Toys

If you have a small dog or puppy, you are probably wondering what are some of the best toys for small dogs out there. On this website we have already covered ‘Ten of the Best Dog Toys for Chewers & Large Dogs’, but what if your pup is on the smaller side of things.

Small dogs have different requirements when it comes to toys and thankfully they are usually a bit kinder on them to. Despite this, smaller dogs and puppies can cause damage to toys and some are just not suitable at all. Today we are going to run you through some of the best toys for small dogs.

Before we get to the toys we want to first talk about the benefits of dog toys and why it important to keep your pooch exercised.

Why Toys?

Exercise

Getting your dog moving is one of the best ways to keep them from getting bored and keeping them healthy. Walking and trips to the dog park are great, but using toys is another excellent way of keeping them exercised.

Lack of exercise can lead to health complications like obesity, which can lead to other illnesses and diseases. An overweight dog can also develop painful joint problems as well. If you want to keep your dog healthy, make sure you exercise them!

They Get Bored

Any dog will get bored without exercise and mental stimulation. Bored dogs can get themselves into a whole bunch of sticky situations. They can become destructive, disobedient and just generally a real pain to deal with. Toys are a great way of keeping them occupied and will hopefully stop them destroying your shoes as well.

They Help You Bond With Your Dog

Dogs want to be part of the pack. It’s part of their nature and they want to feel accepted by you, your family and other dogs. Playtime is a great way to make them feel like they are part of the team and toys are a big part of that. This time spent playing with your dog will help you bond with them and that can only be a good thing.

Toys Can Keep Your Dog’s Dental Health In Check

Dental health is just as important as keeping your dog exercised, but it isn’t always the easiest thing to keep under control. Bad Dental hygiene can lead to a number of issues including tooth decay, bad breath and nasty infections. These can be potentially life-threatening to your dog if they are not kept under control and toys are an excellent way of keeping plaque and tartar levels in check.

Small Dog Toy Safety Tips

Buying toys for small dogs is a little bit easier than buying them for big ones. Toys typically won’t be shredded in seconds like they can with larger breeds of dog. Still, it is important that you get the right toys for your dog and know what to avoid.

Some squeaky toys for small dogs can still be dangerous as the squeaker can be swallowed if your dog does manage to rip it. Also watch out for threads on rope toys and brittle plastic ones can be dangerous as well.

Always try to monitor your dog when they are playing with toys and replace any that are showing a little bit too much wear.

Ten Best Dog Toys for Small Dogs

Puppy KONG Rubber Toy

The classic KONG is one of the best toys you can buy for your dog and they make it in a smaller, softer puppy version. KONG’s Puppy toy is manufactured from a special rubber formula that is designed for puppy teeth and gums, and is recommended for puppies up to nine months old. This toy will also work for fully grown small dogs as well.

The Toy can be filled with all sorts of interesting treats and goodies, which will keep your puppy or small dog entertained for hours. Another use of the toy is to use it for games of fetch. The unique shape of the toy and the special rubber formula make for an unpredictable fetch toy.

This toy is recommended by veterinarians and trainers worldwide. It has also got some glowing reviews on amazon as well. This KONG toy for small dogs is one of the best out there and we think you will love it to.

Find out more about the KONG puppy toy here.

Petmate Chuckit! Ultra Tug

Here’s a good toy for small dog. The Chuckit! Ultra Tug is a bit of everything and can be used for games of tug and fetch. It is ultra-durable so small dogs and puppies will have a hard time destroying the toy and is made from a natural rubber. The toy comes in three sizes, small, medium and large, and can fit in small ball launchers.

If you are looking for a great tug and fetch ball for your small dog, the Chuckit! Ultra Tug should certainly be on your list.

Check out the Ultra Tug here. 

Nylabone Puppy Chew Starter Pack

All dogs love to chew on things, however, not all things are good to chew on. Chew toys designed for larger dogs can damage the teeth of a smaller dog or a puppy. Nylabone knows this and that is why they designed a range of toys for small dogs to chew on.

The flexible chew toys help with puppy teething while cleaning their teeth and freshening their breath. Massaging nubs on the toy will also soothe your small dog or puppy’s sore gums.

Nylabone has infused a chicken flavour into this toy and it is designed for dogs up to 25 pounds. If you are looking for a great chew toy for your small dog or puppy, the range of Nylabone Puppy Chews are just what you are looking for.

