21 Best Indestructible Dog Toys: Top Picks For Aggressive Chewers

Some dogs are pretty gentle on their toys, but others tear through normal toys like they’re nothing.

And even rough and tough dogs deserve some solid, near-indestructible dog toys in their lives (and you certainly don’t want to let your dog get bored, unless you’re totally fine with your dog tearing through your house and wreaking havoc!)

You want dog toys for your tough chewer, but the wrong type of dog toys won’t last a single hour. 

Even worse, when tough dogs chew through some dog toys, they risk seriously harming themselves.

Just as owners of chew-happy dogs often need to purchase chew-proof dog beds, those of us with aggressive chewers need chew-proof toys as well!

In this guide, we’ll show you how to find dog toys built specifically with tough chewers in mind, plus we’ll share our top picks when it comes to rough and tough dog toys.

Continue reading for more in-depth reviews

Which Type of Indestructible Dog Chew Toy Is Best for Your Pup?

There are a number of things to consider when looking for an indestructible dog toy for your pet, including materials, size, durability level, and whether or not the toy is backed by a manufacturer’s warranty.

However, the first thing you’ll want to consider is the type of chew toy that’ll suit your dog best.

There are a lot of toy shapes and options on the market, and they each work best in different situations. But generally speaking, tough dog chew toys fall into one of several basic categories.

We’ll discuss the pros and cons of each, and we’ll also group our product recommendations into these groups below, to make it easier for you to find the perfect chew toy for your power chewer.

Ring-Shaped Chew Toys

Ring-shaped chew toys are one of the most common options pet parents will encounter when seeking super-durable dog chew toys.

Easy for dogs to tote around and interesting enough to keep their attention, circular chew toys like these are also pretty safe, as they’re hard for dogs to swallow (most are simply too large). Dogs also have difficulty getting a lot of leverage on them, which means they’ll usually last quite a while longer than toys of other shapes.

Rings can also be fun for fetch, and large ones may even work for low-intensity tug-of-war sessions. There is a small chance that your dog could get his lower jaw through the opening in some ring-shaped toys, but most of the best ones have pretty small holes that would prevent this from happening.

Bone and Stick-Style Chew Toys

Bone-shaped chew toys are usually best-suited for dogs who like gnawing on things for long periods of time.

They offer your pet two or more different shapes (the thinner middle section and the bulbous ends) to enjoy, and they’re usually easy for dogs to hold and manipulate.

On the other hand, bone-shaped chew toys are not always very good for interactive play with your pet.

They’re often too heavy to work as throwing toys, and they don’t work very well for tugging games either.

Nevertheless, there’s a reason the classic bone shape is so popular (aside from the cuteness factor), and the best dog chew bones often make great heavy-duty dog toys for power-chewing pups.

Stuffable Chew Toys

If you have a brainy, easily bored canine, you may want to consider dog toys that hide his favorite treats inside.

These types of toys will usually keep your pet busy for long periods of time, as he’ll have to work diligently to obtain the tasty prize.

These types of toys don’t work well for fetch or tug of war, but they’re great for giving your dog an outlet for his chewing and incorporating interactive games into your routine.

Plus, yummy treats are always a good thing!

Tug Toys and Ropes

A lot of super-resilient dog toys are designed for playing tugging games with your pet.

These toys come in a variety of styles, including figure-8s and “S” shapes, as well as knotted ropes. They usually have some type of “handle” for you and your dog to grab, and they’re built from materials that have a high tensile strength (which simply means that they won’t break easily if you yank on each end).

Some will work for fetch or solo-chewing time too, it just depends on their materials and design.

At any rate, many power-chewing dogs love to play tug of war with their peeps, so these are often the best indestructible dog toys for pit bulls, Rottweilers, and other pups that like to pull.

Ball-Style Chew Toys

Ball-shaped chew toys are best suited for dogs who want to play fetch or chase toys that bounce in unpredictable ways.

They will not only hold up to wear and tear better than most alternatives (such as traditional Frisbees), they’re safer than tennis balls, and many will work with ball-launching devices.

Solid rubber dog balls are ideal, but some indestructible dog balls are hollow inside. As long as the materials used in the construction are resilient enough for your dog’s teeth, either style will work fine.

However, ball-shaped chew toys are utterly useless for tugging games, and they aren’t great for solo chewing sessions either.

