Welcoming a new dog into your family is an exciting time, often accompanied by a shopping spree for toys. However, the joy can quickly turn to frustration when even the most durable-seeming toys are destroyed within hours, or even minutes. As dedicated dog owners and caretakers of a shelter family, we understand this common predicament. We’ve embarked on a mission to find toys that can withstand the enthusiastic play of even the most vigorous chewers. Our pack of discerning canine testers, including the handsome Nero, has put several popular “indestructible” toys to the ultimate test. We’ve tested a variety of durable dog toys for aggressive chewers to bring you honest, reliable feedback straight from the experts: our dogs.
Real, Honest Reviews from Our Experts: The Benafim Shelter Dogs
To evaluate the claims of indestructibility, we purchased five highly-rated 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. These toys were subjected to a week of intense chewing, playing, burying, retrieving, and general canine-fueled mayhem by our shelter dogs, including Nero, Max, Maya, Black Nero, Jean, and Pebbles. Their feedback, while perhaps lacking in diplomatic phrasing, is undeniably trustworthy.
Nylabone Extreme Tough Dog Chew Toy
The Nylabone Extreme Tough Dog Chew Toy, in a Bison flavor and XXL size, is designed for powerful chewers weighing over 23kg. Nero, a 9-year-old Pitt bull known for his intelligence and determined chewing, spent hours with this toy, leaving barely a mark. Its substantial size is balanced by a surprisingly light weight, making it easy for dogs to carry. The curved design also aids in comfortable gripping with their paws, enhancing the chewing experience.
Maya, a 3-year-old rescue who was initially timid, took to the Nylabone immediately. Despite likely having no prior experience with toys, she showed instant interest, enjoyed chewing, and even initiated playful chases with Max. The toy is easy to clean and, crucially, retains its flavor indefinitely, a significant plus for owners who dislike messy, smelly toys. Black Nero, whose powerful chewing can destroy even sturdy fencing, found this Nylabone to be a worthy adversary. He thoroughly enjoyed the challenge, and after extensive chewing, the toy remained virtually unscathed.
The Nylabone comes in various flavors, including chicken and turkey, and features raised bristles to aid in dental cleaning. It’s made from safe, non-toxic materials.
- Measurements: 30.48 x 13.97 x 5.08 cm
- Weight: 485 grams
- Designed for: Dogs over 23 kg
Summary: The Nylabone Extreme Tough Dog Chew Toy receives a resounding recommendation from our shelter dogs. It’s the ideal choice for dogs who love to chew, get bored easily, and require a durable, flavorful toy to keep them engaged.
Kong Rewards Ball
The Kong Rewards Ball initially elicited a mixed reaction, but its appeal grew as the dogs discovered its dual function: a durable plaything and a treat dispenser. Humans found it simple to load with treats, and the dogs were motivated to work for their rewards. The softer, bouncier rubber exterior proved more captivating than the treat mechanism itself for many.
Jean was particularly enamored with the Rewards Ball, spending hours chewing it before burying it. His companion, Komo, was notably displeased at being excluded from playtime. Across the board, from large Jambo to small Star, every dog at the shelter engaged with the ball. Remarkably, no teeth marks were observed, and the treats were consistently dispensed, confirming its effectiveness as a simple and engaging treat-dispensing toy. Finding the best plush dog toys for chewers can be challenging, but this ball offers a different kind of interactive fun.
- Measurements: 12.7 x 12.7 x 12.07 cm
- Weight: 417 grams
- Designed for: Dogs 16 kg and above
Summary: The Kong Rewards Ball successfully combines two of dogs’ favorite activities: play and food. It’s a durable toy that withstands vigorous chewing and interactive play, while also serving as an effective treat dispenser.
CyunCmay Indestructible Dog Toy XL Bone
The CyunCmay Indestructible Dog Toy XL Bone initially generated significant excitement. However, this enthusiasm was short-lived, particularly for Black Nero, who managed to inflict considerable damage within 30 minutes. Despite its soft, pliable rubber texture and convenient handles for tug-of-war, the toy’s durability was questionable under intense testing. Photos clearly show deep teeth marks and the bone nearly splitting in two. While Pebbles and other dogs enjoyed the toy for retrieval and brief chewing sessions, its “indestructible” claim proved inaccurate for aggressive chewers.