Find out more about the Nylabone Puppy Chew here. 

Outward Hound Hide-A-Squirrel

Outward Hounds has combined a puzzle toy and a plush toy to make one of the best toys for small dogs on the market. It combines a number of stuffed squeaker squirrels with a plush tree trunk toy. You can hide the squirrels in the trunk and your dog has to find them and pull them out.

The toy comes in a range of different sizes and there are even other animal choices you can choose from as well. If you are looking for one of the best plush toys for your dog, this is it!

Check out the Outward Hound toy here. 

Fuzzu Presidential Parody Dog Toy

We’re not about politics here at DogOPedia, but we couldn’t make this list without Fuzzu’s line of Presidential dog toys. We’ve got a Donald Trump dog toy, a Hillary Clinton dog toy and even a Vladimir Putin one.

The toy is manufactured from a durable non-toxic fabric and features a squeaker inside. This is one of the coolest dog toys we have seen and is definitely recommend for those who need to get a little bit of political anger out.

Check out the Fuzzu range of political dog toys here. 

KONG Squeaker Tennis Ball

Tennis balls are great for games of fetch, but KONG’s Squeaker ball is even better. The Squeaker Tennis Ball is available in a variety of sizes, including extra small so it is perfect for those who are looking for a fetch ball for their smaller dog or puppy.

The ball is made from a non-abrasive material so that it will no wear your dog’s teeth down. This is another great KONG toy for small dogs and puppies.

Find out more about the KONG Squeaker Tennis Ball here.

West Paw Zogoflex Bumi

If you are looking for an excellent tug toy for small dogs, the West Paw Zogoflex Bumi may just be the one you are looking for. It is designed for smaller dogs and light to medium chewers.

The toy is made from a non-toxic material that can stretch up to twice its length. It is manufactured in the United States and West Paw offers a 100% guarantee against any dog damage.

West Paw’s Zogoflex material is exclusive to the company and is designed to be softer on your dog’s mouth. The toy is also incredibly tough while having a unique stretch that will make tug of war games a joy to play.

Check out the West Paw Bumi here. 

Trixie Pet Flip Board

Dogs need mental stimulation to keep themselves happy and healthy. They are inquisitive animals and one of the best ways of keeping their brains active is giving them a puzzle toy. Puzzle toys for small dogs is an excellent way of keeping your dog out of trouble and you will love helping them work them out.

Trixie’s Pet Flip Board has been designed for dogs who want a bit more of a challenge from their toy. It is manufactured for smaller dogs, but can be used for larger dogs as well. There are a number of different difficulty levels to choose from. This ranges from beginner to advanced and there are different styles of board as well.

The puzzle toy works by revealing treats to your dog when they correctly open up various compartments on the board. To stop you dog cheating, Trixie has designed the board so that the pieces cannot be knocked over and have to be lifted vertically from it to remove them.

If you are looking for one of the best puzzle dog toys for small dogs, the Trixie Flip Board should certainly set you straight. Reviews and dog owner feedback are excellent for this toy and we think it will keep your dog entertained for hours.

Check out the Trixie Flip Board here. 

OurPets IQ Treat Ball

Here’s another great puzzle toy for your small dog or puppy. The OurPets IQ Treat Ball can be filled with your dog’s favourite treats, keeping them entertained and happy. It is designed for small to medium sized dogs and comes in a few different sizes.

The IQ Treat Ball features and adjustable feeding difficulty level that will challenge your dog as they learn how to get the treats out. It works by releasing treats as your dog pushes and rolls it across the floor. The toy also twists apart so it can be cleaned easily.

This is a great treat ball for your small dog and will keep your pooch entertained for hours.

Find out more about the OurPets Treat Ball here. 

ZippyPaws Loopy Hedgehog

The ZippyPaws Loopy Hedgehop is an excellent plush toy for small dogs. Dogs who love hedgehogs and other cute animals will love this toy. It has been specifically designed for small to medium dogs and has been fitted with six squeakers to deliver more squeaking fun.

The toy contains no stuffing to ensure that it lasts longer and there is no hideous mess if your dog does manage to damage it. This is one of the best plush toys for dogs you can buy and ZippyPaws manufactures other excellent plush dog toys as well.

Checkout the ZippyPaws here. 

