The Most Indestructible Chew Toys for Dogs, From Puppies to Adults
A persistent dog can tear through anything, but these tough toys should last longer than most.
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Pet parenting a dog who loves to chew means frequently purchasing toys that you hope will withstand the jaws of your fur baby for at least a few weeks. You want a dog toy that's fairly indestructible, but nothing is really, truly safe from a very persistent dog. Given teeth and time, a dog can get through just about anything—and large breeds like labs and pit bulls can chew through stuff even faster than most.
"The best toys replicate natural behavior," says Gary Weitzman, D.V.M., M.P.H., C.A.W.A., author of Complete Guide to Pet Health, Behavior, and Happiness. "Enrichment toys and play are essentially substitutes for the survival skills dogs were born to develop." The right toy for your pooch can keep them happy and stimulate their brain, so we're happy to help you invest in toys that last longer.
Replace a dog's toy once it begins to show signs of medium wear, so that your dog doesn’t swallow any shreds of the toy material.
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Pros
- Recommended by vets
- Treats fit inside
- Can be frozen for "extreme" chewers
- Dishwasher-safe
Cons
- Like all toys, a strong chewer could eventually tear this up
Best for: Long chewing sessions that might also involve a treat
What to know: Kong's classic cone toy is made from durable natural rubber designed with a hollow middle for treats such as peanut butter or kibble. It's one of the most popular indestructible dog toys on Amazon, with thousands of five-star reviews.
Megan Conrad, B.V.M.S., C.F.V., H.A.B.c., an associate veterinarian at Wellhaven Pet Health, specifically recommends the Kong brand. "They make several rugged toys especially for dogs that chew a lot of things up," Dr. Conrad says.
How to use: Stuffing interactive toys like this one with peanut butter or treats helps encourage your dog to use their brain to problem solve, according to Dr. Weitzman. Because dogs have to work to get out the food, it draws out the reward. If you reliably fill your Kong with treats, a dog might get wise and learn to protect and respect this toy versus tearing it to bits.
The manufacturer says you can put it in the freezer for 4 to 6 hours before play to make gnawing even more of a challenge. You can rinse this toy clean, or even put it in the dishwasher.
Other versions: The Kong comes in sizes from small to XX-large. The Kong Extreme is black; the classic original version for mild chewers is red.
Pros
- Affordable toy
- No fluff inside, so there's no mess if it's opened up
- Has a squeaker, which excites some dogs
- Good for fetch, tug-of-war, and more
Cons
- Most dogs get the squeaker out eventually
Best for: Dogs who like to wrestle a plush animal
What to know: The mini plushies in the Durablez line cost around $6 or less, so they're a small investment in indoor fun for your pup. There's no stuffing, so if/when your dog rips it open, there's no mess. There is, however, a large squeaker on the inside, to get your dog riled up. Your dog may eventually pull it out!
How to use: Toss it to your dog to fetch, or hold one side and use it for a game of tug-of-war. To clean, wash it in water with just a little soap, rinse, and hang to dry.
Other versions: Outward Hound makes lots of different "prey," including an orange fox and a green hedgehog. If your dog is a real animal with chewing, there's another line called Tough Skinz for even more durability, featuring food-themed plushes like an avocado and donut.
Pros
- Infused with baking soda to freshen breath, according to the brand
- Natural rubber recommended by veterinarians
- Made for small-to-medium dogs
- Silent toy (some dogs do love a squeaker, but not all people do)
Cons
- Not for medium or big dogs over 35 pounds
Best for: Chewing fun with a side of fresher breath
What to know: Made from all-natural rubber and infused with baking soda, this ape-shaped toy claims to freshen your dog's breath, while the textured surface cleans their teeth.
"In general, rubber-based toys tend to be the most durable and safe for dogs," Dr. Conrad says. There's less of a chance of dogs breaking their teeth on this versus them chewing on a real bone.
How to use: The baking powder is infused in, so there's nothing to add. This is not for big dogs—only for dogs up to 35 pounds.
Some users gravitate toward this because it is silent, good when household members are trying to sleep or take a work call. This toy is dishwasher-safe.
Other versions: This is the large; there's a small for dogs up to 25 pounds. There's also a green gator.
