If you live with a dog with a penchant for destruction, giving them a toy that will withstand their relentless jaws may spare you the trouble of constantly replacing chewed-up toys, shoes and other treasured objects at home. Indestructible dog toys can help keep your canine companion engaged for long hours, which may help your dog redirect unwanted chewing behaviour and enable them to expend all that extra energy in a healthy way.
The optimal toy for dogs that love to chew are made of materials that are both tough and durable. Toys like these must be more enticing than other items in your home. So, the best dog toys for aggressive chewers are made with the intention of engaging your dog with appealing scents, flavours, textures, or even sounds to attract them away from chewable alternatives.
In this comprehensive guide, we’l break down what makes indestructible dog toys durable, the benefits they offer, and our top picks for even the most tough chewers. Whether you have a playful puppy or a power-chewing adult dog, we’ve got you covered with insights and recommendations to keep your pup entertained and your wallet happy.
What Makes a Dog Toy Indestructible?
Materials:
Durable rubber compounds: These are the foundation of many tough dog toys, Kong toys being a great example. Made from a mix of natural rubber and synthetic additives, it’s virtually indestructible due to its elasticity, tear resistance and strength. The rubber is often heat-treated to increase durability and create dog toys that are indestructible.
High-density polyethylene (HDPE): HDPE is used widely because of its strength-to-density ratio and impact resistance. It has high tensile strength that resists stretching and tearing. HDPE has good chemical resistance so it won’t break down when exposed to your dog’s saliva or stomach acids. It also has a low friction surface that makes it hard for dogs to grip and chew, making it highly durable.
Ballistic nylon fabric: Originally used for military purposes, this material is now used to make durable soft dog toys. It’s made of thick, tightly woven nylon fibers, often in a 2×2 basket weave. It has high tensile strength that resists tearing and puncturing, abrasion resistance that holds up to repeated chewing and scratching, and water resistance that prevents the toy from becoming waterlogged or moldy. Ballistic nylon fabric is often used in 2-3 layers for added strength and sewn with strong thread like Kevlar for reinforced stitching.
Specialty materials:
Kevlar: Used in some high-end toys, known for its extreme strength-to-weight ratio.
Fire hose material: Repurposed fire hoses are sometimes used for their durability.
Recycled materials: Some eco-friendly toys use recycled rubber or plastics, maintaining durability while being environmentally conscious.
Dental-specific materials: Some indestructible toys are designed with your dog’s dental health in mind. Dog toy manufacturers combine nylon with calcium carbonate to help clean your dog’s teeth as they chew. Another method is to infuse rubber with baking soda to help freshen your dog’s breath and reduce plaque.
Material treatments: Manufacturers often apply antimicrobial treatments to prevent bacteria growth, especially important for toys that may be filled with treats. Some materials are also infused with attractive flavors to encourage appropriate chewing behavior.
The choice of material often depends on the intended use of the toy, the target dog size and chewing strength, and the desired properties (e.g. floating, treat-dispensing, etc.). Manufacturers often use proprietary blends and treatments to differentiate their products and enhance specific properties.
Construction:
Solid, one-piece designs: Many indestructible toys are made through injection molding or compression molding techniques. This creates a solid, one-piece design with no weak points. The one-piece construction ensures the material’s strength is consistent throughout the toy. When a dog chews on a one-piece toy, the force is distributed across the entire structure, not just at joint points.
Reinforced seams and stitching for fabric toys: Instead of a single line of stitching, durable toys often have double or triple stitching. Some toys have a reinforced stitch pattern, like a box-and-cross pattern, which adds strength at stress points. High-strength threads like kevlar or nylon are used instead of standard cotton thread. Dog toy manufacturers place seams in areas less likely to be chewed or tugged.
Multiple layers of material: Some durable dog toys are made with multiple layers of material for added strength. The outer layer is usually made of a tough, chew-resistant material like ballistic nylon. The middle layer can have one or more layers of reinforcing material like additional fabric, foam or thin plastic sheets. The inner layer is made of a softer material for comfort and to house squeakers or crinkle material. All these layers are bonded together through heat sealing, strong adhesives or a combination of layer bonding and stitching techniques.
Internal reinforcements: Some plush toys or fabric toys have a central rope core or structure that helps maintain the toy’s integrity if the outer layers are breached. Another way to reinforce dog toys is to add a layer of tough mesh material sandwiched between softer layers to resist tearing. High-stress areas like the ends of a tug toy might have extra layers or tougher materials sewn in.
