Welcoming a new dog into your home is an exciting time, often accompanied by the joy of choosing the perfect toys to keep them entertained and engaged. However, many dog owners find themselves in a perpetual cycle of purchasing toys that are quickly destroyed, leading to frustration and a constant need for replacements. This was a familiar feeling for us, both as devoted dog owners and as caretakers for numerous dogs at the Benafim Dog Shelter. Through extensive experience and countless toy trials, we’ve learned that the claim of “indestructible” toys is often an overstatement. To provide honest, reliable feedback, we put five popular toys to the ultimate test with our own pack, including Nero, Max, Maya, Black Nero, Jean, and Pebbles. These discerning experts, with their unvarnished opinions, offer their insights on what truly stands the test of time and vigorous chewing.
Real, Honest, and Reliable Reviews from Our Experts – Benafim Shelter Dogs
We acquired five toys marketed as indestructible: 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. For one week, these toys were subjected to intense chewing, enthusiastic play, enthusiastic burying, and even a dip in the water. Here’s the unfiltered feedback directly from our canine testing panel.
Nylabone Extreme Tough Dog Chew Toy
The Nylabone Extreme Tough Dog Chew Toy, in a Bison flavor and XXL size, is specifically designed for powerful chewers weighing over 23kg. Our seasoned tester, Nero, a 9-year-old Pitt bull with a keen intellect, spent considerable time gnawing on this toy, leaving remarkably little impression. Despite its substantial size, it’s surprisingly lightweight, making it easy for dogs to carry. The ergonomically curved design allows for a comfortable grip with their paws, enhancing the chewing experience.
Maya, a 3-year-old rescue who had limited experience with toys, took an immediate liking to the Nylabone. Despite her shy nature, the toy intrigued her, and she enthusiastically chewed and carried it, even prompting playful chases with other dogs like Max. A significant advantage of this toy is its ease of cleaning and the fact that the flavor is infused throughout, meaning it won’t wear off. For owners who dislike messy or smelly toys, the Nylabone is an excellent choice as it remains odor-free.
Black Nero, known for his destructive chewing habits, has a history of easily demolishing even robust natural materials. He also suffers from separation anxiety, which has led him to damage strong fencing. This Nylabone proved to be Black Nero-proof, and more importantly, he thoroughly enjoyed engaging with it for extended periods, with minimal visible wear.
Gallery of Dogs Enjoying the Nylabone
Image: Komo playing with the Nylabone.
Komo
Image: Nora chewing on the Nylabone.
Nora
Image: White Nero with the Nylabone.
White Nero
Product Details
- Flavor: Bison (also available in chicken and turkey)
- Features: Raised bristles to aid in dental cleaning.
- Dimensions: 30.48 x 13.97 x 5.08 cm
- Weight: 485 grams
- Recommended For: Dogs over 23 kg
Summary
The Nylabone Extreme Tough Dog Chew Toy receives a resounding recommendation from all our canine testers. It is the ideal choice for dogs who exhibit strong chewing behaviors, are prone to boredom, and require a durable, flavorful toy to satisfy their instincts.
Kong Rewards Ball
The Kong Rewards Ball did not initially garner the same level of immediate enthusiasm as some of the other toys. However, this initial reserve was short-lived. The concept of combining a durable play toy with a treat-dispensing mechanism is ingenious. For human handlers, filling the ball with treats was straightforward, and the dogs found it relatively easy to work for their rewards, a significant improvement over some other treat-dispensing toys.
Despite the treat-dispensing feature, the dogs seemed to favor the soft, bouncy rubber of the ball itself. Jean, in particular, was captivated by this toy, spending hours burying it, chewing it, and then rediscovering it. His companion, Komo, was largely excluded from the fun, much to his chagrin.
Gallery of Dogs Interacting with the Kong Rewards Ball
Image: Nora with the Kong Rewards Ball.
Nora
Image: Jean chewing the Kong Rewards Ball.
Jean
Image: Baldo playing with the Kong Rewards Ball.
Baldo
Image: Star engaging with the Kong Rewards Ball.
Star
Image: Jambo with the Kong Rewards Ball.
Jambo
From the largest dog, Jambo, to the smallest, Star, every dog at the shelter enjoyed playing with the Kong Rewards Ball. Impressively, no tooth marks were observed on the ball, and all treats were successfully dispensed, confirming its effectiveness as a treat-dispensing toy.
Product Details
- Dimensions: 12.7 x 12.7 x 12.07 cm
- Weight: 417 grams
- Recommended For: Dogs weighing 16 kg and above
Summary
The dogs found the Kong Rewards Ball to be a versatile toy that combines two of their favorite activities: play and food. It proved to be a durable and resilient toy that withstood considerable chewing and interactive play, while also serving as a straightforward and effective treat dispenser.
CyunCmay Indestructible Dog Toy XL Bone
The CyunCmay toy initially generated significant excitement among the dogs upon its unboxing. Unfortunately, this enthusiasm was short-lived, especially for Black Nero, who began to dismantle it within 30 minutes. While Black Nero did enjoy tug-of-war using the toy’s handles and engaged in fetching it from the lake, its pliable and soft rubber texture proved to be no match for his powerful chewing. Our initial concerns about its durability were quickly confirmed, as evidenced by the significant teeth marks and the near-splitting of the toy within half an hour.
