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Some dogs like to gnaw more than others and go through toys pretty quickly. If your dog is a super chewer, we recommend giving them the best dog toys for aggressive chewers. There's no such thing as an indestructible dog toy, but the most durable toys will hold up longer than many options.
We spoke to veterinarians and dog trainers about dogs who are tough chewers, then researched and tested dozens of toys to make our recommendations. Our top pick is the Kong Extreme Tires toy, an extra tough rubber toy that our tester dogs chose to gnaw on time and again. Experts say fabric toys also have their place among tough chew toys. Our top stuffed toy pick, Kong Cozie Marvin the Moose, has two layers of durable fabric and minimal stuffing for less mess.
Whatever chew toy you give your dog, it's important to supervise them. Being aware of your dog's tendencies is key, says Dr. Kelly Ballantyne, a veterinary behaviorist at Insight Animal Behavior Services. Some dogs gobble up whatever they destroy, a dangerous habit that may result in serious medical emergencies due to intestinal blockage.
Read more about how Business Insider Reviews tests and researches pet products.
Our top picks for the best dog toys for aggressive chewers
Best overall: Kong Extreme Tires - See at Chewy
Best plush: Kong Cozie Marvin the Moose - See at Chewy
Best chew: Petstages Dogwood Calming Chew - See at Chewy
Best interactive: Fable The Puffin Game - See at Chewy
Best ball: Chew King Supreme Rubber Ball - See at Amazon
Best bone: Spot Bam-Bones Plus - See at Chewy
Best for treats: Kong Extreme - See at Chewy
Best for tug: Kong Wubba - See at Chewy
Best rope: Pacific Pups Rescue 6-Knot Knotted Rope Toy - See at Chewy
Best subscription box: Bullymake - See at Bullymake
Best overall
Durability is vital when choosing the best dog toys for aggressive chewers, says Ivan Petersel, a professional dog trainer and founder of Dog Wizardry. Strong jaws can easily rip through materials like fabric, but a toy that's too hard can damage your dog's teeth. The Kong Extreme Tires toy is made of tough natural rubber that's still gentle on a dog's teeth and gums.
Sarah Saril, an Insider Reviews editor, says the Kong Extreme Tires satisfies the dog toy trifecta: It is interesting to her dogs, durable, and fillable with treats. "They gravitate to the interesting shape and little nooks and crannies of this one, even when not filled," she says. "Its shape also bounces well when thrown."
No toy is completely chew-proof, but Saril couldn't even damage the Extreme Tires toy with a knife. It comes in two sizes, small for dogs up to 35 pounds and medium/large for dogs up to 65 pounds.
Best plush
Like humans, dogs have individual preferences when it comes to texture. Some dogs prefer plush stuffed toys, whether to chew on, snuggle, or sink their teeth into them. Puppies, in particular, are often attracted to soft, plush toys, Petersel says.
If your super chewer is obsessed with stuffed toys, we recommend Marvin the Moose. The cuddly stuffed animal has an interior squeaker for more stimulating play. It has an extra layer of tough material and contains less filling than typical stuffed toys, so there's less mess to clean up when your dog eventually rips it to shreds.
Insider Reviews freelance reporter Rachael Schultz introduced Marvin the Moose to her super chewer pup Croc who couldn't destroy it. "The material doesn't shed when she chews," she says. "She likes to carry this toy around and then gnash on him all over. I can tell she finds it a comfort toy — she likes to lay with it too." Not only has the toy survived Croc's powerful chewing, it held up when Schultz ran it through the washer, and she couldn't even pierce it with scissors.
Best chew
While durability is an important concern for aggressive chewers, Ballantyne cautions against offering things like antlers or bones. "There's a really high risk of them breaking their teeth on those, especially if they're a really aggressive chewer," she says. Real wood sticks also pose a risk and can get stuck between a dog's teeth or the roof of their mouth, sometimes even damaging the intestinal tract, she adds.
However, your dog might find the next best thing with Petstages Dogwood Calming Chews. Made with composite hemp and wood, they're a safe alternative to branches and sticks that can splinter. Plus, these toys float, which is great for dogs who love water play.
