Does your dog go through chew toys very quickly?
If so, your dog may be a heavy chewer - an aggressive chomper who needs durable dog toys crafted specifically for dogs who play rough. Dog toys for heavy chewers include bones, ropes and balls, all of which will stimulate your dog’s brain, keep her out of mischief, and - most importantly - away from your furniture, shoes, and pillows.
With so many of these toys out in the market today, we understand that it can be hard to tell which brand will be the best bang for your buck. So, we embarked on a quest to find which chew toys are worth your time. After trying and testing many toys, we managed to narrow down the competition to three best dog toys for heavy chewers.
What Materials are Best for Durable Dog Toys?
If you have an aggressive chewer, you should look for indestructible dog toys that can withstand heavy pressure. Such toys are usually made from the following materials:
Rubber: Rubber chew toys are the most common choice for dog owners, since they are non-toxic, durable, and come in all shapes and sizes. Rubber toys also work well for puppies.
Nylon: Nylon chew toys make for some of the toughest dog toys out there. A safe synthetic fiber, nylon toys are almost impossible to wear down or break.
Rope and Cloth: Rope and cloth chew toys can also take quite a bit of abuse, if they are made of strong materials. They can also be thrown in the washing machine once they get too dirty.
Which Dog Breeds are Typically Heavy Chewers?
As we’ve all noticed, some dog breeds tend to chew more than others. Here are the breeds we’ve noted as big chewers:
Labradors: Labradors are some of the biggest chewers out there, since they were bred to be retrieving dogs and tend to be very energetic. To keep them entertained and stimulated, your Labrador needs varied chews - in terms of flavour, texture and shape.
Golden Retrievers: One of the most popular dog breeds these days, Golden Retrievers were bred to retrieve birds, making them similar to Labradors in terms of energy levels. Make sure to keep your Retriever entertained by always having a chew toy or two at hand.
Basset Hounds: Basset Hounds are a loving, sociable breed prone to experiencing separation anxiety. You can keep their nervous restlessness at bay by providing them with durable, yet comforting chew toys.
Our Top 3 Dog Toys for Heavy Chewers
Taking all of the above into consideration, here are our top three dog toys for heavy chewers. Each toy below is made from durable materials that are not only long-lasting, but also safe and fun for your four-legged companion.
We have also included the pros and cons of each of the products below, so you can come to your own conclusions as to which product best suits your dog’s needs.
Nylabone Durable Dental Dinosaur Chew Toy
An exciting chicken-flavoured toy that comes in assorted dinosaur shapes, this is a tasty non-edible chew made of nylon.
Pros:
Irresistible chicken-flavoured chews for your furry friend.
Suitable for dogs up to fifty pounds.
Comes in three fun shapes: Brontosaurus, Stegosaurus and T-Rex.
The surface of this toy is textured, which can help clean your dog’s teeth and gums and freshen his breath.
Nylabone is one of the toughest materials out there, making this toy one of the most durable chew toys on the market.
Cons:
This chew toy is extremely durable, but that can be a drawback, since its hardness and lack of “give” may break or fracture your dog’s teeth.
The chicken flavour may be too subtle for your dog and fade over time.
This hard toy may not provide an anxious dog the comfort and softness she needs.
West Paw Zogoflex Bumi Tug-o-War
A recyclable, soft, tug-of-war chew toy for your canine friend, the West Paw Zogoflex Bumi Tug-o-War is perfect for dogs who enjoy Tug-o-War and softer chews.
Pros:
Made of rubber, this toy can stretch to twice its length, providing hours of fun for you and your canine companion.
This toy is lightweight, making it easy to throw into the air for your dog to catch and chew.
Comes in three beautiful colours - blue, green and orange.
The Bumi is dishwasher safe and non-toxic, so you can easily clean this toy by putting it in the top rack of your dishwasher.
The Bumi is recyclable and latex free.
Cons:
The toy is made of soft rubber and may not last as long as toys made from sturdier materials.
The soft rubber can be easily ripped apart by larger, more powerful dogs.
Texture and lack of taste may be unappealing to some dogs, particularly puppies.
TUFFY Mega Boomerang
You and your pooch will have hours of fun with this durable yet soft dog toy. Made of up to seven layers of fabric, TUFFY is intended for interactive play.
Pros:
TUFFY floats in water and is machine washable.
Perfect for interactive play - such as but not limited to tug-o-war and toss and fetch.
Durable - made with up to seven layers of material and seven rows of stitching.
Cloth material provides comfort and helps to ease separation anxiety.
TUFFY comes with sequakers, which are sewn inside protective pouches for your dog’s safety.
Cons:
TUFFY may be too light for larger dogs, who tend to enjoy heavier toys.
The cloth material may be more prone to tearing than rubber or nylon toys.
This toy may not be soft and cuddly enough for breeds prone towards separation anxiety.
Heavy Chewers Deserve Toys That Last!
We hope that our reviews of the three best dog toys for heavy chewers have helped you locate the perfect chew for your powerful pooch. Your furry companion deserves the best of what the market has to offer!