Bringing a new toy home for your canine companion often comes with the hope that this time, it will last. However, the reality for many dog owners is a quick descent from joyous unwrapping to sighing over shredded remnants. This is a familiar frustration for dedicated dog owners and those managing a shelter environment, where testing toy durability is a daily reality. Our dogs, the true experts in toy destruction, have put numerous toys to the test. We’ve compiled their honest feedback to help you navigate the market for truly indestructible dog toys.
Expert Reviews from Shelter Dogs
We acquired five popular “indestructible” dog toys and subjected them to rigorous testing by a panel of discerning canine critics at Benafim Dog Shelter. These toys, including the Nylabone Extreme Tough Dog Chew Toy, Kong Rewards Ball, CyunCmay Indestructible Dog Toy Bone, Hetoo Indestructible Squeaky Dental Care Dog Toy, and the Kong Wobbler, were chewed, played with, buried, and more over the course of a week.
Nylabone Extreme Tough Dog Chew Toy
The Nylabone Extreme Tough Dog Chew Toy, particularly the XXL Bison flavored variety, proved to be a significant success. Designed for powerful chewers weighing over 23kg, it withstood hours of dedicated chewing from dogs like Nero, a Pitt bull, with minimal signs of wear. Its size, though substantial, is manageable for dogs to carry, and the curved design offers an easy grip. Even Maya, a rescue dog initially unfamiliar with toys, took an immediate liking to it, engaging in play and encouraging chasing. The toy is also easy to clean, retains its flavor, and importantly, doesn’t create a mess. Black Nero, known for his destructive chewing habits, also failed to make a dent in this Nylabone, showcasing its impressive durability. This toy is highly recommended for dogs that love to chew and need a durable, engaging outlet. Check Price on Amazon
Kong Rewards Ball
The Kong Rewards Ball offers an engaging combination of a play toy and a treat dispenser. While initially met with less overt enthusiasm than other toys, its appeal grew as dogs discovered the interactive treat-dispensing feature. It proved easy for humans to load with treats, and for dogs, it provided a satisfying challenge to retrieve them. The dogs particularly enjoyed the bouncy, pliable rubber side of the toy. Jean was a huge fan, frequently burying and rediscovering the ball, while his companion Komo also found it highly engaging. Across all dogs, no tooth marks were found on the rubbery surface, and the treat dispenser proved effective. This toy is a well-rounded option, combining play and rewards for dogs weighing 16kg and above. Check Price on Amazon
CyunCmay Indestructible Dog Toy XL Bone
The CyunCmay Indestructible Dog Toy XL Bone generated initial excitement but ultimately failed to meet the “indestructible” claim. Despite its soft, pliable texture and convenient handles for tug-of-war, it succumbed quickly to Black Nero’s powerful chewing. Within 30 minutes, significant teeth marks and a near split were evident. While dogs enjoyed playing fetch with it and engaging in short periods of chewing, its lack of durability means it’s not suitable for dogs prone to destructive chewing. It can serve as a fun retrieval toy but is not recommended for unsupervised chewing sessions. Check Price on Amazon
Hetoo Indestructible Squeaky Dental Care Dog Toy
The Hetoo Indestructible Squeaky Dental Care Dog Toy, primarily designed for dental cleaning, did not impress our canine testers. Even the squeaking feature failed to generate much interest, with Maya initially reacting with fear. Adding peanut butter to the grooves provided a temporary distraction, but Maya soon lost interest. Black Nero and Maya showed the most interest, but their engagement was fleeting. The toy’s squeak was also noted as potentially annoying for human owners. Ultimately, this toy failed to hold the dogs’ attention for more than a few minutes and is not recommended for extended play. Check Price on Amazon
Kong Wobbler Interactive Treat Dispensing Dog Toy
The Kong Wobbler Interactive Treat Dispensing Dog Toy, with its substantial size and unique wobbling action, initially puzzled some of the dogs. Made from a harder plastic polymer, it’s designed to dispense treats. While humans found it easy to fill, the dogs initially struggled to extract the treats. It was discovered that the Wobbler performs best on smooth surfaces, and the treat size needs to be appropriate for the dispensing hole. Once these factors were understood, the dogs thoroughly enjoyed interacting with it. Its large size makes it difficult for dogs to get their teeth around, contributing to its durability. For dogs 12kg and above, this toy offers an indestructible and engaging treat-dispensing experience, provided the human understands its usage requirements. Check Price on Amazon
The Verdict: Which Toys Survived the Ultimate Test?
After extensive testing and thorough “discussions” amongst themselves, our shelter dogs have reached a consensus. For sustained chewing, the Nylabone Extreme Tough Dog Chew Toy stands out. For interactive play and treat dispensing, both the Kong Rewards Ball and the Kong Wobbler are excellent choices, offering engagement and durability. While other toys may offer short-lived fun, these select few have earned their place as reliable companions for even the most enthusiastic dog chewers.