Edge treatments: For fabric toys, the edges are often rolled and stitched to prevent fraying and add an extra barrier against tearing. For plastic or rubber toys, the edges are often thickened or specially molded to resist the concentration of chewing force.
Specialized joining techniques: For multi-part toys, parts are often joined using techniques like ultrasonic welding which creates a bond at the molecular level or mechanical interlocking systems. Critical joints might use a combination of methods, like adhesive and mechanical fasteners, to ensure integrity.
Structural reinforcement: Some hollow toys have internal ribbing that adds strength without adding weight. The thickness of the toy’s walls may also vary, with more material in high-stress areas.
These construction methods, used together, create the toughest dog toys that can withstand the extreme play and chewing of even the most enthusiastic dogs. The goal is to create a toy that lasts while still being safe and fun for the toughest chewers.
Shape:
Rounded edges: Rounded edges prevent dogs from focusing their chewing on one point which could lead to faster destruction. Examples of dog toys with rounded edges are spherical toys like balls, doughnut or ring shapes and curved edges on bone-shaped toys.
Rounded edges helps distribute bite force across a larger surface area, reduces the risk of splintering or breaking off pieces and makes the toy more unpredictable when thrown, adding to play value.
Irregular shapes: Shapes that are hard for dogs to grip in their jaws or paws can increase the toy’s longevity as it forces your dog to reposition it’s grip frequently. Kong’s classic snowman shape, toys with multiple protrusions or lobes or toys with asymmetrical designs are good examples. These toys can create unpredictable bounces for interactive play and may provide multiple surfaces for different types of play like chewing, fetching or tugging.
Size:
Properly sized toys are always safer and more durable. Consider the following when choosing the right toy size for your dog.
Big enough to discourage destruction in one sitting.
Length should be appropriate for the dog’s size to prevent swallowing or choking.
Diameter should be larger than the space between the dog’s rear molars.
Weight should be suitable for the intended play style (fetching, carrying, etc.).
Design Features:
Textured surfaces: Variations in surface texture can redirect your dog’s chewing behavior and provide great dental benefits. Textured surfaces can clean your dog’s teeth and massage their gums all while providing sensory stimulation which satisfies their urge to chew without focusing on destruction. Examples of toys with textured surfaces are ridges or grooves on rubber toys, nubs or bumps on chew toys and rope fibers in tug toys.
Hollow Designs: Allows for treat-dispensing functionality and makes larger toys lighter. Hollow balls with holes or tube-like toys that can be stuffed with treats act as a treat dispenser, engaging your dog’s problem-solving skills and keeping them busy for hours. This treat dispenser aspect adds to the overall play experience and ensures durability and effectiveness in keeping dogs engaged.
While no toy is completely indestructible for all dogs, these factors contribute to creating very durable toys that can withstand aggressive chewing and play. The toughest toys often combine several of these elements.
Benefits of Using Tough Dog Toys
Indestructible dog toys contribute significantly to a dog’s physical health, mental well-being and overall quality of life and also offer practical benefits for pet owners. Here’s a rundown of the advantages:
Safety: Indestructible dog toys are less likely to break into small pieces that can be ingested. These toys can’t be easily chewed apart, reducing the risk of dogs ingesting harmful materials. By staying intact for longer, they prevent ingestion of toy fragments that can cause intestinal blockages.
Durability and cost-effectiveness: These toys can last months or even years depending on the dog’s chewing habits. While more expensive upfront, they are more cost-effective in the long run as owners spend less time and effort buying new toys.
Dental health: The tough surfaces often have texture variations that can help scrape away plaque and tartar as your dogs chews. The pressure from chewing on hard surfaces helps promote healthy gum circulation.
Mental stimulation: Many indestructible toys can be filled with treats, challenging dogs mentally. Toys with varied textures and shapes provide rich sensory input allowing for longer play sessions, keeping dogs engaged for hours.
Physical exercise: The toy’s durability encourages longer, more vigorous play sessions. It can be used for fetch, tug-of-war, or solo play, promoting different types of physical activity. Regular play with these toys can contribute to maintaining a healthy weight.
Behavior management: Provides a safe and appropriate target for natural chewing instincts. Can help prevent damage to furniture, shoes and other household items. Chewing on a tough toy can help alleviate stress and anxiety in dogs.
