We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Shopping People Tested The 11 Best Dog Toys for Tough Chewers of 2024, Tested by Our Dogs These fetch balls, bones, and tug-of-war toys held up against the most destructive dogs By Camryn Rabideau Camryn Rabideau Camryn Rabideau is a freelance writer and product reviewer specializing in home, kitchen, and pet products. In her 6+ years of experience as a product tester, she's reviewed hundreds of items firsthand, and her work appears in publications such as PEOPLE, The Spruce, Homes & Gardens, and more. Camryn is also the proud owner of a small homestead in Rhode Island, where she spends her spare time gardening, tending her many animals, and working through a never-ending list of home improvement projects. People Editorial Guidelines Updated on April 12, 2024 03:04PM EDT In This Article Expand Jump to a Section Our top picks Reviews Others We Tried Things to Consider How We Tested FAQ Why Trust PEOPLE? What Is PEOPLE Tested? People / Kate Rousu As a pet parent, buying new dog supplies and toys for our furry friends is fun, but if your dog is an aggressive chewer, you may find yourself replacing their toys more frequently than you’d like. Some dogs love chewing so much that they quickly rip apart regular dog toys, and if this sounds familiar, it might be time to upgrade to some heavy-duty toys that can withstand their tough play style. Today's Top Deals Otterly Pets Rope Toys are 50% off at Amazon. Bullymake Nylon Steak Chew Toy is 35% off at walmart.com. Kong Extreme Tires Dog Toy is 21% off at Chewy. What should you look for if your dog is prone to destroying toys? Our experts explained that the right material is key. “In general, the toys that I recommend are either the hard rubber toys, sort of like nylon, or hard plastic-type toys,” says veterinarian Dr. Amy Fox, DVM. “Those tend to be hard enough that dogs can't just break them into dangerous-size pieces and chew them up, but they're also soft enough that it's not gonna do damage to their teeth.” To find the best dog toys for tough chewers, we tested 25 popular products, enlisting the help of several adorable pups of all sizes, and we scored each toy on its ease of use, durability, and how much the dogs liked it. Here are the best dog toys for tough chewers that PEOPLE (and our dogs) Tested. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Chew King Durable Fetch Balls at Amazon ($15) Jump to Review Best Budget: KONG Classic Dog Toy at Amazon ($12) Jump to Review Best Bone: Playology Dual Layer Bone Dog Toy at Amazon ($20) Jump to Review Best for Dispensing Treats: SodaPup Dog Treat Dispenser & Chew Toy at Amazon ($23) Jump to Review Best for Puppies: Playology Puppy Bounce Ball Dog Toys at Amazon ($19) Jump to Review Best for Tug of War: BiteKing Natural Rubber Dog Toys at Amazon ($23) Jump to Review Best Squeaky: HuggleHounds Knotties Dog Toys at Amazon ($20) Jump to Review Best Rope: Otterly Pets Puppy Dog Pet Rope Toys at Amazon ($8) Jump to Review Best Heavy-Duty: Goughnuts Maxx Heavy Duty Tug Dog Toy at Amazon ($40) Jump to Review Best for Small Dogs: KONG Tires Dog Toy at Amazon ($16) Jump to Review Best Overall Chew King Durable Fetch Balls Amazon View On Amazon $15 View On Walmart $15 View On Tractor Supply Co. $16 Our Ratings Ease of Use 5/5 Engagement 5/5 Durability 5/5 Pros The toy balls stood up to frequent play and heavy chewing, and they looked as good as new after several weeks. Our dogs enjoyed chewing on the rubber material, as well as chasing the balls. The rubber material can be washed off easily if it gets slimy or dirty. Cons The toy balls are fairly heavy, so you may not want to use them indoors. Whether your dog likes chewing on toys or playing fetch (or both!), these rubber balls will hold up to even the toughest play styles. We were extremely impressed with their durability — they barely had any marks on them after several weeks of use — and our dogs loved chasing them around the yard and chewing on the rubbery material. The balls are fairly heavy, so you may want to only play fetch with them outside. Despite being subjected to heavy gnawing, no pieces ever broke off the balls, and we love that they come in several sizes for different dog breeds. Plus, when the balls were feeling a little slimy, we were able to wash them off with water and they were like new again! Type: Treat-holding ball | Material: Rubber | Suitable For: Dogs of all ages People / Courtney Thompson People / Courtney Thompson Best Budget KONG Classic Dog Toy Amazon View On Amazon $12 View On Walmart $16 View On Chewy $12 Our Ratings Ease of Use 4.5/5 Engagement 5/5 Durability 4.5/5 Pros The toy barely showed any signs of wear after several weeks of use, and no pieces came off despite heavy chewing. The hollow interior is easy to fill with treats, and it keeps dogs engaged as they work to get the food out. The toy bounces irregularly when thrown, making for a more interesting game of fetch. Cons The toy has fairly small openings, so it’s a bit tricky to