A tired dog is a good dog, so stock up on the best indestructible dog toys and ensure your pup has an outlet for all their excess energy.
For many dogs, destroying their toys is the most fun part of playing with them. And while there’s (usually) no harm in shredding a stuffie to bits or tearing every last fuzzy patch off of a tennis ball, constantly replacing your dog’s toys can get expensive. So why not pick up some durable dog toys that can hold up to even the most determined of toy destroyers?
Here are five of our favorite toys for dogs who like to shred so your toy-maiming pup can finally meet their match.
What Makes a Good Dog Toy?
Before we get to our picks, let’s quickly go over what you should look for when shopping for high-quality dog toys.
As with any item you buy for your pet, safety is the first thing to keep in mind when buying dog toys. Any toy you purchase needs to be appropriately sized for your furry friend, which includes being large enough that it doesn’t pose a choking hazard. And if your dog is keen on destruction, it must be free of additional dangers like squeakers, bells, and polystyrene beads.
Regarding materials, look for toys made out of natural fabrics that won’t harm your pet if swallowed (such as wool or jute) or toys made out of materials that are hard to destroy in the first place (such as Kevlar, canvas, or hard rubber). Also, skip the rawhide bones since those can be quite hard on your dog’s stomach.
Finally, seek out interactive toys that offer more for your dog to do than just destroy on contact. Treat toys, puzzle toys, and toys with interesting textures will all do a better job holding your dog’s interest than their less-exciting alternatives.
The Toughest Dog Toys on the Market
When it comes to indestructible dog toys, “lifetime guarantee” and similar packaging phrases will let you know that the manufacturer has made the toy with heavy chewers in mind. Start your search with these five tough toys, and rotate your dog’s toys regularly, so they don’t get bored.
1. Kong Extreme Dog Toy Rubber Ball
You don’t get called an “extreme” dog toy without some seriously durable toughness. Kong’s fan-favorite rubber ball is bouncy and puncture-resistant, with a size that’s just right for medium and large-breed dogs.
2. Outward Hound Invincibles Dog Toy
Outward Hound’s collection of Invincibles features uniquely designed stuffies in tons of shapes and sizes, all of which have thick linings and double-stitched seams for extra durability.
3. NOUGAT Squeaky Dog Chew Toys
Swapping in tougher toys doesn’t mean your dog has to forego their beloved squeaks. But instead of a squeaker they can pull out, opt for one of NOUGAT’s BPA-free rubber squeaky toys, made with 100% eco-friendly material and featuring well-placed bristles that help clean your pup’s teeth while they chew.
4. Arm & Hammer Treadz Dental Chew Toys
Speaking of tough toys that do double duty for your pet’s health, Treadz dental chew toys by Arm & Hammer can be found in two shapes that are fun for dogs to chew and near-impossible to destroy. As a bonus, they’re infused with baking soda for even more teeth cleaning benefits.
5. Goughnuts MaXX
Your dog will have a blast trying (and failing) to chew through this indestructible rubber ring. This has been a go-to toy for chew-happy large breeds for a long time and also has a smaller version for dogs in the 10-40 pound range.
You can’t go wrong with any of these durable toys, but keep your dog’s general preferences in mind so that you choose a toy that will grab their interest—and withstand their chompers.