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Some dogs like to gnaw more than others and go through toys pretty quickly. If your dog is a super chewer, we recommend giving them the best dog toys for aggressive chewers. There's no such thing as an indestructible dog toy, but the most durable toys will hold up longer than many options.
We spoke to veterinarians and dog trainers about dogs who are tough chewers, then researched and tested dozens of toys to make our recommendations. Our top pick is the Goughnuts .75 Black Ring Pro 50, an extra tough rubber toy that holds up to repeated gnawing. Experts say fabric toys also have their place among tough chew toys. Our top stuffed toy pick, Kong Cozie Marvin the Moose, has two layers of durable fabric and minimal stuffing for less mess.
Whatever chew toy you give your dog, it's important to supervise them. Being aware of your dog's tendencies is key, says Dr. Kelly Ballantyne, a veterinary behaviorist at Insight Animal Behavior Services. Some dogs gobble up whatever they destroy, a dangerous habit that may result in serious medical emergencies due to intestinal blockage.
Read more about how Business Insider Reviews tests and researches pet products.
Our top picks for the best dog toys for aggressive chewers
Best overall: Goughnuts .75 Black Ring Pro 50 - See at Amazon
Best stuffed: Kong Cozie Marvin the Moose - See at Chewy
Best stick: Petstages Dogwood Calming Chew - See at Chewy
Best plush: GoDog Furballz Plush Squeaker Ball - See at Chewy
Best treat-dispensing: Fable The Puffin Game - See at Chewy
Best ball: Chuckit! Ultra Squeaker Ball - See at Chewy
Best bone: Pet Qwerks BarkBone - See at Chewy
Best stuffable: Kong Extreme - See at Chewy
Best for tug: Kong Wubba - See at Chewy
Best big ball: Jolly Pets Teaser Ball - See at Chewy
Best subscription box: Bullymake - See at Bullymake
Best overall
This ultra-durable ring toy has a handy safety indicator that lets you know when it's time for a replacement.
- Indicator lets you know when it's time to replace
- Easy to clean
- Strong rubber smell
- Heavy
- Not suitable for dogs over 40 pounds
When choosing the best dog toys for aggressive chewers, durability is vital, says Ivan Petersel, a professional dog trainer and founder of Dog Wizardry. Strong jaws can easily rip through materials like fabric, but a toy that's too hard can damage your dog's teeth. Goughnuts 0.75 Black Ring Pro 50 is made of tough natural rubber that's gentle on a dog's teeth and gums.
My dog chewed on this toy for a full week, and only faint marks were visible. No toy is completely chew-proof, and the Goughnuts Ring has a helpful red indicator that lets you know when to take it away from your pup. If you notice the indicator changing from yellow to red, the toy's rubber is wearing thin and it's time for a replacement. This toy is for dogs between 10 and 40 pounds, but the brand also sells toys for different breeds and chew strengths.
Our testers liked the chunky bouncy rubber ring and barely put a scratch in it after an entire week of chewing. However, it's not ideal for tossing because it's a bit heavy. This particular toy is suitable for dogs between 10 and 40 pounds. The brand also sells versions for medium and soft chewers.
Best stuffed
This cute, cuddly plush toy comes in three sizes and has minimal stuffing, making it an excellent pick for super chewers who love to rip and shred.
- Squeaks
- Two layers of fabric
- Very little filling
- None
Like humans, dogs have individual preferences when it comes to texture. Some dogs prefer stuffed toys, whether to chew on, snuggle, or sink their teeth into them. Puppies, in particular, are often attracted to soft, plush toys, says Petersel.
If your super chewer is obsessed with stuffed toys, we recommend Marvin the Moose. The cuddly stuffed animal has an interior squeaker for more stimulating play. It has an extra layer of tough material and contains less filling than typical stuffed toys, so there's less mess to clean up when your dog eventually rips it to shreds.
Best stick
These wood and hemp toys are a safe alternative to antlers, real bones, and sticks.
- Wood-like texture
- Available in four sizes
- Floats in water
- Small pieces may break off over time
While durability is an important concern for aggressive chewers, Ballantyne cautions against offering things like antlers or bones. "There's a really high risk of them breaking their teeth on those, especially if they're a really aggressive chewer," she says. Wood sticks also pose a risk and can get stuck between a dog's teeth or the roof of their mouth, sometimes even damaging the intestinal tract, she adds.
With a natural texture from hemp and wood, Dogwood Calming Chews are a safe alternative to branches and sticks that can splinter. Plus, for dogs who love water play, these toys float.