clean the interior. Kong toys are beloved among many dog owners and trainers, and for tough chewers, the brand has its Kong Extreme, which is made from an extra-durable rubber. These toys have a snowman-like shape that’s hollow inside, and we found that putting a few treats in the toy kept dogs entertained for longer, as they had to work to get the food out. These inexpensive toys come in several sizes to suit different breeds, and despite being chewed on regularly, the Kong Extreme didn’t show any signs of wear after several weeks of testing. Just be aware that you’ll likely have to clean out the toy from time to time, especially if you put peanut butter inside it, and you may need a special brush to get inside the small holes. Type: Treat dispenser | Material: Rubber | Suitable For: Adult dogs Best Bone Playology Dual Layer Bone Dog Toy Amazon View On Amazon $20 View On Walmart $20 View On Chewy $20 Our Ratings Ease of Use 5/5 Engagement 5/5 Durability 5/5 Pros The bone’s scent proved to be appealing, and dogs were very eager to play with it. The rubber material is very dense and held up well against aggressive chewing. The size and shape of the toy makes it easy for dogs to pick up and play with. Cons The bone is on the heavier side, which could be dangerous if your dog flings it around. Your dog will be able to chew for hours with this durable rubber bone. It comes in a variety of dog-approved scents, and we found that pups were more eager than usual to sink their teeth into it. The bone-shaped chew toy held up extremely well throughout testing. When it gets dirty or slobbery, you can rinse the toy off in water, and it’s also available in a smaller size for dogs under 35 pounds. The bone-shaped design also made it easy for our dogs to pick it up and carry it around, which they loved. Type: Chew toy | Material: Rubber | Suitable For: Adult dogs 35+ pounds People / Sierra Estevez People / Sierra Estevez People / Sierra Estevez Best for Dispensing Treats SodaPup Dog Treat Dispenser & Chew Toy Amazon View On Amazon $23 View On Walmart $14 View On Chewy $15 Our Ratings Ease of Use 5/5 Engagement 5/5 Durability 5/5 Pros When treats were inside, the toy kept dogs entertained for long periods as they worked to get the food out. This toy can also be used for games of indoor fetch, as the rubber makes it bounce. We love that you can put the toy in the dishwasher for easy cleaning. Cons The toy isn’t as engaging for dogs when there aren’t treats inside. If you need to keep your pup busy while you hop on a Zoom call, this coffee-shaped treat dispenser is the way to go. It’s made from thick rubber that dogs aren’t able to rip up, and you can put all sorts of treats inside to engage your dog. There are little tabs around the opening that make it more challenging to get the food out, and the dispenser held up wonderfully during testing. Plus, we love that you can put the toy straight into the dishwasher if it gets sticky or dirty, and it comes out looking as good as new. Type: Treat dispenser | Material: Rubber | Suitable For: Dogs up to 60 pounds People / Rachel Marek People / Rachel Marek People / Rachel Marek Best for Puppies Playology Puppy Bounce Ball Dog Toys Amazon View On Amazon $19 View On PETCO View On Chewy $17 Our Ratings Ease of Use 5/5 Engagement 4.5/5 Durability 5/5 Pros The unique shape makes it easier for puppies to hold the ball with their paws. The ball bounces irregularly, keeping puppies engaged when you throw it. We were able to easily clean slime and dirt off the ball using just water. Cons Puppies may not be able to squeak the ball themselves, as it requires a lot of force to do so. You can keep young dogs entertained with this uniquely shaped rubber ball. It has a three-lobed design that makes it bounce unpredictably when thrown, and we found that the shape makes it easier for puppies to hold the ball in place with their paws to chew. There were only a few faint teeth marks on the ball after testing, and it quickly became a favorite toy among our canine testers. Plus, any slime and dirt washes away easily with water, making it suitable for outdoor play. Type: Ball | Material: Rubber | Suitable For: Puppies 4-8 months People / James Hodgson People / James Hodgson People / James Hodgson Best for Tug of War BiteKing Natural Rubber Dog Toys Amazon View On Amazon $23 Our Ratings Ease of Use 5/5 Engagement 5/5 Durability 5/5 Pros The large handles are comfortable for both dogs and humans to grab onto during tug. The material is denser than other rubber toys and doesn’t rip under pressure. Cons The treat holder in the center of the toy is very large, and most treats just fall out. This toy will let you and your dog go head-to-head in an intense match of tug-of-war. It’s designed specifically for tugging, and we found that its large handles are ideal for both dogs and people to grip. The textured surface also helps to prevent it from slipping out of your hand. (Because when you have a strong dog, you need all the advantages you can get!) The rubber