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The 11 best indestructible dog toys for 2023, approved by vets

Updated November 30, 2023

We’ve put together the ultimate list of the most indestructible dog toys available, made to stand up to even the toughest chewers.

Playtime just got a whole lot more fun with this list of the most indestructible dog toys! From heavy-duty products designed for large dogs to compact chewables for small dogs, the betterpet team researched each toy, leaving you with our list of the best possible durable dog toys for you and your pet. So if you’re in the market for the right chew toy for your furry friend, check out these tough dog toys.

The best indestructible dog toys, reviewed

Why trust betterpet?

The writers, editors, and staff of betterpet are pet parents, and we know the value of accurate, trustworthy information. Because of this, the products we review are always first approved by our trusted team of veterinarians.

#1 Best overall indestructible dog toy: Treadz

Why we recommend this indestructible dog toy

We love a toy that does it all. The Arm & Hammer Treadz mini gorilla dental chew toy offers incredible teeth cleaning and breath-freshening benefits while giving your pet an all-around great time. The product is incredibly easy to clean and survived some pretty serious chew sessions with our reviewer’s furry friends. Based on its safety, chew rating, and easy-play design, it’s a great choice for small- and mid-sized pups.

The great (and not great) things about the TREADZ

pros cons
✓ Prevents plaque and tartar buildup as pets play ✗ Heavier material may be too much to lift and chew for toy or extra-small breeds
✓ Neutral smell and pet-friendly taste, via a safe, baking-soda infused design
✓ Dishwasher safe for easy cleaning

Features of the Treadz

  • Size: 3.5″ x 2.5″ x 6.4″; 5.01 ounces
  • Colors/pattern: We tested the red Treadz design and classic pattern
  • Materials: All-natural rubber
  • Number in a package: 1

#2 Best for lickers: KONG Extreme

The great (and not great) things about the KONG Extreme

pros cons
✓ Puzzle piece-like shape and design gives your dog a more mentally engaging play experience ✗ May not be suitable for extra-large breeds
✓ Easy-fill with KONG Stuff’N Treat Paste or your favorite choice of solid treat ✗ Only comes in one color choice
✓ Dishwasher safe for easy cleaning

Why we recommend this indestructible dog toy

The KONG Extreme is reminiscent of the classic KONG design, but offers an even sturdier, more engaging shape and structure. You can choose to put solid treats inside or a delicious puree of your pup’s favorite filling, then let them lick away. Looking for a new way to play? You can also use this toy for some seriously bouncy games of fetch if you’re looking to burn off your pup’s energy. This toy is one of KONG’s most durable toys yet, making it a great choice for those chew-happy furry friends.

Features of the KONG Extreme

  • Sizes: Small, medium, large, extra-large, extra-extra-large; suitable for dogs between 20 pounds and 85+ pounds
  • Colors/patterns: We tested the black KONG Extreme in size medium
  • Materials: All-natural rubber
  • Number in a package: 1

#3 Best for rough 'n' tumble tuggers: Mammoth Rope Toy

The great (and not great) things about the Mammoth Rope

pros cons
✓ Crafted from non-toxic American cotton-poly yarn for safe play ✗ Extra-large dogs or tough chewers may consume the fibers, which can cause blockages
✓ Available in a variety of sizes for comfort and use
✓ Naturally cleans teeth and promotes dental hygiene

Why we recommend this indestructible dog toy

The Mammoth Flossy Chew rope is a safe-to-use, easy-to-play-with toy with intricate knots to keep the testing pups engaged in autonomous play. The length of the rope is great for a game of tug-of-war but still light and flexible enough for the dog to flip-flop on their own.

Rope toys can be a great option for your pet, but it’s crucial to ensure the toy is sturdy to prevent your dog from ingesting any broken materials; additionally, be cautious with tug-of-war games, as some animal behaviorists warn that this play could trigger aggressive reactions in certain pets, so stay alert and cease if you observe any changes in your pet’s behavior.

