The toughest dog toys for chewers are able to withstand the attention of even the most determined of pups. Any pet parent with a heavy chewer in the family will quickly come to appreciate the benefits of these more indestructible dog toys, particularly if they've come home to find their faithful companion has made short work of yet another toy or, in my case, chewed through a lead.
As well as easing teething pain and helping with separation anxiety, the best dog toys will keep your pup entertained and mentally stimulated, but a durable dog toy combines this with high quality and tougher materials, such as hard rubber. This saves owners from worrying about the potential choking hazard posed by parts being chewed off or from the stuffing found inside soft toys.
As well as choosing products made from hard-wearing materials, owners should ensure the durable dog toy is right for their pup’s size and habits - weightier options are unlikely to be suitable for smaller dogs who like throwing their toys around, for instance. With chewers likely to get spit and slobber on them, ease of cleaning will be another factor to consider. Products that can be cleaned in water - or in some cases, even go in the dishwasher - will make your life a lot easier.
To help owners find the toughest dog toy for chewers, we've tested options with both small and large dogs to find products that will keep even the most determined of chewers entertained. We've also spoken to Dr. Hannah Godfrey BVetMed MRCVS, who answers some common questions owners may have when looking for a durable dog toy. Here, we’re sharing six of our favorites.
The toughest dog toys for chewers 2024
Toughest dog toy for chewers overall
Type: Chew toy / food dispensing
Persistent chewers can make short work of toys, so we love options that last and won’t need replacing within weeks, as is the case with this treat dispensing toy here.
Four-month-old pup River "loves to chew on things", but the toy was able to stand up to the challenge, with pet parent Derek commenting, "It seems to be very durable and after a few weeks of use we don’t see any signs of it ripping or falling apart."
Derek also noted the stimulation it provides, adding "It keeps him entertained and he seems to really enjoy it", with the toy making River “work hard” for the treats that are put in it. Notably, for owners dealing with constant chewing, Derek has found that River “plays with this with or without treats in it” and, since getting it, "primarily chews only on it".
As it's dishwasher safe, Derek was impressed by how easy to clean it was, adding "It comes out looking great".
Reason to buy: Chew resistant, can be cleaned in a dishwasher
Reason to avoid: Will need treats to fill it up
Best indestructible dog toy
Type: chew toy
The Croc Chew Toy is our favorite option for owners who have previously had their pup destroy a supposedly indestructible dog toy.
Owner Amanda said Scout "usually destroys toys that are marketed as non-destructible", but here, "nothing has fallen off and it's pretty much still in brand new condition", except for "bite marks". This is despite Scout spending “quite a bit of time chewing on it”, with its hard plastic and hard rubber material making it "perfect for Scout who is a chewer."
Usefully, it keeps Scout engaged, as she “loves playing with it". It wears her out too, with Amanda finding she “is usually exhausted after chewing on it."
Amanda did think "the smallest size was a little big" for Scout but noted it was "good and durable". It's easy to clean too, only needing to be "run under water after about a week".
However, owners may want to consider their living arrangements before buying it, with Amanda noting Scout "would pick it up and drop it, making a loud thud which isn’t ideal if you have downstairs neighbors".
Reason to buy: Able to withstand heavy chewing
Reason to avoid: Makes a loud thud when dropped
Best durable dog toy for chewers
Type: food dispensing
We think this is a great option for pups who are food-motivated, but also love playing with (and chewing!) their toys.
Of the two SodaPup toys Michael tested, he found Petey enjoyed playing with it more, as he "loves for me to throw it and he retrieves it." While it was "a bit big" for Petey, "he can carry it around" too.
The durability impressed Michael, who said, "it’s tough and rubbery, and can withstand constant chewing". It also seemed safe to Michael, who said "parts have yet to be chewed off" even though Petey had "been at it for quite some time, trying to get treats out by chewing."
It seems quite easy to clean too, with "no odd crevices" to complicate matters.
Reason to buy: Easy to clean, tough and able to withstand constant chewing
Reason to avoid: Could be a bit big for smaller breeds
Best durable dog toy for larger dogs
Type: chew toy
For bigger pups who love getting rough with their toys, we’re fans of larger options that don’t have parts that can fall off.
Easy to clean and made with good quality material, owner Isaiah thought this would be "definitely safe", with "no parts coming off" during the testing. However, mini bernedoodle Hayes only weighs around 27 pounds, and found "the toy was just too big and heavy". As a result, Isaiah would like to have seen "smaller sizes at reduced weights".
