Playtime just got a whole lot more fun with this list of the most indestructible dog toys! From heavy-duty products designed for large dogs to compact chewables for small dogs, the betterpet team researched each toy, leaving you with our list of the best possible durable dog toys for you and your pet. So if you’re in the market for the right chew toy for your furry friend, check out these tough dog toys.
Wondering what really constitutes an indestructible dog toy? We’ve got you covered. An important thing to consider is that “indestructible” looks different across different dog breed types and temperaments. Does your dog shred? Chew? Gnaw? What types of toys does your dog enjoy and play with strategically rather than destructively?
These are important questions you can use to determine your dog’s play style and align your toy purchase choice to that style to find the toughest dog toys.
Now that you’ve determined your play type, it’s time to do your research. We recommend keeping the following criteria in consideration to help you walk away with the best possible indestructible dog toy:
Toys are always a good investment for your dog. They encourage cognition, play, total-body engagement, and exercise. The question is, how can you keep your pet safe with your toy choice? Do marketed toys actually pose a risk to your dog?
Simply put, yes. Toys, if not constructed properly, can pose a serious risk of choking and abdominal blockages in the case of shredding or breakage. For example, we considered but ultimately opted against the popular Smash Potato toy for this reason. While it might be well-suited for supervised teething puppies, veterinarian Dr. Erica Irish says to avoid cloth toys that can be easily shredded and digested by your dog.
Understanding how your pet plays with toys, investing in quality toys, and having playtime with close supervision can help you mitigate your risk.
If you notice your dog is continuing to chew excessively or in a distressed, strained way, it’s time to make a vet appointment. Voracious chewing (Trusted Source) or violent outbursts when chewing could point to emotional distress or anxiety. Your pup may also be trying to address a dental problem, such as plaque or tartar buildup in the teeth. A vet can confidently diagnose your pup if there’s an underlying cause of the chewing and offer helpful alternative strategies to curb the behavior safely.
Exercise, agility challenges other dog sports, and a fun romp in a new environment may keep your pup engaged enough to leave the destructive tendencies behind. Play releases endorphins, which work to combat anxiety and stress hormones in your dog, which may contribute to reduced destructive behaviors. If you’re still struggling, we encourage you to seek veterinary care. A vet can determine if there’s an underlying problem or cause for concern.
Aggressive chewing, by definition, is chewing with such energy or enthusiasm that the object your dog is chewing can break or be torn. Non-aggressive chewers simply chew objects more gently.
From teething puppies to bored adult dogs, chewing of all types is common for dogs and quite natural. In the end, what’s important is to help your dog chew responsibly by providing them with durable, near-indestructible dog toys.
Dogs absolutely do get bored. They experience emotions, too! That’s why play is so critical – it’s a way of offering them attention, stimulating their brains, and keeping them happy and healthy.
Generally, you’ll want your dog to chew on toys made from non-toxic materials, or materials that don’t shred off to smaller pieces. Bones and sticks can splinter, causing gastrointestinal distress or danger to your dog’s health. While we love plush toys, they also may not be a good idea as an indestructible dog chew toy. Consult with your vet to get a personalized recommendation of what toys and items are suitable for your furry friend’s unique needs.
For aggressive chewers of all sizes, non-edible chews can be the safer choice without the potential risk of injury and digestive issues. Non-edible chews made of rubber or nylon offer longer-lasting play, plus chews with compartments where you can put treats allowing your dog to have the best of both worlds.
