As a dedicated dog owner, you’ve likely experienced the familiar scenario: bringing home a new, supposedly indestructible toy, only to find it in shreds mere hours or days later. This cycle of disappointment is all too common for owners of powerful chewers and large dog breeds. Finding a durable, engaging toy that can withstand the enthusiasm of a big dog is a genuine challenge. That’s why, here at Dog Care Story, we embarked on a rigorous testing mission, enlisting the help of our expert reviewers at Benafim Dog Shelter. These wonderful dogs put five popular “indestructible” toys through their paces, providing honest, paws-on feedback to help you find the very best tough toys for big dogs in the UK.
Our canine connoisseurs — including Nero, Max, Maya, Black Nero, Jean, and Pebbles — spent a week with these toys. They chewed, played, fetched, and even buried them, all to determine which ones truly live up to their claims of durability. Our goal is to equip you with the knowledge to choose wisely, ensuring both your dog’s happiness and your peace of mind. If you’re tired of wasted money and constantly replacing demolished toys, then this guide to tough chew toys for large dogs is exactly what you need.
Dogs at Benafim Dog Shelter with a selection of new toys
Our Experts’ Real, Honest Reviews: Benafim Shelter Dogs Weigh In
The five toys selected for our comprehensive test included 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. Each toy was subjected to intense scrutiny by our shelter dogs, who brought their unique chewing styles and play preferences to the evaluation. We observed their interactions closely, noting durability, engagement levels, and overall satisfaction. What follows is their unfiltered verdict, shared with the aim of guiding you to the most suitable options for your beloved big dog.
Nylabone Extreme Tough Dog Chew Toy
The Nylabone Extreme Tough Dog Chew Toy, specifically the XXL Bison flavoured bone, quickly became a favourite among our most tenacious chewers. Designed for dogs over 23kg, this toy claims to be perfect for powerful mouths, and our tests confirmed its impressive resilience. Nero, a 9-year-old Pit Bull with considerable chewing power, spent hours gnawing on this toy, leaving barely a mark. Its substantial size makes it suitable for large breeds, yet it remains light enough for dogs to comfortably carry.
The subtly curved design provides an excellent grip for paws, simplifying and enhancing the chewing experience. Even Maya, a 3-year-old who was initially unfamiliar with toys due to her past, took an immediate liking to the Nylabone. She not only enjoyed a good chew but also relished running around with it, encouraging others like Max to join in the chase. This toy proved to be a fantastic option for dogs that love to really sink their teeth into something.
Close-up of the Nylabone Extreme Tough Dog Chew Toy, Bison flavor
One of the standout features for us humans was its ease of cleaning and the fact that it never loses its flavour. This means no sticky residue or unpleasant smells, making it a dream for owners who prefer a clean home. Black Nero, a powerful Cane Corso cross known for his ability to demolish even large tree trunks and bend strong fencing when anxious, was the ultimate test. The Nylabone proved to be “Black Nero proof,” with hardly a tooth mark visible after countless hours of chewing. This level of durability makes it an excellent choice if you are looking for indestructible dog toys for staffies uk or other strong breeds. The raised “noodles” on its surface also contribute to dental hygiene, helping to clean teeth and gums as your dog chews.
Black Nero, a powerful Cane Corso cross, attempting to chew the Nylabone
Details:
- Bison flavoured throughout (also available in chicken and turkey).
- Designed to help clean teeth and gums.
- Safe and non-toxic.
- Measurements: 30.48 x 13.97 x 5.08 cm.
- Weight: 485 grams.
- Designed for dogs 23 kg and above.
Summary:
The Nylabone Extreme Tough Dog Chew Toy received an enthusiastic “paws up” from every dog at the shelter. For big dogs in the UK who are avid chewers, easily bored, and require a truly durable and flavourful toy, this Nylabone is an outstanding recommendation. It combines extreme toughness with long-lasting appeal, making it a smart investment for owners of powerful breeds.
Kong Rewards Ball
The Kong Rewards Ball, while initially not met with the same immediate excitement as some other toys, quickly won over our canine testers. This innovative toy cleverly combines play with treat dispensing, offering prolonged amusement. For us humans, loading treats was effortless, and the dogs didn’t need to be canine Einsteins to figure out how to get their rewards. Its design ensures a rewarding experience without excessive frustration.
