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Are you sick of spending your hard-earned dollars on dog toys only to have them ripped apart and strewn all around your house within minutes? If your dog destroys every toy you buy, I’ve got some solutions for you that can withstand colossal chewers. One of the most frustrating parts of being a dog owner is buying a fun new toy for your dog only to find it destroyed within five minutes. That’s not only hard on your wallet, but it can also be dangerous for your dog. Unfortunately, we’ve all been there.
Here are my top recommendations for the best dog toys for aggressive chewers by category (along with some tips on dealing with your heavy chewer).
| For Fetch | Durable | Teeth Cleaning | Interactive | Dual Action | Tug of War |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |  |  |  |  |  |
| Orbee-Tuff | Kong | Mammoth Rope | West Paw | Nylabone | Goughnuts |
| Read Review | Read Review | Read Review | Read Review | Read Review | Read Review |
| View on Chewy | View on Chewy | View on Amazon | View on Chewy | View on Chewy | View on Amazon |
What Is An Indestructible Dog Toy? Does Your Dog Need One?
An indestructible toy is as close to unbreakable as a dog toy can be. They are designed to hold up to aggressive dogs that play rough. This isn’t to say that these toys are unbreakable, but they certainly last longer than other toys designed for the same purpose.
Often, these durable toys come with a trade-off. Indestructible toys are often heavier, larger, and more challenging to chew.
But this heavier weight is less desirable for a toy like a Frisbee – it won’t fly as far. In fact, the most durable Frisbee we tested barely flew at all. But since a Frisbee is a fetch toy, not a chew toy, a slightly less heavy-duty Frisbee that flies farther will hold up just fine for retrieving and returning.
Material Matters
Exactly how hard-wearing an indestructible dog toy is can often be determined by the material it is made of. During our review process, we found some owners attempting to track down indestructible rope and fabric plush toys. Unfortunately, these and other softer materials just won’t hold up to rough play. It’s just their nature.
After reviewing over 1,000 different dog toys, it quickly became apparent that toys made from rubber were significantly more resistant to wear than other materials. Rubber, in particular, hits the sweet spot between having enough give to keep dogs interested while withstanding chew after chew.
That doesn’t mean you should rush out and buy any rubber dog toy. There is a significant difference in performance between brands. Interestingly, we noticed that the more we paid for an indestructible toy, the longer it lasted. Many also have generous return guarantees – you certainly get what you pay for.
If your pup is gentle, nurturing, and snuggling with his toys, you won’t find much benefit in an indestructible toy. However, if your pup can destroy a toy in minutes, tearing it to shreds, it’s time to upgrade to something that will last a little longer.
3 Levels: What Type Of Chewer Is My Dog?
The first step in finding the most indestructible and longest-lasting toy is determining what type of chewer your dog is. There are three chewing styles:
- Gentle Chewers: these dogs prefer fabric and plush dog toys. They usually like to lick or suck on the toys and not chew them up.
- Average Chewers: these dogs love to play with all different types of toys and like to carry them around with them. They can tear up the fabric toys but rarely deconstruct the rubber ones.
- Powerful Chewers: these dogs are intense and aggressive chewers. Their pet parents must selectively pick out the best chew toys for aggressive chewers. Most power chewers prefer large, hard rubber toys. If you have this kind of chewer, keep reading.
Dogs chew for many reasons. Often, it feels good, prevents boredom, and offers them comfort when they are alone. Research has shown that chewing can help alleviate the negative mental state dogs feel when their owners leave.
Best Indestructible Dog Toys For Aggressive Chewers
To date, we have physically tested over 1,000 different products to find the best dog toys around. From toys for aggressive chewers to heavy-duty tennis balls, we know all about durable dog toys. We rounded up the toughest dog toys available and put them to the test.
Our dog testers gnawed, crunched, tore, and tried their hardest to destroy these toys, often succeeding! Below, I share the top-performing, indestructible dog toys from our reviews.
