You buy your dog a nice new toy and before you know it, they’ve destroyed it! Not only is this a pain for you (not to mention a waste of money), it also ends playtime for your pup too quickly. Play is crucial for mental and physical stimulation: so, what do you do? Luckily, there are plenty of toys designed to stand up to aggressive chewers. We’ll take a look at 6 of the best toys for aggressive chewers, comparing toy type, durability, breed suitability, and entertainment value.
The Best Dog Toys for Aggressive Chewers2023 Review
Breed Advisor is reader supported! This page contains affiliate links, that at no additional cost to you, may earn a small commission. Find out more here.
The Best Dog Toys for Aggressive Chewers
Editor's Choice
KONG Extreme Dog Toy- Best overall
- Multi-use options
- Ultra-durable rubber construction
Runner Up
Nylabone DuraChew Dental Chew Chicken Flavored Dinosaur Dog Chew Toy- Best dental chew
- Raised nubs to clean teeth
- Durable, tough nylon construction
Also Good
Starmark Treat Dispensing Chew Ball Tough Dog Toy- Best treat dispensing toy
- Physically and mentally stimulating
- Highly durable
More Detailed Dog Toy for Aggressive Chewer Reviews
Ann-Marie Sharpe
KONG Extreme Dog Toy review
Features
- Best overall
- Multi-use options
- Ultra-durable rubber construction
Ann-Marie Sharpe
If you’re looking for the best dog chew toys for aggressive chewers, the KONG Extreme Dog Toy should be at the top of your list. This toy is multi-functional, able to be used as a chew toy, a treat dispenser, and for games of fetch. It’s made from KONG’s most durable rubber, designed specifically to stand up to power chewers.
You can fill the KONG with spreadable treats like dog-safe peanut butter (which is my dogs’ favorite option), or small solid treats to provide hours of mental stimulation. The toy’s unique shape creates a fun, erratic bounce when thrown around, making it very engaging for your dog and keeping them active during playtime. This toy is suitable for all breeds of tough chewer.
My spaniel adores this toy and uses it regularly. It hasn’t shown any wear and I’ve found it exceptionally durable. It also helps to keep her entertained when I’m working or out of the house.
Pros
- Many owners said that this toy stood up to their aggressive chewer and was exceptionally durable
- Owners found that being able to fill the toy with treats kept their dog entertained for longer and was mentally stimulating for their pup
- Easy to clean, with owners saying they popped it in the dishwasher for convenience
- Can be put in the freezer when filled with treats to keep your dog busy for longer
- Even owners of large and giant breeds with powerful bites found this toy was durable
- Many said their dogs of all sizes and breeds absolutely adored this toy and that it was a firm favorite in their home
- Owners with anxious dogs, particularly those with separation anxiety, found this toy particularly useful
- Owners liked that the toy could bounce and be used for games of fetch and chase, as well as for treat dispensing
Cons
- Some owners found that this toy didn’t last as long as expected, with their dog managing to chew through it
- Some found the size guide confusing and ended up with a toy that was the wrong size for their dog
- Toy can have a strong rubber smell upon purchase, which some owners found concerning
- Owners found that the narrow top presented a weak point in the toy, which some dogs were able to use to chew through the top of the toy
- Some felt it wasn’t worth the money as their dog could chew through it quickly
Ann-Marie Sharpe
Nylabone DuraChew Dental Chew Chicken Flavored Dinosaur Dog Chew Toy review
Features
- Best dental chew
- Raised nubs to clean teeth
- Durable, tough nylon construction
Ann-Marie Sharpe
The Nylabone DuraChew Dental Chew Chicken Flavored Dinosaur Dog Chew Toy is 1 of the best toys for aggressive dog chewers, made with tough, durable nylon. It’s a fun dinosaur shape and has raised nubs to clean your dog’s teeth and massage their gums while they chew. It’s even recommended by veterinarians!
I found that the chicken flavor kept my dogs coming back for more and kept them entertained for long periods while I was busy. I found the chew to be highly durable and long-lasting. The chew is available in a range of sizes to suit all breeds, with this listing offering 2 sizes to suit small and medium breeds.