Pros
- Hard nylon surface made for aggressive chewing
- May help keep your pet's teeth clean
- Flavored
Cons
- Can be hard on teeth, so use with caution
Best for: Aggressive chewing on a hard surface. Your dog's teeth might get cleaner, too.
What to know: This ring's textured, flavored nylon will keep even the most mischievous destroyer occupied. Plus, according to the brand, the ridges and nubs on the ring can help keep your dog's teeth clean.
How to use: If you're purchasing dog toys made out of harder materials like nylon, they can cause obstructions if your dog breaks off and swallows a large piece. Dr. Conrad says to keep an eye on your dog while they are chewing and to replace this toy as soon as you see pieces breaking off.
Clean a Nylabone with soapy water, then rinse it thoroughly.
Other versions: The one shown is heavy and recommended for dogs 50 pounds and up; they also sell it in a small size for dogs up to 25 pounds. If your medium dog is between 25 and 50 pounds, check out the Nylabone Wishbone.
Pros
- Heavy-duty rubber
- Lifetime replacement policy
- Popular with strong-jawed breeds
Cons
- Smells like the rubber that it is
Best for: Pet parents who want a dog toy with a replacement guarantee
What to know: The Goughnuts donut is made with the same rubber used in spaceships and aircraft. The brand will replace it for free, minus shipping, if your pup ever chews through it.
Some reviewers complain of it smelling like a tire. Since it is rubber, that makes sense!
How to use: This isn't an interactive toy, nor does it squeak. It's for a dog who likes some serious, solo chewing. Online reviews suggest that large, tough breeds with strong jaws—pit bulls, Great Danes, and bull terriers included—enjoy and don't destroy the ring.
Goughnuts recommends that you clean this with soap and water.
Other versions: The medium-size donut is best for dogs from 30 to 70 pounds. There's also a large for dogs from 60 to 120 pounds, and extra large for dogs 100 pounds and up.
Pros
- Double-stitched seams for durability
- Tough inner liner
- Squeaker that some dogs love
- One-time replacement if it lasts less than 30 days
Cons
- Won't stand up to extreme chewing for more than a month
Best for: Dogs who like a plush friend that squeaks. When we say "like," we mean they like to try and eat it.
What to know: The double-stitched seams and a tough inner liner help guard against total destruction and mess. Plus, it comes with a built-in squeaker that gives a dog some auditory feedback.
How to use: No matter how sturdy a plush toy is, it's easier to tear apart than a rubber or nylon toy and won't stand up to heavy chewing over time. This brand offers a guarantee though: If the toy doesn't hold up longer than 30 days, they'll offer a one-time replacement.
This can be run through the washing machine, but it can last longer if it is spot-cleaned with a wet cloth.
Other versions: There are several dinosaurs, several dragons, a goofy gator, and a realistic-looking chipmunk.
Pros
- Can be filled with dog treats
- Dog has to work to get its reward
- Mint-scented for mental stimulation and fresh breath
Cons
- Not for large, aggressive chewers
Best for: Dispensing dog treats from a toy that a small or medium dog might not completely destroy
What to know: The brand says it's made of Orbee-Tuff, a brand of thermoplastic elastomer that is a mix of plastic and rubber used in the automotive and medical industries. It is considered non-toxic. The toy is mint-scented, which Outward Hound says is for mental stimulation and to freshen doggie breath.
Online reviewers say this may be best for small and medium dogs and not for large, serious chewers who might not be dainty about working for their treats.
How to use: You should stuff this with dry treats to give your dog something to work on for a while. It can be cleaned in warm, soapy water, rinsed, and air-dried.
Other versions: This is the 5-inch Snoop. There's also a smaller 3.9-inch Snoop for small dogs. Outward Hound also sells a popular rolling Dog Puzzle Ball that dispenses treats.
Pros
- Great shape for dogs to hold in their paws
- Flavors like bacon, chicken, and peanut butter
- Strong nylon holds up to aggressive chewing
Cons
- Only for dogs with strong teeth
Best for: Chewers who like to grab a toy and hold on
What to know: Bacon-flavored and wishbone-shaped, this nylon toy is designed to be held in your pup's paws so they can get a good chew going. Benebone prioritizes scent and taste to keep dogs interested.