Discs and Other Flying Chew Toys

Disc-style toys are essentially Frisbees for dogs, although many feature interesting design elements that make them perfect for pooch use.

For example, many dog discs are made from flexible materials. This makes them much easier for your dog to grab when they’re laying flat on the ground (anyone who’s seen a dog scoot a rigid disc around the ground while growing more and more frustrated will understand the value this provides).

Others are made with holes in the middle or other things that make them well-suited for woofers.

Do note that the basic disc shape makes it easy for doggos to get their mouths around them and use quite a bit of leverage. So, while some are pretty darn resilient, they’re rarely as tough as other kinds of toys made from similar materials.

They can still work well for power chewers, but they’re generally better-suited for fetch games than general chompin’ and chewin’.

Plush or Soft Chew Toys

We’ll admit that the notion of a soft yet “indestructible” dog toy seems like a bit of an oxymoron. But there are soft, plush-style dog toys that are designed to be really durable.

These types of toys are great for power-chewing dogs who like to cuddle with their toys or just carry them around everywhere. They’re also pretty darn cute in most cases.

Some of these toys are flingable enough to work for light games of fetch, and you can use some of them for relatively gentle tug sessions too. But they’ll rarely hold up quite as well as more rigid toys, so definitely think carefully before opting for this type of toy.

If you do think a soft chew toy is right for your pooch, look for one of the most durable ones you can find — preferably one that is made from multiple layers of fabric.

21 Best “Indestructible” Dog Toys for Aggressive Chewers

Here are our choice picks when it comes to the best dog toys for tough chewers. While no dog toy is 100% guaranteed to be indestructible, these dog toys come as close as it gets.

Ring-Style Chew Toys

Dogs often love the way chew rings feel in their mouth, and owners often love them because of their versatility and safety. But not all chew rings are strong enough for power chewers, so be sure to stick to the ones discussed below if your canine makes quick work of typical chew toys.

1. Goughnuts Black MAXX Pro 50 Ring

About: If you’re done screwing around and want the toughest chew toy money can buy, you definitely need to checkout the Goughnuts Black MAXX Pro 50 Ring. This toy is not only tougher than nails, and is backed by Goughnuts’ lifetime warranty

• Backed by the manufacturer’s lifetime guarantee. If your dog exposes the red coloration, simply send it back to Goughnuts for a free replacement.
• Made in the USA. All Goughnuts toys are made right here in America.
• Designed for unsupervised, solo chewing. We still think pet parents should always supervise dogs while enjoying a chew toy, but Goughnuts characterizes this toy as suitable for unattended dogs.

2. KONG Tires

About: KONG Tires are adorable little chew toys that are as tough as they look like they are. These US-made chews are made from the same “extreme” black rubber KONG uses for all of their super durable chews, which means they should hold up well for most dogs. Additionally, these tires have a hollow slot around the inside, which you can fill with treats, dog-safe peanut butter, or other spreads.

• Super durable. Made from KONG’s extreme black rubber, these chews should hold up well for power chewers.
• Internal slot for adding tasty spreads. This can increase the appeal of the tire and provide additional enrichment.
• Made in the USA. Like most other KONG products, these tires are made in the USA.
• Available in small and medium/large. The larger size is suitable for dogs weighing up to 65 pounds.

3. Nylabone Power Chew Ring

About: Nylabone makes a number of dog chews made from hard, durable nylon and then mixed with flavoring agents — like bacon cheeseburger in the case of these Power Chew Rings. These are the some of the toughest products in the Nylabone lineup and they’re made to stand up to really heavy chewers.

Note that these are not truly “edible” toys, but your dog will end up swallowing teeny tiny portions of them over time. Accordingly, you’ll always want to supervise your pet while he’s enjoying one of these, and be sure to replace it if it becomes damaged or small enough to swallow.

• Flavor-infused nylon material. The nylon is quite durable while the bacon cheeseburger flavoring helped to catch and keep your dog’s attention.
• Available in 4 sizes. You can get a Power Chew Ring in sizes appropriate for puppies to 50-pound adult dogs.
• May provide dental benefits. Like most other nylon bones and other hard chews, these Power Chew Rings may help scrape plaque and debris from your dog’s teeth.
• Made in the USA. Nylabone is a US-based manufacturer that’s been around for years.