Best For Fetch: Outward Hound By Planet Dog Orbee-Tuff Treat Dispensing Planet Ball Review
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This treat-dispensing toy is soft and flexible, so it’s got the “chew” factor that most dogs love. It also bounces well, so it’s great for tossing and playing fetch. Many reviewers also say it’s easy to extract from your dog’s mouth.
It is highly durable and dispenses treats, keeping your pup mentally engaged. The planet ball is BPA, lead, and phthalate-free. It also has a light mint scent that helps freshen Fido’s breath.
Another top performer is the Planet Hound Orbee-Tuff Squeak. This one is not a treat dispensing ball but is a massive hit for dogs who like to play fetch and those with an obsession for squeaker toys. Squeaky toys turn many dogs into toy-destroying monsters. They simply won’t rest until the squeaker dies, working the toy over and over until their teeth finally puncture the squeaker. To learn more, check out our guide on why dogs love squeaky toys.
With that said, squeak toys are far from indestructible. Even a rubber squeak toy will only hold up to a strong dog for so long. Large, brawny dogs like Pit Bulls and German Shepherds can deal out some serious damage. That’s not to say that a well-built squeak toy won’t last longer, but don’t expect it to last forever.
As far as tough toys go, the Orbee-Tuff Squeak is the most durable squeak toy we reviewed. It resisted powerful jaws and tearing teeth longer than any other.
The squeaker is completely hidden in hard-wearing rubber. While it has some give, know that this rubber is harder to compress than a plush squeak toy. While it won’t be a challenge for large breeds that play rough, small dogs that can’t get their jaws around the entire ball will have difficulty making it squeak.
Speaking of the squeaker, I noticed it produced a sound a little softer than the usual squeaky toys. In my opinion, this was a good thing. It wasn’t so obnoxious that it drove me crazy.
During testing, I observed dogs identifying exactly where the squeaker was located in the toys and working this area repeatedly until the squeaker popped. However, the entire Orbee-Tuff Squeak is the squeaker. And because the ball constantly rolls around, it’s difficult for a dog to chew in the same area. I believe this also contributed to the ball lasting substantially longer than the other squeak toys we reviewed.
In addition to its durability, the Orbee-Tuff Squeak has other things going for it too. It has a mint scent so that your dog can easily find it even in the long grass. It floats, bounces well, is dishwasher-safe, and, best of all, it’s made right here in America. But its main appeal is that it’s as close to indestructible as a squeaker toy can be.
At 3 inches wide, it’s slightly larger than a tennis ball – just a little too large for small breeds like a Pomeranian or Chihuahua. You’ll also need a large ball thrower to play fetch. For dogs the size of a Jack Russell Terrier or larger, it’s one of the best squeaky toys on the market. Our canine testers highly recommend this one.
Price
Most Durable: Kong Extreme Review
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Kong has been around since the 1970s. The Kong Extreme is made of rubber and is very durable for the most powerful chewers. The “Extreme” Kong is thicker and stronger than the “Classic” Kong. It is specifically made to stand up to aggressive chewers. Bonus: it’s easy to wash and doesn’t have an odor. And you can fill it with treats, cheese, or peanut butter for added fun. Kong makes a wide variety of super tough chew toys, so if this one isn’t your dog’s style, there are plenty of options.
Price
- Starting at: $8.99
Our Personal Experience With Kong Dog Box
I received a Kong box in exchange for an unbiased review. I got the medium-sized dog box for my super chewer. My Kong box was amazing. It included the original Classic Kong toy, the Kong Goodie Bone, and the Kong Wil Knots teddy bear toy, a sturdy plush toy with a squeaker inside (all three have held up over weeks for my chewing champion). It also came with three different treats to fit in the Kong toys — medium-sized Kong bites, a tube of a squeezable sweet potato treat to put in the Kong original and Kong bone, and a chicken-flavored treat you insert into the bottom of the Kong classic toy.
Also included was an easy summer picnic recipe card and a card with tips to deal with boredom (one of my dog’s issues). My dog was crazy about all of them. When I put the insertable treat in the classic Kong toy, he was occupied for a good hour. It’s well worth the value of what you get in a box.