Image: Black Nero playing with the CyunCmay toy.
Black Nero testing the CyunCmay toy.
Image: The CyunCmay bone showing teeth marks and damage.
Teeth marks and almost split in two within 30 minutes.
Image: Pebbles with the CyunCmay XL orange bone.
Pebbles playing with the XL orange bone.
Gallery of Dogs Interacting with the CyunCmay Bone
Image: Jean with the CyunCmay bone.
Jean
Image: Nora with the CyunCmay bone.
Nora
Image: Kilo with the CyunCmay bone.
Kilo
Image: Jean with another angle of the CyunCmay bone.
Jean
Image: Pebbles with the CyunCmay bone.
Pebbles
Image: Pebbles lying down with the CyunCmay bone.
Pebbles
Image: White Nero with the CyunCmay bone.
White Nero
Product Details
- Dimensions: 32.9 x 12.2 x 3.8 cm
- Weight: 330 grams
- Material: Eco-friendly TPR, described as safe and non-toxic.
- Features: Surface designed to help clean teeth and control plaque.
Summary
Despite being marketed as strong and durable for medium to large dogs, the CyunCmay toy did not withstand our dogs’ testing. While it provided temporary fun for retrieval and light play, it is not suitable for dogs who are persistent chewers. The dogs were disappointed by its short lifespan.
HETOO Indestructible Squeaky Dental Care Dog Toy
The HETOO toy, primarily designed for dental cleaning, failed to capture the interest of our canine testers. Even the squeaking sound, usually a source of excitement, was met with indifference, except from Maya, who initially hid from the unusual noise. Maya, demonstrating bravery, did inspect the toy for a short period. To enhance engagement, we attempted to make the toy more appealing by inserting peanut butter into its grooves. This tactic maintained Maya’s interest for a few minutes before she lost concentration and wandered off, leaving the toy behind.
Image: Maya examining the HETOO toy.
Maya inspecting the HETOO toy.
Gallery of Dogs Interacting with the HETOO Toy
Image: Black Nero with the HETOO toy.
Black Nero
Image: Maya with the HETOO toy.
Maya
Product Details
- Material: Natural rubber
- Dimensions: 12.7 x 12.7 x 12.07 cm
- Weight: 417 Grams
Summary
The HETOO toy failed to engage our dogs or hold their attention for more than a few minutes. The squeaker, which might be annoying for owners, did not excite the dogs. Only Black Nero and Maya showed any sustained interest, and even that was very brief.
Kong Wobbler Interactive Treat Dispensing Dog Toy
The Kong Wobbler elicited a humorous reaction from the dogs due to its substantial size and unusual shape, resembling a UFO to some. Unlike many other Kong treat toys, this one is constructed from a hard plastic polymer rather than rubber. From a human perspective, the twist-off lid makes it easy to fill with treats. Initially, the dogs seemed to struggle to dispense the treats, with the exception of Kilo, who appeared perplexed by the wobbly object. We realized that the Wobbler functions best on smooth surfaces, not the pebbly ground of the kennels, and that the treat size needed to be compatible with the dispensing hole.
Image: Pebbles interacting with the Kong Wobbler.
Pebbles testing the Kong Wobbler.
Gallery of Dogs Interacting with the Kong Wobbler
Image: Komo with the Kong Wobbler.
Komo
Image: Kilo with the Kong Wobbler.
Kilo
Image: Climber with the Kong Wobbler.
Climber
Image: Pebbles and another dog with the Kong Wobbler.
Pebbles
Product Details
- Material: Plastic polymer
- Dimensions: Diameter 13 x 19 cm
- Weight: 485 grams
- Recommended For: Dogs weighing 12 kg plus
- Capacity: Maximum 250 grams of treats
Summary
Once the dogs understood the function of the Kong Wobbler and we identified the optimal surface and treat size, the toy became a hit. Its large size makes it difficult for dogs to grip in their mouths, potentially reducing the risk of destruction. According to our canine experts, it is virtually indestructible and easy to use. However, owners need to be mindful of the treat size to ensure proper dispensing.
Conclusion – Our Dog’s Verdict
After extensive deliberation and numerous “serious” meetings (accompanied by much barking and wagging tails), our canine panel has reached a consensus on the five “indestructible” toys tested.
| 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. | Yes | Long lasting Kong rubber | Click For Price |
| KONG Wobbler – Interactive Dog Toy for Treat Dispensing – Dog Slow Feeder for Healthy Eating | Can be stuffed, dishwasher proof. | Yes | Long lasting Kong rubber | Click For Price |
The Nylabone Extreme Tough Dog Chew Toy is highly recommended for dedicated chewers. The Kong Rewards Ball is an excellent choice for dogs who enjoy interactive play and treat puzzles. The Kong Wobbler also excels as an interactive treat-dispensing toy, providing mental stimulation.
For owners seeking truly indestructible dog toys, the Nylabone Extreme Tough Dog Chew Toy and the Kong Wobbler stand out as the most resilient options based on our dogs’ rigorous testing. While the Kong Rewards Ball is durable and entertaining, it may not withstand the most aggressive chewers over the long term. The CyunCmay and HETOO toys, unfortunately, did not meet the “indestructible” standard in our trials.