construction of this toy is very dense, and we never worried about it ripping, yet it was still surprisingly flexible. There was a treat dispenser at the center of the toy, but it was too large for most treats, so we didn’t use it often. Type: Tug toy | Material: Rubber | Suitable For: Medium to large dogs People / Michael Vlaho People / Michael Vlaho Best Squeaky HuggleHounds Knotties Dog Toys Amazon View On Amazon $20 View On Hugglehounds.com View On Chewy $20 Our Ratings Ease of Use 5/5 Engagement 5/5 Durability 3.8/5 Pros The fabric material is noticeably more durable than generic plush dog toys. The inner squeaker made this toy very engaging for dogs, and they played with it for long periods. The toy lasted for around a week before the stuffing was torn out. Cons The toy’s legs are easy to rip off, especially if you’re playing tug-of-war. While it may last longer than regular plush toys, this toy can still be easily ripped apart by aggressive chewers or tough play. For dogs who prefer squeaky plush toys, these corduroy animals are more durable than your average dog toy, helping them stand up to rough play. During testing, the octopus-shaped toy lasted a full week before our dogs ripped the fabric and removed the stuffing. They also loved that the toy had squeakers inside. It captured their attention right away, and the noise kept them entertained for longer. Type: Plush | Material: Corduroy fabric | Suitable For: Dogs of all ages People / Kelynn Lane People / Kelynn Lane People / Kelynn Lane Best Rope Otterly Pets Puppy Dog Pet Rope Toys Amazon View On Amazon $8 Our Ratings Ease of Use 5/5 Engagement 5/5 Durability 4/5 Pros These toys were very engaging, and dogs kept coming back to them. The set of four includes different shaped toys that lend themselves well to different play styles. The ropes are made of 100% cotton fibers that can be washed. Cons The toy that got chewed on the most did begin to fray around the edges. These toys aren’t big enough for large-breed dogs. You can play tug-of-war, fetch, and more with this four-pack of rope toys. Designed for small and medium-sized dogs, the toys are made from 100 percent cotton, and they’re tightly knotted at the ends to minimize fraying. The ropes can also be washed to keep them grime-free. We love that the set comes with different toy shapes — the handled toys were ideal for games of tug, and the knotted ball was ideal for fetch. Like most rope toys, we don’t think this set will last forever. The toy that got played with the most was starting to show signs of fraying after a few weeks, so you’ll want to supervise your dog when they play with these toys and throw them away if the strings start coming loose. Type: Rope | Material: Cotton | Suitable For: Small to medium dogs People / Kate Rousu People / Kate Rousu People / Kate Rousu Best Heavy-Duty Goughnuts Maxx Heavy Duty Tug Dog Toy Amazon View On Amazon $40 Our Ratings Ease of Use 5/5 Engagement 4/5 Durability 4.5/5 Pros The shape of the toy makes it easy to play tug-of-war with your dog (without worrying about them grabbing your fingers). During testing, we felt confident that dogs couldn’t rip pieces off the toy. It comes with a lifetime guarantee. Cons This was the most expensive dog toy we tested. The rubber toy is quite heavy, so it may not be as usable for small breeds. If your dog likes playing tug-of-war with you, this product definitely deserves a spot in their toy box. It’s made from heavy-duty rubber and shaped like a figure eight, providing areas for both you and your dog to grip. You won’t have to worry about your pup accidentally nipping your fingers as you play, and we found that the material is extremely durable — it looked just as good as the day we got it after several weeks of testing. While it is notably more expensive than many other dog toys, we felt confident that the dogs wouldn’t be able to rip pieces off it, and if your dog tends to be destructive, that peace of mind is priceless. Plus, if your dog ever does destroy it, the brand offers a lifetime guarantee and will send you a replacement. Type: Tug toy | Material: Rubber | Suitable For: Dogs up to 100 pounds People / Ciara McCune People / Ciara McCune People / Ciara McCune Best for Small Dogs KONG Tires Dog Toy Amazon View On Amazon $16 View On Chewy $11 View On Petsupermarket.com Our Ratings Ease of Use 5/5 Engagement 4/5 Durability 5/5 Pros The thick rubber construction didn’t rip or puncture, even when aggressively chewed on. The groove inside the tire makes it easy to hide treats, and it’s challenging for dogs to get them out. We liked that despite the rubber being durable, it was soft so dogs enjoyed chewing on it. Cons We found that dogs don’t frequently engage with the toy unless there are treats inside. Even the larger size may be too small for large dog breeds. These heavy-duty rubber toys are another great treat-dispensing option for tough chewers. There’s a groove around the interior of the tire where you can hide treats, and we found that pups loved working to get