– Sally Jones, Rescue Dog Mom, Canine Journal Editing & Writing
View Our In-Depth Kong Review
Kong is famous for its long-lasting toys. Our detailed Kong Review explains more about the company and more of our personal experience.
Best For Teeth Cleaning: Mammoth Flossy Chews 3-Knot Rope Tug Review
This is the rope toy of ALL rope toys. This indestructible rope dog toy is two inches thick and is great for heavy chewers. It also cleans their teeth. If you have a dog who likes to play tug of war, this toy is for you. It’s also a good toy for playing fetch.
Price
- Starting at: $2.99
Best Interactive: West Paw Zogoflex Tux Treat Stuffable Chew Review
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This dog treat toy is durable and allows your dog to work for the treat. It’s tossable, stuffable, pliable, and recyclable. Treat toys are popular with all types of dogs for a good reason. They combine play and food – a dog’s two favorite things. Simply load the toy with treats, and these will fall out as your dog manipulates the toy with his jaws and teeth – it really extends the amount of entertainment you can get from a single treat.
However, for stronger-jawed dogs, this poses a problem. As your dog chews on the toy, his reward is tasty food. This process encourages your dog to work the toy harder and harder, even if there are no treats left. If unsupervised, powerful dogs like St. Bernards or Alaskan Malamutes can quickly destroy even the most unbreakable treat toy.
For this reason, we suggest giving it to your dog only while under your watchful eye. Once your dog has eaten all the treats, remove the toy. This will prevent your dog from chewing the toy until it breaks.
During testing, we found toys that held smaller treats to be the most durable. Longer treat toys, such as those designed for bully sticks, use thinner material, which didn’t hold up as well. Depending on how large your treats are, you may need to cut them in half or squish some peanut butter inside first – especially if you want to add loose kibble.
Admittedly, other treat toys were suited to a wider range of treats. However, this came at the trade-off of durability. During testing, we noticed other treat toys showed wear noticeably quicker.
The West Paw Tux uses patented Zogoflex rubber. The surface held strong as enthusiastic dogs ripped and tore into it as they attempted to retrieve the treats inside.
Best of all, this long-lasting treat toy is one of the few dishwasher-safe treat dispensers. After all, if you load the Tux with oily peanut butter and greasy dog treats, you want to clean it after each use. No worries! A quick trip through the dishwasher on the top rack and the toy is as good as new – beats aggressively scrubbing the toy by hand!
Like all other West Paw Products, this one is made in the USA and comes with a guarantee. If this product fails to meet your expectations, they offer a refund or give you the option to choose another product from their extensive range of dog toys.
The Tux might not be a perfect treat toy, but it is, without a doubt, the toughest. For this reason, I confidently recommend it for dogs who play rough.
Price
Best Dual Action: Nylabone Double Action Chew Review
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This Nylabone features dental nubs to control tartar and plaque buildup. Different versions are available for your dog’s size. The center of the bone allows for easy carrying, and the durable nylon ends massage the gums during powerful chewing.
Before purchasing, we encourage you to read about Nylabone product warnings.
Price
- Starting at: Check Amazon for availability
Best For Tug-Of-War: Goughnuts Tug Pull Dog Toy Review
Goughnuts make one tough chew toy. This toy is for larger dogs who are power chewers. It’s great for dogs who love to play tug-of-war. Dogs love chewing and pulling on this durable toy. All tug toys have been specifically designed to withstand being pulled in different directions. That said, we found that rubber was the most resistant to wear from those sharp canine teeth clamping down. Rope, nylon, and sewn fabric were prone to fraying and tearing.
Of all the rubber tug toys we tested, nothing came close to the Goughnuts Tug MaXX. Made right here in America, it is perfect for playing aggressive games of tug-of-war with large and giant breeds. The rubber is heavy-duty yet still chewy enough for dogs to get a good grip on with their teeth. At 1½ inches thick, it holds up to the bite force of even the strongest dogs.
You grab one end, and your dog grabs the other. The dual-ring design makes it easy to keep your hand clear from your dog’s mouth – you will be thankful when your dog readjusts his grip and doesn’t accidentally clamp down on your fingers with all his strength.
