One of the great joys of owning a dog is watching them play. But for some dogs, playing with toys is an exercise in mass destruction. This means extra cleanup for you, and it can put your dog at risk for harm. The good news is there's a great selection of (nearly) indestructible dog toys that will keep you and your pup happy no matter how much they chew.
Our Top Durable Dog Toy Picks
Best Choice for Swimmers:
West Paw Zogoflex Hurley
Unlike most other tough toys, Zogoflex material is both durable and lightweight, so it'll float in the water.Read more.
Best Choice for Puppies:
Ruff Dawg Indestructible Dawg-Nut Dog Toy
The Dawg-Nut ring is tough on chewing but gentle on teeth, so it's perfect for teething puppies and adult dogs alike.Read more.
Best Choice for Ball Lovers:
Planet Dog Orbee-Tuff Diamond Plate Ball
This bouncy, textured ball is made of TPE rubber, so it can withstand the most aggressive chewers. Read more.
Best Choice to Deter Destructive Chewing:
Playology Scented Dual Layer Bone
Playology's innovative scent technology helps promote chewing on this tough toy instead of inappropriate items. Read more.
Best Plush Toy Choice:
goDog Furballz Squeaky Plush Toy
This plush toy is reinforced with a durable liner, known as Chew Guard Technology, to make it longer lasting than other soft toys. Read more.
Best Choice for Stick Lovers:
Petstages Dogwood Chew Stick
Composed of natural wood fibers and synthetic material, this durable chew toy tastes like a real stick without the risks. Read more.
Goughnuts rubber chew toys were designed by a team of engineers to be "virtually indestructible." They're composed of carbon-reinforced rubber for extra durability and consist of two layers, which contribute to their unique safety feature.
The inside layer of a Goughnut product is a red color, and if your dog chews on one enough to reveal the red core, this is a sign the toy's integrity has been compromised, and it's time to retire it. This'll keep your dog from unintentionally swallowing a piece of the toy, which is why so many veterinarians recommend Goughnuts. Make sure you take a look at the ring every so often to confirm no red is visible, then let your dog go nuts.
Goughnuts toys are available as rings or sticks and come in different strengths based on a dog's size or chewing power. Original Goughnuts toys are great for swimmers because they float, but the "Pro" line (recognizable by a bright yellow spot on the toy) will sink in water.
When it comes to heavy-duty dog toys, you can't go wrong with KONG products. The KONG Extreme is made specifically for aggressive chewers. These toys can take a beating without breaking into pieces. They are made from durable black rubber and come in several sizes.
The brand has been creating tough chew toys since the 1970s, and veterinarians, canine behavior specialists, and dog trainers widely recommend them. Plus, they're frequently used in shelters because to their durability. vetSTREET praises the toy for its sturdiness and affordability, calling it the "hardest working dog toy under $10."
Another great feature of the KONG line of toys is that you can stuff them with food, peanut butter, or treats to make your dog work for a reward. Some owners even freeze stuffed KONGs for a refreshing snack that's proven to keep dogs occupied for quite a while. KONG toys come in a range of sizes from S (for dogs under 20 pounds) to XXL (dogs 85 pounds and up).
The Busy Buddy line by Petsafe has several durable toy options. While some of them contain hard plastic or nylon that can damage your dog's teeth, the Barnacle is made of safer heavy rubber, so it can still withstand the most aggressive chewers. But this product isn't just a chew toy; it's also a treat dispenser with three compartments.
This feature encourages chewing, keeps your pup mentally stimulated, and cleans their teeth while providing them with a delicious treat, too. While the snacks you place inside might not last long, this strong toy will hold up through endless gnawing without becoming shredded.
The Barnacle Treat Dispenser is available in sizes Small, Medium, and Large; choose the appropriate one based on your dog's weight. Oh, and did we mention it can be placed in the top rack of the dishwasher for easy cleaning? Score!
If you have an aggressive chewer who loves chasing frisbees, the Monster K9 Flying Disc is a great option. Their disc is made with industrial-strength rubber, so it can hold up to gnawing between throws. The brand boasts puncture-resistant material that will stay smooth for easy gliding.
Note that because this flyer is composed of durable rubber, it weighs slightly more than a plastic Frisbee (8 ounces and approximately 6 ounces, respectively). While your dog gets to work out their chewing on the toy, you may also get a bit of a workout with your throwing arm. The flying disc is available in one strength and size.
West Paw created its innovative Zogoflex material to hold up to strong and long chew sessions. It's also latex-free and made from recyclable materials. We love the Hurley style because the slender shape makes it a great option for throwing, fetching, or just hanging out and chewing, if that's what your dog prefers.