Bone and Stick-Style Chew Toys

Sticks and bone shapes are iconic for a reason: They work wonderfully for dogs! Try one with your doggo and see if he likes it as much as most puppers do!

4. Goughnuts HD MAXX Stick

About: The Goughnuts HD MAXX Stick is specifically designed to be fun and satisfying for dogs to chew, while simultaneously being one of the safest chew toys on the market.

The HD MAXX Stick is made from a chomptastic rubber that will keep your dog occupied while remaining gentle on his teeth. Additionally, like most of the brand’s other toys, the HD MAXX Stick is backed by the brand’s lifetime warranty

• The HD MAXX Stick is available in several sizes and durability ratings. This gives you the chance to get the perfect chew toy for your specific pet (please refer to Goughnuts’ size chart before ordering to ensure maximum fun and safety).
• Durable rubber material won’t harm your dog’s teeth. The HD MAXX Stick may be supremely durable, but its made from a rubber that most pooches enjoy chewing.
• This toy is used by police K9 departments around the world. Professional K9 handlers don’t gamble with their dog’s safety by using inferior toys, so you can buy the HD MAXX Stick with confidence.
• Made in the USA. US-made toys are typically safer and often more durable than those made overseas.

5. West Paw Zogoflex Hurley Tough Dog Bone

About: The West Paw Zogoflex Hurley Tough Dog Bone is a rough and tough dog toy for heavy chewers – a bone-a-fide win (haha, get it?). Simply put, this is one of the best dog chew bones around for solo chomping, and it is also great for playing fetch.

• It floats. This dog bone can float in water, making it great for playing fetch at the beach or pool.
• 100% damage free guarantee. If your dog destroys the Hurley bone, get a new one sent to you ASAP!
• Made in the USA. Manufactured in Bozeman, Montana, like all West Paw toys.
• Easy to clean. This toy can just be thrown in the dishwasher to be cleaned.
• Super safe. This toy is BPA-and-Phthalate-free, non-toxic, and FDA compliant.
• Color options. These toys are available in your choice of three fun colors.

6. Benebone Real Flavor Wishbone

About: The Benebone Wishbone is a wishbone-shaped chew toy made from a very hard nylon material that most dogs enjoy chewing. This toy is not designed to be edible, but the nylon is infused with delicious flavors that will provide additional enjoyment for your pooch.  

• Benebone’s Wishbone is made in a dog-friendly shape. To help ensure it is easy for your dog to hold, chew, and play with the Benebone Wishbone features grooves and a unique shape that is ergonomically designed to be perfect for canines.
• Everything about the Benebone Wishbone is made in New York, USA. This not only includes the chew toy itself, but the packaging, tooling, and ingredient sourcing too.
• 100% real food ingredients are used to provide the flavor. This includes things like real bacon, peanuts, and chicken.
• Benebone donates a portion of their proceeds to dog welfare organizations. If you’re going to buy a chew toy for your pooch, you may as well do business with a company that gives back to canines in need.

Stuffable Chew Toys

Stuffable chew toys — those that have internal compartments to hold treats, spreads, or kibble — are life-savers for some dog moms and dads. In addition to serving as a typical chew, these toys (and the interactive games you can play with them) can help provide mental stimulation, thereby keeping your canine occupied and enriching his life.

7. KONG Extreme

About: The Classic KONG is likely the most highly recommended chew by trainers and canine behaviorists, due to the fact that it is so versatile — it’s great for chewing and fetch, and once stuffed with delicious treats, it can serve as a great canine enrichment tool.

But unfortunately, the Classic KONG isn’t quite strong enough for true power chewers. That’s OK, because the KONG Extreme certainly is! Made from KONG’s most durable rubber material, this chew will allow your canine to chomp-chomp-chomp to his heart’s content.

• “Wobbler” shape is fun for dogs. Not only is it great for holding and chewing, but it bounces in unpredictable ways making it good for fetch too.
• Made in the USA. Pet parents love being confident that their dog’s toy is safe and well-built.
• Provides the perfect combination of texture and durability. The KONG Extreme is soft enough to prevent dental damage, yet tough enough for power-chewing pooches.
• Available in 5 sizes. Try to select the largest size your dog can comfortably use to help make the toy last as long as possible.