Just as importantly, you hold this tug toy with a closed fist. During testing, we noticed this was the best method for gripping tug toys. It allows you to drop the tug toy if playtime turns a little too aggressive quickly.
I also observed that the Goughnuts MaXX is equally suited to dog-on-dog tug-of-war. A Great Dane who wanted to join the fun was determined to steal this tug toy from our Pit Bull tester. The result was a friendly game of tug-of-war that lasted over 20 minutes while both dogs attempted to out-muscle the other.
Once the game ended, I inspected the tug toy. Besides a few superficial scratches, there was no damage at all. No gouges or stress fractures, and this is from two dogs that could pull me in half if they tried.
I noticed a mild rubber smell, similar to a car tire. This odor is strongest when the Goughnuts Tug MaXX is brand new but fades over time. The rubber smell didn’t put any of our pups off. They pulled with all their might, just like they did with every other tug toy we tested.
Unlike the Goughnuts Chew Ring MaXX, the Goughnuts Tug MaXX does not contain a red core. This is because it’s designed for supervised play rather than continuous chewing. However, it is still covered by Goughnuts’ generous return policy. If damaged, send the Goughnuts Tug MaXX back to the manufacturer (plus a check to cover the cost of postage), and they will send you a brand-new tug toy.
At 1½ inches thick, it’s likely too big for smaller pups to get their teeth around. But for large and even giant dogs, this is the tug toy you want. Check out our review on the Best Dog Tug Toys to see our other tug toy recommendations.
Price
- Starting at: $27.68
Best Indestructible Frisbee: Kong Flyer Review
Choosing the most indestructible Frisbee was a little difficult. Frisbees are designed for maximum air time and long arcing throws. In fact, a Frisbee should stay in the air long enough for your dog to chase it down for a mid-air catch.
Some we tried were tough but glide about as well as a rock. The substantial weight reduces both the airtime and the distance it can be thrown. This is an unavoidable drawback if you want a Frisbee that can cover a great distance – you are going to have to compromise on durability. If you have a super-strong dog that plays rough, then it might be better to skip Frisbees as a toy altogether.
After reviewing over 24 different dog Frisbees, only one hit the sweet spot between heavy-duty and airtime. The Kong Flyer.
Although it’s made from resilient rubber, the Kong Flyer glides surprisingly well. Out of all the rubber Frisbees we reviewed, we could throw this one the farthest, time and time again. Its shape appears to be slightly more aerodynamic than its competitors.
If you have a small power chewer, then you’ll be happy to know that this Frisbee is also available in smaller sizes. I suggest choosing the larger of the two for anything larger than a French Bulldog.
| Small | 7½ inches |
| Large | 9½ inches |
As you would expect from an indestructible toy, the Kong Flyer is considerably heavier than those made from plastic or fabric. The only downside is that if you toss this Frisbee into the water, it will sink like a stone. So, take care when throwing near a pool or lake. Otherwise, you’ll be going for a swim to retrieve it.
Check out our review on the Best Dog Frisbees to see our other Frisbee recommendations.
Price
- Starting at: $13.99
For Training: Nero Ball Pro Dog Training Ball Review
When training working dogs like military dogs and police K-9 dogs, toys are often the reward of choice. After all, when out on the job, it’s easier for a police officer to carry a toy than a food pouch. It’s not unusual to see powerful dogs like German Shepherds, Belgian Malinois, and Weimaraners fill these jobs.
Unsurprisingly, these brawny dogs need a tough toy. And for training purposes, the Nero Ball Ultra is one of the best.
Essentially a firm rubber ball on a rope, the Nero Ball Ultra offers a lot of variety in how you can present the toy to your dog. You can dangle it in front of your pup for him to leap and grab it, play a small game of tug-of-war, or use it as a fetch ball. You can either throw it as a regular tennis ball or use the rope to launch the ball incredibly high into the air.
The firm rubber doesn’t bounce as well as a tennis ball, but that’s not its appeal. When used exclusively as a training reward, this toy will hold up to powerful jaws. The rubber is dense enough that it won’t be crushed when chomped, yet it has enough give that it’s still appealing to dogs.
