Every large dog owner knows the struggle: you bring home a new toy, filled with hope that this will be “the one”—the toy that withstands more than an hour, a day, or even a week of enthusiastic chewing. But often, that hope quickly fades as you spot the first signs of destruction. We understand that feeling perfectly. As dedicated dog owners and caretakers at Benafim Dog Shelter, we’ve seen countless toys come and go. That’s why we tasked our resident experts—our dogs—with testing a range of “indestructible” chew toys for large dogs to see which ones truly live up to the claim. Their honest, no-holds-barred feedback is exactly what you need to make an informed choice for your powerful chewer. If you’re looking for toys that can stand up to the challenge, especially for those heavy chewers, understanding what makes a toy truly durable is key. durable dog toys for heavy chewers
We put five prominent “indestructible” toys through their paces with our diverse pack of large dogs, including Nero, Max, Maya, Black Nero, Jean, and Pebbles. These toys were subjected to a week of relentless chewing, playful interaction, water adventures, and even burial tests. Our canine reviewers didn’t hold back, providing real, honest insights into the durability and appeal of each toy.
Our Canine Experts’ Honest Reviews of Indestructible Toys
During our rigorous testing period, the following five toys were under constant scrutiny: 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. Our shelter dogs thoroughly chewed, played with, and critically evaluated each product. Below, we share their unfiltered opinions and performance reports, helping you identify the best chew toys for your tough chewers. best chew toys for tough chewers
A collection of five "indestructible" dog toys laid out for review, ready for testing by shelter dogs.
Nylabone Extreme Tough Dog Chew Toy
The Nylabone Extreme Tough Dog Chew Toy, specifically the XXL Bison-flavored bone, is marketed as the perfect solution for the most powerful chewers, suitable for dogs weighing over 23kg. Our nine-year-old Pitbull, Nero, a dog we often joke is more intelligent than our human team, spent hours engaging with this toy. Despite his focused chewing, the Nylabone showed minimal signs of wear. Its substantial size is balanced by a surprisingly light weight, making it easy for large dogs to carry around comfortably. The slightly curved design aids in grip, allowing dogs to hold it firmly with their paws for a more satisfying chewing experience.
Maya, a three-year-old dog who had no prior experience with toys before coming to the shelter, immediately took to the Nylabone. Abandoned and initially timid around humans, she quickly understood how to interact with it, showing no confusion. Maya not only enjoyed a good chew but also delighted in running with the toy in her mouth, often inciting playful chases with other dogs like Max. This toy proved to be incredibly easy to clean and, impressively, retained its bison flavor throughout the testing period. For owners who prioritize cleanliness and hate messy toys, the Nylabone is an excellent choice, as it leaves no residue or unpleasant odors.
Nero, a handsome white Pitbull, confidently testing the robust, bison-flavored Nylabone Extreme Tough Dog Chew Toy.
Black Nero, our Cane Corso cross, is renowned for his incredibly powerful chewing capabilities. He can effortlessly tear through large tree trunks and has even bent strong fencing material when experiencing anxiety. Yet, this Nylabone proved to be “Black Nero-proof.” After countless hours of intense chewing, the bone barely showed a single tooth mark. Not only did it withstand his formidable jaws, but Black Nero genuinely enjoyed it, confirming its appeal even to the most aggressive chewers. This remarkable durability makes it a top contender for large dogs that destroy other toys in minutes.
Black Nero, a powerful Cane Corso cross, intensely chewing the Nylabone, demonstrating its extreme durability against strong jaws.
The Details
- Flavor: Bison-flavored throughout (also available in chicken and turkey), designed to encourage chewing.
- Dental Benefits: Features raised nodules to help clean teeth and gums.
- Safety: Safe and non-toxic.
- Measurements: 30.48 x 13.97 x 5.08 cm
- Weight: 485 grams
- Recommended for: Dogs 23 kg and above.
Summary
Every dog at Benafim Shelter enthusiastically recommends the Nylabone Extreme Tough Dog Chew Toy. If your large dog is a dedicated chewer, gets easily bored, and requires a truly tasty and durable toy that can withstand rigorous use, this Nylabone is an outstanding choice. It truly stands out as one of the best Indestructible Chew Toys For Large Dogs.
Kong Rewards Ball
The Kong Rewards Ball initially received a less enthusiastic reception from our expert canine reviewers compared to some other toys. However, this reaction was short-lived. The concept of a toy that combines engaging play with a treat dispenser, keeping dogs amused for hours, quickly proved to be a clever design. From a human perspective, inserting treats was remarkably easy. Unlike some other treat dispensers, this one didn’t require excessive brainpower or effort from the dogs to successfully retrieve their rewards.