Pros
- Owners generally found that this toy was very durable and long-lasting for power chewers, even for those who have previously chewed through other toys
- Many said that their dog absolutely loved this toy and that it was their favorite
- Flavor and unique shape can keep a dog’s attention for long periods, with owners feeling it was entertaining and stimulating for their pup
- Nubs and shape are great for dental health, even for teething puppies
- Some found that this toy was great for helping with separation anxiety and redirecting destructive chewing, especially during training
Cons
- Some owners of large breed dogs found that this toy didn’t last as long as they expected
- After a period of regular chewing, the toy’s surface can become rough, with some owners finding it was too tough on their dog’s mouth
- Toy is tough and hard, so it stands up to power chewing, with some owners feeling it was too hard and solid for their dog’s mouth
- Some owners found their dogs weren’t interested in this toy and wouldn’t play with it
- Some found the toy was smaller than they expected, feeling the sizing wasn’t clear
Ann-Marie Sharpe
Starmark Treat Dispensing Chew Ball Tough Dog Toy review
Features
- Best treat dispensing toy
- Physically and mentally stimulating
- Highly durable
Ann-Marie Sharpe
The Starmark Treat Dispensing Chew Ball Tough Dog Toy is an excellent choice if you’re looking for the best dog toys for an aggressive dog. It’s made from extremely durable material which is also designed to be soft in your dog’s mouth. It can be used as a ball to play fetch and can bounce, roll, and float for the ultimate playtime.
This ball can also be used to hold treats or your dog’s kibble. This promotes natural foraging and hunting behaviors with endless hours of treat dispensing fun. This ball is available in a range of sizes to suit small to large breeds.
I found that this toy was mentally engaging for my dogs. I felt it was high-quality, well made, and exceptionally durable even when being chewed regularly.
Pros
- Many owners said that this toy was exceptionally durable and lasted months and even years at a time
- Stands up to tough chewing, even with large breed dogs with strong jaws
- Treat dispensing aspect of the toy makes playtime more stimulating and engaging for both dogs and owners
- Ball is light, and bounces well, making for comfortable and easy play for both dogs and owners
- Many owners found this toy kept their dog busy for long periods of time
Cons
- Ball can have a chemical smell at first which some owners found off-putting
- Some owners found their dog’s treats or kibble weren’t the right size for the ball, finding they were too big to fit in, or were too small and fell out easily
- Some found that their dog was able to chew through the toy when left unsupervised
- Some felt that the treat dispenser was too difficult, finding their dog couldn’t access the treats and got frustrated
- Some found that the outside of the ball felt ‘greasy’ which they were concerned about
- Size description can be confusing for some, leaving them with a toy that was the wrong size for their dog
Ann-Marie Sharpe
Benebone Bacon Flavor Dental Tough Dog Chew Toy review
Features
- Best chew toy
- Natural bacon flavoring
- Extremely durable and long-lasting
Ann-Marie Sharpe
The Benebone Bacon Flavor Dental Tough Dog Chew Toy is a fantastic chew toy for power chewers, made from highly durable nylon. This is a favorite in our home and has lasted months of regular, tough chewing. The toy is flavored with 100% natural bacon which keeps dogs coming back for more chewing action.
I found that the unique shape of the toy allows my dog to get a good grip when they settle down for a chewing session. The grooves on either end of the toy are even great for cleaning your dog’s teeth and stimulating their gums. My springer spaniel spends hours chewing away at this toy and finds it both soothing and entertaining.
The chew is available in a range of sizes to suit small to large breeds. As a bonus, a portion of the sales price is donated to animal support charities and organizations.
Pros
- Many owners stated that this toy was very durable and stood up to tough chewers over time, even with large breed dogs
- Unique shape makes playtime more interesting, as well as making the toy easier to grip and carry for your dog
- Many dogs loved this toy and kept coming back for more, with owners saying it kept them busy for long periods
- Some found that the ridges on toy helped to clean their dog’s teeth
- Many felt that this toy helped to redirect their dog’s destructive chewing, providing a healthy outlet
- Several owners stated that this was their dog’s favorite toy, and they would continue to repurchase in the future
Cons
- Some owners felt that the toy didn’t smell like bacon and therefore they wondered if it had a bacon taste as described
- Some found that when their dog was left unsupervised, they could chew off small shards of the plastic, which they worried was a safety hazard
- Some owners found that their dogs weren’t interested in the toy
- Can have sharp edges once chewed, although some owners stated they could sand the edges down easily
- Some found that the holes in the ends of the toy could get stuck on their dog’s lower jaw or in their mouth
Ann-Marie Sharpe
Chuckit! Ultra Rubber Ball Tough Dog Toy review
Features
- Best ball toy
- Highly durable rubber
- Bounces and floats
Ann-Marie Sharpe
If your dog loves a good old game of fetch, the Chuckit! Ultra Rubber Ball Tough Dog Toy could be the 1 for you. Made from durable rubber with an extra-thick rubber core, these balls are designed to last! They’re super bouncy and even float, making for a fun-filled playtime anywhere you go.
