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Dogs love toys however, the thing they love most about their toys is destroying them. Some dogs seem to have a talent for shredding whatever plaything you put in front of them.
If your dog fits this description, you probably have a heap of battered, stuffing-less toys somewhere in your home.
Dogs don’t need to be big or powerful to destroy their toys. Aggressive chewers can leave an unsuspecting dog toy completely mangled in minutes if they put their mind to it.
The worst thing about it – aside from the likelihood of your dog swallowing pieces – is the money you waste on toys that only keep your dog entertained for a few hours (or even a few minutes).
Let's face it, the longer they last, the less often you need to replace them. Aggressive chewers need tough, indestructible dog toys which will stand the test of time.
While no toy is indestructible, these toys set the bar for durability so we decided to put them to the test.
Our Best Indestructible Dog Toys review explores the materials, specification and type of toy then ultimately you can decide which toy bests suits your dog.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Buying Guide
1. Best Tough Chew Toy : Goughnuts
2. Best Puppy Chew Toy : OVO Eggs
3. Best Treat Dispenser : Pet Fun Pineapple
4. Best Ground Chasing Toy : Boomer Ball
5. Popular Tough Dispenser : KONG Extreme
6. Best Retrieval Toy : ORBEE Tuff Dog Ball
7. Best Ball + Ball Launcher : Chuckit
8. Best Tough Puzzle Toy : K9 Connectables
9. Best Tough Soft Dog Toy : GoDog Dragon
10. Cutest Tough Dog Toys : GoDog Furballz
Buying Guide
The truth is that bored dogs can decimate furniture and possessions in a heartbeat, tough toys can keep your four-legged friend busy for longer and can save you a lot of money and hassle.
A study released by Bristol University has found that play is the key to our dogs well being. The study of 4,000 dog owners showed that dogs who don’t engage in a lot of play suffer from behavioural issues such as anxiety and aggression.
"There is a growing acceptance among scientists that play is very, very important and the type and frequency of play are a really good indicator of a dog’s quality of life." – Mark Evans former RSPCA chief vet
When researching the toughest toys we looked at the best dog toys built specifically with chewers in mind.
We've included companies which have opted to use uniquely formulated rubber, double stitching seams, teflon coating and ballistic nylon to ensure that their toys last the distance.
We didn't stop there, we researched real customers comments and claims to make sure that these toys were loved in the 'real' world with real dogs.
Ultimately, you know your dog best and their personal preferences when it comes to toys. That's why we've included various different toy types in our top 10 - chew, treat dispensers, balls and soft toys so it's easy for you to choose one you know your four-legged friend will simply adore.
If you are specifically searching for a tug toy, then why not check out our deep-dive article - Best Dog Tug Toys |
Here's our in-depth review of tough, strong dog toys available in the UK for 2024. If your dog can chew through these tough toys, they probably deserve some sort of prize!
Our Picks of Indestructible Dog Toys
1. Best Tough Chew Toy
Goughnuts
First place in our top ten has to be awarded to Goughnuts. The crucial thing about the Goughnut is the lifetime warranty - the company say that it's simply the most indestructible dog toy on the market.
This super strong ring is unassuming and simple yet gets amazing reviews from somewhat surprised owners of destructive dogs everywhere.
There are four levels of rubber ring to choose from. Constructed using a rubber formula which is specifically designed for power chewers, oh and spacecraft !
Made for the most aggressive chewers, the Goughnuts are super durable and available in four different sizes to suit your dog.
Concealed within each ring is a red central core. When this is revealed it alerts you to remove the toy from your dog and return it to Goughnut / Amazon for a replacement.
Use their guidelines to find the perfect combination of size and toughness for your dog. It's worth noting that due to the toughness of the rubber used, they do not float.
Goughnuts aren't the cheapest dog toy but will probably outlast everything else in your dog's toy box. If you need ultra-tough then Goughnuts are simply the best dog toy you can buy.
Suitability Guidelines - Small 4.5- 18kg | Original (Med) 13- 32kg | Large ( Max) 27- 54kg Ex Large ( Buster) 45kg +
Reasons to Buy
+ Lifetime warranty
+ Safety colour reveal
+ Range of sizes
Reasons to Avoid
- Pricey
- No treat dispensing option
Buying Options
2. Best Puppy Chew Toy
OVO Eggs
The second chew toy to feature is the cute OVO egg dog toy. Very popular with lots of happy customers but watch out because there are a few fakes about which certainly aren't tough.