How to use: Use this with supervision. Pet parents should keep a watchful eye when pups play with hard nylon to be sure it's not too hard on their teeth and that they're not swallowing small pieces. The brand offers a visual guide for when to replace the Wishbone.
To clean, simply rinse a Benebone with warm water, or with a bit of soap and water. The brand does not recommend using high heat or a dishwasher.
Other versions: This links to the medium size in bacon flavor. There's also chicken and peanut, and other sizes from small to large to giant. (The brand doesn't give weight guidelines with the sizes.)
Pros
- Rubber, harder to bite through than a tennis ball
- Two-pack
- Easy to rinse clean
- Comes in sizes for every dog
Cons
- No squeak to these toys
Best for: Throwing and fetching over and over. This is a 2-pack in case a ball gets lost, stolen by a dog friend, or if you have two pups.
What to know: Tennis balls won't hold up to a destructive dog. Chuckit! Ultra balls are rubber, so they're not easy to bite through, and they bounce and float.
How to use: No instructions needed for a rubber ball! My friend with two spaniels uses these and I can attest to them being easy to throw far. They rinse clean, and I like that they don't get as slobbery and gross as tennis balls.
These are an Amazon bestseller with tens of thousands of five-star reviews. There's no downside, except that the Ultra version does not squeak, and some dogs like balls that make noise.
Other versions: This is the medium 2.5-inch size for dogs between 20 and 60 pounds. ChuckIt! says the correct size ball is one that doesn't fit entirely in the dog's mouth, and says if you're in doubt, size up. There's a small 2-inch version for little breeds, large 3-inch size for dogs from 60 to 100 pounds, and XL 3.5-inch size for 100+ pounds.
Pros
- Bounces and floats
- Lightweight and easy to carry for games of catch
- Company will recycle your used toy
Cons
- Extreme chewers can start nibbling off small pieces
Best for: An interactive game of fetch with your best friend, on or off the water (A Hurley can float!)
What to know: A stick substitute, this is lightweight and able to sail far at the park or at the beach. When the Hurley runs its course, you can mail it back to West Paw and they will recycle it to make more dog toys.
Zogoflex is what the brand calls its proprietary thermoplastic elastomer (mix of plastic and rubber), made in the USA. It can be washed in the dishwasher.
How to use: Dog owners say this bounces as well as floats, keeping dogs excited and interested. For some, it has proven to be indestructible for their dog, but others, not surprisingly, say it just takes some weeks for their pet to eventually chew this down.
Other versions: There's also a small and extra small size. The brand also makes a popular treat-dispensing toy that's also made of its Zogoflex material.
Pros
- Floats even if punctured
- Maintains its shape
- Fun for dogs to use together
Cons
- Some dogs manage to shred the rope
Best for: The "Jolly Ball" is Reddit-recommended for chewers, tuggers, and chasers
What to know: Even if it gets punctured, it won't deflate, and it will still float in water. Your rambunctious chewer can try to shred the rope and put holes in the hard rubber ball, but it will still live for more days of play. (The company makes basically the same toy for horses, so that gives you an idea of its strength.)
How to use: This is a particularly great tug toy for dogs that like to play together. But note that some big dog breeds can eventually chew the rope to ribbons. If that happens, online reviewers say they remove the rope and let their dog keep playing with the ball.
This can be hand-washed with soap and water.
Other versions: This is the 8-inch large size. There's also a 4.5-inch small and a 6-inch medium size. (The brand doesn't assign weight guidelines to the sizes.)
Pros
- Soft version is great for teething puppies
- Ridges help keep teeth clean
- Beef flavor
- Can go in the freezer for extra soothing
Cons
- Bigger dogs need the other, nylon versions of the toy
Best for: Teething puppies
What to know: The Nylabone polyurethane chew toy is soft, the ridges on the sides help keep teeth clean and breath fresh, and it's beef flavored. It's shaped like an X to be easy for a puppy to hold and chew.
If you size up to the larger sizes, the toy is then made out of nylon for older, more aggressive chewers.
How to use: The manufacturer says you can put this in the freezer to make it even more soothing on a puppy's gums, like you would for a baby teether.
Other versions: This toy comes in size extra small for puppies up to 15 pounds, size small for dogs up to 25 pounds, and size large for dogs up to 50 pounds.
