Dogs, especially those with a strong inclination to chew, can quickly turn toys into a pile of shreds. For these enthusiastic pups, investing in durable dog toys designed for aggressive chewers is essential. While no toy is entirely indestructible, certain robust options are built to last significantly longer than standard toys.
To identify the best toys for tough chewers, we consulted with veterinarians and professional dog trainers to understand the specific needs of these dogs and the characteristics that make a toy both safe and engaging. Our research and testing process involved evaluating numerous toys, leading to our top recommendation: the Kong Extreme Tires. This exceptionally durable rubber toy was a consistent favorite among our canine testers. Experts also highlight the value of fabric toys, with the Kong Cozie Marvin the Moose standing out as our preferred stuffed option, featuring double-layered fabric and minimal stuffing to reduce mess.
Regardless of the toy chosen, close supervision is paramount. Some dogs have a tendency to ingest pieces of destroyed toys, which can lead to serious medical issues like intestinal blockages. Understanding your dog’s specific chewing habits is crucial, as emphasized by Dr. Kelly Ballantyne, a board-certified veterinary behaviorist.
Top Picks for Aggressive Chewers
- Best Overall: Kong Extreme Tires – See at Chewy
- Best Plush: Kong Cozie Marvin the Moose – See at Chewy
- Best Rope: Pacific Pups Rescue 6-Knot Knotted Rope Toy – See at Chewy
- Best Chew: Petstages Dogwood Calming Chew – See at Chewy
- Best Interactive: Fable The Puffin Game – See at Fable
- Best Ball: Chew King Supreme Rubber Ball – See at Chewy
- Best Bone: Spot Bam-Bones Plus – See at Chewy
- Best for Treats: Kong Extreme – See at Chewy
- Best for Tug: Kong Wubba – See at Chewy
- Best Subscription Box: Bullymake – See at Bullymake
Best Overall: Kong Extreme Tires
The Kong Extreme Tires toy offers multifaceted appeal, whether your dog enjoys simple chewing or you choose to fill it with treats like peanut butter for an added reward.
Durability is a critical factor when selecting toys for powerful chewers, according to Ivan Petersel, a professional dog trainer. While dogs with strong jaws can easily destroy softer materials, toys that are excessively hard risk damaging a dog’s teeth. The Kong Extreme Tires toy is constructed from robust natural rubber, designed to be gentle on a dog’s teeth and gums. Sarah Saril, an editor at Insider Reviews, found that the Kong Extreme Tires meets the essential criteria for a dog toy: it’s engaging, durable, and suitable for treat stuffing. She noted that her dogs were drawn to its unique shape and texture, even when unfilled, and appreciated its good bounce when thrown.
Kong Extreme Tires Dog Toy
While no toy is completely indestructible, Saril reported being unable to damage the Extreme Tires toy even with a knife. It is available in two sizes: small for dogs up to 35 pounds and medium/large for dogs up to 65 pounds.
Best Plush: Kong Cozie Marvin the Moose
This charming plush toy, available in three sizes, features minimal stuffing, making it an excellent choice for dogs that love to rip and shred.
Dogs have diverse preferences regarding toy textures. Some favor plush toys for chewing, cuddling, or simply sinking their teeth into. Puppies, in particular, are often attracted to soft, plush toys. For super chewers with a fondness for stuffed animals, Marvin the Moose is a highly recommended option. This cuddly character includes an internal squeaker for added engagement. Its design incorporates an extra layer of durable material and less stuffing than typical plush toys, which means less cleanup if your dog eventually manages to tear it apart.
Kong Cozie Marvin the Moose Plush Dog Toy
Freelance reporter Rachael Schultz found that her super chewer pup, Croc, was unable to destroy Marvin the Moose. Schultz observed that the material did not shed during chewing and that Croc carried the toy around, gnawed on it, and used it as a comfort item. The toy also withstood washing machine cycles and resisted attempts to pierce it with scissors.
Best Rope: Pacific Pups Rescue 6-Knot Knotted Rope Toy
This substantial rope toy, made from cotton, has proven popular in households with multiple dogs.
The Pacific Pups Rescue Knotted Rope Toy is ideal for interactive play. The 42-inch XXL rope is particularly well-suited for large dogs and households with multiple canine companions. Saril noted that the knots are tightly secured and firmer than those on other rope toys, yet it offers more flexibility than the Mammoth Cottonblend 3 Knot Dog Rope. While one of her dogs did fray the fibers slightly, Saril believes the numerous knots provide a degree of structural integrity lacking in other rope toys. Pacific Pups also offers a smaller, 23.5-inch version, and Mammoth ropes are available in various smaller sizes.
Pacific Pups Rescue Knotted Rope Toy
As with any rope or fabric toy, it’s crucial to supervise aggressive chewers closely to prevent them from ingesting fibers during play. If you observe your dog chewing on loose rope strands, Dr. Ballantyne suggests offering a trade rather than simply taking the toy away. This approach helps prevent resource guarding, which can develop when dogs perceive that items are frequently taken from them.
