If you have an avid chewer in your home, then you likely go through toys faster than you’d like, which can become a great expense. However, you have to provide your rambunctious canine with toys because if they don’t have something acceptable to chew on, they’ll turn to your designer shoes, your sofa and other valuables. While there’s no such thing as a truly indestructible dog toy, there are some that come pretty close and can stand up to the most aggressive chewers.
A rugged and enticing toy like the GoughNuts Virtually Indestructible TuG Dog Toy can keep your canine entertained so they don’t turn to your belongings when they get the urge to chew.
What to know before you buy an indestructible dog toy
Causes of chewing
The desire to gnaw on things is pretty standard for dogs, so if your pet regularly likes to hold something between their paws and chew on it, it isn’t cause for alarm. That being said, a good dog owner gains an understanding of their pet’s behaviors so they can learn what constitutes normal behavior for their animal and know when they need to address an issue.
Observe when your dog likes to chew on things to see if there’s an underlying issue. If it happens only when you’re away, your dog might suffer from separation anxiety. If you find yourself needing to spray repellent on your personal belongings because your dog prefers those to their own toys, the behavior is likely linked to separation anxiety. If the urge to chew on something comes on suddenly and is abnormal for your canine, they might have a toothache. Rather than simply addressing the symptom, make sure you understand the cause in case assistance from a trainer or veterinarian is necessary.
Consult your vet
Speak to your vet before giving an indestructible toy. Certain breeds have teeth that can’t handle the tough materials of these toys. Dogs with dental issues and puppies might also have teeth too sensitive to handle these toys. Speak to your pet’s veterinarian about which indestructible toys are safe for your dog, if any.
Supervise your dog
While the idea behind indestructible toys is that pets can’t bite off chunks, some dogs can still succeed at doing so. When dogs remove chunks from toys, these can pose a choking hazard should the dog attempt to swallow the piece. This can also leave sharp edges on the toy that can cut a dog’s mouth. Always supervise your dog when they chew on an indestructible toy to make sure the toy remains intact.
Indestructible dog toy features
Materials
There are a handful of materials predominantly found in indestructible dog toys. Rubber is very popular in these types of toys because it’s both tough and bouncy. If you prefer to give your dog toys made from natural materials, rope toys are a good choice. Leather is another rugged material that’s difficult for dogs to puncture.
Engaging designs
In addition to giving your dog something to chew on, a good indestructible toy might also offer other benefits. Many toys today are designed to engage a dog’s mind, encouraging them to overcome an obstacle or learn a trick. Some toys can be stuffed with treats that a dog must work to release. Others move in unpredictable ways, making for an interesting game of catch.
Size
It’s important that you choose the right size indestructible dog toy for your canine. The toy shouldn’t be small enough for your dog to swallow, as this poses a choking hazard. However, it should be small enough for a dog to push or carry around, since many dogs like to pick up and take their favorite toy from one room to another.
Indestructible dog toy cost
Indestructible dog toys range from around $10-$20.
Indestructible dog toy FAQ
Is there such a thing as an indestructible dog toy?
A. No dog toy is truly indestructible. A very determined and strong dog might damage a dog toy that’s marketed as indestructible, which is why it’s important to supervise your dog when they’re playing with these toys.
Why does my dog chew on things?
A. There are many reasons dogs chew on things at every age. Puppies might chew on things because doing so soothes some of the pain associated with their growing teeth. Older dogs might chew on things as an evolutionary instinct, because doing so keeps their jaws strong.
Which indestructible dog toy should I get?
Best of the best indestructible dog toy
GoughNuts Virtually Indestructible TuG Dog Toy: available at Amazon and Chewy
Our take: This toy’s unique shape makes it ideal for a number of fun games.
What we like: Thanks to a figure-eight shape, this toy allows for a safe game of tug-of-war and can be easily tossed far for a game of fetch. It has durable construction that can hold up to avid chewers and is a good size for larger breeds. Plus, it comes in several colors.
What we dislike: It can have an unpleasant odor.
Best bang for your buck indestructible dog toy
KONG Extreme Ball Dog Toy: available at Amazon and Chewy
Our take: This treat-stuffable toy is a fun spin on the traditional ball.
What we like: This is a versatile toy that can be used to engage your canine in several ways. Stuff it with treats or peanut butter to keep a mischievous dog engaged at critical times, throw it for a game of catch or simply let your dog chew on its tough rubber exterior.
What we dislike: The hole can be difficult to stuff with treats.
Honorable mention indestructible dog toy
Ruff Dawg Dawg-Nut Indestructible Dog Toy: available at Amazon and Chewy
Our take: This toy has a unique shape that’s great for tossing and holds up to avid chewers.
What we like: Some of the most aggressive chewers struggle to make a dent in this toy. Its doughnut shape makes it travel far when you toss it and it has a good bounce to it. Plus, it’s available in two sizes and has a lifetime warranty.
What we dislike: The color may not appear as advertised.
Julia Austin is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. BestReviews and its newspaper partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links.
Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