Pros
- Chewing can help soothe puppy gums
- Put treats inside to make it interactive
- Made especially for puppies up to 9 months old
Cons
- Not suitable for older dogs
Best for: Puppies with sore gums
What to know: Puppies will really go to town with a chew toy to help relieve their sore gums. Puppies are also always hungry. Kong's Puppy Activity Ball is made of soft rubber to help relieve teething pain, plus it dispenses treats. It's made to distract, occupy, and please puppies up to 9 months old; dogs older than that will be able to bite through the natural rubber too easily. We tested it with a 4-month-old puppy who loved it enough to pause destroying boxes of tissues.
How to use: Kong naturally recommends that you use the brand's own treats inside, such as its Easy Treat squirt-in snack, but dog parents can also use peanut butter inside to hold kibble and give dogs a discovery challenge.
Other versions: If your puppy likes this one, there are many other interactive puppy toys, including a frisbee shape, in the Kong line of indestructible dog toys.
How we chose the best indestructible dog toys
I share my house with my cousin and her Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, and she says, "For the record, every indestructible dog toy is completely destructible."
I talked to two veterinarians for their advice on choosing toys for dogs who like to aggressively chew. I spoke with Gary Weitzman, D.V.M., M.P.H., C.A.W.A., president and CEO of the San Diego Humane Society and former co-host of the weekly NPR show The Animal House. I also spoke with Megan Conrad, B.V.M.S., C.F.V., H.A.B.c., an associate veterinarian at Wellhaven Pet Health and a dog owner. Dr. Conrad regularly contributes her expertise to our pet coverage, including for stories like the best calming treats for anxious dogs.
I also interviewed dog-owning colleagues at Good Housekeeping, family, and friends, including a family with a new puppy, one with a large breed, and one with a medium breed to gather insight on what they appreciate in a dog toy. Finally, I researched popular dog toys online and read through reviews to be sure I wasn't missing anything about how they perform in real life.
What to look for when shopping for indestructible dog toys
Before you add to cart, check:
✔️ Materials: "Look for soft yet tough products to ensure your dog can't destroy the toy but also to keep their teeth from breaking," says Dr. Conrad.
Pet parents we spoke with said that for aggressive chewers, it's best to avoid any plush toy with stuffing or you'll have some serious clean-up on your hands. Fortunately, there are stuffing-free animals for dogs when they need something cuddly.
✔️ Size: Most dog toys we found are sold in sizes like small, medium, and large. Check brand guidelines, if there are any, for how that corresponds with your dog's weight or breed.
✔️ Guarantee: Most dog toys do not come with any kind of warranty because they will eventually need to be replaced or will be destroyed by your dog's teeth. But a few do have replacement offers; Goughnuts, in particular, stands behind their (relatively) dog-proof toys.
Safe chewing for dogs
Dr. Conrad suggests staying away from real antlers and animal bones since they can break teeth and "cause obstructions if ingested in large pieces." As a rule of thumb, she says, "If you gently tap your knee with the product and it hurts, then it's too hard for your dog to chew on."
In particular, keep an eye on your pet if they're chewing on hard nylon dog toys. We recommend several in this story, since they are appropriate for aggressive chewers, but your dog needs strong teeth to handle them. Always supervise your pup while they're playing with anything to minimize risk of ingestion.
How much chewing is normal?
Most of the time, you don't have to stress. "Chewing is a very natural behavior for dogs, so chewing on bones and toys meant for them is not something to be concerned about," Dr. Conrad says. While your pup ripping up a box of Kleenex (like Malu here) can be frustrating, it doesn't mean anything is wrong—that's your dog being a dog. And it's why you want to supply them with chew toys!
When to worry: If your pet is destroying furniture, your living space, or household objects on the regular, it's an alarm. Dr. Conrad suggests reaching out to your vet to make sure there's nothing more serious going on before addressing the behavior with discipline.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
This guide to popular, hard-to-break dog toys was written by Jessica Hartshorn, a contributing writer and journalist who frequently covers pet products for Good Housekeeping. She researched dog toys and worked with dog-owning family and friends to ensure we're offering solid choices. At the end of the day, she knows that even the lazy spaniel who lives in her home can destroy something if he really wants to.
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