For dogs that love to chew, finding toys that can withstand their powerful jaws is essential. Aggressive chewers can quickly destroy less durable toys, making it important to invest in options designed for their chewing strength. This guide explores some of the best dog toys for aggressive chewers, focusing on durability, safety, and engagement, drawing on expert advice from veterinarians and dog trainers.
Top Picks for Durable Dog Toys
When selecting toys for dogs with strong chewing habits, consider the material, size, and overall safety. The following recommendations cater to aggressive chewers, offering a range of options from robust rubber toys to engaging interactive puzzles.
Best Overall: Kong Extreme Tires
The Kong Extreme Tires is an excellent choice for aggressive chewers. Made from extra-tough natural rubber, it’s designed to be durable yet gentle on a dog’s teeth and gums. Its unique shape and nooks make it appealing for chewing and can be filled with treats like peanut butter for added enjoyment. The toy’s durability was tested rigorously, withstanding even a knife’s attempts at damage. It comes in various sizes to accommodate different dog breeds and weights.
Best Plush: Kong Cozie Marvin the Moose
For dogs who love softer toys, the Kong Cozie Marvin the Moose offers a durable plush option. It features two layers of tough fabric and minimal stuffing, reducing mess when shredded. This toy includes an interior squeaker for added engagement and has been found to hold up well against aggressive chewing.
Best Rope: Pacific Pups Rescue 6-Knot Knotted Rope Toy
Interactive play is crucial for many dogs, and the Pacific Pups Rescue 6-Knot Knotted Rope Toy is ideal for tug-of-war and multi-dog households. Made from strong cotton, its tightly knotted design offers enhanced durability. While aggressive chewers may eventually wear down the fibers, the multiple knots help maintain its integrity.
Best Chew: Petstages Dogwood Calming Chew
For a safe alternative to natural sticks, the Petstages Dogwood Calming Chew offers a wood-like texture made from a composite of hemp and wood. These chews are designed to be safe, preventing the splintering risks associated with real sticks. They are also buoyant, making them suitable for dogs who enjoy playing in the water.
Best Interactive: Fable The Puffin Game
Interactive toys can provide mental stimulation and satisfy a dog’s need to work for rewards. Fable’s The Puffin Game is a durable, food-dispensing toy with an adjustable difficulty level. Its weighted base helps it stay upright, and it can hold up to 1.5 cups of dry food or treats.
Best Ball: Chew King Supreme Rubber Ball
For dogs that love to fetch, the Chew King Supreme Rubber Ball is made from super-tough rubber that holds up to strong jaws. Its textured surface provides grip for both dogs and owners, and it maintains its bounce for extended play. It’s available in multiple sizes to ensure a safe fit for your dog.
Best Bone: Spot Bam-Bones Plus
The Spot Bam-Bones Plus is a durable nylon and bamboo chew designed to be safe and enticing. Its T-shaped, ridged design and chicken flavor keep dogs engaged. While durable, it has a texture that allows for safe chewing and wears down gradually, unlike harder materials that can damage teeth.
Best for Treats: Kong Extreme
A super-chewer version of the classic Kong, the Kong Extreme is made from heavy-duty rubber, perfect for filling with treats like peanut butter or yogurt. This toy serves as an excellent introduction to food puzzles, keeping dogs occupied long after the treats are gone.
Best Tug Toy: Kong Wubba
The Kong Wubba is designed for interactive games like tug-of-war and fetch, rather than constant gnawing. Its ballistic nylon exterior and reinforced stitching make it durable for energetic play. The toy features two squeaking balls and fabric strips for easy gripping during tug games.
Best Subscription Box: Bullymake
For a consistent supply of durable toys, consider a subscription box like Bullymake. This service curates monthly boxes with two to three sturdy toys made from materials like nylon, rubber, and rope, specifically chosen for dogs that tend to destroy toys quickly.
What to Look for in Dog Toys for Aggressive Chewers
When selecting toys for aggressive chewers, several factors are crucial for safety and satisfaction:
- Safety: Toys should be safe for your dog. A good indicator of a chew toy’s safety is if you can make an indentation in its material with your fingernail. Toys that are too hard risk damaging your dog’s teeth. Dense rubber toys are often recommended for aggressive chewers, but it’s important to remember that almost any toy can be broken into pieces.
- Durability: The toy must withstand the strength of your dog’s jaws. However, even durable toys require supervision, especially if your dog tends to swallow pieces.
- 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. Consult sizing charts or your veterinarian for guidance.
- Materials: Dense rubber is a recommended material for aggressive chewers. For plush toys, look for those with double-layered fabric and reinforced seams. Offering a variety of textures can also cater to different chewing preferences.
Testing and Recommendations
Our recommendations are based on a combination of expert interviews with veterinarians and professional dog trainers, as well as hands-on testing. We assessed toys for their durability, safety, and how well they engaged dogs in various play styles. Supervision during playtime is always essential, especially with aggressive chewers, to prevent accidental ingestion of toy fragments, which can lead to serious medical issues like intestinal blockages.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best dog toy for a heavy chewer?
Toys from the Kong Extreme line, made of tough rubber, are highly recommended for heavy chewers due to their durability and safety for teeth and gums.
What material is best for aggressive chewers?
Dense rubber is often ideal for aggressive chewers. However, some dogs enjoy softer, plush toys. If your dog prefers plush toys, close supervision is necessary to prevent them from ingesting stuffing or fabric.
What do you give an aggressive chewer?
The best toy balances safety with your dog’s preferences. A durable toy that doesn’t interest your dog might lead them to chew on inappropriate items. Ultimately, the ideal chew toy depends on your dog’s personality and chewing habits. For dogs that tend to swallow pieces, edible chews designed for safe consumption might be a better option.
Why does my dog aggressively chew toys?
Chewing is a natural and enjoyable behavior for many dogs. Aggressive chewing can sometimes stem from boredom or anxiety, but often it’s simply an enthusiastic part of their personality. Chewing becomes a problem only when it’s directed towards forbidden items like furniture or shoes.