These dog toys have eco-friendly credentials. They are handmade from 100% natural rubber which is sustainable harvested from the hevea tree.
These soft and weatherproof eggs are perfect for rolling, throwing or bouncing around the garden or even the house.
Because they are super soft and lightweight they make an ideal toy for teething puppies.
The truth is that OVO Eggs make a great substitute for your hands and ankles, helping you to avoid those razor-like puppy teeth.
Whilst toy squeakers can certainly grind on you after a while, their internal squeaker is fairly muted in comparison to some and can really encourage play, helping to divert your dog's or puppy's attention.
Reasons to Buy
+ Super cute
+ Individual or sets
+ Range of sizes
+ Internal squeaker
Reasons to Avoid
- No treat dispensing option
- Guard against fakes
- Not the toughest
Buying Options
If you are specifically looking for a puppy toy, why not take a look at our article - Best Puppy Chews
3. Best Treat Dispenser
Pet Fun Pineapple
Stuffing treats or other food in a toy is one way to keep your dog engaged for hours. That is, unless they bite right through the toy in minutes.
Judging by the customer reviews (from massive dogs to dachshund lovers), this strong, tough dog toy has won over people who never thought they’d be able to find a toy their dog couldn’t rip to pieces.
This strangely designed pineapple toy from Pet Fun, is made from the industrial-strength rubber and helps with your dogs intense urge to gnaw.
What's more, the textured outer surface helps to keep your dogs teeth clean, reducing plaque and tartar - so win-win.
The small hole in the base can be used to stuff the pineapple with kibble or treats to extend their play. Available in a choice of three sizes to suit all sizes and breeds of dog.
Dimensions (diameter) - Small 10 cm | Medium 16 cm | Large 18 cm
Reasons to Buy
+ Amazingly tough
+ Range of sizes
+ Can use as a treat dispenser
Reasons to Avoid
-
Buying Options
4. Best Ground Chasing Toy
Boomer Ball
A dog ball that is virtually indestructible and has some truly amazing reviews from dog lovers with destructive chewers in their lives.
The Boomer Ball is a virtually indestructible dog ball that has been designed to entertain and stimulate your dog by encouraging them to push it with their paws and nose.
Essentially it's designed for on-ground chasing rather than being carried in your dog's jaws, so it's really important that you select a size bigger than your dog can carry.
Stocked by the Company of Animals, the Boomer Ball is crafted from super-tough polyethylene, and designed to be exceptionally hard for your dog to puncture or rip it with their teeth..
If you're looking for a virtually indestructible dog ball, this is the perfect choice!
This super tough and durable toy will entertain your pooch for hours on end. Now available on Amazon in a choice of four sizes.
Dimensions (diameter) - 10cm, 15cm, 20cm, 25cm
Reasons to Buy
+ Virtually indestructible
+ If your dog is ball-obsessed
Reasons to Avoid
- Can be noisy on hard surfaces - best suited to grass
Buying Options
5. Popular Tough Dispenser
KONG Extreme
We couldn't have a round-up of strong and super tough dog toys without including a Kong.
Recommended worldwide by vets and trainers, the benchmark for tough dog toys, this particular KONG is made from a black rubber formula specifically constructed for power chewers.
This unique snowman shape is designed to be mentally stimulating with an unpredictable bounce.
Whilst it can be used for games of fetch, ultimately it's a great boredom breaker when filled with a whole range of wet and dry dog treats.
Available in different sizes to suit all breeds. Whilst the Kong extreme is not recommended for puppies softer mouths, there are other versions which will be more suitable.
Size Suitability - XS up to 2kg | S up to 9kg | M between 7-16kg | L between 13 - 30kg | XL between 27- 41kg. Kong recommend that if in doubt, size up for safety.
Reasons to Buy
+ Classic dog toy
+ Version for extreme chewers
+ Can use as a treat dispenser
Reasons to Avoid
- Can be hard to clean
Buying Options
6. Best Retrieval Toy
ORBEE Tuff Dog Ball
Searching for the holy grail of dog toys ? Does an indestructible dog ball really exist ? While not truly indestructible, this is possibly the toughest and strongest dog ball on the market.