Wrapping Up Up Toys For Small Dogs & Puppies

There are a whole bunch of good toys for small dogs and puppies, however we feel that the ten listed above are the best ones you can buy. Small dogs are less harsh on toys, but they can still do serious damage to them and the toys above are about as tough as you need a toy to be for small dogs.

Remember to always check any toys for signs of wear and replace when necessary. Toys are one of the best ways to keep your dog entertained and we would love to hear about what dog toys you love in the comments below.

Now read: Ten of the Best Dog Toys For Tough Chewers

German Shepherds are a large breed of dog with high energy levels. They not only have strong bodies, but they also have terrifyingly strong jaws. In addition to that, German Shepherds are also smart and need lots of stimulation to keep them entertained. German Shepherd owners understand that their dogs need tough toys to play with, but with a whole heap of toys on the market, what’s the best?

We’re going to run you through the different types of toys that will work best for your German Shepherd and what toys to avoid. We are also going to talk about safety and why Shepherds are so hard on toys. German Shepherd owners need to think about which toys to keep their dog entertained, which ones for training and what toys won’t last. Let’s first talk about the three main types of toys.

The Three Main Types of Dog Toys

There are three main types of toys you can pick from when you are looking to get a toy. They serve different purposes, but they can all be useful to your German Shepherd. Some toys can also be classed in more than one category, depending on how it is used.

• Distraction toys are exactly what the name implies. They are dog toys that are used to distract your dog and keep them entertained over an extended duration of time. Think of a KONG filled with treats. The dog will be focused on getting the food out of the toy, a perfect way of keeping your Shepherd entertained for an extended duration of time (like when you go to work).

• Active toys are things like ropes, tug toys and balls. These are toys that will keep your German Shepherd busy and can be used for training purposes as well. These toys fit into this class because they are designed to be thrown, tugged and tossed.

• Comfort toys are toys that make your dog comfortable. They are generally classed as soft and cuddly toy, and is the toy that your dog carries around all the time.

Toys That You Shouldn’t Give Your German Shepherd

German Shepherds are strong dogs. They will destroy almost any toy given the time to do so, but some toys last much longer than others. Toys that are destroyed in seconds can be dangerous to your dog and could mean an expensive trip to the vets. Always try to supervise your dog when they are playing with toys and replace them immediately if they start to show signs of excessive wear. Below we’ve listed just some of the toys you should watch out for:

• Soft toys are a big no-no when it comes to German Shepherds. They might be ok for little dogs and they may last a while when your dog is a pup, but once your Shepherd gets a little bigger these toys will be shredded in seconds. Soft toys are like the cuddly animal toys that you see at the supermarket or even the vets. These toys often have squeakers in them that can also be potentially harmful to your dog.

• Tennis balls and other soft balls should be avoided unless you can supervise your dog. A tennis ball is great for a game of fetch, but they can quickly be destroyed by your German Shepherd and the materials used to construct them can be potentially dangerous to your dog.

• Rope toys are a great way to play a game of tug with your dog, but the threads of the rope can be dangerous to your Shepherd if they are ingested. As we discovered, the threads can get caught up in your dog’s bowels and stomach, which can mean an expensive trip to the vets. If you want to give your German Shepherd a rope toy, make sure you supervise them when they are playing with it and replace it if it shows signs of wear. Additionally, take the toy away from them when you can’t supervise them, this will prevent your Shepherd from destroying the rope toy and pulling out the threads.

• Brittle plastic toys can be very dangerous to your dog. A suitably designed dog toy for larger breeds like German Shepherds may use plastic, but it will be a much tougher plastic. Some dog toys use a very weak, brittle plastic that can cut your dog and be very dangerous if swallowed.

Why are German Shepherds So Tough On Toys?

German Shepherds are one of the strongest and smartest breeds of dog (that’s why they are used by the police and military). The combination of their immense strength and intellect means they can destroy toys easily. They are very determined and when bored they will do anything to amuse themselves, and that means destroying those nice shiny toys you bought them. That’s why it is important to get the toughest toys on the market for your German Shepherd.

Seven Best Dog Toys for German Shepherds

We’ve talked about the toys to avoid when looking to purchase a dog toy for your Shepherd. We have also talked about why your Shepherd is such a toy destroyer and the different categories of toys. Now it is time to show you what we feel are the best toys for the dog. Check them out below!