Best plush
This fuzzy Furballz toy has reinforced stitching and two layers of fabric to withstand aggressive-chewer dogs.
- Double-stitched seams and two layers of fabric
- Available in two sizes
- Furry texture
- Need to press strongly to engage squeaker
"Destuffing a plushy toy is a joyous, satisfying, and perfectly safe activity for some dogs, where a very durable toy would sort of defeat the purpose," says Patrick Flynn, a professional dog trainer and founder of Patrick's Pet Care. However, direct supervision is always necessary. Flynn also cautions against allowing puppies and dogs known to eat toy parts to destroy plushies. These pups could ingest the material and potentially choke or experience a bowel obstruction.
Thankfully, some stuffed toys survive a little longer than others. The Furballz Plush Squeaker Ball is a round purple-colored plush toy with a fuzzy exterior that squeaks when chewed hard. The toy consists of two layers of fabric with a thick underlayer for added durability. Double-stitched, reinforced seams help protect the toy against repeated chewing.
Best treat-dispensing
This well-constructed food toy is ideal for pups who tend to gobble down their meals too fast.
- Offers mental and physical stimulation
- Fun wobbly design
- Dishwasher safe
- Not designed for chewing
"Puzzle toys are beneficial for the dogs who like them because they satisfy the innate need to work, have purpose, and solve problems," says Flynn. He adds that puzzle toys can also help slow down eaters who scarf down their food too quickly.
The Game provides all these benefits. The toy is oval-shaped but with a tapered top. Unscrew the top and bottom pieces and fill it with up to 1.5 cups of dry food or treats. The toy's weighted base keeps it upright while lending itself to a bobbing movement. While it is the most durable treat dispenser we've tested, it's still important to supervise super chewers with this toy, which has separate interior components.
Best ball
This durable ball is the perfect match for dogs who love to chomp on squeaky toys. It's available in three sizes, all of which are easy to throw far and have good bounce.
- Weatherproof
- Floats in water
- Easy to clean
- Not intended for long chew sessions
Many dogs can't resist chasing balls, especially one as bouncy and squeaky as the Ultra Squeaker Ball. The high-pitched noise of a squeaker can trigger a dog's prey drive and stimulate natural hunting instincts, says Petersel.
With a textured surface, the rubber ball is easy for both humans and dogs to grip. Its excellent bounce makes for unpredictable movement to challenge dogs. The ball is compatible with the brand's Classic Launcher to help you throw farther. It also floats, making it great for dogs who enjoy playing in the water.
Best bone
This durable nylon bone has an enticing bacon flavor.
- Bacon-flavored
- Made of durable nylon
- Only available in medium and large sizes
Made of tough, durable nylon, the BarkBone is a good choice for dogs that love to chew. The toy's bone-like design and strong bacon flavor are extra enticing.
While nylon toys are sturdy, they're not forever toys. "Whether [a toy] be rubber or some sort of synthetic material, it's likely that if you have a dog who's a really intense chewer, they're going to be able to destroy it," says Ballantyne. So when the bone begins to fray, it's time to replace it.
Best stuffable
This super-chewer version of the Kong Classic comes in five sizes and has plenty of room for treats.
- Heavy-duty rubber
- Good bounce
- Dishwasher safe
- Strong rubber odor
Pet experts frequently recommend toys from Kong, a brand that makes some of the toughest chew toys for dogs. The Extreme has the same design as the Kong Classic you may know and love but with a souped-up, heavy-duty rubber made to withstand the toughest chewers. The bobble-shaped toy is also a great introductory food puzzle that dogs can enjoy chewing long after emptying it of treats. You can fill it with peanut butter, the best dog treats, kibble, or the brand's Easy Treats.
When opting for a food toy like a Kong, Petersel says you'll want to be sure the toy is the appropriate size. Make sure the biggest part of the toy can't make it to the back of your dog's mouth. Kong brand has a handy sizing chart to help you choose the right size for your dog.
Best tug toy
The Kong Wubba isn't for constant gnawing, but its ballistic nylon exterior is tough enough for playing tug with a super chewer.
- Durable nylon exterior
- Bouncy ball
- Comes in three sizes
- Not ideal for lengthy chew sessions
The Wubba isn't a chew toy, but it's a tough toy for games of tug. The ball and tail design also works well for fetch. The Wubba comprises two balls wrapped in durable ballistic nylon with reinforced stitching for added longevity. One of the balls squeaks, and the other has plenty of bounce.
