When it comes to our canine companions, finding the right toys can be a challenge, especially if you have a dog with a powerful chew. Many owners have experienced the disheartening sight of a brand-new toy reduced to shreds within hours. At Dog Care Story, we understand this frustration and are dedicated to helping you discover durable and engaging options. This guide delves into the Best Toys For Tough Chewers Dogs, offering insights from real-world testing and expert advice to ensure your pup stays happy and entertained.
Understanding Your Dog’s Chewing Habits
Before diving into specific toy recommendations, it’s crucial to understand why dogs chew and what makes a toy suitable for a “tough chewer.” Chewing is a natural and instinctive behavior for dogs, serving several purposes:
- Dental Health: Chewing helps to clean teeth, reduce plaque and tartar buildup, and massage gums.
- Mental Stimulation: It provides an outlet for energy and can prevent boredom, especially for intelligent or high-energy breeds.
- Stress Relief: For some dogs, chewing can be a coping mechanism for anxiety or stress.
- Exploration: Puppies, in particular, explore their world through their mouths.
Dogs considered “tough chewers” often have strong jaws, a persistent need to gnaw, and can destroy softer toys very quickly. Identifying these characteristics in your dog is the first step to selecting appropriate toys.
Rigorous Testing: Real Dogs, Real Reviews
At Dog Care Story, we believe in providing honest and reliable reviews. To find the best toys for tough chewers dogs, we subjected several popular and promising toys to the ultimate test: our own pack of discerning canine reviewers at Benafim Dog Shelter. These dogs, including Nero, Max, Maya, Black Nero, Jean, and Pebbles, put these toys through their paces, engaging in hours of chewing, playing, and vigorous testing. Their feedback, though sometimes blunt, is invaluable in determining what truly stands up to the challenge.
We purchased five seemingly “indestructible” toys: the Nylabone Extreme Tough Dog Chew Toy, the Kong Rewards Ball, the CyunCmay Indestructible Dog Toy Bone, the Hetoo Indestructible Squeaky Dental Care Dog Toy, and the Kong Wobbler. Over a week, these toys were chewed, tossed, buried, and rediscovered, all while under the watchful, and often demanding, eyes of our resident experts.
Top Contenders for the Toughest Chewers
Nylabone Extreme Tough Dog Chew Toy
The Nylabone Extreme Tough Dog Chew Toy, specifically the Bison flavored XXL version, proved to be a standout for powerful chewers. Designed for dogs over 23kg, it withstood hours of dedicated chewing from Nero, a Pitt bull with a discerning palate and powerful jaw. Even Black Nero, a Cane Corso cross known for his ability to chew through robust materials, made barely a mark on this toy after extensive use.
The toy’s design, with raised bristles and a slightly curved shape, makes it easy for dogs to grip and provides an effective way to clean teeth and gums. Its durability means it doesn’t lose its flavor, and importantly for owners, it remains odor-free. Maya, a formerly timid rescue, also took an instant liking to it, demonstrating its appeal beyond just aggressive chewers. This toy is a fantastic option for those seeking dog toys for the toughest chewers.
The Details:
- Flavor: Bison (also available in chicken and turkey)
- Dimensions: 30.48 x 13.97 x 5.08 cm
- Weight: 485 grams
- Recommended for: Dogs over 23 kg
Kong Rewards Ball
The Kong Rewards Ball offers a dual benefit: interactive play and treat dispensing. While it didn’t initially generate the same immediate excitement as some other toys, its appeal quickly grew. The combination of a durable, bouncy exterior and a treat-dispensing mechanism kept dogs engaged for extended periods. Jean, in particular, found immense joy in this toy, spending hours chewing its rubbery surface and then enthusiastically burying it.
What makes the Kong Rewards Ball a strong contender among best toys for tough dog chewers is its ability to keep dogs occupied without being easily destroyed. The treats inside provided an added incentive, and the toy proved resilient against the chewing and playful antics of various dogs at the shelter, from large breeds like Jambo to smaller ones like Star.
