Dog toys are great for keeping your canine companion entertained throughout the day. If your dog is particularly wild and playful, a toy can help you ensure that your home is free of destruction at the end of the day.
Certain breeds are notorious for chewing on anything they can get their paws on.
A high-quality toy will give them something special to focus on.
With that being said, not all dog toys are made the same. Many manufacturers produce toys out of soft and cheap materials. While these may be great for smaller dogs, they are destroyed almost instantly with a wilder dog.
Luckily, the market is also flooded with a huge selection of toys designed specifically for voracious chewers. They're made from tough materials that can take a beating. Here are some of the best dog toys for wild and playful pooches.
Best Durable Dog Toys for Aggressive Chewing Dogs
1. West Paw Design Zogoflex Hurley Guaranteed Tough Dog Bone Chew Toy
Designed with versatile play in mind, this toy has a very basic look. It's in the shape of a bone but is comprised of vibrantly-colored rubber.
This rubber is ultra-durable. It can also bounce off hard surfaces and float on water, making it a great fetching stick.
The material is soft enough to chew but hard enough to stay intact. It's also non-toxic and FDA approved. The toy can be used to play fetch or be chewed on for hours on end. When it's time to clean up, simply toss it in the dishwasher.
2. Snug Rubber Dog Balls (3 Pack)
This option looks like a typical tennis ball. However, it's made from high-quality rubber that lasts. The balls are all made from food-grade rubber. The rubber is BPA-free, FDA compliant, and completely natural.
Each of the three balls has their own unique color scheme for easy identification. The balls can be bounced on hard surfaces, chewed on for hours, or used with a ball launcher. Because they are sized like tennis balls, they work with any standard ball launcher.
3. KONG Extreme Dog Toy, Black
Create a challenge for your dog while you're away. This unique chew toy from KONG has a small compartment for stashing treats. It can be filled with wet and dry ingredients.
Because of the toy's design, dogs will have to chew for approximately 20 minutes before they finish all the food inside. The toy is available in a variety of sizes and is made from a unique rubber compound.
* This particular model is designed for extreme chewers that need a toy that will last.
4. Zanies Rope Bone Dog Toys, 16"
This simple rope chew toy from Zanies can keep your dog entertained while also improving their dental health. It's quite thick measures approximately 16 inches in length, making it perfect for larger breeds.
It's made from a tightly-woven cotton threads. On either side, the rope is left to fray. These tight threads add durability and wipe the dog's teeth clean as they chew.
The rope has a colorful striped look. The various colors are achieved with vegetable dyes, making the entire rope toy non-toxic and safe for any dog.
5. Goughnuts - Rubber Dog Chew Toy Med .75
The simple Goughnuts toy is perfect for dogs that love to chew for prolonged periods of times. It's made from a very tough rubber material that can withstand continued gnawing.
It's in the shape of a doughnut and provides dogs with plenty of space to chew. One unique thing about this toy is that it features a red core. This core acts indicator to let you know when to replace it. I
f the dog has chewed through too much of the outer black material, you'll see the red core.
6. Multipet Nuts for Knots Ball Medium Dog Toy
This four-inch ball is made for chewing. It's comprised entirely out of thick woven rope. The rope is bunched and tied to create a unique ball with plenty of texture for keeping the teeth clean.
While it will eventually fray, the ball is designed in such a way that it keeps its shape even with ripped fibers throughout. The large diameter of the ball makes is safe for a variety of breeds and sizes.
The cotton fibers are dyed in numerous vibrant colors for a unique look.
7. Kong Wubba Assorted Colors Puppy
If your dog enjoys running around and chasing toys, this option from KONG may be suitable. It features two balls stacked on top of one another.
The bottom is a durable rubber ball for chewing while the top is a squeaker.
The two balls are covered with a thick nylon fabric. The nylon has reinforced stitching to add durability. The toy also has a long tail made from the same nylon material. This tail makes it easy to grab and throw the tail for a game of fetch.
Are There Any Indestructible Dog Toys?
When you're on the search for that perfect toy, you may find that many brands claim that their toys are indestructible. It's not uncommon for owners of wild and playful dogs to fall for this marketing term. While manufacturer's stick an "Indestructible" label on their product, it doesn't mean that it will last a lifetime.