8. West Paw Tux Stuffable Tough Treat Toy

About: The West Paw Tux Stuffable Treat Toy, designed for powerful chewers, adds in the option to insert treats and goodies, which are dispensed as your dog plays.

• Hollow space for treat dispensing. You can stuff the Tux toy with treats, encouraging your dog to play and engage with the toy, keeping him stimulated.
• Floats, bounces, and flies. This dog toy can serve as a one-stop shop for your canine fun – it can float, bounce, and be used for fetch!
• Easy to clean. As with the Hurley bone, the Tux can also be tossed in the dishwasher for a quick and easy cleaning.
• Ultra-tough. The Tux is made from durable rubber material and designed specifically for dogs who love to gnaw.
• Color options. Like many other West Paw toys, the Tux is available in several fun colors.

9. RUFFWEAR Gnawt-a-Rock

About: The RUFFWEAR Gnawt-a-Rock is a different kind of stuffable chew toy.

Designed to look like a rock, this durable dog chew features an internal compartment. You can give it to your dog empty, but it’s much more fun (and stimulating for your pet) to add some treats or kibble to the inside.

Additionally, the Gnawt-a-Rock is fun for fetch games, as it is light enough to throw and bounces in fun and unusual ways to keep your dog guessing.

• Hollow design means you can stuff this toy with tasty tidbits. Throw some kibble pieces or training treats inside to keep your dog interested for hours.
• Durable yet lightweight. Unlike some other toys for aggressive chewers, this one is easy for you to throw and your dog to tote.
• Gum-massaging surface is great for teething pups. Young pups can become chewing terrors while teething, but this toy will help soothe and massage gums.
• Made from natural rubber. Pet parents love knowing that this chew is made from good ‘ol fashioned latex rubber.

Tug Toys and Ropes

Many power-chewing puppers also love playing tug-of-war with their peeps, making these tug toys and ropes fantastic options!

10. Goughnuts MAXX Tug HD

About: That’s right — we’re recommending another Goughnuts product. This time, it’s the brand’s super-durable tug toy, called the MAXX Tug HD. Made from Goughnuts’ toughest rubber, these tug toys are great for power-chewer chompin’ as well as playing tug-of-war with mom or dad.

Do note that while these toys are incredibly strong, they are not quite as durable as some of Goughnuts other offerings (such as the Black MAXX Pro 50 Ring, discussed earlier).

• Multi-function chew toy. Great for (supervised) chewing or tugging.
• Available in 2 sizes. The smaller option is appropriate for dogs weighing between 30 and 70 pounds; the larger option is for dogs weighing up to 120 pounds.
• Proudly made in the USA. Additionally, Goughnuts is a family-owned company, who carefully oversees the development of their products.
• Designed for power-chewing pooches. The large size has 1.5-inch cross section, making it very hard for dogs to destroy.

11. Mammoth Flossy 3-Knot Tug Rope

About: The Mammoth Flossy 3-Knot Tug Rope is a durable rope toy with double benefits — it cleans your dog’s teeth while he plays!

• Several sizes. Comes in 5 different sizes and lengths depending on your dog.
• Promotes healthy dog teeth. The rope fibers will floss your dog’s teeth as he chews and tugs!
• Cotton-blend of colors. Made with three different colors woven together for a fun design.

12. KONG Tug

About: Designed specifically for tugging, the KONG Tug is a great option for puppers who love to pull. Made from KONG’s classic rubber recipe, this toy stretches and recoils to make it fun during playtime (and to avoid wearing your arms out!), yet it will also hold up to moderate chewing.

This is not the toughest chew toy around, but it will hold up for many dogs and its versatility makes it a great value.

• Made in the USA. Because it’s made in the states, you can use this with your woofer in worry-free fashion.
• Manufactured using KONG’s “classic” rubber. The original material that put KONG on the map, this durable rubber is safe and fun for dogs to chew.
• Large handles make it easy to grip. Unlike some other tug toys, this one is fun for humans and doggos alike.
• Designed to stretch. This tug toy stretches a bit when pulled, making it safer to use.

Ball-Style Chew Toys

Ball-shaped chew toys are pretty iconic, and for some four-footers, nothing else even compares! Good for chompin’ and fantastic for fetchin’ balls are an easy choice for some pet parents.