Interestingly, our dogs seemed to appreciate the soft, bouncy, and “squidgy” side of the ball more than its treat-dispensing function. Jean, in particular, absolutely adored this toy. He would spend hours chewing on its rubbery surface before burying it and then eagerly digging it up again, much to the dismay of his best friend, Komo, who rarely got a turn. The Kong Rewards Ball proved to be incredibly tough and durable, with not a single tooth mark found on it despite extensive chewing from various dogs at the shelter, from huge Jambo to tiny Star. Its effective and simple treat-dispensing mechanism also ensured no treats were left inside after play.
Jean, a dog with a determined expression, engaging with the Kong Rewards Ball, attempting to extract treats or simply enjoying a good chew.
The Details
- Measurements: 12.7 x 12.7 x 12.07 cm
- Weight: 417 Grams
- Recommended for: Dogs 16 kg and above.
Summary
The dogs unanimously agree that the Kong Rewards Ball is an excellent all-around toy, skillfully combining two of their favorite activities: play and food. It’s a durable and tough toy that stands up to extensive chewing, vigorous bouncing, and interactive play, all while serving as a simple and effective treat dispenser. It’s a reliable option for large dogs that enjoy both a challenge and a reward.
CyunCmay Indestructible Dog Toy XL Bone
The CyunCmay Indestructible Dog Toy XL Bone initially sparked immense excitement among our dogs upon unwrapping. However, this enthusiasm was regrettably short-lived once Black Nero, our formidable chewer, got his paws and teeth into it. While he enjoyed a solid 30 minutes of fun—engaging in tug-of-war with its end handles, having a good chew, and fetching it from the lake—the toy’s true durability quickly came into question.
Given its soft, rubbery texture and pliable material, we harbored concerns that it wouldn’t endure the extreme testing by our dedicated canine reviewers. Sadly, Nero quickly confirmed our fears. Despite being marketed as “indestructible” and suitable for medium to large dogs, the CyunCmay bone showed significant wear within half an hour. The photos below clearly illustrate the severe teeth marks and how it was almost split in two.
A vibrant orange CyunCmay dog bone, severely damaged with deep teeth marks and nearly torn in half after only 30 minutes of chewing.
Pebbles and other dogs enjoyed playing with it during its brief lifespan, finding its soft texture appealing for short-term engagement. However, for serious chewers, especially large dogs known for their destructive tendencies, this toy simply couldn’t hold up to its “indestructible” claim. The disappointment among our dogs was palpable when their fun with this toy was abruptly cut short. For owners seeking toys for aggressive chewing puppies or powerful adult chewers, this might not be the ideal choice. best toys for aggressive chewing puppies
The Details
- Measurements: 32.9 x 12.2 x 3.8 cm
- Weight: 330 Grams
- Material: TPR environmentally friendly material, no chemical smell, safe and non-toxic.
- Dental Claims: Surface designed to help clean a dog’s teeth and control plaque and tartar.
Summary
Despite being described as strong and durable and suitable for medium to large dogs, the results from our canine experts speak volumes. Indestructible? Absolutely not. Fun for a short while? Yes. If you are specifically looking for a chew toy that will not be destroyed within minutes, this is not the toy for your dog. However, if you’re seeking a fun retrieval toy for short-term supervised play, this bone was popular with our dogs for its interactive qualities, even if it didn’t last.
HETOO Indestructible Squeaky Dental Care Dog Toy
The HETOO Indestructible Squeaky Dental Care Dog Toy, primarily designed for teeth cleaning, was met with strikingly unenthusiastic reactions from our expert reviewers. Even its built-in squeak failed to generate excitement. Maya, initially startled by the strange noise emanating from the peculiar-looking red object, eventually ventured to inspect it for a few moments, but her interest quickly waned.
In an attempt to make this “toy” more appealing, we tried filling its grooves with peanut butter. While this briefly held Maya’s attention, she soon wandered off, leaving the toy behind. The overall consensus among our large dogs was a lack of engagement, suggesting it didn’t offer the mental stimulation or chewing satisfaction they look for in a toy.
Maya, a cautious dog, carefully inspecting the red Hetoo Indestructible Squeaky Dental Care Dog Toy.