The Details:
- Dimensions: 12.7 x 12.7 x 12.07 cm
- Weight: 417 Grams
- Recommended for: Dogs of 16 kg and above
Toys That Didn’t Quite Make the Cut for Extreme Chewers
While some toys performed exceptionally well, others fell short when put to the test by our determined canine testers.
CyunCmay Indestructible Dog Toy XL Bone
Despite its “indestructible” claim, the CyunCmay XL Bone proved to be less resilient than anticipated. Black Nero managed to cause significant damage, including teeth marks and splitting the toy, within just 30 minutes. While its soft, pliable texture made it fun for fetching and short bursts of play, it simply couldn’t withstand the persistent chewing of a powerful dog. This toy might be suitable for lighter chewers or for supervised fetch sessions, but it’s not among the best dog toys for dogs who destroy toys.
The Details:
- Material: TPR environmentally friendly material
- Dimensions: 32.9 x 12.2 x 3.8 cm
- Weight: 330 Grams
Hetoo Indestructible Squeaky Dental Care Dog Toy
The Hetoo toy, designed for dental cleaning, failed to capture the sustained interest of most of our dog testers. Even with the addition of peanut butter to make it more appealing, only Black Nero and Maya showed brief interest. The squeaky feature, intended to be engaging, actually startled Maya, causing her to hide. While it might offer some dental benefits, its lack of durability and limited appeal for vigorous play means it’s not a top recommendation for best toys for tough chewers dogs.
The Details:
- Material: Natural rubber
- Dimensions: 12.7 x 12.7 x 12.07 cm
- Weight: 417 Grams
The Kong Wobbler: A Unique Interactive Option
The Kong Wobbler presented a unique challenge and, ultimately, a rewarding experience. Its larger size and harder plastic polymer construction initially puzzled the dogs, who struggled to retrieve treats. However, once we understood that it performs best on smooth surfaces and requires appropriately sized treats, it became a hit. Pebbles, in particular, enjoyed interacting with it.
The substantial size of the Kong Wobbler makes it difficult for dogs to get their teeth around it, thus reducing the risk of destruction. For owners looking for interactive toys that provide mental stimulation and a challenge, the Kong Wobbler can be a durable and engaging choice. It stands out as a good option among cool dog toys for big dogs that also offer an engaging puzzle element.
The Details:
- Material: Plastic polymer
- Dimensions: Diameter 13 x 19 cm
- Weight: 485 grams
- Maximum Filling Capacity: 250 grams
Choosing the Right Toy for Your Dog
When selecting toys for your dog, consider these factors:
- Material: Opt for durable, non-toxic materials like hard rubber, reinforced nylon, or tough plastics. Avoid toys made of soft plastic, plush, or easily shreddable materials if your dog is a strong chewer.
- Size: Ensure the toy is appropriately sized for your dog. Too small, and it could be a choking hazard; too large, and it might be unmanageable.
- Purpose: Do you need a toy for chewing, fetching, or mental stimulation? Many durable toys can serve multiple purposes.
- Safety: Always supervise your dog with new toys, especially those designed for chewing. Inspect toys regularly for signs of wear and tear and discard them if damaged.
For dogs who are truly destructive with their toys, exploring options like chew toys that dogs can eat (with edible components) or very robust, solid rubber toys is recommended. Remember, no toy is completely indestructible, but choosing wisely can significantly extend their lifespan and keep your dog safe and happy.
Conclusion
Finding the best toys for tough chewers dogs requires a keen understanding of your dog’s individual needs and a willingness to invest in quality. While some toys may claim to be indestructible, our testing revealed that resilience varies greatly. The Nylabone Extreme Tough Dog Chew Toy and the Kong Wobbler emerged as strong contenders, offering durability and engaging play.
For owners of powerful chewers, prioritizing toys made from robust materials that are specifically designed to withstand rigorous play is paramount. By carefully selecting toys that meet these criteria, you can ensure your dog has safe, stimulating, and long-lasting entertainment, contributing to their overall well-being and happiness.
Remember, investing in the right toys isn’t just about preventing destruction; it’s about providing your canine companion with the mental and physical outlets they need to thrive.
References:
- Nylabone Official Website
- Kong Company Official Website
- Reviews and expert insights from Benafim Dog Shelter canine testers.