Of the two Ruff Dawg toys he tested, Isaiah thought this was the more suitable for bigger breeds, saying "with the quality, feel, and nature of the toy, this one comes much more highly recommended for a larger dog." Isaiah also thought it would be safer to use, adding "as it can roll, it reduces the risk of being thrown by the dog and poses less risk of injury".
Reason to buy: Ideal for bigger breeds
Reason to avoid: Not suited to smaller dogs
Best long lasting toy for chewers
Type: tug chew
We love this option for pups who aren’t so focused on playing with toys but are instead motivated by food.
Owner Michael found that, unlike the other SodaPup toy, Petey "doesn’t seem too interested unless I put something on it". This was, Michael suspected, due to the "hardness, flatness and size, none of which are conducive to throwing and having the dog go into retrieve mode."
In fact, Michael found "the only way I can get him to interact with it is to spread some peanut butter in the small crevices, to get him to lick it." However, Michael noted the benefit of this on its longevity, adding "the fact that the dogs don’t really play with it tells me it will last forever."
Its "highly durable, hard material" impressed Michael, as did the ease of cleaning it, as he found "it can be scrubbed and soaped easily".
Reason to buy: Likely to have a long lifespan
Reason to avoid: Unlikely to keep a dog's interest unless incentivized
Best bite proof durable dog toy
Type: chew toy
A well-made durable option is a must for pups who love biting down on their toys.
The “extremely high quality” material stood out to owner Isaiah, with “no parts falling off” when Hayes, a mini bernedoodle, tested it. The simplicity of cleaning impressed too, with Isaiah noting “the material of the toys lends itself to easy and effective cleaning.”
Isaiah thought it would be ideal “for dogs with big mouths and strong biting power”, but would be less suitable for smaller breeds, adding, “as a medium dog on the smaller side, Hayes likes to pick up his toys, run with them, and throw them.” However, he couldn’t, as it was “too big and heavy for him”.
Its weight could also deter owners, with Isaiah warning “it is so heavy that if a big dog were to throw this toy, it could damage flooring, furniture, and even hurt a child (or adult) if they were hit by it.”
Reason to buy: Easy to clean, made with high quality material
Reason to avoid: Could cause damage if thrown by a big dog
Dr. Hannah Godfrey has been a Veterinary Surgeon since 2011. She began treating all species, focusing on small animals in 2014. In 2018 she moved to a smaller independent practice, where she continued to care for the animal community. Since 2023, she has been working as an Editor for a global medical communications company.
Are there any indestructible dog toys?
It’s important for dog owners to remember that even the toughest dog toy for chewers is not guaranteed to be indestructible to a determined chewer. As well as supervising their play, owners should keep a regular eye on the condition of their pup’s toys, looking out for when they begin to show signs of use and could become a potential danger to their canine companion.
Dr. Hannah Godfrey advises, "While many toys are marketed as being durable, and some branding will promise that the toy is indestructible, it’s still essential to supervise your dog when they are playing with toys, and inspect the toys regularly for damage."
Choosing the toughest dog toys for chewers
There are numerous factors at play that can influence your buying decision when looking at the toughest dog toys for chewers. Dr. Hannah Godfrey recommends thinking about "the size and breed of your dog, as well as the type of play that your dog enjoys". A smaller dog, for example, is likely to struggle with a larger and heavier toy.
Owners should also consider health problems or injuries that their forever friend might have. Dr. Godfrey says, "A tug toy made from a durable material, for instance, might seem like the most ‘indestructible’ and safe, but if your dog has problems with their teeth, neck, or hind legs, or doesn’t enjoy that type of play, it’s not a good idea."
Dr. Godfrey also advises considering the material the toy is made from, adding, "Avoid ropes or fabric toys as these tend to disintegrate into fibers, while plastic, wood, and similar hard or brittle materials can fracture or splinter, leading to injury."
The benefits of a durable dog toy
A durable dog toy can be a blessing for owners who have a determined chewer in the family. These hard-wearing toys are made with tough and high-quality materials, saving pet parents from worrying about the potential choking hazard posed by pups chewing parts off.
Dr. Godfrey says, "It's a good idea to choose a durable dog toy rather than anything flimsy because it will keep your dog safe."
"Broken parts can easily be swallowed, causing gut blockages, and sharp edges can cause damage to your dog’s tongue, mouth, or gums, or if swallowed their esophagus, stomach, or intestines."
A durable dog toy doesn't just provide peace of mind for owners, however. It can also prove a worthwhile investment, as Dr. Godfrey says, "it will save you buying new toys to replenish the toy box regularly".
