Welcoming a new dog into your life is an exciting time, often accompanied by a flurry of new toys meant to entertain and engage your furry companion. However, many dog owners face a common frustration: the seemingly rapid demise of even the most robust-looking toys. You might purchase a toy with the hope it will last, only to witness it reduced to shreds within hours, or at best, a few days. This cycle of buying and replacing can be disheartening and costly. We understand this feeling intimately, both as dedicated dog owners and as caretakers for a number of dogs at the Benafim Dog Shelter. Over time, we’ve tested countless toys, and while we claim expertise, it’s truly our dogs who are the real connoisseurs. Discover a variety of durable dog toys designed to withstand enthusiastic play.
Our shelter dogs, including the handsome Nero who is available for adoption, possess a unique insight into what makes a toy truly last. Making the bold claim that a toy is “indestructible” is one thing, but our dogs put this to the ultimate test. We selected five toys often touted for their durability and subjected them to a rigorous week-long trial involving chewing, fetching, burying, and general enthusiastic play. The feedback you’re about to read comes directly from our pack of discerning testers, who, while perhaps lacking diplomacy, offer honest and reliable opinions.
Real Reviews from Our Expert Testers: The 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 seven days, these toys were put through their paces by Nero, Max, Maya, Black Nero, Jean, and Pebbles. Here’s their unfiltered verdict.
Nylabone Extreme Tough Dog Chew Toy
Priced at £19.16 for our review, the Nylabone Extreme Tough Dog Chew Toy, in its XXL Bison flavor, claims to be ideal for powerful chewers weighing over 23kg. Nero, a 9-year-old Pitbull known for his keen intellect, spent considerable time with this toy, leaving barely a scratch. Its substantial size is balanced by its lightness, making it easy for dogs to carry. The slightly curved design also facilitates a comfortable grip with their paws, enhancing the chewing experience.
Maya, a 3-year-old rescue who was initially wary of toys, took to the Nylabone instantly. Despite likely having had limited exposure to toys in her early life, she found the Nylabone engaging, readily chewing it and playfully running with it, even inciting a game of chase with Max.
A significant advantage of this toy is its ease of cleaning and, more importantly, its lasting flavor. Unlike many toys that lose their appeal, the Nylabone retains its enticing taste. For owners who dislike messy or smelly toys, this bone is a welcome change, offering no odor or residue.
Black Nero, notorious for his destructive chewing habits – capable of demolishing large branches in minutes and exhibiting anxiety-driven chewing that has even damaged fencing – found his match in this Nylabone. He not only couldn’t destroy it but genuinely seemed to enjoy chewing it for extended periods, with minimal visible wear.
Gallery of dogs enjoying the Nylabone:
- Komo
- Nora
- White Nero
Product Details:
- Flavor: Bison (also available in chicken and turkey), infused throughout. Features raised bristles designed to clean teeth and gums.
- Material: Safe and non-toxic.
- Dimensions: 30.48 x 13.97 x 5.08 cm
- Weight: 485 grams
- Designed for: Dogs over 23 kg
Summary: The Nylabone received a resounding recommendation from all our shelter dogs. It’s the perfect choice for dogs who love to chew, get bored easily, and need a durable, flavorful toy to keep them occupied. Check Price on Amazon.
Kong Rewards Ball
Our doggy testers showed less initial enthusiasm for the Kong Rewards Ball (£9.99), but this was short-lived. The concept of a toy that doubles as a treat dispenser is ingenious, and we found it simple to load with treats. The dogs didn’t need much prompting to figure out how to get the rewards. However, it was the toy’s soft, squishy, and bouncy rubber exterior that truly captured their attention, more so than the treat-dispensing function itself.
Jean was particularly enamored, spending hours chewing the rubbery side before repeatedly burying and rediscovering the ball. His close friend Komo was largely excluded from playtime due to Jean’s possessiveness.
Gallery of dogs playing with the Kong Rewards Ball:
- Nora
- Jean
- Baldo
- Star
- Jambo
From the largest dog, Jambo, to the smallest, Star, every dog at the shelter enjoyed playing with and chewing this ball. Remarkably, not a single tooth mark was visible, and all treats were successfully dispensed, confirming its effectiveness as a treat dispenser.
Product Details:
- Dimensions: 12.7 x 12.7 x 12.07 cm
- Weight: 417 grams
- Designed for: Dogs weighing 16 kg and above.
Summary: This Kong toy offers a fantastic combination of play and food motivation. It’s a durable toy that withstands considerable chewing and interactive play, while also serving as a straightforward treat dispenser. Check Price on Amazon.