Despite its treat-dispensing capabilities, the dogs particularly loved the ball’s soft, bouncy, and squishy rubbery side for plain old chewing and playing. Jean, for instance, became utterly devoted to his Kong Rewards Ball, spending hours chewing its rubbery surface before triumphantly burying and retrieving it. His best mate Komo barely got a look-in, a testament to Jean’s fierce possessiveness and enjoyment of the toy.
The Kong Rewards Ball, an interactive treat-dispensing dog toy
The Kong Rewards Ball proved remarkably durable, showing not a single tooth mark even after extensive play and chewing from dogs of all sizes, from large Jambo to smaller Star. This robust construction makes it an excellent choice among dog toys hard to chew up for your powerful pet. The effective and straightforward treat dispenser also ensured that no treats were left behind, highlighting its functionality as an interactive toy. Its ability to withstand rigorous chewing while providing mental stimulation through treat release makes it a versatile option for big dogs.
Jean trying and failing to destroy the Kong Rewards Ball
Details:
- Measurements: 12.7 x 12.7 x 12.07 cm.
- Weight: 417 grams.
- Designed for dogs 16 kg and above.
Summary:
The dogs unanimously agreed that the Kong Rewards Ball is an excellent all-around toy. It masterfully combines two of their favourite activities: interactive play and food. Its durable and tough construction means it can withstand significant chewing, bouncing, and vigorous play, while its simple yet effective treat-dispensing mechanism provides engaging mental stimulation. This toy is a strong contender for big dogs that enjoy both a good chew and a rewarding challenge.
CyunCmay Indestructible Dog Toy XL Bone
The CyunCmay Indestructible Dog Toy XL Bone initially sparked immense excitement among our shelter dogs, particularly during unwrapping. Its soft, rubbery texture and pliable material suggested fun play, and indeed, Black Nero had a blast with it for about 30 minutes. He enthusiastically engaged in tug-of-war, thanks to the handles at each end, enjoyed a good chew, and loved fetching it from the lake. The initial enthusiasm was certainly high.
However, despite its “indestructible” claim, our fears about its durability were quickly realised. Black Nero, with his powerful jaws, sadly proved us right. Within just 30 minutes, the toy showed significant teeth marks and was almost split in two. This demonstrated that while the CyunCmay bone offers engaging play, it falls short on its promise of being truly indestructible for strong chewers. This experience highlights the challenge of finding toys for dogs that destroy everything, as some toys simply cannot withstand extreme chewing.
Black Nero actively playing and jumping with the CyunCmay Indestructible Dog Toy XL Bone
Details:
- Measurements: 32.9 x 12.2 x 3.8 cm.
- Weight: 330 grams.
- Made from TPR environmentally friendly material, non-toxic with no chemical smell.
- Surface designed to help clean a dog’s teeth and control plaque and tartar.
Summary:
While the CyunCmay Indestructible Dog Toy XL Bone is described as strong and durable and suitable for medium to large dogs, our real-world tests showed otherwise. It offers short-lived fun for retrieving and active play, but it is unequivocally not an indestructible toy for dogs who love to chew aggressively. Our dogs, despite their initial excitement, were left disappointed when the fun was cut short by its rapid destruction. If you’re seeking a chew toy that will last more than minutes, this is not the toy for your big dog.
HETOO Indestructible Squeaky Dental Care Dog Toy
The HETOO Indestructible Squeaky Dental Care Dog Toy, designed primarily for dental hygiene, failed to ignite much enthusiasm among our expert canine reviewers. Even its squeak, which many dogs find exciting, left them largely unimpressed. Maya, for example, initially ran and hid from the strange noise emanating from the red, unusual-looking object. Although she eventually showed a brief period of inspection, sustained interest was minimal.
To try and encourage interaction, we smeared peanut butter into the toy’s grooves. This strategy kept Maya engaged for a few minutes before she predictably wandered off, leaving the toy behind. Our observations suggested that its primary function as a dental aid was overshadowed by its lack of play appeal. For us humans, the squeak was also noted as being quite annoying, adding to the toy’s overall low ranking in our review.
Details:
- Made from natural rubber.
- Measurements: 12.7 x 12.7 x 12.07 cm.
- Weight: 417 grams.