13. KONG Extreme Rubber Ball

About: The KONG Extreme Dog Toy Rubber Ball is another highly-rated KONG product, tough enough to withstand your power chewer and his relentless teeth.

Considered by many an indestructible dog ball, this is an excellent choice for pooches that demolish your run-of-the-mill tennis balls!

• Ultra bouncy and durable. This bouncy ball for chewers is the most durable dog ball on the market.
• Puncture resistant. This rubber balls claims to be completely puncture-resistant.
• Made in the USA. Like all KONG products, this rubber ball is made in the USA.

14. West Paw Jive Zogoflex Durable Ball Dog Chew Toy

About: The Jive Zogoflex is a relatively indestructible dog ball that is perfect for aggressive chewers who love to play fetch.

And this toy is not only safer and tougher than a tennis ball, it’s also more fun for dogs to chase, as it bounces in unpredictable ways.

• This fetch toy floats. This makes it ideal for playtime at the pool or beach.
• Several sizes and colors. The Jive Zogoflex is available in three sizes and three different colors.
• Environmentally friendly! You can recycle your Jive Zogoflex once you’re ready to replace it.
• Made in the USA. All West Paw Design products are made in the USA.

15. Planet Dog Orbee-Tuff Squeak Ball

About: Planet Dog’s Orbee-Tuff Squeak Ball is a durable ball toy your dog can chase, catch, and chomp to his heart’s content, as it’s made specifically for aggressive chewers.

• This ball is made in the USA. This means you can rest assured it was manufactured under strict safety and quality-control standards.
• Rated a 5 out of 5 on the manufacturer’s durability scale. Made from Planet Dog’s special Orbee-Tuff material, this is one of the most durable dog balls on the market.
• Better than a tennis ball.  With a 3-inch diameter, this ball is less likely to pose a choking hazard than tennis balls, and it won’t abrade your dog’s teeth the way tennis ball felt can over time.
• Contains no glues or adhesives. Dogs end up swallowing parts of the toys they destroy, but you needn’t worry about your dog getting sick from the adhesives used in this ball because there aren’t any!
• Available in your choice of two bright colors. The Orbee-Tuff Squeak Ball comes in blue or orange.

Discs and Other Flying Chew Toys

Discs and Frisbee-style toys are another great option for dogs who like to play fetch. They are easier for some pet parents to chuck than balls (though this certainly isn’t universal), and some dogs love tracking them down in flight.

16. KONG Flyer

About: The KONG Flyer is a great durable dog toy from the KONG collection, fit for throwing with your furry friend. Made from KONG’s classic rubber, it’s not only fun to fling, it’s also tough enough for many chomptastic canines.

• Tough and durable. The Flyer is made out of the classic and trusted KONG natural rubber that’s also non-toxic.
• Ideal for fetch. This toy is perfect for playing fetch with your tough chewer.
• Super safe. Since the KONG Flyer is made of rubber, it’s softer on your dog’s teeth and gums than classic plastic frisbees.
• Available in several sizes. Comes in small and large size.
• Made in the USA. KONG toys are manufactured in the USA

17. SuperChewy Tough Flying Disc

About: There are a few discs designed to be tough enough for power-chewing puppers, but few actually live up to that claim. But the SuperChewy Tough Flying Disc is a different animal entirely.

Made from super-resilient, industrial-strength rubber, this toy is built to last and backed by the manufacturer’s lifetime replacement guarantee. Best of all, this disc is available in multiple sizes so you can pick the perfect one for your pooch.

• Made from 100% non-toxic, food-grade industrial rubber. Unlike flimsy dog discs, this one is incredibly durable and built to last.
• Specially selected color. The manufacturer has made this disc a blue color that is thought to make it especially easy for dogs to see.
• Backed by the manufacturer’s lifetime replacement guarantee. Don’t worry about throwing money down the drain — just contact the manufacturer for a replacement if the toy fails.
• Flexible material is easy for dogs to pick up. No more watching your dog get frustrated while kicking a disc around.

18. Tuffy Mega Boomerang

About: The Tuffy Mega Boomerang is one of the few dog toys for aggressive chewers made of fabric that can withstand those tough teeth!