CyunCmay Indestructible Dog Toy XL Bone
The CyunCmay Indestructible Dog Toy XL Bone (£14.99) generated immense excitement upon unwrapping. Unfortunately, this initial fervor quickly waned, particularly after Black Nero got his jaws on it. While he enjoyed a good 30 minutes of tug-of-war with its handles, chewing, and fetching it from the lake, the toy’s soft, pliable rubber and flexible material proved no match for his powerful jaws. Our fears about its durability were quickly realized, as the toy showed significant teeth marks and was nearly split in two within that short timeframe.
Gallery of dogs playing with the CyunCmay XL Bone:
- Jean
- Nora
- Kilo
- Jean
- Pebbles
- Pebbles
- White Nero
Product Details:
- Material: TPR, environmentally friendly, with no chemical smell, safe and non-toxic.
- Dimensions: 32.9 x 12.2 x 3.8 cm
- Weight: 330 grams
- Features: Surface designed to aid in cleaning a dog’s teeth and controlling plaque and tartar.
Summary: Despite being marketed as strong and durable for medium to large dogs, this toy did not live up to its claims. While it provided short-term fun, it is not suitable for dogs who are persistent chewers. However, it was popular for retrieval games and keeping dogs engaged briefly. Check Price on Amazon.
HETOO Indestructible Squeaky Dental Care Dog Toy
The HETOO Indestructible Squeaky Dental Care Dog Toy (£16.32), primarily designed for dental cleaning, was met with a perplexing lack of enthusiasm from our canine reviewers. Even the squeak feature failed to ignite excitement, with Maya initially hiding from the strange noise. We attempted to enhance its appeal by inserting peanut butter into the grooves, which briefly held Maya’s attention before she lost interest.
Gallery of dogs testing the HETOO toy:
- Black Nero
- 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 captivate our dogs for more than a few minutes. Black Nero and Maya showed minimal interest, and it was very short-lived. If you’re looking for a toy that squeaks and potentially cleans teeth, this might be an option, but don’t expect extended engagement from your dog. Check Price on Amazon.
Kong Wobbler Interactive Treat Dispensing Dog Toy
The Kong Wobbler Interactive Treat Dispensing Dog Toy (£15.85) elicited a humorous reaction from the dogs, initially appearing alien-like. Its substantial size and hard plastic polymer construction (unlike softer Kong rubber toys) were notable. While humans found the twist-off lid convenient for filling, the dogs struggled initially to figure out how to dispense the treats. Kilo, in particular, seemed utterly perplexed by this wobbly red object.
We discovered that the Wobbler functions best on smooth surfaces, not the rough kennel terrain, and that the treat size must be compatible with the dispensing hole.
Gallery of dogs interacting with the Kong Wobbler:
- Komo
- Kilo
- Climber
- Pebbles
Product Details:
- Material: Plastic polymer.
- Dimensions: Diameter 13 x 19 cm
- Weight: 485 grams
- Designed for: Dogs weighing 12 kg plus.
- Capacity: Maximum 250 grams of treats.
Summary: Once the dogs understood the Wobbler’s function and we identified the optimal surface and treat size, this toy became a hit. Its large size makes it difficult for dogs to get their teeth into, reducing the risk of destruction. According to our dogs, it’s virtually indestructible and easy to use, provided humans select appropriate treat sizes. Check Price on Amazon.
Conclusion: Our Dogs’ Final Verdict
After extensive deliberation (and likely much barking), our canine panel has reached a consensus on these five “indestructible” toys.
| Brand & Item | Features | Flavor | Material | More Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nylabone Extreme Tough Dog Chew Toy, Monster Bison Bone, Cleans Teeth, Bison Flavour, XXL, for Dogs Over 23 kg | Extremely tough. Tiny bristles to help clean teeth. Perfect for chewers. | Bison | 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. | N/A | Long lasting Kong rubber | Click For Price |
| KONG Wobbler – Interactive Dog Toy for Treat Dispensing – Dog Slow Feeder for Healthy Eating – For Medium/Large Dogs | Can be stuffed, dishwasher proof. | N/A | Long lasting Kong rubber | Click For Price |
The consensus points towards the Nylabone Extreme Tough Dog Chew Toy for dedicated chewers, the Kong Rewards Ball for playful dogs who enjoy a treat challenge, and the Kong Wobbler for interactive treat dispensing fun. While the CyunCmay bone and Hetoo toy offered temporary amusement, they ultimately did not meet the “indestructible” standard set by our discerning canine critics.