the food out. Plus, the durable rubber material didn’t rip or puncture, even with a large American Staffordshire Terrier gnawing on it! The rubber was also soft so dogs enjoyed chewing on it. We think this toy is best for smaller breeds, as the large size is only around the size of your palm, making it a bit too small for bigger dogs. It’s also not the most engaging option when it’s empty — you may have to keep treats inside it to entice your dog to play. Type: Treat dispenser | Material: Rubber | Suitable For: Adult dogs People / Riley Shea People / Riley Shea Best for Large Dogs Bullymake Steak Dog Toy Bullymake View On Walmart $37 View On Bullymakeshop.com View On Chewy $18 Our Ratings Ease of Use 5/5 Engagement 5/5 Durability 4/5 Pros The hard nylon material only showed a few teeth marks after several weeks of use. Active chewers enjoyed chowing down on this toy, even though it doesn’t have any additional features. This toy can easily be washed off to clean. Cons Because it’s made from such a hard material, it makes a loud noise when dropped — watch out for your toes! Even if you have an extra-large dog breed, they’ll be able to safely chew on this steak-shaped toy. It’s made from extremely hard nylon — we initially thought it might even be too hard, but our dogs still loved chewing on it — and it has various grooves and score marks to make chewing more interesting. After weeks of testing, the material only had a few teeth marks on it, and we never worried that pieces were going to break off of it. We also liked that you can easily wash off the toy if it gets too dirty. Type: Chew toy | Material: Nylon | Suitable For: Adult dogs People / Jessica Eno People / Jessica Eno People / Jessica Eno The 6 Best Dog GPS Trackers of 2024, Tested and Reviewed Other Dog Toys for Tough Chewers We Tried West Paw Zogoflex Qwizl Toy: If your dog makes quick work of bully sticks or other stick-shaped treats, this dispenser can help keep them busy for longer. It holds the stick in place, and your pup can either chew on the exposed end or lick the treat through the holes on the sides of the toy. It kept dogs busy for long periods, but they did sometimes get frustrated if they couldn’t get the treat out. West Paw Tux Treat Toy: This treat-dispensing tool has a unique shape that’s easier to fill than Kongs. You can fill the inner section with treats, and we loved the ability to put water or chicken broth in the hole — once frozen, it kept dogs busy for even longer. However, dogs only found the toy interesting when there were treats inside. Nylabone Puppy Teething Pacifier Kit: This three-piece kit is designed for young dogs up to 25 pounds. It comes with one knobby chew toy, one smooth chew, and an edible bacon-flavored treat. After the edible treat was gone, the puppies would chew on the bones for 10 to 15 minutes at a time, but these toys are so small that dogs will outgrow them quickly. Things to Consider Before Buying Dog Toys for Tough Chewers Toy Style Just like when buying toys for your cat, you’ll want to take your dog’s play style into account when shopping for new toys. Some dogs may prefer regular chew toys, which are ideal for independent play, while others might prefer a tug toy or treat dispenser, which are a bit more interactive. If your dog loves to play tug-of-war, toys like the Goughnuts Maxx Heavy Duty Tug Toy or BiteKing Natural Rubber Dog Toy can stand up to being yanked and bitten. For dogs that love fetch, a toy like the Chew King Fetch Balls will provide hours of entertainment. Age and Size Your dog’s age and size should also be taken into account when you’re shopping for toys. “Different toys would be appropriate for puppies, compared to an adult dog and a senior dog,” says Dr. Fox. “Senior dogs' teeth may already be in not-so-great shape or they may be missing some teeth already, so they may need a different kind of toy than a young adult dog who's a really enthusiastic chewer.” Toys like the Playology Puppy Bounce Ball are specially designed for the small mouths of puppies. Similarly, dogs need toys that are appropriate for their size — if you give a 100-pound mastiff a toy meant for a Chihuahua, chances are they’ll be able to rip it up in a matter of minutes and may even swallow some of the pieces. Material If your dog is an aggressive chewer, you’ll want to avoid toys made from certain materials. “Some of the really soft toys like stuffy toys, anything that has stuffing material inside, or that has long strings on it — even the rope-type toys — I usually recommend avoiding because of the risk of them ingesting it and that causing blockage if it were to get stuck,” says Dr. Fox. If you choose to give your dog these types of toys, you’ll want to supervise them during playtime. Hard rubber, plastic, or nylon is generally the best option for aggressive chewers, as these materials are durable but still able to be chewed. If a toy is too hard, it can lead to cracks or chips in your dog’s teeth: “Some of the natural materials, like antlers, can be just too