Training aids: Durable toys can be used as high-value rewards in training sessions. Useful for teaching “drop it”, “leave it” and retrieval commands. The toy’s longevity allows for consistent use in reward-based training.
Satisfaction of natural instincts: Some toys mimic the experience of working on tough prey, satisfying hunting instincts. Especially important for puppies during teething but also for adult dogs. Treat-dispensing tough toys can simulate foraging behaviors.
Versatility: Many indestructible toys can be used for chewing, fetching, and tugging. Some can be frozen or soaked to provide different sensory experiences. Tough toys are often suitable for multi-dog households, encouraging positive interaction.
Owner’s peace of mind: Less worry about the toy breaking during play. Provides a reliable, safe option when the owner is away or busy. Knowing the toy is designed for durability eases the safety concerns.
Bonding Opportunities: The durability of these toys encourages more interactive play between dog and owner. Can be used in games that strengthen the human-animal bond. Dogs can develop positive associations with their owners through play with these toys.
Our Top Picks for Indestructible Dog Toys
BEST OVERALL
KONG Extreme Dog Toy
| What We Like | What We Don’t Like |
|---|---|
| Made with durable rubber and irregular shape | Less likely to engage dogs without treats inside |
| Can be stuffed with a variety of treats | May not be suitable to play tug-of-war |
| Easy to clean with warm water and soap | |
| Dishwasher safe (skip the heated dry cycle) |
Made from durable natural rubber, this hollow toy is perfect for stuffing with your dogs favourite treats for long-lasting play. It’s durability and versatility make it ideal for aggressive chewers. The Kong Extreme Dog Toy is designed to challenge your pup mentally, reduce boredom, and help relieve separation anxiety. The Kong Extreme Dog Toy is available in multiple sizes to suit the needs of dogs of all sizes and age.
Pro Tip: If your dog is a tough chewer, choose a Kong that’s one or two sizes larger.
BEST DENTAL CHEW
Benebone Bacon Flavor Dental Tough Dog Chew Toy
| What We Like | What We Don’t Like |
|---|---|
| Made with durable nylon material | May not be suitable for dogs with allergies |
| Infused with real, USA-sourced bacon | May not be suitable to play tug-of-war |
| Deep grooves to help clean teeth | |
| Version for teething puppies available |
The Benebone Bacon Flavor Dental Tough Dog Chew Toy is made with durable nylon and infused with 100% real bacon flavour. It has an ergonomic design that let’s your pup get a better grip and the deep grooves provide a satisfying bite that encourages chewing to keep your dog busy for hours and promote healthy teeth and gums. It’s available in 3 sizes so you can choose the perfect size for your pooch. Plus, it comes in three delicous flavors (bacon, chicken, peanut butter) your pup won’t be able to resist!
BEST DENTAL CHEW Runner Up!
Nylabone Power Chew Textured Dog Chew Ring Toy Flavor Medley
| What We Like | What We Don’t Like |
|---|---|
| Made from sturdy nylon and synthetic fabric | Available in only two sizes |
| Textured ring satisfies the most powerful & aggressive chewers | |
| Helps control plaque and tartar as dogs chew | |
| Infused with natural chicken flavor |
The Nylabone Power Chew Textured Dog Ring Toy Flavor Medley is specifically made for aggressive chewers. Made from sturdy nylon, this tough dog chew toy stands up to your furbaby and features a textured surface that helps clean teeth as dogs chew. Your dog will love its enticing flavor, allowing for extended chew time sessions. Plus, this toy discourages destructive chewing and curbs issues like boredom and separation anxiety.
BEST BALLS
Chuckit! Ultra Durable Rubber Ball Tough Dog Toy
| What We Like | What We Don’t Like |
|---|---|
| Made from non-toxic durable rubber | Could be destructive for indoor play |
| Provides super high bounce | |
| Can float on water |
For dogs that love to play fetch and chew, the Ultra Rubber Balls from Chuckit! won’t disappoint. Made of durable rubber, this ball is designed to provide extra bounce that is far better than standard tennis balls. Thanks to its lightweight and buoyant design, your pup will love the exciting fetch experience on land or on water. This durable rubber ball has a textured surface and a thick rubber core that can withstand rough play and yet be gentle on your pups mouth.
