For dogs that love to chew, finding durable toys is essential. While no toy is completely indestructible, some options are significantly more resilient than others. This guide explores the best dog toys for aggressive chewers, offering insights from veterinarians and trainers to ensure both safety and engagement for your canine companion.
Top Picks for Aggressive Chewers
When selecting toys for dogs with a strong inclination to chew, durability and safety are paramount. Experts emphasize choosing toys that can withstand powerful jaws without posing a risk of breaking teeth or causing internal blockages if ingested.
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 chewing experience while remaining gentle on a dog’s teeth and gums. Its unique shape, with nooks and crannies, makes it engaging even without treats, and it bounces well for playtime. This toy can also be filled with treats like peanut butter for added enjoyment. Available in small and medium/large sizes, it’s designed to cater to different dog breeds and weights.
Best Plush: Kong Cozie Marvin the Moose
For dogs that prefer plush toys, the Kong Cozie Marvin the Moose is a durable option. It features two layers of tough fabric and minimal stuffing, reducing the mess if your dog does manage to tear it open. The toy also includes an interior squeaker to enhance play. Owners have reported that this toy holds up exceptionally well to vigorous chewing and even machine washing.
Best Rope: Pacific Pups Rescue 6-Knot Knotted Rope Toy
This extra-large rope toy, made from sturdy cotton, is ideal for interactive play, especially in households with multiple dogs. The knots are tightly bound, offering more resilience than many other rope toys. While some fraying may occur with aggressive chewing, the overall construction helps it last longer. It’s available in various sizes to suit different breeds.
Best Chew: Petstages Dogwood Calming Chew
As a safer alternative to actual sticks, the Petstages Dogwood Calming Chews are made from a composite of wood and hemp. These stick-like toys are designed to splinter less than natural wood, reducing the risk of mouth injuries or intestinal damage. They are buoyant, making them suitable for dogs who enjoy playing in water. While they will show wear and tear, they offer a satisfying chew for dogs who love to gnaw.
Best Interactive: Fable The Puffin Game
This durable, food-dispensing toy is designed to challenge and entertain dogs. The Puffin Game allows owners to adjust the difficulty level, making it suitable for various canine problem-solvers. It can be filled with kibble or treats, providing mental stimulation and helping to slow down fast eaters. The weighted base ensures it remains upright during play, and its robust construction has held up to considerable use.
Best Ball: Chew King Supreme Rubber Ball
For dogs that love to fetch and chew, the Chew King Supreme Rubber Ball is an excellent choice. Made from durable rubber, it withstands strong jaws and maintains its integrity during intense play. Its textured surface provides good grip for both dogs and owners, and it offers a satisfying bounce. Available in multiple sizes, it’s crucial to select the correct size to prevent choking hazards.
Best Bone: Spot Bam-Bones Plus
The Spot Bam-Bones Plus offers a unique T-shaped design with various textures and flavors to keep dogs engaged. Made from nylon and bamboo, it’s a safer alternative to real bones or antlers, which can pose a risk of dental damage. While it’s designed to be durable, its texture is soft enough to indent with a fingernail, indicating a safer level of hardness. It comes in chicken, peanut butter, and beef flavors.
Best for Treats: Kong Extreme
An enhanced version of the classic Kong toy, the Extreme model is made from heavy-duty rubber specifically for aggressive chewers. It’s ideal for filling with treats, peanut butter, or yogurt, serving as an engaging food puzzle. While it excels as a treat dispenser, its shape can make it less comfortable for sustained general chewing compared to other Kong models. Ensuring the correct size is vital to prevent any swallowing risks.
Best Tug Toy: Kong Wubba
The Kong Wubba is not designed for unsupervised chewing but is exceptionally durable for interactive games of tug-of-war and fetch. Its construction features tough ballistic nylon over two squeaky and bouncy balls, with fabric strips that are easy to grip for tugging. This toy has proven to withstand significant play and chewing from aggressive dogs.
Best Subscription Box: Bullymake
For a consistent supply of durable toys, the Bullymake subscription box is an excellent option. Each monthly delivery includes two to three toys made from sturdy materials like nylon, rubber, and rope, specifically designed for aggressive chewers. The box may also include treats.
What to Look For in Dog Toys for Aggressive Chewers
When choosing toys for dogs that chew aggressively, consider these expert recommendations:
- Safety: A toy should be safe for your dog. A good indicator of a safe chew toy is if you can make an indentation in its material with your fingernail. Toys that are too hard can damage your dog’s teeth. Dense rubber is often recommended, but always supervise play to prevent ingestion of small pieces.
- Durability: The toy should withstand strong chewing. While some dogs enjoy destroying toys, this should be done under supervision.
- Size: Ensure the toy is appropriately sized for your dog. A toy that is too small can be a choking hazard or lead to intestinal blockages if swallowed.
- Materials: Dense rubber is a popular choice. For plush toys, look for double-layered fabric and reinforced seams. Offering a variety of textures can cater to your dog’s preferences.
How We Tested These Toys
Our recommendations are based on expert advice and practical testing. We evaluated toys for their durability, safety, and how well they engaged dogs during play sessions. This involved observing how the toys held up to chewing, tugging, and fetching, as well as assessing their potential safety risks.
Frequently Asked Questions About Aggressive Chewers
What is the best dog toy for a heavy chewer?
Toys from the Kong Extreme line are highly recommended for heavy chewers due to their durable rubber construction. While no toy is indestructible, these are known for their longevity and safety.
What material is best for aggressive chewers?
Dense rubber is often ideal for aggressive chewers. However, if your dog prefers plush toys, opt for those with durable fabric and minimal stuffing, always supervising play.
What should I give an aggressive chewer?
The best toy balances safety with your dog’s enjoyment. A toy that is too uninteresting may lead your dog to chew on inappropriate items. Edible chews designed for consumption can also be a good option for dogs prone to swallowing pieces.
Why does my dog aggressively chew toys?
Chewing is a natural and enjoyable behavior for dogs. Aggressive chewing typically becomes an issue only when it’s directed towards household items. Boredom or anxiety can also contribute to destructive chewing.