Summary:
The HETOO Indestructible Squeaky Dental Care Dog Toy did not manage to excite or entertain our dogs for more than a few minutes. Despite its dental care claims and squeaking feature, it lacked the engagement factor needed to be a valuable toy for big dogs. Black Nero and Maya showed the most interest, but even their curiosity was short-lived. This toy is not recommended for owners seeking a durable or engaging plaything for their large, active chewers.
Kong Wobbler Interactive Treat Dispensing Dog Toy
The Kong Wobbler Interactive Treat Dispensing Dog Toy elicited quite a comical reaction from our dogs initially. Its large size and peculiar wobbling motion sparked curiosity, with dogs looking at it as if it were a strange UFO. Unlike many other Kong treat toys, this one is made from a harder plastic polymer rather than rubber, contributing to its unique movement and durability. From a human perspective, its twist-off lid makes filling with treats incredibly easy.
However, our dogs, the true experts, struggled with this toy at first. They understood treats were inside and wanted to play, but couldn’t quite figure out how to get the treats out. It became clear to us humans that the Kong Wobbler performs best on smooth surfaces, unlike the stone-pebbled kennel floors. We also realised the importance of using treat sizes compatible with the dispenser’s hole – a crucial “doh” moment for the human team!
The distinctive red Kong Wobbler, an interactive treat dispenser
Once the dogs grasped how the Kong Wobbler worked and we adjusted the surface and treat size, it became a massive hit. Its large size makes it difficult for dogs to pick up and chew extensively, which is a significant advantage for its “indestructible” claim. This design minimises the chance of destruction, as dogs are more focused on the interactive treat release than on chewing the toy itself. Our dogs quickly learned to bat it around, thoroughly enjoying the mental stimulation and the rewarding treats. This interactive design is fantastic for keeping large dogs engaged and mentally stimulated.
Pebbles helping to review this Kong Wobbler
Details:
- Made from plastic polymer.
- Measurements: Diameter 13 x 19 cm.
- Weight: 485 grams.
- Designed for dogs 12 kg and above.
- Maximum Filling Capacity: 250 grams.
Summary:
Once the initial learning curve was overcome by both dogs and humans, the Kong Wobbler proved to be an outstanding interactive treat dispenser. It is indeed indestructible according to our dogs, largely due to its hard plastic construction and the way it encourages interaction rather than destructive chewing. It’s an easy-to-use and highly engaging toy that provides both mental stimulation and a rewarding experience for large dogs. Just remember to use it on smooth surfaces and with appropriately sized treats!
Our Dog’s Final Verdict: The Best Tough Toys for Big Dogs in the UK
After extensive deliberation, numerous serious-looking meetings, and a chorus of enthusiastic barks, our Benafim Shelter dogs have reached their final verdict on these five “indestructible” toys. When it comes to finding truly tough toys for big dogs in the UK, the results are clear:
For power chewers and dogs needing an extremely durable, long-lasting chew, the Nylabone Extreme Tough Dog Chew Toy stands head and shoulders above the rest. Its ability to withstand even the most aggressive chewers like Black Nero, combined with its lasting flavour and dental benefits, makes it an undeniable winner.
For interactive play and treat dispensing, the Kong Rewards Ball and the Kong Wobbler both excelled. The Rewards Ball offers durable chewing combined with an effective treat mechanism, while the Wobbler provides excellent mental stimulation through its unique, hard plastic design and treat-dispensing challenge. These are fantastic for keeping big dogs engaged and entertained for extended periods without succumbing to destruction.
Unfortunately, the CyunCmay Indestructible Dog Toy XL Bone and the HETOO Indestructible Squeaky Dental Care Dog Toy did not live up to their “indestructible” claims or maintain canine interest. While the CyunCmay offered brief fun for retrieving, it quickly failed the durability test for strong chewers. The HETOO toy struggled to capture and hold our dogs’ attention, despite its dental care purpose.
Ultimately, choosing the right tough toy for your big dog depends on their individual play style and chewing intensity. Based on our comprehensive testing, the Nylabone Extreme Tough Dog Chew Toy, Kong Rewards Ball, and Kong Wobbler are the top recommendations for UK owners seeking durable, engaging, and genuinely tough toys that can stand up to the challenge of a large, powerful dog. Invest wisely, and enjoy watching your big dog revel in playtime with a toy that truly lasts!
