What is an indestructible dog toy and does your dog need one?
An indestructible toy is as close to unbreakable as a dog toy can be. They are designed to hold up to aggressive dogs that play rough. Now, this isn’t to say that these toys are unbreakable, but they certainly last longer than other toys designed for the same purpose.
Often these durable toys come with a trade-off. You see, to be more resistant to your dog’s powerful jaws and sharp teeth, indestructible toys are often heavier, larger and more difficult to chew.
Now, for a chew toy designed for power chewers, this is less of an issue. But for a toy like a Frisbee, then this heavy weight is less desirable – it won’t fly as far. In fact, the most durable Frisbee we tested barely flew at all.
But since a Frisbee is a fetch toy, not a chew toy, a slightly less heavy-duty Frisbee that flies farther will hold up just fine for retrieving and returning.
Admittedly, this made selecting our list of top indestructible toys considerably more difficult. We also had to take the purpose of the toy into consideration.
Exactly how hard-wearing an indestructible dog toy is can often be determined by the material it is made of.
During our review process, we came across owners who were attempting to track down indestructible rope and fabric plush toys.
Unfortunately, these materials just won’t hold up to rough play. Rope frays and fabric soon tears. It’s just their nature. The same goes for other soft materials.
After reviewing over 1,000 different dog toys, it quickly became apparent that toys made from rubber were significantly more resistant to wear than other materials.
Rubber, in particular, hits the sweet spot between having enough give to keep dogs interested while withstanding chew after chew.
Now, that doesn’t mean you should rush out and buy any rubber dog toy. There is a significant difference in performance between brands.
Interestingly, we noticed that the more we paid for an indestructible toy, the longer it lasted. These more expensive dog toys were often made in the USA and had generous return guarantees – you certainly get what you pay for.
If your pup is gentle, nurturing and snuggling with his toys, then you won’t find much benefit in an indestructible toy.
However, if your pup can destroy a toy in minutes, tearing it to shreds, then it’s time to upgrade to something that will last a little longer.
Not sure which indestructible toy to choose? Check out our top picks…
While your dog may seem content playing with a stick they discovered on your morning walk, an old tennis ball found in your garage, or an unlucky squirrel that couldn’t escape fast enough, durable dog toys are more sustainable, better for your dog’s overall health, and definitely worth the extra money.
This dumbbell shaped toy is ideal for your dog to grip onto and hold while chewing. It has hollow areas which are perfect for stuffing your dog’s favorite treats or food sprays, allowing for hours of fun with a nice reward at the end! Chewing on a toy like this and figuring out how to access the food within the ridges can enhance your dog’s intelligence, reduce anxiety, and help improve dental health. It’s made of high density, natural rubber that has been tested against Pit Bulls, German Shepherds, and more. This food-grade, natural, and raw rubber is non-toxic and environmentally friendly, making it safe for your dog to chew on for long periods of time. One reviewer, Jenny, is the owner of a 9-year-old Pit Bull and says this is the only toy that has ever lasted longer than three days. While this Pittie might be frustrated that she can’t destroy it, it has definitely succeeded at keeping her busy!
This extremely durable, all-natural rubber chew toy is designed with your dogs playtime and dental needs in mind. It contains grooves that help clean your dog’s teeth by stimulating their gums and removing plaque buildup. Infused with baking soda, it freshens your dog’s breath safely and gently. It comes in two shapes: gator and gorilla; so it’s guaranteed for maximum fun that’s sure to distract your pup for long periods of time. This toy is also inexpensive, which makes it less devastating if it gets destroyed and makes it easy to replace. As an added bonus, it’s dishwasher safe for easy cleaning. You might as well just buy two at checkout!
These goDog toys are a staple in the realm of tough dog toys. As mentioned above repeatedly, no toy is indestructible, but this one truly does get as close as possible. It’s made with special chew guard technology that’s proven to outlast standard dog plush toys, but the goDog might not be able to stand up to the most aggressive of chewers. This squeaky toy has a squeaker located in the middle, and is covered by a high quality, textured bubble that will attract your dog while also protecting the squeaker from your dog’s sharp teeth. The limbs of the toy dangle down which also creates an irresistible tug-toy opportunity. The chew resistant lining and reinforced seams allow it to survive at least a little longer than the average toy. If it doesn’t, the company will provide you with a refund. The most inviting thing about this toy is that it is very soft and plushy. Some “indestructible” plush dog toys are hard and a little too tough, which isn’t always what your dog is looking for. This toy doesn’t sacrifice being cuddly in order to be heavy-duty – something that can probably be said about your dog, too!
Regular tennis balls and rubber balls are no match for a repeat toy destroyer. But these Chew King balls are made of solid, natural rubber that’s durable, bouncy, and retains its shape without giving off any rubber or chemical scents. On top of being a dog ball perfect for a game of fetch, it also has a hole in the middle which serves as an air vent that can also be used to hide dog treats. Your dog can occupy their time with the treat dispensing, without you having to worry about them destroying the ball in the process. One buyer, J.W., wrote that they have a one-year-old Pit Bull and a 10-month-old Pyrenees/Lab mix – a pair of breeds known for being fanatic chewers. J.W. notes that in the past year, these dogs have chewed a corner of a couch, six pairs of shoes, and part of a wall. But they finally met their match with these heavy-duty Chew King Supreme Fetch Balls, which they have yet to destroy.
Looking for a toy that your dog won’t rip to pieces in less than a minute? You’re in the right place!
Every editorial product is independently selected, though we may be compensated or receive an affiliate commission if you buy something through our links. Ratings and prices are accurate and items are in stock as of time of publication.
All dogs like to chew—it’s an instinct. “Chewing is generally considered to be normal behavior for dogs of all ages,” says Jamie Richardson, DVM, Medical Chief of Staff at Small Door Veterinary. “Puppies tend to chew as a way to relieve pain that is caused by incoming teeth, whereas older dogs often chew as nature’s way of keeping their jaws strong and their teeth clean.” Chewing can also come from boredom and anxiety. But even when we understand where this impulse comes from, it’s still incredibly frustrating when our pups tear apart their brand-new toys in mere minutes. That’s why you’ll be so glad that you stumbled upon this list of indestructible dog toys.
In general, when choosing dog toys, it’s important to keep a few things in mind. “Very hard objects can wear away the tooth enamel over time, exposing sensitive nerve endings and causing discomfort for your animal, as well as a pathway for tooth infection,” says Dr. Richardson. You won’t have to worry about that with the options on this list, but with any toy, there’s always a danger of small pieces breaking off that your pet may swallow. That’s why it’s a good idea to keep an eye on your pets when they’re playing, as well as heed any warnings on a product’s package.
Super Chewer Dog Toys That Last
If you own a powerful chewer, you’ll want to invest in a tough dog toy for them to stay invested. This way, you won’t waste your money or time replacing torn-up dog toys or, even worse, living room furniture. The toughest chewers deserve the toughest dog toys, and that’s exactly what we’ve listed below. We chose our favorite five.