Stick-loving dogs go especially wild for this chew toy, and owners can enjoy peace of mind knowing it won't break off into dangerous splinters. The sturdy, lightweight material also floats, so it's a great alternative to throwing sticks while splashing around. The Hurley comes in three sizes based on your dog's size: Extra-Small, Small, and Large.
The Orbee-Tuff Diamond Plate toys are made from thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) rubber, so they're flexible yet can withstand the most aggressive chewers. This ball gets 5 out of 5 on Planet Dog's own durability "Chew-o-Meter," which earned it the title of the top spot as their toughest Orbee-Tuff product yet. It's composed of a single piece of rubber, so there are no seams or points of weakness. It also floats and is bouncy for hours of fun.
Busy dogs who need some extra mental stimulation can benefit from the ball's ability to act as a treat dispenser. Just toss some snacks in the treat reservoir, and your pup will be occupied for hours. The strong rubber material is mint-scented to leave your dog's breath smelling fresh after chewing. It's available in two sizes (3-inch or 4-inch), so make your selection based on your dog's size.
Petstages combined strong synthetic material with natural wood fibers to create this stick alternative. Dogs who love gnawing on branches are attracted to the real wood smell and flavor of the Dogwood stick. And thanks to the polymer material, it won't splinter into sharp pieces that could pierce a dog's mouth or throat.
Keep in mind this toy will wear down over time with aggressive chewing, so you'll need to replace it as it wears. There's also a chance your dog could potentially damage their teeth on the hard material, so remove it if your dog gnaws too vigorously. However, for the dog who has a natural urge to chew on twigs or wood, this product is a much safer alternative.
It's available in multiple sizes, from Petite to Large. Take careful note of the measurements for each when making your selection because the Petite is quite short at only 4 inches in length. Even tiny dogs may be safer with size Small or larger.
If the name doesn't convince you of how indestructible this dog toy is, this product consistently withstands powerful chewers who can usually tear through toys like they're tissue. The Dawg-Nut is made of solid FDA-approved rubber that won't damage your dog's teeth or gums. Puppies love the springy material for teething, and the donut shape is great for tossing, bouncing, or carrying.
If things get messy, just rinse the toy down with water or pop it in the dishwasher for easy cleanup. Dogs and puppies under 40 pounds can use the Regular size, whereas larger dogs should pick the Extra Large. And if the donut shape doesn't appeal to your pet, Ruff Dawg offers the same indestructible material in other designs.
If your goal in finding a durable dog toy is to prevent your dog from chewing on other things, Playology's revolutionary scented toys can help. Their products feature Encapsiscent Technology, which means the materials are embedded on a microscopic level with enticing scents. This keeps your dog coming back to this chew toy instead of turning to your favorite pair of shoes.
Of the Playology chew toys, the Dual Layer Bone is designed specifically for heavy chewers. Pick the appropriate size for your dog (Small, Medium, or Large). If you're unsure which scent to get, try chicken - it's a fan favorite.
Any product that can keep your dog busy while benefiting their health is a win, and the Arm & Hammer dental toys fulfill both. These strong rubber toys are designed for tough chewers, so they're made to last. Plus, the material is infused with baking soda to help clean your dog's teeth and freshen their breath.
While the deep ridges are designed to reduce plaque on the teeth during chewing, they can also attract food and dirt. Fortunately, this toy can go right into the dishwasher. Make sure you give it a deep clean often. The Treadz dental toys only come in two sizes: Small (dogs up to 25 pounds) and Large (dogs up to 35 pounds).
Every dog has their own preferences, and some simply prefer plush toys over rubber ones. But tough chewers don't have to be deprived of soft toys because goDog's Furballz ball features the company's Chew Guard technology, which makes the material tough and durable. Seams are also double-stitched, and the squeaker is built-in.
While the Furballz toy does contain stuffing, the reinforced fabric helps prevent tearing. The manufacturer is so confident in its Chew Guard layer it even offers a 30-day guarantee. This bright, rainbow-colored plush comes in three different sizes (Tiny, Small, and Large). Spot wash as needed and allow to air dry.
Choose Safe, Indestructible Dog Toys
While it's necessary to choose toys your aggressive chewer can't destroy, so they don't swallow any parts, it's equally important to review the hardness of each toy. Unfortunately, many products out there are not safe because they contain hard materials like plastic or nylon. These can result in broken teeth or oral damage if a dog chews vigorously enough. That's why the products on this list are primarily made of durable rubber or other safe materials.
Even so, it's always important to keep a close eye on your dog after giving them a new chew toy, no matter how tough it is. This way, you can intervene if the toy becomes a danger. Check toys regularly for wear and tear, and replace them as needed. Whether your dog is a chaser, tugger, or food-motivated treat-finder, there's a durable option that should last through their aggressive gnawing. Good luck chew-sing just one!