Best Dog Toys for Heavy Chewers

Discover which dog toys are best for dogs that like to chew.

Many people think that the category of strong chewers is exclusive to bully breeds and Mastiffs. But the truth is, strong chewers come in all sizes and breeds.

Chewing behavior depends primarily on an individual dog’s desire to chew, temperament, or in some cases, lack of exercise.

If you’re tired of quickly going through dog toys or having your shoes and other belongings chewed up, Blain’s Farm & Fleet is here to help. We’ve put together a list of the best and worst toys for dogs that like to chew.

Best Toys for Heavy Chewers

Nylon Bones

Nylabone makes safe bones for powerful chewers in a variety of sizes. For the bigger breeds, you could have great luck with Nylabone’s Dura Chew Monster Bone. And large and medium breed dogs tend to like their Souper Size Dura Chew and Barbell Dura Chew bones.

On the other end of the spectrum, powerful chewing little guys and gals love Nylabone’s smaller Dura Chew Bones.

Not all Nylabones are intended for strong chewers, so be sure to read the packaging. Their Healthy Edibles Bones are safe for your dog to eat. However, many heavy chewers eat the edible bones too quickly. This can result in a stomach ache.

If you give your dog a Nylabone Healthy Edible Bone, monitor them closely. And do not let them eat the bone all at once. Healthy Edibles are supposed to be chewed for awhile, not inhaled.

Rubber Treat Toys

Kong, Paw Earth, and Nylabone make durable rubber toys that dispense treats in various ways. In addition to being a chew toy, these toys are also a fun brain game for your dog.

Some people put peanut butter in a Kong to keep their dog’s interest for a while. But we suggest using a low or no sugar peanut butter. This is because sugar can make dogs hyper and isn’t very good for them.

Kong and Paw Earth also carry tough toys in a variety of sizes, so no one will feel left out. Not all of these toys are made for powerful chewers, so be sure to read the label before purchasing.

Real Bones

Most dogs love real bones, especially if they are stuffed with something yummy or have a flavored glaze. Thick, sturdy, real beef bones are a great treat for powerful chewers.

A beef shank, shin bone, hallow stuffed, jumbo, or dino bone are great for the medium to larger breeds. Cow hooves are a sturdy chew for strong chewers under 30 pounds.

However, as with any natural treat, you need to monitor you dog when chewing on real bones or hooves. Chunks can come off, which could be a choking hazard.

We recommend that you only give your dog real bones that have been professionally processed in the United States.

Durable Fetch Toys

There are many dogs who love fetch, but will crush a tennis ball seemingly before the second throw. This can be very dangerous because the green fuzzy shell of a tennis ball can be easily swallowed. And that can lead to twisting of the intestines.

However, the durable rubber balls and other fetch toys made by Chuckit! are a great heavy duty alternative.

Toys Not Ideal for Heavy Chewers

Rawhide

Some strong chewers eat rawhides too quickly, which can cause an upset stomach.

Also, rawhide is a potential choking hazard, especially for dogs who easily rip them apart.

Rope Toys

Some heavy chewers do great with rope toys, while others rip them apart. The loose strings can be very dangerous if ingested.

If your dog is a rope ripper, throw the toy out immediately, and try more durable tug toys instead.

Soft Toys

Soft or plush toys are too easily torn apart and ingested.

Please remember, there is no such thing as an indestructible dog toy. So keep a close eye on your dog and the condition of their toys. 

If your dog rips apart a toy or it is in any other way compromised, throw it out! It’s not worth risking your dog’s health. The best dog toys do not trigger your dog to go into a “kill and destroy” mode. Instead, they encourage them to chew calmly or play.

We hope this list has been helpful. And we hope your dog will have many wonderful chew toys in his or her future. For more tips on caring for your dog, check out our Pet Care Blog.