By paying attention to what your dog likes, whether a game of tug or fetch, you can find the right toys to keep them busy and happy, says Flynn. Ultimately, that might mean caring a bit less about whether a toy lasts for months on end. He also says what dogs like may change over time. "Once they've played with their favorite toy for the hundredth time, they may be understandably bored and want to move on," says Flynn.
Best big ball
Large dogs with strong jaws will have long-lasting fun with this ball-within-a-ball toy.
- Fun ball-in-ball design
- Floats in water
- Made of high-density material
- Hard plastic might scratch some wood floors
Because this big ball is made of high-density polyethylene plastic, it's one of the best dog toys for aggressive chewers who may get mouthy during play. However, the real purpose of this toy is to encourage active play and provide mental stimulation. With a ball-in-ball design, the toy's erratic rolling action will keep dogs guessing. To make things even more interesting for your pup, try spreading peanut butter on the interior ball, or if your dog is a swimmer, you can toss the floatable ball into the pool.
Ballantyne points out that when you give a large breed dog a small toy, there's a risk that they may swallow it. The Jolly Ball comes in multiple diameters, up to 10 inches, to suit different-sized dog breeds.
Best subscription box
The Bullymake subscription box is filled with the toughest chew toys for dogs.
- Super durable toys
- Cute themes
- Tasty treats
- Pricey
- Some toys may be too hard
One way to maintain a steady supply of the best dog toys for aggressive chewers is to sign up for a subscription box. The Bullymake box is specifically for dogs who tend to destroy everything as soon as they get their jaws on it.
Each monthly box includes two to three toys and three packages of treats. Examples of toys that might show up at your doorstep include chew, puzzle, and tug toys made from strong materials like nylon, rubber, and rope.
Read more about Bullymake in our guide to the best dog subscription boxes.
What to look for in dog toys for aggressive chewers
When you're shopping for the best dog toys for aggressive chewers, here's what our experts say to keep in mind:
- Safety: Above all, a quality toy should be safe. When it comes to the best chew toys for dogs, Quest says you should be able to make an indentation in its material if you press it with your fingernail. If the toy doesn't indent, it's probably too hard and could damage your dog's teeth. Ballantyne recommends toys made of dense rubber for super chewers, but remember that almost anything can break into tiny, potentially ingestible pieces.
- Durability: The toughest chew toys should withstand the strength of an aggressive chewer's jaws. However, Flynn says indulging your dog's penchant for ripping apart toys is also OK if you provide direct supervision.
- Size: You'll want to look at a toy's sizing guidelines to ensure it's the appropriate size for your dog. If a toy is too small, your dog is at risk of swallowing it, which could create an intestinal blockage and be fatal. If you're unsure a toy is the right size for your dog, your vet can provide guidance.
- Materials: Ballantyne recommends materials like rubber when purchasing toys for a super chewer. If you're looking for soft toys, extra-durable options typically have two layers of fabric and reinforced seams. Different dogs may appreciate different textures, so it can be beneficial to mix things up, says Petersel.
How we selected the best dog toys for aggressive chewers
When putting together our picks for the toughest chew toys, we based our selections on a combination of testing, brand reputation, and the advice of the veterinarians and professional dog trainers we interviewed. We determined a brand's reputation through firsthand experience and customer reviews.
Toys for aggressive-chewer dogs FAQs
What is the best dog toy for a heavy chewer?
The Kong Extreme line of toys is a good place to start if you're looking for the toughest chew toys for dogs. These durable rubber toys are for strong chewers and lengthy chew sessions. No toy is completely indestructible. However, our experts say rubber toys like those from Kong's Extreme line are typically very durable and safe for a dog's teeth and gums.
What material is best for aggressive chewers?
Toys made of dense rubber are ideal for super chewers, according to Ballantyne. However, she says some dogs get a kick out of ripping up plush toys. If that's the case, you'll need constant supervision while they tear it to shreds.
What do you give an aggressive chewer?
It's essential to provide safe toys that don't pose a risk of ingestion or damage to teeth, but it's also crucial to satisfy your dog's personal preferences, says Petersel. If you give your dog a durable toy that it finds ultra-boring, it might opt to chew inappropriate items. The bottom line is that the perfect chew toy depends on your dog's personality, says Ballantyne. For example, if your dog loves to chew for long periods but tends to ingest pieces of whatever they're gnawing on, giving them an edible chew might be a safer alternative than synthetic toys.
Why does my dog aggressively chew toys?
Inappropriate chewing might be due to boredom or anxiety, but your dog might just think it's fun. It's natural for dogs to chew things, but some dogs are more into chewing than others. Ultimately, aggressive chewing is only a problem if your dog is chewing on things they shouldn't, like furniture and shoes.
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