I found that the bright colors of this ball helped me to find the ball if my dog didn’t bring it back, preventing them from getting lost like other balls we’d tried. I also found them very durable, even when regularly chewed. They’re available in a range of sizes to suit all breeds, with this listing offering 2 sizes to suit small and medium breeds.
Pros
- Most owners said that these balls were exceptionally durable and stood up to their dog’s chewing, even when other balls had failed
- Many said this ball lasted for several months of regular, rough play, even with big breed dogs
- Owners liked that the ball was free of fuzz, stating that their dog had managed to chew up and swallow the fuzzy exterior of other balls
- Many said that this ball was their dog’s favorite toy, and they would choose it over toys in the home
- 2 in a pack, which owners felt was great value and handy when 1 got lost or for use in multiple areas (such as indoors and outdoors)
- Owners liked that the ball was very bouncy and could be used with a ball launcher, saying it was perfect for games of fetch
- Owners appreciated that the balls floated, allowing for fun play in all environments
Cons
- Some found that very determined dogs were able to chew up these balls when left unsupervised
- Some owners weren’t able to get the right size for their dog, stating they wished there were a wider range of sizes available
- Some felt that these balls weren’t good value for money
- Some owners felt that the sizing was misleading, ending up with a ball too small for their dog
Ann-Marie Sharpe
GoughNuts Stick Dog Toy review
Features
- Best stick toy
- Red layer safety indicator
- Durable and sturdy
Ann-Marie Sharpe
The GoughNuts Stick Dog Toy is a great, safe choice for power chewers, inspired by K9 police dogs for training, rewarding, and a stimulating playtime. The stick is made from natural, reinforced rubber for the ultimate durability. To enhance safety the outer layer is black while the inner layer is red, to clearly indicate that playtime is over when your dog has chewed through to the red layer.
As well as being a great chew toy, I found that this toy is great for fetch as it bounces! It’s even great for outdoor play, especially in water as the toy floats. This toy is available in 2 sizes to suit large and giant breeds.
Pros
- Many owners found that this toy stood up to their power chewer, even large breed dogs who usually chew through toys quickly
- Very long-lasting, with owners saying it typically lasts their dog months of regular chewing
- Owners liked that the toy could be used for fetch and tug, as well as for chewing
- Red core alerts owners that their dog has chewed through the toy, which owners felt increased safety and was handy
- Erratic bounce keeps games of fetch and chase interesting and engaging
- Owners liked that the toy floats, finding it suitable for play outdoors and in lakes or rivers
Cons
- Some owners found the toy had a strong rubber smell with they found off-putting
- Some stated that the toy doesn’t float as stated, which was disappointing
- Toy is quite heavy as well as sturdy, with some owners feeling it was a bit too heavy for playtime
- Some felt the higher price tag wasn’t worth it, stating they didn’t feel it was good value for money
- Some found that their dog simply wasn’t interested in this toy
- A few owners found that their dog was able to chew through the toy after a period of regular use
Things to Look for in a Dog Toy for Aggressive Chewers
When you’re searching for the best dog toys for aggressive chewers, consider the following factors:
Durable Materials
You need the toy to be made from very durable materials, so it stands up to your aggressive chewer and lasts longer. In general, toys made from strong rubber, durable nylon, or thick rope tend to be the most durable.
Plush toys and those made from vinyl or latex tend to be less durable and are often unsuitable for power chewers. However, if you’re looking for the best plush dog toys for aggressive chewers, stick to toys with reinforced seams and little to no stuffing for safety.
High-Quality Materials
High-quality materials generally tend to be more durable and longer lasting, as well as safer for your precious pooch.