BEST ROPE TUG TOY
Playology Scented Dri-Tech Rope Dog Toy
| What We Like | What We Don’t Like |
|---|---|
| Made with all natural, non-toxic Dri-Tech rope | May not be suitable for very aggressive chewers |
| Infused with natural scents to entice your dog | |
| Easy to clean with warm water |
This all natural Dri-Tech rope dog toy is the perfect dog tug toy for heavy chewers of all ages. It is made using a durable shaped-fiber technology and infused with natural scents to keep your dog engaged. Its available in three sizes and three natural scents for you to choose from. This dog rope toy resists tearing, wicks away slobber, and won’t lose its irresistible all-natural scent, no matter how excited your pup gets.
BEST PLUSH TUG TOY
Outward Hound Durablez Tough Plush Dog Toy
| What We Like | What We Don’t Like |
|---|---|
| Plush exterior without stuffing | Repeated squeaking may potentially be disruptive to humans |
| Embedded with multiple squeakers | |
| Strong binding with interior layer | |
| Multiple shapes and sizes available |
The Durablez Tough Plush Dog Toy by Outward Hound is designed to withstand the most enthusiastic play sessions. It features Outward Hound’s signature K-9 TUFF GUARD, with a strong binding and a tough interior layer of material to provide the most durability. With multiple, irresistible squeakers sewn inside, this plush tug toy is sure to keep your furry friend entertained. It’s perfect to play fetch, toss, or tug-of-war! When playtime is over, it makes a good cuddle companion for your pup’s nap time.
BEST INTERACTIVE DOG TOY
Nina Ottosson by Outward Hound Dog Hide N Slide Dog Toy
| What We Like | What We Don’t Like |
|---|---|
| Can fill with your dogs favourite treats | Adds to your dogs daily calories |
| Provides mental stimulation and helps reduce anxiety | |
| Redirects unwanted behavious like chewing | |
| Easy to clean with warm water |
The Nina Ottosson Hide N Slide Dog Toy by Outward Hound is designed to enrich your dogs playtime with exciting problem-solving games. This dog puzzle toy will keep your furry friend busy with treat-focused challenges that stimulate their senses and tap into their natural instinct to hunt and forage for food. It features several treat-hiding compartments you can fill with your dog’s favorite treats to motivate him to slide blocks, swivel flippers, and uncover his reward! You can make the puzzle easier or harder to match your dog’s problem-solving ability. Most importantly, it’s extremely easy to clean and made from food safe composite materials that are BPA, PVC, lead, and phthalate-free.
BEST BONE FOR TEETHING PUPPIES
Nylabone Puppy Starter Kit
| What We Like | What We Don’t Like |
|---|---|
| Helps ease pain and discomfort from teething | Some puppies can easily destroy the gentle chew toy in the pack |
| Each pack contains three flavoured bones | |
| Helps discourage destructive chewing behaviour |
The Nylabone Puppy Starter Kit Dog Chew Toys contains three durable dog chews for every puppy development stage. It is made with no added salt, no artificial preservatives, and no artificial colors. The soft plastic Puppy Chew Bone is designed for teething puppies to soothe their gums and ease pain and discomfort.
The three bones are intended to be given sequencially starting with the gentle puppy chew bone that’s marked in blue. This chicken flavoured chew bone is the most gentle out of the three and designed for teething puppies in the process of losing their puppy teeth. Once your puppy’s permanant teeth come in, it’s time to graduate to the white power chew toy that’s made for active chewing and is also chicken flavoured. Finally, when your puppy is at least six months of age, they can relish the brown bacon flavoured edible chew treat. The Nylabone Puppy Starter Kit Dog Chews is perfect for encouraging your puppy to chew on chew toys from a young age.
BEST HIMALAYAN YAK DOG CHEWS
Himalayan Pet Supply Original Yak Cheese Dog Chew
| What We Like | What We Don’t Like |
|---|---|
| Made with 100% edible natural yak cheese | May add to your dogs daily calorie intake |
| Long lasting to keep dogs busy for hours | |
| Helps reduce anxiety and discourage destructive chewing behaviour | |
| Available in multiple sizes and flavours |
The Original Yak Cheese Dog Chew by Himalayan Pet Supply is a 100% all-natural and edible hard cheese chew that’s crafted by boiling yak and cow milk and then dried for several weeks to create a very long lasting, hard chew. Best of all, it’s gluten-free, grain-free, soy-free, corn-free and without any preservatives, artificial colors or flavours, binding agents and additives. This edible hard chew will keep your furry friend busy for hours while they chew on the ends of the treat, softening it with their saliva before small parts of it can be slowly scraped off. We love this chew because it’s 100% natural and edible, so we never have to worry about our dogs accidently swallowing synthethic materials that could potentially lead to intestinal blockages.