Unbreakoball Dog Toy

We were talking about brittle plastic toys and soft balls earlier in this piece, the Unbreakoball Dog Toy is neither of these things. This toy is one of the strongest and most durable ball toys out there, and is ideal for your German Shepherd. The Unbreakoball ball is constructed from a tough and thick plastic that can withstand the demanding play of a Shepherd.

The ball can be bought in two sizes, 6 inches and 10 inches. It has a perforated design that lets your Shepherd get a good hold on the ball. It is manufactured from a super hard plastic that will withstand tough chewing, but won’t damage your dog’s teeth.

Reviews of the Unbreakoball are excellent and the only real complaints are from smaller dog owners who find that the ball is just a little bit too hard for their canine companion. If you have a German Shepherd or other large breed of dog this is a perfect ball toy for you.

Find out more about the Unbreakoball here. 

Kong Wubba Toy

As we covered in the ‘toys to avoid’ section of this article, we think (and know) that rope toys can be dangerous to your dog. So what is out there that makes a good tug toy for your German Shepherd? Well, the KONG Wubba might just be the ideal solution to your tugging needs. Its construction features two reinforced nylon covered balls, a squeaker and a tennis ball. A number of tough tails a featured at the bottom of the toys as well, which either your or your dog can hang onto for tug.

It is available in a variety of sizes and colours, and a softer fabric version is even offered for those with smaller or less demanding dogs.

We have found that the Wubba is probably the most interactive and fun toy for our two dogs. They love making a noise with the squeaker and its ability to hold up in a fierce game of tug is ideal for our demanding pups.

The first Wubba we bought managed to last over a year before it had to be replaced due to damage, but unfortunately our second Wubba lasted a mere day before it had to be scrapped. We think that this was a defect with that particular one, but we recommend supervising your Shepherd when they are playing with it.

Even though the second Wubba didn’t last long, we would recommend it to anyone. A tip to increasing the toys life would be taking it away from them when you can’t supervise your dog, and bring it back out when it’s active play time.

Check out the KONG Wubba here.

Goughnuts Chew Dog Toy MAXX

You can’t go past Goughnuts for tough dog toys and their MAXX Chew Toy has got to be their best toy for tough chewing dogs. Goughnuts offers the MAXX Chew in a couple of variations, a ring and a stick. Along with the choice of different shapes you can also choose the material. The MAXX 50 is the toughest and strongest of the Chew Toy range, while the MAXX Power model is a little bit weaker and a little bit less expensive. We recommend the MAXX 50 for German Shepherds.

The Goughnuts Chew features a safety indicator system that lets you know when the toy is past its used by date and chewing needs to stop. On this particular model, yellow means that the toy is ok to play with and red means it is time for the Chew to be replaced. This is an excellent idea for large breeds like German Shepherds, who can destroy toys quickly. Additionally, Goughnuts will stand behind their product and will replace the Chew if it gets down to the red.

Goughnuts Chew Toy is for those who are looking for more of an active toy. Not only is the toy great for a bit of chewing, but it is also excellent for games of fetch and tug. It also floats so there is no worry of losing it in the water.

If you are looking for the toughest dog toy, the Goughnuts Chew Toy MAXX should definitely be on your list. It’s an excellent active toy and will keep you and your dog entertained for hours. If you are looking for more of a distraction toy, something the KONG’s classic toy might be better as you can put treats inside.

Don’t just take our word on the Goughnuts MAXX though, many other dog owners rave about the Chew and it is even used by police dog units all around the world.

Find out more about the Goughnuts MAXX here. 

Benebone Real Flavor Dental Chew Toy

Keeping your dog’s teeth clean is just as important as keeping your dog entertained. Cleaning your German Shepherd’s teeth can be a bit of a handful, so why don’t you give them something that will keep them entertained and clean their teeth at the same time. Benebone’s Real Flavor Dental Chew is exactly the product you need.

The Benebone Dental Chew features ridges that remove unwanted plaque and tartar from your Shepherd’s teeth. The company have then infused 100% real food ingredients into the dental bone so your dog will want to keep on chewing all day long. There are three different flavours to choose from; Chicken, Bacon and Peanut, and it comes in a couple of different sizes. Benebone manufacturers the Chew in New York and they source all their ingredients from the USA as well.

Our two dogs can attest to the durability and toughness of Benebone’s Wishbone toy and we have no doubt that the Dental Chew would be no different in quality. If you want even more evidence of how good the Dental Chew is, just take a look at all the positive reviews of the Chew and the Wishbone to see how many dog owners love Benebone’s products.

