Finding Durable Toys for Your Aggressive-Chewer Dog

If you’re one of the lucky ones out there, you can buy just about any dog toy and expect it to last around your house for more than a few hours. Some dog owners, however, know the all-too-real feeling of feeling like buying some dog toys is lighting money on fire—paying for it, bringing it home, and watching the dog tear it to shreds in 20 minutes. For these more aggressive dogs, finding dog toys is a little bit more complicated. Thankfully, there are some manufacturers out there that understand that some dogs need a bit tougher of a toy to play with—and not just big dogs! Some small breed dogs are tough cookies when it comes to playtime, and we’ve compiled a few brands of toys that can stand up to your pup’s chompers.

Elk Antler or Bully Stick Chews

If your pooch is a fan of pig ears or rawhide, you know all too well that they disappear far too quickly. For strong chewers, elk antler chews or bully sticks are a good option for dogs that like chewing. Unlike rawhide, elk antlers are not a choking hazard, have no odor, and are less messy. However, be careful to still supervise your dog, as they do have the potential for hurting your dog’s teeth—make sure they’re not chewing too hard or for too long. If you prefer a more natural chew “toy,” marrow bones (beef bones) are a great choice, and your dogs will probably go nuts for them.

West Paw Design’s Zogoflex Toys

Branded and reviewed as some of the most durable dog toys on the market, these toys are made of a super-strong material called Zogoflex. They’re non-toxic and dishwasher safe, and if you need something even tougher, they offer a line of toys called Black Zogoflex, toys made from recycled remnants of old toys.

Kong Toys

Kong is a well-known brand for offering toys and chews that are built tough. Their famous rubber chew toys are made in a way that allows for putting treats inside, and the toys bounce and have a soft mouth feel, perfect for chew-happy pups. This brand also offers plush toys that are made with an additional layer to prevent tears, as well as plush toys that have ropes as “skeletons” for additional toughness.

Tuffy Dog Toys

Though not indestructible, these dogs are made to be very durable. They’re made with multiple layers of material and seven layers of stitching, making them some of the toughest choices around for your dog’s playtime. Their line of Mega Toys are constructed with seven layers of fabric.

One thing to be aware of: products like some flavored-rubber bones can entice your dog to actually eat the toy, which can be extremely harmful for them—try to avoid products like that, that encourage the dog to ingest the toy completely. Do you have any favorite toys that your dog plays with and doesn’t destroy immediately? Let us know!