Finding the right dog toys for large and giant breed dogs can be a significant challenge. These powerful pups range from gentle giants to enthusiastic chewers, and many standard toys simply don’t stand up to their strength and determination. This curated list highlights the top 10 toys that have proven their durability and appeal to big dogs, recommended by experienced owners.
The key to selecting a toy for a big dog lies in several crucial factors: size, ensuring it’s large enough to prevent choking hazards; materials, prioritizing non-toxic, strong rubber, hard plastic, or composite materials; and durability, a standard met by toys that withstand daily outdoor play for over six months. Many owners also express a preference for products made in the USA.
Expert and Community Recommendations
To compile this comprehensive list, feedback was gathered from the Big Dog Mom Community Facebook Group, along with followers on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. This collective wisdom helped identify toys that are not only fun but also exceptionally durable, expanding the initial selection to ten top-tier options.
The Top 10 Best Dog Toys for Big Dogs
1. West Paw Design
West Paw Design consistently ranks at the top for big dog toys. Manufactured in Bozeman, Montana, these toys are latex-free, non-toxic, recyclable, and dishwasher-safe. Their commitment to quality is backed by a Love It Guarantee™, offering replacements or refunds if you’re unsatisfied with the product’s performance. West Paw toys have also been featured on annual top 10 lists for big dog gifts.
2. Kong Company
The Kong Extreme has long been a top recommendation for dogs of all sizes due to its exceptional durability against powerful chewers and its versatility for mental stimulation. Stuffing a Kong with treats and freezing it is a popular method for keeping dogs entertained, especially puppies. While Kong has historically been reliable, recent experiences suggest a slight inconsistency in durability across their product line.
3. Jolly Pets
Jolly Pets offers some excellent toys suitable for large breeds, though not all products are equally durable. Some have been destroyed within weeks by powerful chewers. The toys highlighted here are those that have specifically met the “big dog test,” providing lasting entertainment.
4. Nerf Dog
Recommended by members of the Big Dog Mom Community, Nerf Dog toys are a promising option. While direct testing on the most aggressive chewers is ongoing, initial feedback and research suggest they offer good value and durability for their price point.
5. Tuffy’s Mega Toys
For big dogs who love plush toys but tend to destroy them, Tuffy’s Mega Toys are an ideal solution. Constructed with up to seven layers of durable material, including luggage-grade fabric, these toys are designed for extreme durability. They are machine washable, floatable, and proudly made in the USA, earning a 10 out of 10 on the company’s durability scale.
6. Goughnuts
Highly recommended by numerous big dog owners, Goughnuts are manufactured in the USA and feature a unique safety color system. If the outer layer is breached, revealing the red inner layer, it signals that the toy should be replaced, ensuring safety. Their robust construction comes with a lifetime guarantee.
7. Virtually Indestructible Balls
These balls have garnered rave reviews from big dog owners, including those with American Bulldogs. Made in the USA from non-toxic, recyclable hard plastic, they are designed to be virtually indestructible and come with a lifetime guarantee. They also float, making them perfect for water play.
8. Cycle Dog
Cycle Dog offers durable rubber dog toys made from Ecolast, a post-consumer recycled material. Manufactured in the USA, these toys are designed for long-lasting fun. Notably, some of their toys feature multiple play elements, such as treat-hiding compartments and squeakers, and they also float.
9. StarMark
StarMark toys are frequently recommended by big dog parents for their virtually indestructible, non-toxic material, which is stronger than traditional rubber. These dishwasher-safe toys provide challenging play and mental stimulation, especially when used with treats. While commercial treats are a personal choice, the toys themselves offer engaging play long after the treats are gone.
10. JW Pet by Petmate
JW Pet toys have proven remarkably durable over the years. Although some may show signs of chewing and lose their squeak, they remain intact and provide hours of fun. The Cuz ball, in particular, is known for its loud squeaker, which can be a source of endless amusement for dogs and, perhaps, a bit of a test for owners.
A Message to Dog Toy Manufacturers
For dog toy manufacturers marketing products for large and giant breeds, the term “DURABLE” implies a level of testing and resilience that many products fail to meet. The collective experience of the big dog owner community is that most toys are a poor investment due to their short lifespan. When a toy is genuinely tough enough for a big dog, owners become fiercely loyal. Manufacturers who consistently deliver on durability and quality will find a dedicated customer base. Those who don’t risk limiting their market to smaller breeds. Investing in a toy only to have it destroyed within weeks is unacceptable; true durability is expected and valued.