Find out more about the Benebone Dental Chew here. 

Trixie Pet Flip Board

As we have said earlier in this article, German Shepherds are smart, inquisitive animals and they need a lot of brain stimulation to keep them entertained. Puzzle toys are a great option for high energy German Shepherds and they usually involve getting your Shepherd to find hidden treats, keeping them entertained for hours.

The Trixie Pet Flip Board is one of these aforementioned ‘puzzle toys’ and is designed for dogs who need a bit more of a challenge from their toy. Trixie states that it is for dogs who have some previous experience with puzzle toys, but we think your clever German Shepherd will be able to conquer it. If your Shepherd is struggling you can always give them a helping hand, or just let them figure it out for themselves.

Trixie’s Flip Board works by rewarding your dog for correctly opening various compartments. Treats are placed in all of the compartments of the toy and the dog has to slide or lift the various shapes on the board to reveal the treats. To prevent your Shepherd from ‘cheating’, Trixie has designed the Flip Board so that the pieces on the board cannot be knocked over and can only be removed by lifting them vertically.

This is an excellent toy for those who want to keep their dog mentally stimulated. It is designed for all ages and you’ll love watching your Shepherd work out how to get the treats. You may have to help your dog when they first start using the toy and we think it’s not the best toy to leave them with unsupervised, but we think it is an excellent choice for your German Shepherd.

Check out the Trixie Flip Board here. 

KONG Extreme Dog Toy, Black

Another toy to battle your German Shepherd’s boredom is the KONG Extreme Dog Toy. The Extreme black rubber version is one of the toughest toys for hard chewing dogs and is a staple of any good dog owner’s toy arsenal. It comes in a few sizes and is constructed from KONG’s own ultra-strong black rubber formula.

KONG’s toy is typically used as a distraction toy with treats inside, but can also be used for games of fetch as well. A great way to make the KONG even more entertaining for your dog is to freeze treats inside the toy. The KONG is also recommended for those who are about to start crate training and for those German Shepherds who suffer from excessive boredom or separation anxiety.

The KONG was proven itself to be one of the most durable toys we have bought and our two dogs love getting treats from inside it. It is one of the strongest toys on the market and has overwhelmingly positive reviews. We’ve had no problems with this toy and we definitely think it should be on dog toy shopping list.

Find out more about the KONG Extreme here. 

KONG Rubber Ball Extreme

Yes, that’s right! We have a third KONG product on this list and for good reason. KONG’s Rubber Ball Extreme has been an absolute hit with our dogs and has proven itself to be incredibly tough and durable. It’s made from KONG’s ultra-tough black rubber compound and is available in a couple of different sizes. KONG manufacturers the ball in the USA and has designed a treat hole in the middle of it.

We have found that the KONG Rubber Ball Extreme is one of the few dog toys that has not been destroyed by out two dogs. They love it when we put treats in the ball and we have no doubt that your dog will love it to. The ball is also great for games of fetch and it has a good weight to it. The downside of this is that it doesn’t float, so watch it if you are going to use it for games of fetch around water.

Check out the KONG Rubber Ball here. 

Three Great Toys for German Shepherd Puppies!

We’ve shown you seven excellent toys for your dog, but what if you have a puppy. The toys above can certainly be used with puppies; however, we have listed another three toys below that are ideal for German Shepherd puppies.

German Shepherd Puppy Biting and Training

As with all puppies, German Shepherd puppies need plenty of attention and entertainment to keep them out of trouble. Your German Shepherd puppy can give you a nasty nip and it is important to train them as well. Toys are a great way of giving them something to chew on and use them for training purposes.

Puppy KONG Rubber Toy

This KONG is almost identical to the ‘Black Extreme’ one earlier in this article. The Extreme version can also be used for puppies; however, if you are looking for something a bit smaller the Puppy Kong Rubber Toy is ideal for your little German Shepherd. This toy can be filled with treats to keep your Shepherd puppy entertained all day long and is designed for puppies up to nine months old.

The KONG puppy toy has been designed for a growing puppy’s teeth and has been constructed from the company’s unique, all-natural rubber, teething formula that is softer than the standard KONG’s rubber. If you are looking for an excellent distraction toy for your German Shepherd puppy, this is definitely one worth considering.

Find out more about the KONG puppy toy here. 

