The Best Dog Toys For Aggressive Chewers

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Some dogs destroy toys quickly, especially those with a serious instinct to chew. If your pup is a power chewer, investing in some of the best dog toys for aggressive chewers can save you time and money in the long run. While there's no such thing as an indestructible dog toy, the most durable options our dogs gnawed on held up far longer than typical toys.

For this guide, we asked veterinarians and dog trainers about the types of toys that are both safe and engaging for tough chewers. We then researched and tested over 30 toys with several dogs to identify the top performers.

Highlights for our favorite toys for tough chewers: Our top pick is the Kong Extreme Tires toy, an extra-tough rubber option that our tester dogs kept returning to. Experts say fabric toys can be a good choice too. Our favorite plush toy, Kong Cozie Marvin the Moose, is made with two layers of sturdy fabric and minimal stuffing to help reduce mess.

No matter which chew toy you choose, supervision is crucial. Some dogs swallow pieces of the toys they tear apart, which can lead to serious medical emergencies due to intestinal blockage. Observing your dog's tendencies is key, says Dr. Kelly Ballantyne, a board-certified veterinary behaviorist at Insight Animal Behavior Services.

Our top picks for the best dog toys for aggressive chewers

Best overall: Kong Extreme Tires - From $8 at Chewy

Best plush: Kong Cozie Marvin the Moose - From $8 at Chewy

Best chew: Petstages Dogwood Calming Chew - From $10 at Chewy

Best rope: Pacific Pups Rescue 3-Knot Knotted Rope Toy - $13 at Chewy

Best interactive: Fable The Puffin Game - $16 at Chewy

Best ball: Chew King Supreme Rubber Ball - $6 at Chewy

Best for tug: Kong Wubba - From $10 at Chewy

Best bone: Spot Bam-Bones Plus - From $5 at Chewy

Best for treats: Kong Extreme - From $9 at Chewy

How we chose the best dog toys for aggressive chewers

We based our recommendations on a combination of testing and the advice of the veterinarians and professional dog trainers we interviewed. Not only have we watched our dogs interact with these toys over several weeks or even years, but we have also put the toys through the wringer ourselves.

We stomped on toys meant for tossing and rough play and attempted to puncture toys with kitchen utensils. During all of this, we observed whether any parts of the toy could pose safety issues. Read more about how Business Insider Reviews tests and researches pet products.

Best overall

What the experts say: Durability is vital when selecting toys for tough chewers, says Ivan Petersel, a professional dog trainer and founder of Dog Virtuoso. Dogs with strong jaws can easily rip through materials like fabric, but a toy that's too hard can damage their teeth.

The Kong Extreme Tires satisfies the dog toy trifecta: It keeps dogs interested, is durable, and can be filled with treats. "They gravitate to the interesting shape and little nooks and crannies of this one, even when not filled," says Sarah Saril, Reviews deals and tickets editor. "Its shape also bounces well when thrown."

Pet experts frequently recommend toys from Kong, a brand that makes some of the toughest chew toys. The Extreme Tires toy is made of tough natural rubber that's still gentle on a dog's teeth and gums. While no toy is completely chew-proof, we couldn't even damage the Extreme Tires toy with a knife.

It comes in two sizes, but big dogs will need to look elsewhere. The small is labeled for dogs up to 35 pounds, and the medium/large is for dogs up to 65 pounds. Our top pick for treats, the Kong Extreme, can be a good option for bigger breeds.

Best plush

What the experts say: Dogs have individual preferences when it comes to the texture of toys. 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, which has a squeaker for more stimulating play. The cuddly stuffed animal also has an extra layer of tough material and less filling compared to typical stuffed toys. That means there's less mess to clean up if your dog rips it to shreds.

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." The toy also held up when Schultz ran it through the washer, and she couldn't even pierce it with scissors.

Best chew

What the experts say: While durability is an important consideration when choosing toys 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.

Petstages Dogwood Calming Chews are the next best thing for your dog if they love to chew on sticks. Made from composite hemp and wood, the stick-like toys are a safe alternative to real branches, which can splinter. Plus, the toys float, which is great for dogs who love water play.

For the most aggressive chewers, you can expect a stick to last five to six chew sessions. Because the chews are soft enough for safe chewing and made of natural wood, you'll see immediate wear and tear, but without dangerous splinters or sharp pieces. Freelance reporter Christy Caplan gives these chews to her stick-loving, super chewer basset hound, Herschel. While real sticks will always be his first choice, she says he loves the Dogwood Calming Chews.