Created in the US by Planet Dog, the Orbee Tuff Ball is rated a top product by numerous magazines and called the "world's best dog ball" by industry experts.
It's constructed with award-winning Orbee Tuff material in bright, eye-catching colours to help keep your dog interested for longer.
Planet Dog have thought of everything, even infusing their range of balls with natural mint oil to freshen your dog's breath.
This version of the Tuff Ball, named 'Tuff Diamond', is their toughest ball yet. Constructed from one solid piece of rubber it has been designed specifically with aggressive chewers in mind.
Available in silver or orange, it has a small hole for stuffing with treats if you need to encourage play further. Amazing reviews from dog lovers everywhere.
Dimensions ( diameter) - Small 5.7cm | Large 10 cm
Reasons to Buy
+ Tough dog ball
+ Can help to freshen breath
+ Treat dispenser option
+ Two sizes
Reasons to Avoid
- A pricey ball
7. Best Ball + Ball Launcher
Chuckit
No ordinary dog balls, Chuckit balls have been designed for the most demanding 'fetch' use.
The first thing to say is that all Chuckit balls have been created with a really high bounce to keep your dog entertained.
Not to mention all their balls have been designed to work alongside their ball launcher to help you throw further.
We've tested several balls and ball launchers over the years and none compare to the quality and ease of throwing as the Chuckit range.
Their dog balls are highly visible so can be found easily when your dog appears to forget the 'fetch' command leaving you searching.
Playing at the beach or by a lake - no problem, Chuckit Balls float so they're perfect for water play.
Their Ultra balls are designed to be extra durable with a smoother finish. This also means that they are so much easier to clean than furry tennis balls which are black and grey before you know it.
Their original 'furry' balls are available as singles and multi-packs in a range of 4 sizes and also available in a eco-friendly recycled version.
Our advise, if you choose to buy a ball launcher and additional balls, double check the sizes to make sure they fit.
We've found in testing that whilst there are lots of balls and launcher sets on the market, the Chuckit balls and launcher are the best designed and most durable.
Dimensions ( diameter) - Small 5 cm | Medium 6.4 cm | Large 7.6 cm | X large 9 cm
Reasons to Buy
+ Tough dog balls
+ Ideal if you use a ball launcher
+ Size options for little dogs
+ Multi-packs available
Reasons to Avoid
- Cheaper options available
Buying Options
We think you'll love .... |
The downside of a ball thrower on a dog walk, is having to carry it when your dog has lost interest in fetching the ball. Barking Bags have thought about a solution. Their dog walking bag has two elastic straps to hold the ball thrower on a dog walk. For more information, check out our in-depth review of one of the best dog walking bags on the market - Barking Bags review |
8. Best Tough Puzzle Toy
K9 Connectable
Looking for a great enrichment toy that will keep your dog's attention but won't be decimated in minutes? The Pro range from K9 Connectables could be the answer to your dog toy prayers?
With their patented, award-winning design, these puzzle toys offer something a bit different to your standard dog toy.
With oodles of different combinations, each individual element is designed to mentally and physically stimulate your dog by offering rewards.
They offer two levels of toy - Gentle and Pro.
Their Pro toy range is designed to have increased challenge levels and are made from harder materials that are extremely strong and chew resistant
The elements slot and stack together offering different combinations to suit your dog and keep the toy new and interesting.
A series of ridges at each connection point, offers you the option to increase the challenge level. The further you push the elements together, the harder it will be for your dog to pull them apart.
During testing, we found the PRO range to be extremely tough and durable so whilst K9 Connectables may not be the cheapest dog toys available, they will certainly outlast most.
Reasons to Buy
+ Tough enrichment toy
+ Unlimited combinations
+ Extensive range
+ Size and difficulty options
Reasons to Avoid
- Not the cheapest
if you would like more information, why not check out our deep-dive review of K9 Connectables |
9. Best Tough Soft Dog Toy
goDog Dragon
This may not be the strongest dog toy in the world, but if you really want to get your aggressive chewer a cute plush toy, here’s one that might stand a chance.