Outward Hound Fun Feeder Slo-Bowl

Now, we know this isn’t exactly a toy but it can be extremely useful for hungry German Shepherd puppies who love to eat. Eating too quick can be a real problem for a lot of breeds and can cause bloating and digestion issues. Slowing down your Shepherd’s eating is as easy as using a slow feeding, puzzle bowl like this one from Outward Hound.

Outward Hound claims that the bowl can slow down your dog’s eating by as much as 10 times and will make dinner time more fun. We have one of these and it was excellent for when our dogs were puppies. The only problem we find with this bowl is once your dog gets bigger they can flip the bowl over, releasing all of the food. Still, it works excellently for small pups.

Find out more about the Outward Hound Fun Feeder here.

West Paw Zogoflex Zisc Flying Disc

Every dog loves a good game of fetch and West Paw’s Flying Disc toy is ideal for your puppy. The Zisc is incredibly durable yet gentle on your Shepherd’s mouth and is easy to throw for intense games of fetch.

It is constructed from a soft plastic and is lightweight. It is perfect for dogs who don’t like to play fetch with balls and it can float. West Paw claims that it is the ultimate Frisbee for dogs and can even be used for a good game of tug. It comes in a couple of sizes, small and large depending on the size of your pup.

The Zisc is manufactured in the USA and is FDA-compliant. West Paw is also so confident in their design that they offer a 100% guarantee against dog damage. If you’re looking for a good fetch toy for your puppy, the Zisc is an excellent option.

Find out more about the Zogoflex Zisc here.

Summing up

All the toys on this list will be excellent for your German Shepherd. They are just a selection of some of the dog toys out there for German Shepherd’s however, and there are plenty of other toys that will be perfect for your pooch.

We have covered a wide range of toys from distractive to active and toys for puppies. We have also explained what a safe dog toy is and what toys can be dangerous to your German Shepherd. Remember that no toy is completely indestructible and dogs should be supervised when playing with toys if possible!

Now Read: Ten of The Best Tough Dog Toys for Chewers

If there is one thing we know about dogs, it’s that they love destroying toys even more than playing with them. Our two black Labradors, Daisy and Winston, are a prime example of this. They’ve been through their fair share of some of the best and worst toys on the market, so we decided to create a list of the 10 best tough dog toys for chewers.

Labradors, Pitbulls and other large breeds are known for being toy destroyers and even little dogs can work their magic on them too. Not only can you waste a ton of money on some of these toys, but they can also be potentially dangerous to your dog (we only know that to well).

Toys to Avoid for Tough Chewing Dogs

Before we get started on the best dog toys for tough chewing dogs, we want to go through toys that you should avoid giving to your dog. This toys can be costly to replace, not ever durable or even dangerous to your dog.

The first one we are going to talk about is stuffed toys like the ones you see at your supermarket or even the vets. These often look cute and are often very cheap, but that’s for a reason. Stuffed toys will be gone in a matter of minutes, even seconds in some cases, and the stuffing can be dangerous for your dog if it is swallowed.

Some of these toys also have a squeaker which can potentially be a choking hazard to your dog, so make sure you steer clear of any of these stuffed, cuddly toys.

Rope style toys are another one that we would recommend avoiding. Many people argue that you shouldn’t worry about the few loose threads that your dog will inevitably swallow, but we disagree. Our Winston ended up with threads caught in his bowels from one of these rope toys and the vet bills were in the thousands of dollars to remove them.

We would only recommend rope style toys if you monitor your dog while they play with them and as soon as the toy starts to show signs of wear and tear, replace it. Rope toys are great for a game of tug, but after what has happened to us we won’t have them in our house again.

Quality is the Best Policy 

There is always a temptation to go with cheaper toys, but as we’ve learned that can be a bad idea. While no dog toy is completely indestructible, there is a definite advantage to buying a more expensive dog toy from a reputable company like KONG or Goughnuts.

These toys might have a slightly higher upfront cost; however, it is a false economy to continually buy cheaper toys that will ultimately be destroyed in minutes. These toys can also result in trips to the vets which can be exceedingly costly.

Safety Is Important Too  

Don’t underestimate your dog’s ability to destroy anything you put in front of it. Dogs are determined animals and they will chew and tear any toy given the time to do so. Always try to keep an eye on your canine companion, even with the best toys available. If a toy is showing signs of excessive wear or parts are coming off, it’s time to bin it.