Best Chew: Petstages Dogwood Calming Chew
These chews, featuring a wood-like texture, offer a safe alternative to real sticks, antlers, and bones.
Durability is a key consideration for aggressive chewers, but Dr. Ballantyne advises caution regarding antlers and bones, as they carry a significant risk of fracturing a dog’s teeth. Real wood sticks can also pose hazards, potentially lodging between a dog’s teeth or in the roof of their mouth, and may even cause damage to the intestinal tract. The Petstages Dogwood Calming Chews present a safer alternative. Crafted from a composite of hemp and wood, these stick-shaped toys mimic real branches without the splintering risk. Additionally, they float, making them suitable for dogs that enjoy water play.
Petstages Dogwood Calming Chew Toy
Freelance reporter Christy Caplan provides these chews to her basset hound, Herschel, who loves sticks. While real sticks remain his preference, Caplan reports that Herschel enjoys the Dogwood Calming Chews. They are soft enough for safe chewing and made from natural wood, meaning they will show wear but will not create dangerous splinters or sharp fragments. For particularly aggressive chewers like Herschel, one stick can typically last for five to six chewing sessions.
Best Interactive: Fable The Puffin Game
Fable’s The Game is a highly durable food-dispensing toy with adjustable difficulty levels.
Puzzle toys are beneficial for dogs as they fulfill an innate need to problem-solve and engage their minds, according to Patrick Flynn, a professional dog trainer. These toys can also help slow down dogs that tend to eat their food too quickly. The Puffin Game excels in providing these benefits, making it a top-tier dog puzzle toy. This egg-shaped toy features a dispensing hole and can be filled with kibble or treats by unscrewing the top and bottom pieces. Its weighted base ensures stability while allowing for a dynamic bobbing motion.
Fable The Puffin Game Toy
Lisa Sabatini, Insider Reviews’ senior pets editor, occasionally uses The Puffin Game to feed her dog, Homer. While Homer has gnawed at the toy’s upper portion, he has not managed to damage it. Sabatini also favors the more affordable Kong Wobbler, but noted that Homer has left scrapes on its plastic exterior, which accumulate grime and are difficult to clean. Although The Puffin Game is the most durable treat dispenser tested, supervision is still recommended for aggressive chewers due to its internal components.
Best Ball: Chew King Supreme Rubber Ball
This ball is constructed from extremely tough rubber, ensuring longevity and durability.
Many dogs are captivated by the allure of chasing balls, and the Chew King Supreme is a resilient option that withstands powerful jaws. It performed admirably in both indoor and outdoor play, with its rubber material proving impenetrable. Saril found the ball to be excellent for throwing, noting its impressive bounce. She advised caution due to its weight, suggesting care be taken not to hit dogs while throwing it.
Chew King Supreme Rubber Ball
The ball’s textured rubber surface provides an easy grip for both humans and dogs. Saril appreciated that it remained non-slippery during play. She observed that her fetch-loving dogs were highly engaged with it, and her dog that prefers to chew on seams and tear toys enjoyed attempting to nibble the texture. Furthermore, it is available in three sizes, ranging from 2.5 to 4 inches in diameter. It is essential to select the appropriate size for your dog, as a small toy poses a risk of ingestion for larger breeds, potentially leading to a life-threatening intestinal blockage.
Best Bone: Spot Bam-Bones Plus
This bone features a unique shape and varied textures designed to maintain a dog’s interest.
The Spot Bam-Bones, made from nylon and bamboo, is a safe choice for dogs that enjoy chewing. The toy’s T-shaped ridged design and chicken flavor add to its appeal. Caplan noted her dog Herschel’s strong affinity for this chew, speculating that the ridges provide a pleasing texture and that the chicken flavor is particularly enticing. It is also available in peanut butter and beef flavors.
Spot Bam-Bones Plus Dog Toy
While very hard nylon-only toys are generally the most durable, Quest advises that a toy should still be slightly indentable with a fingernail. The Bam-Bones fits this criterion, offering a texture softer than other nylon chews, although this means it may wear down more quickly.
Best for Treats: Kong Extreme
This super-chewer version of the Kong Classic offers ample space for treats like peanut butter and yogurt.
Kong toys are frequently recommended by pet experts due to their reputation for toughness. The Extreme model shares the iconic design of the Kong Classic but is made with a significantly more robust rubber compound. This bobble-shaped toy also serves as an excellent introductory food puzzle, providing extended engagement long after the treats are consumed. It can be filled with peanut butter, other dog treats, kibble, or Kong’s Easy Treats. Saril’s dogs enthusiastically engage with the Kong when filled with treats, but she finds it less suitable for general play. Due to its size and unique shape, it can be challenging for dogs to hold comfortably for extended chewing sessions, making the Kong Extreme Tires a better option for that purpose.
Kong Extreme Dog Toy
When selecting a food-dispensing toy like a Kong, it’s important to ensure it’s the correct size for your dog. The largest part of the toy should not be able to reach the back of your dog’s mouth. Kong provides a helpful sizing chart to assist in choosing the appropriate size.