GoDog's range of soft dog toys features chew guard technology (yes, there is such a thing), which is a manufacturing process that adds a super tough, durable outer layer.
Added to this, it has double stitched, rugged seams designed to be tougher and last longer.
From their extensive range of unicorns, dinosaurs and llamas (every dog needs a toy llama!), this super soft and tough GoDog Dragon has to be our favourite.
Each toy features a squeaker and an appealing raised bubble surface.
Available in two sizes and several colour combinations.
Dimensions ( length) - Small 30 cm | Large 44 cm
Reasons to Buy
+ Best tough soft toy
+ Internal squeaker
+ Extensive range
Reasons to Avoid
- Not the toughest
10. Cutest Tough Dog Toys
goDog Furballz
Lastly we feature the second, almost indestructible dog toy, from GoDog - these soft and fluffy Furballz.
Also featuring chew guard technology, double stitched seams and an additional layer of fabric, these cute balls are constructed from soft, fuzzy fur with an internal squeaker.
Made from extra soft long-pile plush they are great for playing and cuddling with your best friend.
Not the biggest toy, we would recommend them for puppies and smaller breeds. Furballz are available in several, eye-catching bright colours.
Dimensions ( length) - Small 10 cm | Large 20 cm
Reasons to Buy
+ Great tough soft toy
+ Internal squeaker
+ Super furry
Reasons to Avoid
- Not suitable for large breeds
Our Verdict
All the toys featured in our article can provide great opportunities to bond with your four- legged friend. Of course, you may want to supervise play with your chewer, especially with the smaller toys.
The Goughnut deserves a special mention. Whilst not the most exciting dog toy, it is amazingly tough and the lifetime warranty could save you a small fortune in obliterated toys.
It's hard to find fault with the Tough Pineapple as it's a great treat dispenser and is reliably tough.
If you are searching for a strong and durable replacement for decimated tennis balls, you can't go wrong with an Orbee Tuff Ball. It will definitely stand up to some long games of fetch at the park.
FAQs
Why do dogs destroy toys ?
There are several possibilities here and understanding which applies to your dog can maybe help keep those toys alive a little longer.
Ancestry - When presented with a dog toy that makes a squeaky noise, many dogs will revert to a shake and kill pattern of their wild ancestors. This prey-cry trigger can cause dogs to rip apart their toys in an effort to get to the sound and “kill” the squeak.
Boredom - Maybe the toy that’s in pieces on your kitchen floor demonstrates that your dog needs to burn off some energy. Boredom can easily lead to unwanted behaviour.
The Wrong Toy for the Job - For many dogs, unsupervised play calls for a hard rubber, treat-dispensing toys which can withstand the punishment your dog doles out. A soft toy or squeaky toy won't stand up to a determined or bored dog
It's a Fun Job - Tearing through a toy is a fun job that has a very clear start - finding that loose seam, middle - pulling it apart, and end point - deciding the toys is dead.
What foods can I use in a Kong?
Peanut Butter makes an ideal treat to fill a treat dispenser like the Kong.
It definitely extends play time as your dog tries to lick every last morsel off.
We recommend Pets Purest Peanut Butter because it's 100% roasted peanuts with no nasty xylitol, palm oil, sugar or salt in sight. Trust us we've tasted it, definitely no salt or sugar.
Oh, and did we mention dogs LOVE it !
Pets Purest are offering 10% off their entire range.
Enter discount code WELCOME10 at checkout
Are tennis balls bad for dogs ?
Dog's simply love tennis balls but there are dangers associated with tennis balls especially if you have a chewer.
Firstly the furry fabric surrounding the ball is very abrasive, designed for tennis courts and rackets. By chewing tennis balls, your dog risks wearing down their teeth enamel which can lead to possible dental issues.
Worse still, if your dog breaks down a tennis ball and ingests the pieces, it could cause a choking hazard. Instead of a tennis ball, can we suggest that you give your dog one of the safe chew balls featured in our top 10 to play with.
Hopefully you've found a toy in our Top 10 that might stand the test of time and keep your pooch entertained for hours.
And if you reckon we've missed an absolute blinder of a tough dog toy that we're crazy for leaving out, then give us a shout.
Thanks for stopping by and reading our article on the Best Indestructible Dog Toys for 2024.