Our Top 10 Tough Dog Toys for Chewers

As we’ve learned, no dog toy is completely indestructible, but there are some that are much more durable and better for the chewer in your life. These tough dog toys below should be perfect for the majority of large breed dogs.

Benebone Real Flavor Wishbone Chew

Daisy and Winston can attest to the durability of the Benebone Real Flavor Wishbone. While many toys have passed through our kitchen, this is one of the few that has stood the test of time. The Benebone Wishbone is looking well used now, but we have no doubt that it last for a little while longer.

Benebone manufacturers the Real Flavor Wishbone in the USA and it is available in a number of different sizes (depending on the size of your dog). As the name suggests, the Wishbone is also flavoured and can come in three different flavours, REAL Bacon, REAL Chicken and REAL Peanut. Benebone uses 100% real food ingredients and fuses them throughout the bone.

The three pronged wishbone shape gives the dog an interesting shape to work with and is something a bit different to your typical dog bone.

Find out more about the Benebone Wishbone here. 

Goughnut Indestructible Chew Toy MAXX

Goughnut is known to be the go-to-brand for anybody with a tough chewing dog and the Indestructible Chew Toy MAXX is their strongest product on the market. The Goughnut MAXX comes in either the shape of a stick or a ring and the MAXX 50 is the ultimate version of it. The MAXX 50 is made from a stronger material and is for those dogs who need more from their toy. For those who don’t need the MAXX 50, the standard MAXX power is a little bit cheaper.

Goughnuts features safety indicator where yellow means “Goughnuts” and red means chewing needs to stop and the toy needs to be thrown away. This is great for strong chewing dogs and Goughnut will even replace the toy if it gets down to the red, how great is that?

The Goughnut MAXX toys also float so you don’t have to worry about losing them in the sea!

While the majority of the Goughnut MAXX’s feedback is positive, some people have found that their dogs managed to chew through it and some are just not interested at all. Still, if your dog has a knack for destroying toys the Goughnut MAXX 50 is probably your best bet.

Find out more about the Goughnuts Chew range here. 

Nylabone DuraChew Ring Dog Toy

Made in the USA, the Nylabone DuraChew Ring Dog Toy is similar to the Benebone Wishbone above. Nylabone offers the DuraChew in either a smooth ring or textured ring shape, for those dogs who want something a bit more interesting. They’ve given the DuraChew a chicken flavour and it is recommended for large breeds of dog.

Our two black labs have been chewing the DuraChew Ring for a while now and there is only a tiny bit of wear and tear showing. While the Nylabone DuraChew Ring does seem to be incredible tough, we do find that both Winston and Daisy prefer to play with the Benebone Wishbone.

Find out more about the Nylabone DuraChew Ring here. 

Horsemen’s Pride Equine Jolly Ball 

Yes, that’s right. One of the best toys for the chew-inator in your life is designed for a horse. The Horsemen’s Pride Equine Jolly Ball is similar to the Jolly Pets Romp-n-Roll Ball, which is an incredibly popular toy for dogs. While the Romp-n-Roll ball is tough, we don’t like the rope that is attached to it. Rope has caused our Winston considerable problems in the past and we don’t want any more trips to the vets for the same problem.

The Horsemen’s Pride Equine Jolly Ball is similar to the Romp-n-Roll, but features a handle on the top instead of a length of rope. It is available in various colours from blue to green and pink and is made in the USA.

While the Jolly Ball seems to be pretty tough, those with super destructive dogs are probably will probably be better with some of the other toys on this list. It seems that the weakest point is the handle and those that love to play tug with their dog may have some problems.

Find out more about the Jolly Ball here. 

KONG Extreme Dog Toy, Black

No arsenal of dog toys is complete without a KONG and the Extreme black version is the best if you have tough chewing dog. It’s available in various sizes and is made from KONG’s ultra-strong and durable black rubber formula.

The KONG can be stuffed full of interesting treats and snacks for your dog and is an excellent way of keeping them entertained throughout the day. This means that it is great for dogs who get bored or for those with separation anxiety, and is recommended for owners who are about to start crate training their dogs.

Daisy and Winston both love their KONG when there’s food inside (which dog wouldn’t), but we find that some of the other toys on this list take their interest more when there are no treats involved. Still, the KONG has proven to be one of the most durable toys we’ve ever bought, just make sure your dog doesn’t bury it!