• Available in several colors. Available in tiger, brick, or chain link design pattern.
• Floats. This is another tough chewer dog toy that floats!
• Machine washable. Just toss it in the machine to get it clean.
• Frisbee or tug. This toy can be used as a frisbee fetch toy or a tug-of-war toy.
• Tons of layered stitching and material. This Tuffy dog toy features several layers of luggage-grade material with several layers of cross stitching for additional safety and protection.

Soft and Plush Chew Toys

Even dogs who’re ready to chew through concrete can still like soft things! In fact, many power-chewing pooches actually love soft, plush dog toys. The problem is, finding ones that’ll hold up to these bear-trap-jawed cuties. But these soft chew toys are surprisingly durable and likely to last!

19. Outward Hound Invincibles Stuffingless Snake

About: Outward Hound Invincibles Snake is an animal-themed chew toy that is made without any stuffing material. This means your dog won’t be at risk of choking or eating toy stuffing (or causing a mess in your home), if he manages to rip it open.

• Each toy comes with internal Invincible Squeakers. These super-durable squeakers are designed to stand up to your dog’s teeth and ensure the squeaky fun lasts.
• These toys feature Outward Hound’s Chew Shield Technology, which helps them endure anything your dog can throw at ‘em! Invincibles Snakes also feature super strong Dura-Tuff Seams to help provide even greater durability.
• Available in three sizes. The large version comes with three internal squeakers, the extra-large comes with six, and the extra-extra-large version includes 12 internal squeakers.   
• You can get an Invincibles Snake in three different color schemes: Blue/Green, Green/Yellow, and Orange/Blue.

20. ZippyPaws Skinny Peltz No Stuffing Plush Toy

About: The ZippyPaws Skinny Peltz Dog Toy is a durable plaything that is perfect for aggressive chewers who like plush toys.

Sold in packs of three, these stuffing-free toys will give your dog a fun cuddle mate that should stand up to their teeth better than most other toys will.

• Available in two sizes. Skinny Peltz are available in small (11 inches long) and large (18 inches long) versions to suit your pooch.
• Adorable woodland creature designs. With each pack of three, you get a raccoon, a fox, and a squirrel.
• Internal squeakers included. Squeakers help keep your dog’s interest and take playtime to another level. Each Skinny Peltz comes with two internal squeakers. 

21. SmartPetLove Tender-Tuffs Big Shots Plush Dog Toy

About: SmartPetLove’s Tender-Tuffs Plush Toy is another soft and furry toy, but unlike the cheap plush toys your dog can rip apart in seconds, this one uses the company’s proprietary TearBlok technology to ensure it lasts.

It isn’t specifically designed to be a chew toy, but given the design features and materials used, it’ll hold up better than most other plush toys.

• Comes with a puncture-proof internal squeaker. This means it’ll keep your pet’s attention (most dogs love squeakers) long after many other squeakers stop working due to tooth-inflicted damage.
• Available in four different animal designs: Grouper, Manatee, Yellow Angelfish, and Blue Shark.
• Constructed with double-stitched seems. This means it’ll hold up much better than typical plush toys.
• They’re relatively large. A lot of plush dog toys are too small for big pooches, but these are perfectly sized for medium to large breeds.

Indestructible Dog Toys For Aggressive Chewers: Finding the Best Materials

When it comes to heavy-duty dog toys for extreme chewers, you need to select one made of suitably tough materials. Below, you’ll find a few of the materials that you want to seek out, as well as a few materials you want to make sure to avoid.

Ideal Materials For Tough Dog Toys

The following materials are some of the very best options, which should stand up well to your dog’s dental daggers. You’ll still want to use caution at the outset (no material is truly indestructible), but these materials are usually very durable.

Rubber. The vast majority of dog toys created specifically with aggressive chewers in mind are made of rubber. Rubber is durable and virtually indestructible, so this material should be your first pick in a dog toy.

Just look for rubber toys with soft, malleable edges that are smooth and not sharp. Also, note that solid rubber is generally more durable than rubber toys with internal cavities. Soft rubber toys are also great for puppies who are teething!

Thick rope material. Rope toys are another popular dog toy for tough chewers. Rope toys are durable, easy to clean (just throw them in the wash), and relatively safe.

Even better, most rope toys can double as tug-of-war toys, providing fun for canines and their owners!

Just be sure to monitor your dog so that he doesn’t end up eating significant quantities of string. But if you don’t mind doing that, rope toys can make a great choice for chewers.