Insider Reviews freelance reporter Christy Caplan gives these chews to her stick-loving basset hound, Herschel. While real sticks will always be his first choice, she says he loves the Dogwood Calming Chews. They are soft enough for safe chewing and made of natural wood, so you will see immediate wear and tear but without dangerous splinters and pieces. For the most aggressive chewers like Herschel, you can expect a stick to last five to six chew sessions.
Best interactive
"Puzzle toys are beneficial for the dogs who like them because they satisfy the innate need to work, have purpose, and solve problems," says Patrick Flynn, a professional dog trainer and founder of Patrick's Pet Care. He adds that puzzle toys can also help slow down eaters who scarf down their food too quickly.
The Puffin Game provides all these benefits, making it one of the best dog puzzle toys overall. It is oval-shaped but with a tapered top. Unscrew the top and bottom pieces and fill it with up to 1.5 cups of dry food or treats. The toy's weighted base keeps it upright while lending itself to a bobbing movement.
Lisa Sabatini, Insider Reviews senior pets editor, sometimes feeds her dog Homer with The Puffin Game. He occasionally bites at it but hasn't damaged it. She also likes the less expensive Kong Wobbler, but Homer has gnawed at the toy's plastic exterior, leaving scrapes that collect grime and are difficult to clean. While Puffin The Game is the most durable treat dispenser we've tested, it's still important to supervise super chewers with this toy because it has separate interior components.
Best ball
Many dogs can't resist chasing balls, and the Chew King Supreme is a tough one that stands up to strong jaws. It held up to indoor and outdoor play, and the rubber was impenetrable. Saril says the ball has great bounce and great throw ability. "Since it's a little weighty though, you'll wanna be careful not to hit your pups when throwing," she says.
The textured rubber makes it easy for both humans and dogs to grip. Saril likes that it didn't get slippery during play. "My fetch-loving dogs engage with it very well, and my dog that likes to chew at seams and tear toys enjoys trying to nibble off the texture," Saril says.
Even better, it comes in three sizes, ranging from 2.5 inches to 4 inches in diameter. Ballantyne points out that when you give a large breed dog a small toy, there's a risk that they may swallow it.
Best bone
The Spot Bam-Bones is made of nylon and bamboo, a safe choice for dogs who love to chew. The toy's T-shaped ridged design and flavor are also extra enticing. "I've been trying to determine why he likes this chew so much," Caplan says of her dog Herschel. "The ridges must be a nice chewing texture. He does love everything chicken so perhaps it's the flavor of this chew." It's also available in peanut butter and beef flavors.
While hard nylon-only toys tend to be the sturdiest of the bunch, Quest says you should always be able to indent a toy with your fingernail. That's why we chose the Bam-Bones with its softer texture. Keep in mind that this means it will also wear down faster.
Best for treats
Pet experts frequently recommend toys from Kong, a brand that makes some of the toughest chew toys for dogs. The Extreme has the same design as the Kong Classic many people know and love but with a souped-up, heavy-duty rubber made to withstand the toughest chewers.
The bobble-shaped toy is also a great introductory food puzzle that dogs can enjoy chewing long after emptying it of treats. You can fill it with peanut butter, the best dog treats, kibble, or the brand's Easy Treats. Saril's dogs engage with the Kong whenever it's filled with treats, but she says it's not the best option for other play. Its large size and unusual shape makes it difficult for a dog to hold onto for regular old chewing. For that, we recommend our best overall pick, the Kong Extreme Tires.
When opting for a food toy like a Kong, Petersel says you'll want to be sure the toy is the appropriate size. Make sure the biggest part of the toy can't make it to the back of your dog's mouth. Kong brand has a handy sizing chart to help you choose the right size for your dog.
Best tug toy
The Wubba isn't a chew toy, but it's a super tough toy for games of tug. It also works well for fetch. The Wubba comprises two balls wrapped in durable ballistic nylon with reinforced stitching for added longevity. One of the balls squeaks, and the other has plenty of bounce. Strips of nylon extend from the bottom.
"We're obsessed with this toy!" Schultz says. The fabric strips are ideal for human holding and gripping during tug, and the weight of the balls makes it easy to throw. Schultz's dog Croc also likes to play with the Wubba solo, grabbing the strips and flailing the toy around or chomping away at the top.