Best rope

What the experts say: As with any rope or fabric toy, it's important to closely supervise your dog to ensure they don't ingest any fibers while playing. "A rope is a tug toy, not a chew toy — and those loose threads are exactly the kind of thing that can knot up an intestine," says Dr. Kate Elden, chief medical officer at online veterinary clinic Dutch. Elden adds that you shouldn't expect one toy to do both jobs of satisfying the urge to play and the urge to chew; if your dog starts munching on loose pieces of the rope, trade them for one of the super-chewer toys in this guide.

It's the best rope toy for tough chewers and bigger dogs. According to two of our testers, the Pacific Pups Rescue Knotted Rope Toy is great for interactive play, and the 23.5-inch long, three-knot rope is ideal for large dogs and multi-dog play. Saril says the knots are tight and much firmer than other ropes, but it has more give than our runner-up: the Mammoth Cottonblend 3 Knot Dog Rope. Pacific Pups also makes a 42-inch option, while Mammoth ropes come in a range of smaller sizes.

The rope has a variety of teeth-grab points for gnawing solo or playing tug. Schultz says her two large dogs both loved the lightweight rope, and the twisted-fiber construction was perfect for a teething puppy and held up well against heavy chewing.

The dogs did manage to unravel the lowest knot after weeks of daily play. That said, the additional knots worked well to hold the rest of the toy together, and Schultz cut the loose fibers off to give the toy a second life at a shorter length and avoid any risk of her dogs ingesting the fibers.

Best interactive

What the experts say: "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 offers all the benefits we look for in the best dog puzzle toys, with added durability. The egg-shaped toy encourages problem-solving as dogs move it about to release kibble or treats from a hole in the side. It's the toy's weighted base that keeps it upright while allowing it to bob.

You can fill the toy with up to 1 ½ cups of dry food or treats for long-lasting play. Just unscrew the top and bottom pieces, and add the food. You can also adjust the difficulty level by adjusting an interior component that makes the dispensing hole smaller.

Our tester dog occasionally bites at the top portion of the toy, but hasn't damaged it. Lisa Sabatini, senior pets editor, sometimes feeds her dog Homer with The Puffin Game. 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.

Best ball

What the experts say: Be sure to buy the appropriate size ball for your dog. When you give a large breed dog a small toy, there's a risk that they may swallow it, Ballantyne says.

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 is excellent for throwing and has great bounce. "Since it's a little weighty though, you'll wanna be careful not to hit your pups when throwing," she adds.

Its textured rubber makes it easy for both people 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.

Best tug toy

What the experts say: By paying attention to what your dog likes, whether that's a game of tug or fetch, Flynn says you can find the right toys to keep them busy and happy. Ultimately, that might mean caring a bit less about whether a toy lasts for months on end.

The Kong Wubba isn't a chew toy, but it's a super-tough toy for tug-of-war and fetch. The toy consists of 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 the nylon material 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.

It's super durable. "After four weeks with the level of aggressive she plays with this thing (tug, flailing, chewing), any other toy would be way closer to the garbage bin," Schultz says.

Best bone

What the experts say: While hard nylon-only toys tend to be the strongest, it's essential to be able to indent a toy with your fingernail, says Dr. Bradley Quest, an expert in pet oral health and principal of veterinary services at BSM Partners.

The Spot Bam-Bones is a safe choice for dogs who love to chew. It's made of a nylon-and-bamboo composite, which gives it a softer texture than nylon-only toys. Just keep in mind that it will also wear down faster than a hard nylon 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.

Best for treats

What the experts say: 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 has a handy sizing chart to help you choose the right size for your dog.

The Kong Extreme has the same design as the Kong Classic many people know and love, but it's made with a souped-up, heavy-duty rubber. The bobble-shaped toy is also a great introductory food puzzle that dogs can enjoy chewing long after they've gobbled up the treats inside. 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. Because of its large size and unique shape, it can be difficult for a dog to hold it in their mouth for regular chewing. For that, we recommend our best overall pick, the Kong Extreme Tires.

Our top picks compared

Category	Toy	Material	Available sizes	Highlights
Overall	Kong Extreme Tires	Rubber	2	Indestructible during our testing Can be filled with treats
Plush	Kong Cozie Marvin the Moose	Polyester, plastic squeaker	3	Reinforced seams Exciting squeaker
Chew	Petstages Dogwood Calming Dog Chew (2 pack)	Wood, phthalate free synthetic material	3	Resembles real wood stick Doesn't splinter
Rope	Pacific Pups Rescue 6-Knot Knotted Rope Toy	Cotton	1	Extra long rope Extra knots prevent fraying
Interactive	Fable The Puffin Game	Food-grade silicone	1	Can make more or less difficult Dishwasher safe
Ball	Chew King Supreme Rubber Ball	Rubber	3	Easy to throw Unique texture
Tug toy	Kong Wubba	Vinyl, nylon	3	Easy for dogs to grip Super durable
Bone	Spot Bam-Bones Plus	Bamboo, nylon	2	Nylon and bamboo is not too hard Three flavors
For treats	Kong Extreme	Rubber	5	Heavy duty Dishwasher safe

What to look for in dog toys for aggressive chewers

When you're shopping for the best dog toys for aggressive chewers, here's what our experts say to keep in mind.