Type of Toy
There are a wide range of types of toys available for tough chewers, such as chew toys, treat dispensers, balls, tug toys, puzzle toys, and more. Take your time to consider what will suit your dog’s preferences and style of play best. With so much choice, you’re bound to find something perfect for your pup.
Correct Size for Your Dog
A big part of ensuring the toy is strong enough for your dog is choosing a toy that is the correct size. You want the toy to be big enough to stand up to their chewing, yet not so big and heavy that they can’t fit in their mouth or play with it comfortably.
Look at the description as well as reviews to find the right size for your dog. In general, it’s always a good idea to go 1 size up for power chewers so that the toy lasts longer.
Safety
If your dog is a power chewer, safety becomes even more important during play since the toy could potentially be destroyed. It’s crucial the toy you choose has safe materials: look for signs such as an FDA-approved label as this is a good indicator. It’s also a good idea to avoid toys with small removable parts, anything that could pose a choking hazard, and materials that could potentially cause internal damage if they were destroyed.
Physical and Mental Stimulation
Finally, playtime should be fun! Choose a toy that gets your dog moving and engages their mind. This will give them all the health benefits of play and ensure they have a great time with their new toy.
Why Some Dogs Are Aggressive Chewers
Chewing is a normal, natural behavior for all dogs, but why do some dogs end up chewing aggressively? Well, excessive, destructive chewing can have many causes. Some breeds are more prone to aggressive chewing than others. Dogs who are bigger and stronger will naturally have a stronger bite than small breeds, so their chewing may be interpreted as aggressive.
Puppies chew excessively when they’re teething to soothe their sore mouth. Anxious dogs, such as those with separation anxiety, may chew as an outlet for their anxiety. When dogs are stressed, frustrated, or bored they may turn to destructive chewing.
Some dogs may chew aggressively because they’re hungry and aren’t being fed enough, or due to a health condition causing excessive hunger. Others may not be getting enough exercise or mental stimulation, so turn to chewing to try to entertain themselves.
Tips for Dealing With Destructive Chewing
Whatever the cause, destructive chewing is unsafe and frustrating so it’s important to deal with it proactively. If your dog is suddenly chewing aggressively and it’s out of character for them, it’s always best to get them checked by your vet to rule out any health-related causes.
Other ways to deal with destructive chewing include:
- Provide your dog with durable, strong toys like the 1’s we’re discussing, to give them a healthy outlet for their chewing
- Give your dog edible, long-lasting chews to keep them busy
- Ensure your dog is eating enough and having mealtimes on a regular schedule so they aren’t hungry
- Provide plenty of physical and mental stimulation for your dog
- Put personal and valuable items out of reach until you get the chewing under control
- Crate or pen train your dog to keep them (and your home) safe when they’re left alone
- Use lots of positive reinforcement and redirection to teach your dog what they can and can’t chew
If you’re in doubt, there are lots of great guides and videos online to help you train your dog. Don’t be afraid to seek the help of a professional dog trainer or attend training classes with your dog.
Dog Toy for Aggressive Chewers Safety Advice
Always choose a toy made from safe materials that is the right size and chew strength for your dog. If your dog is prone to destroying toys, it’s always best to supervise them during playing to prevent choking or blockage hazards. Take the toy away if it becomes broken for your dog’s safety.
Dog Toy for Aggressive Chewers FAQ
Should you let your dog destroy toys?
No, you should try to discourage your dog from destroying their toys. Allowing them to destroy toys promotes bad behavior and can be a safety hazard.
Is there a truly indestructible dog toy?
While there are toys that are durable and more likely to stand up to aggressive chewing, no toy can be completely indestructible especially if your dog is very strong and determined. That’s why choosing a strong toy and supervised play are crucial.
Conclusion
While aggressive chewing can be frustrating for both dog and owner, with training and a suitable toy, your dog can enjoy playtime to the fullest!
The Best Dog Toys for Aggressive Chewers
Editor's Choice
KONG Extreme Dog Toy- Best overall
- Multi-use options
- Ultra-durable rubber construction
Runner Up
Nylabone DuraChew Dental Chew Chicken Flavored Dinosaur Dog Chew Toy- Best dental chew
- Raised nubs to clean teeth
- Durable, tough nylon construction
Also Good
Starmark Treat Dispensing Chew Ball Tough Dog Toy- Best treat dispensing toy
- Physically and mentally stimulating
- Highly durable