All toys, regardless of their material or design, have a limited lifespan. Toys will degrade over time, some faster than others.
At best, you can expect a high-quality toy to last for several months with a voracious chewer before you'll need to replace it.
Don't let a bit of marketing jargon sway you into a purchase. Instead, pay attention to its materials and build quality for a better idea of how durable it is.
Materials to Look Out For
The best way to determine durability is by looking for specific materials. High-quality materials like rubber and rope are built to last. While they are a bit more expensive than cheaper alternatives, these toys are safer and more resilient in the long run.
Rubber
The best type of material for playful dogs that love to chew is rubber. Rubber is the perfect mix between hard durability and soft safety. It's dense by nature and designed to handle anything that your canine companion decides to throw at it.
While it's not completely indestructible, it's certainly quite close. You'll be pleasantly surprised by how well a rubber toy holds up to constant chewing and playing. Rubber toys come in a variety of different designs and are typically easy to clean after a day of accumulating slobber and dirt.
Rope
You've probably noticed a wide variety of rope-style toys on the market. Rope toys have been around for decades and continue to be a tried and true toy for wilder dogs. The fibrous rope has been tested for continued durability.
The strength comes from the abundance of individual threads. Manufacturers will make rope toys in a variety of thicknesses, allowing you to choose a toy that will hold up to your dog's playing style.
Beyond the durability, rope toys are popular for their additional benefits. One such benefit is teeth cleaning. As your dog gnaws on the rope, their teeth go in between the strong threads and get a thorough cleaning.
Additionally, rope toys are a breeze to clean. They can be thrown into a washing machine to get rid of any unwanted smells and slobber.
Materials to Avoid
Cheaper materials like basic fabric and vinyl should be avoided. Many dog owners go with these types of toys because of their low price tag and unique look. However, playful chewers will destroy these toys in a matter of minutes.
Fabric and Plush
Toys made out of fabric and cotton stuffing are basically just plush toys. They aren't built to withstand the rigors of a playful dog and will fall apart fairly quickly. When your dog manages to rip it apart, the cotton stuffing will go everywhere.
If consumed, it can cause choking and digestive issues. Beyond that, fabric toys become very gross and smelly over time. Because of their stuffing, they absorb slobber and moisture.
Vinyl and Latex
Toys made from synthetic materials like vinyl and latex are a bit tougher but still can't hold up to a playful dog. They're made more for milder dogs that occasionally chew. Like fabric, these materials will tear quite quickly.
The teeth of a determined dog are no match. While these materials are easier to clean, tiny pieces of a broken toy will pose a serious danger to your dog.
Squeaker Toys
Squeakers are small inserts that are utilized in plush toys and vinyl toys. They take in air every time the toy is squeezed down. As the dog lets go, the air escapes and created a high-pitched squeal.
Not only are these toys annoying, but the small size of the squeaker poses a choking threat to your dog. Because they're used in toys with cheaper fabrics, they become exposed quite quickly and can be swallowed by a curious dog.
Safety
Safety should be your biggest priority when choosing a toy. By going with a durable option, you're already helping to minimize the risk of injury. However, you should still keep a watchful eye over your pooch as they play and take care of any hazards as they may arise.
One of the biggest dangers dogs will face is choking. As the toy gets chewed up, small pieces may fall off. This is especially true with cheaper materials and inserted squeakers.
If the piece is big enough, it can block their airway. If not, it can cause stomach issues as it floats around their digestive tract. You should always pick up small broken pieces when you see them.
Unfortunately, it's not always possible to see every little broken piece as they come off the toy. To ensure that your dog doesn't get sick, make sure that the toy is made from non-toxic materials. This includes the main material used for construction and any coloring.
The main material should also be durable enough to last, but soft enough to be comfortable. A material that's too hard will cause dental pain.
Conclusion
If you're looking for a toy that will last, go with an option made from safe rubber or rope. Durable toys can keep your pooch occupied for hours on end. It's best to look at dog toys as an investment. High-quality options may cost more, but they'll save you money in the long run with their durability
Also Read: Treat Dispensing Dog Toys & Puzzles