Rope also makes a great leash material for tough dogs that might bust or chew through traditional leads.

Materials to Avoid for Tough Dog Toys

Chew toys made with the following materials or items are almost never strong enough for power-chewing pups. Generally speaking, you’ll want to avoid them entirely.

Latex or vinyl toys. Again, these toys are often cute and fun, but they just aren’t durable enough for the strong teeth of super-chewin’ dogs.

When dogs bite through toys like these, they can also create sharp edges that will destroy your dog’s mouth and cause extreme discomfort (as well as potentially lead to an infection).

Squeaker toys. Squeakers aren’t really “materials,” but you’ll still want to avoid them if you have a power-chewing pupper. Squeaker toys are tons of fun for dogs, but the risks are just too high for tough chewers.

Rough dogs can easily tear through most “indestructible” squeaky dog toys on their mission to find the noise-making device inside. Once they find that squeaker, they often eat it, and that’s no good.

Squeaky toys may be acceptable for interactive use if you watch your dog closely, but they should never be given to dogs for solo play. 

Hit-or-Miss Materials That May or May Not Work for Power Chewers

Many materials used to make indestructible dog chew toys fit neatly into one of the two categories discussed above, but others aren’t so easy to characterize.

They may work for some dogs, yet be completely inadequate for others. So, just be sure that you supervise closely (especially during the first few play sessions) if you select a toy made from one of the materials below.

Kevlar. Kevlar is a fabric used in the manufacture of bullet-proof vests, sails, drum heads, and other items which must stand up to a considerable amount of wear and tear. And over the last few years, many manufacturers have begun making Kevlar dog toys.

There are a number of reasons Kevlar dog toys are intriguing options for power chewers. For starters, it has a tensile strength five times greater than steel! But part of the reason it stops bullets, knives, and (theoretically) your dog’s teeth is that the fibers of Kevlar are extremely tight. This makes it difficult for things to punch through the material.

But in practice, Kevlar doesn’t always work well for chew toys. It does appear capable of standing up to some dogs (even power chewers), but it seems to fall apart pretty readily when others get their chompers on it.

 Firehose Material. A few manufacturers make their toys from fire hoses. Firehose material is built to withstand incredible internal pressures as well as the wear and tear firehoses experience during use, so it is certainly a material worthy of consideration.

But unfortunately, it isn’t quite as awesome as dog owners may hope. While firehose dog toys do appear to hold up well for some dog owners, they have failed spectacularly for others. At least one family found themselves spending thousands of dollars to save their dog after she choked on part of the toy.

So, while you may want to give a firehose dog toy a try, be sure to use caution when doing so.

When Buying Chew-Proof Dog Toys, Get the Right Size

When it comes to getting the right dog toys for your aggressive chewer, it’s important to keep size in mind.

Toys that are too small can easily cause large dogs to choke. Use the same discretion with dog toys as you would use with a baby – if it could potentially cause a choking hazard, avoid it at all costs.

Make sure your dog toys are always too large to swallow!

Also, generally speaking, the larger the toy, the better it will stand up to your dog’s teeth and jaws.

As long as the toy is small enough that your dog can play with it and gnaw on it, it’s generally a good idea to opt for the largest toys possible.

Best Indestructible Dog Toy Brands For Rough Canines

Many dog toy companies market their toys as tough, but few stand up to the test. These manufacturers are proven pros when it comes to creating tough, durable dog toys that can withstand the powerful jaws of your chewer!

Goughnuts. A family- and woman-owned company based in Modesto, California, Goughnuts claims to offer the safest dog toys on the market. All of their toys are made from specially formulated rubber and designed by a chemist with more than 30 years of chew toy experience.

Goughnuts offers a variety of different toys, ranging from sticks to balls to rings to tugs, making it easy to pick the one that’ll suit your specific dog best. And each one is guaranteed for life, which is obviously a benefit for owners of aggressive chewers. Most of the toys also come in multiple colors, sizes, and durability levels.

KONG. Most famously known for their Kong Ball, Kong creates some of the most durable dog toys on the market. They also have a pretty decent variety, providing balls, toys, snacks, and more.

Many Kong toys also have a hole that can be filled with treats or goodies that will keep your dog occupied while you’re away (if you’ve got a Kong, make sure to check out our list of the best recipes to insert in your Kong ball!)