During testing, I noticed that all our pups picked this toy up by the ball. Every time the Nero Ball Ultra was brought back, I simply picked it up by the rope. While the nylon rope held strong during testing, I don’t believe it will outlast the durable rubber it is attached to. Fortunately, it doesn’t look like this would be difficult to replace, say, with a piece of paracord and a knot.
If you are looking for an indestructible reward toy, then this is as good as it gets. Our tester team highly recommends this one.
Price
- Starting at: $15.95
What About BarkBox Super Chewer?
I must preface this review by saying that my furry friend is an avid chewer and has managed to destroy many toys within minutes. So, I decided to try out BarkBox’s Super Chewer Box to see if it could withstand the wrath of my pup’s mighty jaws.
Upon receiving the box, I was impressed with the packaging and the thoughtful design. The box featured a cute theme, and inside, it contained two extremely durable toys (it was Thanksgiving time, so it was a drumstick and carrot toy), plus all-natural treats and a chew stick. It even came with a Thanksniffing instruction card with some tips and challenges to play.
The dog toys that are indestructible in the Super Chewer Box are made of tough materials, seemingly designed to withstand even the most aggressive chewers. My dog’s favorite is a rubber toy shaped like a tug-of-war rope. It was perfect for interactive play and held up remarkably well, showing no signs of wear and tear after several intense play sessions. The other toy, a nylon bone, was also a hit with my pup, providing him with endless chewing entertainment.
The all-natural treats included in the box were a hit with my dog as well. He devoured both bags of treats in record time, and I appreciated that they were free of artificial preservatives and fillers, making them a healthier option for my pet. The BarkBox Super Chewer Box exceeded my expectations in terms of durability and the engaging tough dog toys it provided.
My dog loves everything in the box, and I appreciate the convenience of having new and sturdy toys delivered to my door every month. It’s an excellent investment for dog owners with aggressive chewers who are seeking quality products and a variety of engaging items to keep their pets entertained and satisfied.
You can subscribe month to month, every 6 months, or every month, depending on how frequently your dog goes through toys and treats. The more often you get boxes, the less expensive they are. And you can even opt for an extra toy to be added as a bonus.
Price
- Starting at $40
Detailed BarkBox Review
You can learn more about the different options in our detailed BarkBox review. We also have some information on money-saving BarkBox subscription coupons.
5 Dog Chew Toy Safety Tips
- Toys should be appropriate for your dog’s size. Small toys can be easily ingested and lodged in your dog’s throat if the toy is too little for your dog.
- Consider removing the squeaker in the center of some toys because some dogs find it challenging to locate the source of the squeaking and can choke on this device.
- Stuffing and fillers, such as polystyrene beads and nutshells, can be dangerous. Avoid chew toys with lots of stuffing; these are not good choices for aggressive chewers.
- Remove eyes, strings, and ribbons that they can easily swallow.
- Use caution with chew toys and puppies. Be sure the one you pick is safe and the right size for puppies. Remember, they have smaller teeth but can be quite aggressive due to teething.
Learn More About Chew Toys And Puppies
Puppies can be very aggressive chewers, especially when they are teething. We cover everything you need to know about puppy teething, as well as the best chew toys for puppies when teething.
Want Tough Chew Toys Delivered Regularly?
If you want to keep your aggressive chewer entertained with new, tough toys regularly, you might consider subscribing to a monthly super chewer box. These companies deliver some of the toughest toys (and treats) right to your door.
If you want more dog toy ideas, check out our article reviewing the best dog toys. This is an excellent place to start since they are highly ranked toys by pet parents, so you can find out what types of toys your dog prefers. We also look at what dogs really think of their toys and interactive toys to keep your pup’s brain engaged.
Do Indestructible Dog Toys Actually Exist?
When it comes to dog toys, the word “indestructible” has lost all meaning. Marketers are mostly to blame. You can’t walk past the dog toy aisle without seeing words like indestructible, unbreakable, or everlasting boldly printed on the front of the packaging.