- Measurements: 32.9 x 12.2 x 3.8 cm
- Weight: 330 grams
- Material: TPR environmentally friendly material
- Features: Designed to help clean teeth and control plaque and tartar.
Summary: While the CyunCmay XL Bone offered initial fun and was popular for fetching, it is not suitable for dogs prone to destructive chewing. Its playful nature was appreciated, but its lifespan was disappointingly short.
HETOO Indestructible Squeaky Dental Care Dog Toy
The HETOO Indestructible Squeaky Dental Care Dog Toy, primarily designed for dental hygiene, failed to impress our canine testers. Even the squeaking feature, intended to add excitement, was met with unenthusiastic reactions, with Maya initially hiding from the strange noise. To encourage engagement, peanut butter was added to the grooves, which briefly held Maya’s attention before she lost interest.
Black Nero and Maya showed the only discernible interest, but even their engagement was fleeting. The toy’s effectiveness in cleaning teeth was overshadowed by its lack of appeal to the dogs. Many dogs that are aggressive chewers require toys that are not only durable but also stimulating and engaging.
- Material: Made from natural rubber
- Measurements: 12.7 x 12.7 x 12.07 cm
- Weight: 417 Grams
Summary: The HETOO toy did not capture the dogs’ attention for long. Its squeaky feature and dental benefits were insufficient to maintain their interest.
Kong Wobbler Interactive Treat Dispensing Dog Toy
The Kong Wobbler, a large treat-dispensing toy made from a hard plastic polymer, initially confused and intrigued our dogs. Its size and wobbly nature were met with curiosity, though some dogs, like Killo, were perplexed. We discovered that the Wobbler performs best on smooth surfaces, and the treat size must be compatible with the dispensing hole.
Once the dogs understood its function and the humans optimized its use, the Wobbler became a hit. Its large size makes it difficult for dogs to pick up and chew, reducing the risk of destruction. Our canine experts deemed it indestructible and easy to use, provided the correct treat size and surface are utilized. Super tough chew toys for dogs like this one offer a good balance of durability and interactive fun.
- Material: Made from a Plastic polymer
- Measurements: Diameter 13 x 19 cm
- Weight: 485 grams
- Designed for: Dogs 12 kg plus
- Maximum Filling Capacity: 250 grams
Summary: After initial adjustments, the Kong Wobbler proved to be a durable and engaging toy. Its size and treat-dispensing function make it a rewarding and long-lasting option for many dogs.
Conclusion: Our Dogs’ Verdict
After extensive testing and much deliberation (and likely some playful barking), our shelter dogs have reached a consensus on these five “indestructible” toys.
| Brand & Item | Features | Flavored | Material | More Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nylabone Extreme Tough Dog Chew Toy, Monster Bison Bone, Cleans Teeth, Bison Flavour, XXL | Extremely tough. Tiny bristles to help clean teeth. Perfect for chewers. | Yes | Tough, durable nylon | Click For Price |
| KONG – Rewards Ball – Ultra Durable Interactive Treat Dispensing Dog Toy – For Large Dogs | Dispenses treats, great for dogs who love to play. | N/A | Long lasting Kong rubber | Click For Price |
| KONG Wobbler – Interactive Dog Toy for Treat Dispensing – Dog Slow Feeder for Healthy Eating – For Medium/Large Dogs | Can be stuffed, dishwasher proof. | N/A | Long lasting Kong rubber | Click For Price |
Highly Recommended:
- For Chewers: Nylabone Extreme Tough Dog Chew Toy
- For Players: KONG – Rewards Ball
- Interactive Toy: KONG Wobbler
While not all toys lived up to the “indestructible” label, the Nylabone, Kong Rewards Ball, and Kong Wobbler proved to be worthy investments for owners seeking durable and engaging toys for their canine companions. Always consider your dog’s specific chewing habits and size when selecting the perfect toy.
