys
When it comes to toys for dogs that chew aggressively, durability, safety, and engagement are key. Experts emphasize choosing materials that are tough yet gentle on a dog’s teeth and gums.
Best Overall: Kong Extreme Tires
The Kong Extreme Tires toy is a standout choice for aggressive chewers. Made from extra-tough natural rubber, it offers a satisfying chew experience without being too hard on a dog’s teeth. Its unique shape provides interesting nooks and crannies, making it appealing even when not filled with treats. This toy is also durable enough to withstand significant chewing, and its bouncy nature makes it great for interactive play. It comes in two sizes to accommodate different breeds.
Best Plush: Kong Cozie Marvin the Moose
For dogs who love the feel of plush toys, the Kong Cozie Marvin the Moose offers a more durable option. It features two layers of tough fabric and minimal stuffing, reducing the mess if your dog manages to tear it open. The inclusion of an interior squeaker adds an extra layer of engagement. This toy has been noted for its surprising resilience, even resisting damage from aggressive chewing and washing.
Best Rope: Pacific Pups Rescue 6-Knot Knotted Rope Toy
Rope toys are excellent for interactive play and can be a good choice for aggressive chewers, provided they are supervised. The Pacific Pups Rescue Knotted Rope Toy is a large, durable option made from cotton with tightly knotted sections. Its size makes it ideal for larger dogs and multi-dog households. While some fiber wear is expected with rope toys, the numerous knots help maintain its integrity.
Best Chew: Petstages Dogwood Calming Chew
A safe alternative to natural sticks, the Petstages Dogwood Calming Chews are made from a composite of wood and hemp. These stick-like toys offer a realistic texture that dogs enjoy, without the risk of splintering or causing damage to the mouth or digestive tract. They are designed to be softer than hard nylon chews, making them safer for teeth, though they will show wear more quickly with intense chewers.
Best Interactive: Fable The Puffin Game
Interactive puzzle toys can provide mental stimulation for aggressive chewers. Fable’s The Puffin Game is a durable food-dispensing toy with an adjustable difficulty level. It satisfies a dog’s natural urge to work for rewards and can help slow down fast eaters. The weighted base keeps it stable, and it can hold a significant amount of kibble or treats.
Best Ball: Chew King Supreme Rubber Ball
For dogs who love to fetch and chew, the Chew King Supreme Rubber Ball is a robust option. Made from super-tough rubber, it withstands strong jaws and offers excellent bounce for play. Its textured surface provides a good grip for both dogs and owners. It’s crucial to select the correct size to prevent a dog from swallowing the ball.
Best Bone: Spot Bam-Bones Plus
The Spot Bam-Bones Plus offers a safe chewing experience with its unique T-shaped design and varied textures. Made from nylon and bamboo, it’s available in appealing flavors like chicken, peanut butter, and beef. While designed for durability, it has a slightly softer texture than some pure nylon chews, making it kinder to teeth.
Best for Treats: Kong Extreme
The Kong Extreme is a super-chewer version of the classic Kong toy, made from a more robust rubber compound. It’s ideal for being stuffed with treats like peanut butter or kibble, providing an engaging and long-lasting challenge. Its design is excellent for mental stimulation and satisfying a dog’s urge to chew.
Best Tug Toy: Kong Wubba
The Kong Wubba is not primarily a chew toy but is built for more vigorous games of tug and fetch. Its durable ballistic nylon exterior and reinforced stitching make it tough enough for interactive play with aggressive chewers. The two balls, one with a squeaker, and the fabric strips are designed for easy gripping and tossing.
Best Subscription Box: Bullymake
For a consistent supply of durable toys, subscription boxes like Bullymake cater specifically to aggressive chewers. Each monthly box typically includes two to three sturdy toys made from materials like nylon, rubber, and rope, along with treats.
What to Look For in Toys for Aggressive Chewers
When selecting toys for dogs that chew aggressively, several factors are crucial:
- Safety: Toys should be made from materials that are safe and won’t easily break into small, ingestible pieces. Experts recommend toys that you can indent slightly with a fingernail, indicating they are not too hard to damage teeth.
- Durability: The toy must be able to withstand the force of a strong jaw. Look for reinforced seams, tough rubber, or dense materials.
- Size: Ensure the toy is appropriately sized for your dog. Too small a toy can be a choking hazard, while too large a toy may be unwieldy.
- Materials: Dense rubber is often recommended. For plush toys, look for double-layered fabric and strong stitching. Offering a variety of textures can also cater to different chewing preferences.
Expert Insights on Aggressive Chewing
Understanding why dogs chew aggressively is important. While it can sometimes stem from boredom or anxiety, chewing is also a natural and enjoyable behavior for many dogs. The key is to redirect this energy toward appropriate toys. Veterinarian behaviorists like Dr. Kelly Ballantyne emphasize the importance of supervision, as even durable toys can break into pieces that can cause intestinal blockages. When a dog begins to ingest pieces of a toy, experts recommend trading it for a treat rather than simply taking it away, to avoid potential resource guarding issues.
Ultimately, the best toy for an aggressive chewer is one that is both safe and engaging for the individual dog’s personality and chewing style.