Find out more about the KONG Extreme here. 

KONG Rubber Ball Extreme

The Rubber Ball Extreme is another one of our favourite products from KONG and we think it’s even better than the Extreme Dog Toy. It’s made in various sizes and is once again made from KONG’s ultra-strong black rubber material. The ball also has a hole in it for treats and it is made in the United States.

We find that our two dogs love the KONG Rubber Ball Extreme. It’s great for games of fetch and they love it when we put treats in the ball. They seem to find the ball slightly more entertaining than the Extreme Dog Toy, but remember that your dog may be different.

Check out the KONG Extreme Ball here.

Planet Dog Orbee Tuff Diamond Plate Dog Ball

The US made Orbee Tuff Diamond ball is for those who need the toughest dog ball out there. Planet Dog even claims that the Diamond ball is nearly indestructible and is guaranteed tough. Not only will your dog be delighted with how long the toy lasts, but it will also be captivated by the mint smell and the interesting surface.

This tough dog toy for chewers also has other features that make it an excellent interactive play ball, such as its ability to bounce and float, ideal for dogs that love to fetch. Not only is the ball great for fetch, but the Tuff Diamond Ball also has a hole for treats.

The hollow inside allows the ball to squish down once it’s bitten on and then bounces back into its original position once it has been released. This means there’s no need to worry about your lab wearing down their teeth on the hard plastic.

Planet Dog has also made the Tuff Diamond Ball from non-toxic materials and it can be washed in the dishwasher.

Check out the Diamond Ball here. 

Kong Wubba Toy

Most of the toys on this list are either rubberised or some sort of durable plastic bone for chewing. The Kong Wubba is a bit different and is perfect for games of tug and fetch. It’s comprised of two reinforced nylon covered balls – one is a tennis ball and the other is a squeaker – and some tough tails which are great for tug if you hold onto the ball end.

The Kong Wubba is available in a variety of sizes and colours, and even a softer fabric for lighter chewing dogs.

Daisy’s favourite toy is undoubtedly the Wubba, which she loves to play tug with and make squeaking sounds with the ball.  We’ve had two, one lasted a good year before it gave up to Daisy’s relentless chewing, the other lasted not even a day. We’re not too sure why the second one lasted such a short amount of time, but we recommend you supervise your dog when they play with the Wubba. Still, it’s worth a try as the Wubba is almost certainly the most fun toy on this list.

Find out more about the KONG Wubba here. 

West Paw Zogoflex Tux

West Paw’s Zogoflex Tux is an excellent alternative to traditional KONG Extreme Dog Toy. The toy is so incredibly tough and durable that West Paw are prepared to 100% guarantee its toughness. It is made the United States from non-toxic materials and can be put through the dishwasher safely.

The Tux is not only a great chew toy, but is also a durable treat dispenser. You can stuff all sorts of treats inside and can even freeze them inside to keep them entertained for hours. The toy also floats, so it can be used for games of fetch at the beach as well.

We think the Tux is a great toy and many other dog owners out there fell the same. It has some of the highest reviews of any dog toy out there and will be perfect for the tough chewer in your life.

Find out more about the West Paw Tux here. 

KONG Wobbler

We’re starting to sound like an advertisement for KONG here, but there is no doubt that they do make some of the toughest dog toys on the market. The Wobbler is essentially a large standard KONG toy made from a hard plastic.

The toy sits upright until pushed by a dog and then periodically dispenses tasty rewards placed inside as it wobbles, rolls and spins. The erratic movement and the smell of the treats inside will keep your dog entertained for hours. Another benefit of Wobbler is that it can be used as an alternative dog bowl to help slow and extend mealtimes.

The Wobbler comes in a few sizes and is about as durable as they come. The only problems we have found with the Wobbler is that it makes an incredibly loud sound when dropped on the floor, especially when you are in bed and the dog wants their breakfast, and that it can be damaged if the two ends separate if you have not tightened them together properly.

Check out the KONG Wobbler here. 

Conclusion

Hopefully you are now up to speed with the best toys for tough chewing dogs. Remember to avoid those cheap stuffed toys and keep an eye on your dog when they are playing with a toy. Also remember to periodically check for signs of wear on toys and replace if necessary.

Hard rubber and plastic toys are your best bet when it comes to dog toys for strong chewers, but toys like the KONG Wubba are also excellent as well.

Now read: Best Dog Toys For German Shepherds