Black Nero and Maya were the only ones who showed even a fleeting interest in this toy, which sadly proved to be very short-lived. From a human perspective, the squeak, intended as a feature, was more annoying than engaging. For owners seeking robust chew toys for large dogs that provide long-lasting entertainment and durability, the HETOO toy fell short of expectations. It might be suitable for very light chewers or as a simple dental aid, but it certainly isn’t an indestructible option for powerful jaws.
The Details
- Material: Made from natural rubber.
- Measurements: 12.7 x 12.7 x 12.07 cm
- Weight: 417 Grams
- Feature: Squeaky.
Summary
The HETOO dental toy failed to excite our dogs or keep them entertained for more than a few minutes. While it squeaks (annoyingly so for us humans!), its appeal to our canine testers was minimal. For powerful chewers or dogs needing serious mental stimulation, this toy is unlikely to be a hit. It primarily serves as a dental cleaning tool rather than a truly engaging or indestructible chew toy.
Kong Wobbler Interactive Treat Dispensing Dog Toy
The Kong Wobbler Interactive Treat Dispensing Dog Toy elicited some truly hilarious reactions from our dogs. Its large, somewhat unusual appearance initially left them perplexed—was it a bird, a plane, or perhaps a UFO? Unlike many other Kong treat toys, this one is crafted from a harder plastic polymer rather than rubber, which contributes to its unique interaction style. From a human standpoint, the twist-off lid makes it incredibly easy to fill with treats.
However, our canine experts initially struggled with this toy. While they clearly understood treats were inside and were keen to play (except for our sweet Kilo, who was utterly baffled by the wobbly red object), they couldn’t figure out how to get the treats out. It quickly became apparent to us humans that the Kong Wobbler performs best on smooth surfaces, unlike the stone-pebbly ground in their kennels. Additionally, we realized the treat size needed to be compatible with the dispenser hole—a classic “doh!” moment.
Pebbles, a focused dog, intently interacts with the red Kong Wobbler, working to dispense treats from the interactive toy.
Once these human-induced challenges were resolved and the dogs understood how the toy worked, the Kong Wobbler was a huge hit. Its large size makes it difficult for dogs to pick up in their mouths, which is actually a beneficial design feature as it reduces the chances of them getting their teeth stuck into it and causing destruction. This characteristic makes it an excellent choice for large dogs, especially those prone to dismantling toys. best toys for tough chewers dogs
The Details
- Material: Made from a Plastic polymer.
- Measurements: Diameter 13 x 19 cm.
- Weight: 485 grams.
- Recommended for: Dogs 12 kg and above.
- Maximum Filling Capacity: 250 grams.
Summary
Once our dogs grasped the mechanics of the Kong Wobbler and we humans addressed the surface and treat size issues, this interactive toy was a resounding success. Its robust construction and design make it truly indestructible, according to our dogs. It’s easy to use once understood, and its large size cleverly prevents destructive chewing while providing engaging mental stimulation and rewarding treat dispensing. This is a fantastic option for large dogs that need a durable, interactive challenge.
Our Dogs’ Final Verdict on Indestructible Chew Toys
After extensive testing, countless hours of chewing, and numerous “serious-looking” canine meetings, our Benafim Shelter dogs have reached their final verdict on these five “indestructible” toys. While not every toy lived up to its lofty claims, several proved to be exceptional choices for large dogs with powerful jaws and a need for durable entertainment.
For the ultimate chewing satisfaction and unparalleled durability, the Nylabone Extreme Tough Dog Chew Toy emerged as the clear winner. Its ability to withstand even Black Nero’s formidable chewing power makes it a top recommendation for any heavy chewer.
For a combination of play and rewarding treat dispensing, both the Kong Rewards Ball and the Kong Wobbler were highly praised. The Rewards Ball offered a bouncy, chewy experience with easy treat access, while the Wobbler provided a challenging and virtually indestructible mental puzzle, especially once the humans figured out the best operating conditions.
The CyunCmay Indestructible Dog Toy XL Bone, despite its initial excitement, quickly fell short of its “indestructible” promise for serious chewers, proving better suited for supervised retrieval games than heavy chewing. Similarly, the HETOO Indestructible Squeaky Dental Care Dog Toy largely failed to engage our dogs, functioning more as a specialized dental tool than an exciting chew toy.
Choosing the right indestructible chew toy for your large dog involves understanding their unique chewing style and preferences. Based on the rigorous testing by our shelter dogs, we highly recommend investing in toys known for their proven durability and engaging design. Prioritizing these factors will ensure your powerful chewer stays happy, stimulated, and, most importantly, keeps their new toy for longer than a day!