Safety: Above all, a quality toy should be safe. When it comes to the best dog toys for chewing, Quest says you should be able to make an indentation in its material if you press it with your fingernail. If the toy doesn't indent, it's probably too hard and could damage your dog's teeth. Ballantyne recommends toys made of dense rubber for super chewers, but remember that almost anything can break into tiny, potentially ingestible pieces — and rubber, fabric, and wood don't dissolve in the stomach, Elden says. Keep a close eye on rope and fabric toys, especially if your dog is destructive, as the fabric and fibers can knot up an intestine, she adds.

Play style: Not every "aggressive chewer" needs the toughest toys on the market. Chewing is a normal hardwired behavior tied to both anxiety and boredom as well as exploration, self-soothing, and feeding, Elden says. Our instinct is often to eliminate chewing, but instead, think about what your dog is trying to accomplish and match the toys to this play style. A retriever may prefer carrying and mouthing toys, while puppies chew because they're teething, and another dog may love to shred plushes. Matching a toy to your dog's preferred play style — interactive toys for exploration, tug rope for under-exercise or boredom, a ball for the retrieving instincts — will keep them more engaged and may help redirect destructive chewing away from furniture or shoes.

Durability: The toughest chew toys should withstand the strength of an aggressive chewer's jaws. However, Flynn says indulging your dog's penchant for ripping apart toys is also OK if you provide direct supervision.

Size: You'll want to look at a toy's sizing guidelines to ensure it's the appropriate size for your dog. If a toy is too small, your dog is at risk of swallowing it, which could cause a life-threatening intestinal blockage, or it could lodge in the throat, Elden says. If you're not sure a toy is the right size for your dog, your veterinarian can provide guidance.

Materials: Ballantyne and Elden both recommend materials like rubber. If you're looking for soft toys, extra-durable options typically have two layers of fabric and reinforced seams. Petersel says different dogs may appreciate different textures, so it can be beneficial to mix things up. Avoid antlers, real bones, hooves, hard nylon, and anything you can't make a mark in, as these are the classic tooth-breakers, Elden adds.

Dog toys for aggressive chewers FAQs

What is the best dog toy for a heavy chewer?

If you're shopping for toys that can withstand serious chewing, the Kong Extreme and Ruffwear lines of toys are a good place to start, Elden says. These toys are made from tough rubber designed for tough chewers and extended chew sessions. While no dog toy is truly indestructible, experts agree that dense rubber toys like those from Kong Extreme are typically very durable and safe for a dog's teeth and gums. Elden is also a fan of puzzles and food-stuffable toys to turn chewing into mental work and, in turn, tire your dog out more.

What material is best for aggressive chewers?

Ballantyne says toys made from dense rubber are often ideal for dogs that are super chewers. That said, some dogs enjoy ripping apart plush toys, and Elden says it satisfies a part of their natural predatory sequence. If your dog likes to eat the pieces, let them shred them under your supervision to ensure they don't ingest stuffing or fabric.

What do you give an aggressive chewer?

Choosing the right toy means balancing safety with your dog's individual preferences. Petersel notes that while it's essential to avoid toys that pose a risk of ingestion or tooth damage, dogs also need toys they enjoy. A chew that's durable but uninteresting may drive your dog to gnaw on things they shouldn't. Ultimately, the best chew toy depends on your dog's personality, Ballantyne says. For instance, dogs that chew for long stretches but tend to swallow pieces may do better with an edible chew designed for safe consumption. Also consider why they're chewing: If it's from boredom, a stimulation toy will help; if it's from not enough exercise, opt for a ball or a tug toy.

Why does my dog aggressively chew toys?

"Chewing is normal, hardwired dog behavior," Elden says. Sometimes it's tied to boredom, anxiety, or not enough exercise, but it's also how dogs explore the world, keep jaws and teeth working, and self-soothe, she explains. Chewing actually lowers their stress, so you want to redirect what they are chewing on rather than trying to make them stop entirely, she adds. If your dog chews intensely, give them the right fix for why they're chewing (stimulation, exercise, teething pain relief), and they'll start to leave the couch leg alone.