Best Tug Toy: Kong Wubba
The Kong Wubba is not designed for continuous gnawing, but its durable ballistic nylon exterior is robust enough for tug-of-war sessions with aggressive chewers.
The Wubba excels as a tug and fetch toy rather than a chew toy. It consists of two balls covered in tough ballistic nylon with reinforced stitching for enhanced durability. One ball squeaks, while the other offers considerable bounce. Strips of nylon extend from the bottom of the toy.
Kong Wubba Classic Dog Toy
Schultz expressed great enthusiasm for this toy. The fabric strips are ideal for humans to grip during tug-of-war, and the balls’ weight facilitates easy throwing. Schultz’s dog, Croc, also enjoys playing with the Wubba independently, grabbing the strips and flailing the toy or chewing on the top part.
Flynn suggests that by observing your dog’s preferences, whether for tug or fetch, you can find toys that effectively keep them engaged and content. While toy longevity may be a secondary concern, Schultz noted that after four weeks of intense play, the Wubba remained in much better condition than other toys that would typically be nearing disposal.
Best Subscription Box: Bullymake
Aggressive chewers will find their match with this subscription box, featuring some of the most resilient toys available.
For owners seeking a consistent supply of toys for their super chewers, a subscription box offers a convenient solution. The Bullymake box is specifically curated for dogs prone to destroying toys rapidly.
Bullymake Subscription Box
Each monthly box contains two to three toys and three treat packages. The selection may include chew toys, puzzle toys, and tug toys made from durable materials such as nylon, rubber, and rope.
What to Look For in Dog Toys for Aggressive Chewers
When selecting the best dog toys for aggressive chewers, consider the following expert recommendations:
- Safety: Above all, a toy must be safe. Quest advises that a quality chew toy should allow for slight indentation when pressed with a fingernail. Toys that are too hard risk dental damage. Dr. Ballantyne recommends dense rubber toys for super chewers, but emphasizes that even these can break into small, potentially ingestible pieces.
- Durability: The most robust chew toys should withstand the force of an aggressive chewer’s jaws. However, Flynn notes that allowing dogs to indulge their desire to destroy toys can be acceptable with direct supervision.
- Size: Always consult a toy’s sizing guidelines to ensure it’s appropriate for your dog’s size. A toy that is too small increases the risk of ingestion and potentially life-threatening intestinal blockage. Consult your veterinarian if you are uncertain about the correct size.
- Materials: Dr. Ballantyne suggests materials like dense rubber. For softer toys, look for those with dual-layered fabric and reinforced seams. Petersel points out that dogs have different texture preferences, making a variety of materials beneficial.
How We Tested Dog Toys for Aggressive Chewers
Our recommendations are based on a combination of hands-on testing and insights from veterinarians and professional dog trainers. We observed our dogs interacting with these toys over weeks and months, and also subjected the toys to rigorous in-house testing. Toys intended for tossing were tested for durability, and attempts were made to puncture chew toys with kitchen utensils. Throughout this process, we carefully assessed potential safety hazards.
Dog Toys for Aggressive Chewers FAQs
What is the best dog toy for a heavy chewer?
For dogs that chew intensely, toys from the Kong Extreme line are a strong starting point. These toys are made from durable rubber specifically designed for aggressive chewers and prolonged chewing sessions. While no dog toy is truly indestructible, experts generally agree that dense rubber toys, such as those in the Kong Extreme line, offer excellent durability and are safe for a dog’s teeth and gums.
What material is best for aggressive chewers?
Toys made from dense rubber are often ideal for dogs with aggressive chewing habits. However, some dogs enjoy shredding plush toys. If your dog prefers plush toys, close supervision is essential to ensure they do not ingest stuffing or fabric as they tear the toy apart.
What should I give an aggressive chewer?
Choosing the right toy involves balancing safety with your dog’s individual preferences. Petersel emphasizes that while avoiding toys that pose a risk of ingestion or dental damage is crucial, dogs also need toys they find enjoyable. A durable but uninteresting chew toy might lead your dog to gnaw on inappropriate items. Ultimately, the best chew toy depends on your dog’s personality. For instance, dogs that chew for extended periods but tend to swallow pieces might benefit more from an edible chew designed for safe consumption.
Why does my dog aggressively chew toys?
Inappropriate chewing can stem from boredom or anxiety, but for many dogs, chewing is simply a pleasurable activity. Chewing is a natural behavior, and some dogs exhibit a greater enthusiasm for it than others. Aggressive chewing typically only becomes a concern when a dog redirects this energy toward forbidden items like shoes or furniture.
Steph Coelho is a freelance writer with a passion for home and kitchen goods. She lives in Montreal with her husband, two dogs, and a parrot.
Lisa Sabatini is the senior pets editor for Business Insider’s Reviews team, overseeing coverage of pet products and consulting with veterinarians to ensure accuracy and adherence to animal welfare standards.