hard, and they can crack their teeth trying to eat it, so we try to look for the toys that are in between,” she explains. How We Tested Dog Toys for Tough Chewers We enlisted the help of several adorable dogs to test out 25 of the most popular dog toys for aggressive chewers. Our testers ranged in age from 11 weeks to 14 years old, and they came in all shapes and sizes, from a tiny 9-pound Yorkie-Poo to a 95-pound Labrador Retriever mix. To test the toys, we let the dogs do their thing for several weeks, encouraging them to chew on and play with the products — and they held nothing back! Durability: We noted if the toys frayed, got bite marks, or had any broken pieces after the dogs played with them. Our dogs played with them both inside and outside to see how the toys held up in a variety of conditions.Ease of Use: For those toys that had treats hidden inside, we took note of how easy it was to get the treat inside, as well as how difficult it was to wash the toy. We also observed how heavy the toy was, and if it worked for playing fetch or if was better as a stationary chew toy.Engagement: Some toys kept our dogs attention for hours, and others they weren't quite as interested in. We noted the details that kept them coming back to their favorite toy. We asked their parents to score each toy on its ease of use, durability, and engagement (or, how much the dog liked it), and we combined these scores to create the final ranking. The top-performing products included the Chew King Fetch Balls, SodaPup Coffee Cup, and Playology Dual Layer Bone, all of which earned a perfect score. Frequently Asked Questions Why are some dogs aggressive chewers? There are a variety of reasons why your dog may chew on toys aggressively. “Some dogs are just very excited by toys, and it's not necessarily that they're intending to destroy them, but they're just so excited,” explains Dr. Fox. “[This often happens with] toys that have something inside that rewards them for getting it open, like a squeaker. It gives them a job, basically, and a determination to try to get in there and get that out.”However, chewing can also become a compulsive behavior. “Even if they don't have a toy, they might chew on sticks, they might chew on their crate, they might chew on things they find in the house, so sometimes they can border on something that's not so healthy if it becomes compulsive,” she says. If your dog gets to this point, consider talking with your veterinarian about how to manage the behavior. Puppies are also more prone to chewing than adult dogs — often on things they shouldn’t: “Puppies are just known for chewing more,” Dr. Fox says. “That's how they explore the world: They put things in their mouths, and that's how they taste things, test things, figure things out.” At what point might aggressive chewing signal a behavioral or medical problem? Dr. Fox explains that you may want to speak with your veterinarian if your dog “isn't easily satisfied by having a foreign object replaced with a safe toy, and they're continuing to seek out and chew on things that are dangerous.” It’s also worth seeking medical advice if your dog hurts themselves while chewing, whether it’s a broken tooth or swallowing something they shouldn’t. “Anytime it goes that far to where it is definitely having detrimental health effects, it's worth looking into it more and trying to get to the bottom of why they're doing it and how that can be avoided in the future,” she notes. Is it safe to give your dog rawhide chews? Rawhide chews, which are made from untanned animal hide, are a popular treat for dogs, but they can be dangerous in certain situations. “The thing that's not great about rawhides is that [dogs] can swallow pieces that are a little bit too big, and they can get stuck either in their esophagus or digestive tract and cause an obstruction,” explains Dr. Fox. “There are some dogs that have chewed on them their whole lives and have been totally fine, so it's not to say that no dog should ever have one, but I definitely wouldn't give it to a dog who is a very aggressive chewer or a dog who has a tendency to scarf their food.” The 11 Best Dog Leashes of 2024, Tested and Reviewed Why Trust PEOPLE? Camryn Rabideau is a freelance writer and product tester who specializes in home and pet products. She’s owned large breed dogs her whole life, and she’s currently the proud parent to two Golden Retrievers who have never met a plush toy they didn’t want to rip apart. While writing this article, she carefully reviewed all the testing notes from the PEOPLE Tested team, evaluating the performance and value of each product. Meet Our Expert Amy Fox, DVM, is a veterinarian based in New York City. What Is PEOPLE Tested? We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs. But we don’t stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we’ve awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square. In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase. The 15 Best Dog Collars of 2024, Tested and Reviewed