We tested these chews on two 8kg Jack Russell Terriers who thoroughly enjoyed chewing and scraping off all the cheesy goodness. After weeks of chewing, the himalayan yak cheese chews became too small for them to grip. So, we microwaved it for 30 seconds to one minute and turned it into yummy, crunchy puffed yak cheese treats!
After their daily chew sessions, we washed each chew with plain water and kept them aside to dry before storing them for later use. We recommend washing the chews with plain water after every chew session to keep the chews clean from bacteria.
The Himalayan Pet Supply Original Yak Cheese Dog Chews are available in multiple sizes so you can easily find the right chew size for your dog. For dogs with picky taste buds, these are also avaibale in four natural flavours to choose from; bacon, chicken, cheese and peanut butter.
Buying Guide: Tips to Consider for Tough Chewers
If your dog is an aggressive chewer, there are several factors to consider when choosing a dog toy. Here are some tips and advice to help you make the best decision:
Know Your Dog’s Chewing Style: If your dog is an aggressive chewer, you’ll want to look for toys that are specifically designed to withstand heavy chewing. Look for dog toys made from durable materials like rubber, nylon, or hard plastic. These materials are known for their toughness and can handle the most determined chewers.
Choose High-Quality Material: Look for toys made from durable materials like rubber, nylon, or hard plastic. These materials can withstand heavy chewing and are less likely to break or splinter. Durable nylon and rubber are particularly good choices for the toughest dog toys.
Choose the Right Size: Make sure to choose a toy that’s the right size for your dog. A toy that’s too small can be a choking hazard, while a toy that’s too large can be overwhelming. The best dog toys are those that fit comfortably in your dog’s mouth without posing any risk.
Consider Your Dog’s Age and Breed: Puppies and senior dogs have different needs when it comes to dog toys. Puppies need toys that are gentle on their teeth and gums, while senior dogs need toys that are easy to chew and won’t put too much strain on their jaws. Breed-specific preferences can also play a role in choosing the right toy.
Look for Durability: A good dog toy should be able to withstand regular use and cleaning. Look for toys with durable construction that can withstand heavy chewing and play. Avoid toys with weak seams or flimsy materials. The best indestructible dog toys often feature reinforced seams and multiple layers of material for added strength. Indestructible dog toys are designed to last longer, saving you money in the long run.
Consider Textured Surfaces: Some dogs prefer toys with a rough texture, while others prefer smooth toys. Experiment with different textures to find what works best for your dog. Textured surfaces can also help clean your dog’s teeth and massage their gums.
Why Trust Curious Mutts?
We’re pet parents, too! Before recommending any dog products, our team of dedicated dog parents and their beloved furry friends test each product for durability, likability and safety. As dog parents, we are dedicated to finding the best products for our dogs and yours. We strive to provide honest and reliable feedback to help you make informed decisions.
This roundup was written by Christina Michael, a writer for Curious Mutts, who shares her home with two enthusiastic Jack Russell Terriers named Ollie and Mylo. Even as puppies, Ollie and Mylo’s tough jaws that could eality shred soft plush toys, balls and rubber chews in less than five minutes! Their level of destruction motivated Christina to embark on a quest to find the most durable toys that would be long-lasting, made of non-toxic materials and be easy on the pocket as well. She is now devoted to helping pet parents discover and select the most optimal products for their beloved pets.
Conclusion
Investing in durable, high-quality toys for your four-legged friend is more than just a way to save money on replacements—it’s an investment in your dog’s safety, health, and happiness. From the versatile KONG Extreme to the mentally stimulating Nina Ottosson puzzle toys, there’s an indestructible option out there for every dog’s play style and chewing strength. Remember to consider your dog’s size, age, and chewing habits when selecting the perfect toy. With the right indestructible toy, you can provide your furry companion with hours of safe, engaging play while giving yourself peace of mind. So go ahead, let your pup put these tough toys to the test—they’re up for the challenge!