To me, an indestructible toy should be impossible for your dog to destroy, right? Unfortunately, this usually isn’t the case. Within hours of presenting a German Shepherd with a new toy, it will be shredded to pieces.
If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. I know many owners who have spent hundreds of dollars buying toy after toy in the hopes that the next toy will be the one to outlast their dog. I’m here to tell you that you should give up this quest. After reviewing over a thousand different dog toys, I can tell you right now that most toys that advertise themselves as indestructible are anything but.
With that said, a few dog toys could be classed as indestructible. Typically, these were oversized balls made from solid plastic. Few dogs could get their jaws around them. Those that could grip it were unable to penetrate the rigid plastic exterior.
But these types of toys were among the least favorite of our doggy testers. Those who were interested only played with them for a short time before growing bored and wandering off. Dogs seem to most enjoy toys that have a little flexibility. Something that they can sink their sharp teeth into.
The hard plastic is difficult to grip, hard to carry, and it sucks to chew on. Sure, it will outlast your destructo-dog, but what good is that if he refuses to play with it?
Destroying toys is all part of the game. While some dogs prefer to carry around and nurture their toys, others are more destructive. These dogs enjoy the challenge of breaking a toy – it’s a show of strength. They will then happily wag their tail at you as if to say, “Look, I broke it. Aren’t you proud of me? What’s my next challenge?
– Dr. Sara Ochoa, DVM
Exactly how long it takes before a toy breaks entirely depends on its material and purpose. For example, a dog tennis ball is designed for games of fetch. The primary function of these toys is to fly through the air and be caught by your dog’s mouth. For supervised games of fetch, these toys are as good as indestructible, even to a powerful-jawed dog. However, if you allow your dog to chew on them, then these toys simply won’t hold up.
Use the correct toy for the game:
- Tug toys for tug-of-war
- Plush toys for gentle indoor play
- Chew toys for chewing
As a dog owner, you must ensure that your dog plays with these toys the right way. For example, if your dog refuses to play fetch without trying to destroy the ball, then you need to train your pup to stop this unwanted behavior.
Similarly, if your dog grows bored of fetch and runs off with the ball to chew on it, it is your responsibility to remove it until the next play session.
Frequently Asked Questions
I know there are many questions about aggressive chewers and indestructible chew toys for dogs. I’ve covered a few of the most asked questions below, but if I didn’t get to yours, let me know in the comments.
Is There A Dog Toy That Can’t Be Destroyed?
Dog toys made out of rubber are more challenging to tear apart and shred, so they last longer. However, many pups don’t like the taste of rubber and have no interest in those kinds of toys. It’s hard to say if there is any dog toy that is truly 100% indestructible.
What Is The World’s Strongest Dog Toy?
Kong and Nylabone have a reputation for being very strong. Chew toys made from rubber—some even use ballistic rubber—are much harder for dogs to chew through.
Are Antlers Safe For My Aggressive Chewer?
Antlers are not safe for your dog. Though they are quite tough, antlers can damage your pup’s teeth. They can also cause an internal blockage if your dog swallows any of the pieces. Most vets advise against giving your pup antlers due to these risks. They are particularly dangerous for aggressive chewers. I suggest a bully stick instead.
Keep Those Canine Teeth Healthy
Your dog’s chompers do a lot of work, and keeping them healthy is essential. Chew toys are great to keep them occupied but are not enough to keep your pup’s teeth healthy. Periodontal disease is one of the most common canine diseases, yet one of the most overlooked care areas. Did you know that over 80% of dogs over three years show signs of periodontal disease? Your pup needs regular teeth brushing and occasional professional cleanings at the vet to help keep their teeth in top shape. Discuss dental care with your vet to be sure your pup’s mouth is healthy, and learn more about how much a dog teeth cleaning costs. You may want to consider pet dental insurance as well. We also cover how to clean your dog’s teeth without a toothbrush.
Why Trust Canine Journal?
Kimberly has written about various dog-related topics, such as chew toys, pet insurance, health conditions, treats, training, and more, for over ten years. She consulted with other Canine Journal team members about their favorite indestructible chew toys and spent over six hours researching and writing this article.