West Paw Design. West Paw Design is another dog toy brand that does a really fantastic job at creating great dog toys for tough chewers. All their toys are made in the USA (Bozeman, Montana to be specific), safe, and 100% tough chewer guaranteed (which means you can send back any destroyed toy and get a new one for free). All their toys are also FDA-compliant and recyclable. See the full variety of West Paw Design’s great toys!

Nylabone. Nylabone specialized in dental dog chews that help promote good canine hygiene. With chews and toys in a variety of sizes and designs, Nylabone is a favorite of veterinarians. Check out the full collection of Nylabone offerings!

Breeds That May Need Especially Tough Toys

Power chewers come in all shapes, sizes and breeds, so there aren’t any cut-and-dry rules regarding which dogs will need premium chew toys and which ones can get by with run-of-the-mill versions.

However, there are a few breeds that often exhibit destructive chewing and usually require heavy-duty dog toys.

For example, you’ll often need indestructible dog toys for pit bulls and other breeds with blocky heads and big jaws. We’ll list a few of the breeds that most commonly need super-strong toys below.

• American pit bull terriers
• American Staffordshire terriers
• Beagles
• Siberian huskies
• German shepherds
• Shetland sheepdogs
• Bull terriers
• Jack Russel terriers
• Labrador retrievers
• Golden retrievers
• Australian shepherds

Cheap Chew Toys Are a Bad Investment

We wanted to make one last point before we dive into a few of the specific chew toys that are good for power chewers:

Dog ownership is often expensive, and we all have budgetary limitations.

But while you can try to save money on some purchases for your pet, don’t skimp on your dog’s chew toys – especially if your pup is prone to destructive chewing.

Simply put, cheap chew toys may endanger your dog.

Your dog may tear them up and then choke on the pieces or suffer an obstruction. Or, he may damage his teeth chewing on something that’s too hard.

And there’s also the fact that not all budget-priced dog toys are made from non-toxic materials.

You won’t care that you saved 10 bucks on a chew toy if your pup ends up in the vet’s office, racking up thousands of dollars in medical bills.

Also, safety concerns aside, cheap chew toys don’t save you any money in the long run.

You’ll just end up replacing them more quickly and spending more money over time. Just go ahead and pick up a few of the best chew-proof dog toys you can find.

Chew Toy Safety Tips!  

Some chew toys are definitely safer and more durable than others, but no toy is truly indestructible. Chew toys are an important dog-care tool, but you must be sure to keep your dog’s safety at the forefront of your mind.

So, be sure that you always employ the following safety tips:

• Don’t allow your dog to chew on his new toy unsupervised for a week or so. This will give you some time to verify that the toy is capable of holding up to your pup’s chompers.
• Inspect the toy after each play session. Look for any serious damage and proceed accordingly. If your dog puts a few tooth marks in a hard-rubber toy, it may still be safe to use. But, if your pooch has managed to peel or rip off any pieces, you should discard it or return it to the manufacturer.
• Keep your pet’s toy clean. A lot of owners forget to clean their pet’s chew toys on a regular basis. Your dog’s toys certainly don’t need to be sterile, but you don’t want them to become coated in saliva, bacteria, and dirt from the kitchen floor. This is especially important for dog toys that work in conjunction with treats.
• Use care when playing with tug-style toys. Many dogs love playing tug-of-war, and there are a number of great toys designed for doing so. Just be sure you don’t jerk the toy while it’s in your dog’s mouth and always ensure he gets a good grip with his teeth. Failing to do so could lead to very painful (and expensive) dental problems.
• Be careful with toys if you have multiple canines. Some dogs become very possessive of their toys, which can lead to fighting, intimidation, and other types of social strife among your pups.

Tough Chew Toy FAQs

The entire subject of chew toys – especially those designed for aggressive chewers – sparks a number of questions in the minds of owners. We’ll try to address a few of the most common below (but don’t hesitate to post your own questions in the comments section!)

***

So there you have it — 21 of the best, most durable dog toys for aggressive chewers! Do you have more toys to add to the list? Any toy shapes we missed? Share your favorite rough and tough dog toys in the comments below!

Got a super chomper on your hands? Make sure to also check out our articles on chew-proof dog harnesses, heavy duty dog leashes, and heavy-duty escape-proof dog crates too for those rough and tough canines!