Features of the Mammoth Rope

  • Sizes: 15” – 72” long with 2-5 knots
  • Colors/patterns: We tested the medium (20”) 3-knot design in multiple colors
  • Materials: American cotton-poly blend
  • Number in a package: 1

#4 Best for fetch lovers: KONG Flyer disc toy

The great (and not great) things about the KONG flyer

pros cons
✓ Made in the USA from KONG’s trusted rubber blend ✗ The product is thinner than other KONG items, which may not be good for dogs that tear/use sheer force
✓ 9” diameter for easy throwing and chewing ✗ The disc doesn’t sail far due to the dense nature of the materials used
✓ Safer than traditional discs due to the resilient and soft design

Why we recommend this indestructible dog toy

Too-tough Frisbees can make for some pretty uncomfortable games of fetch. However, KONG took its unique material (check out the KONG Extreme, above) and created soft-catch discs that are chew-resistant and flexible, giving your pet a safe and fun play experience. This toy is suitable for dogs up to 65+ pounds.

Our review pups appreciated the springy feel of the material as they chewed, giving them a new texture to explore and play with. Even after days of play between multiple pups, this disc held up, giving you a great toy to reach for if your furry friend is especially chew-prone.

Features of the KONG Flyer

  • Sizes: It comes in sizes for small and large dogs.
  • Colors/patterns: We tested a classic red small disc, 7″ x 7″ x 0.75″; 4.16 ounces
  • Materials: Non-toxic natural rubber
  • Number in a package: 1

#5 Best flavor: Benebone Wishbone chew toy

The great (and not great) things about Benebone Wishbone chew toy

pros cons
✓ Infused with real bacon to engage your pup quickly ✗ Customers report that the toy is too hard for dogs with weak teeth
✓ Easy-to-chew size ✗ The smell and shape alone may not draw dog’s attention compared to louder or more recognizable toys
✓ Contributes to national animal welfare charities

Why we recommend this indestructible dog toy

Looking for an ergonomic chew toy option that’s also indestructible? Look no further than the Benebone Wishbone. Our review pups loved the bacon-infused chew and the unique dual-prong design, which gives them plenty of surface area to gnaw and nibble.

Plus, every purchase of the Benebone toy also goes to supporting nationwide animal welfare and safety,  so you can rest assured that your money is going to a great cause.

Features of the Benebone Wishbone

  • Sizes: Small, medium, large, giant in bacon, chicken, and peanut flavors
  • Colors/patterns: We tested a classic bacon Wishbone in size medium (7″ x 4.8”)
  • Materials: Nylon and real bacon essence
  • Number in a package: 1

#6 Best for squeak-lovers: Tuffy’s No Stuff Ultimate Ring

The great (and not great) things about Tuffy’s No Stuff Ultimate Ring

pros cons
✓ No poly stuffing keeps your pets as safe as possible ✗ Ultimately could not stand up to our heavy-chewing testers
✓ Easy cleanup routine ✗ When torn, fabric pieces could become a choking hazard
✓ Large diameter for engaging play

Why we recommend this indestructible dog toy

Tuffy’s No Stuff durable dog toy offers a unique design crafted with multiple layers of bonded and sewn material to make a single uniform exterior sheath. It’s strong yet soft for pups with more sensitive gums. Plus, it comes equipped with an extra-fun squeaker for some seriously silly play.

It’s machine washable and can air dry easily, giving you a simple cleanup routine. However, while dogs of all types can play with this toy, we do want to note that this toy is best for larger breeds over 20 pounds or more.

Features of Tuffy’s No Stuff Ultimate Ring

  • Size: 1″ x 9″ x 9”
  • Color/pattern: Red paw print pattern
  • Materials: Polyester and fleece
  • Number in a package: 1

#7 Best for aggressive chewers: West Paw Zogoflex Durable Dog Bone

The great (and not great) things about West Paw Zogoflex Durable Dog Bone

pros cons
✓ Made in the USA from safe toy materials ✗ Too large for many smaller dog breeds
✓ Non-toxic and recyclable
✓ Gnaw-proof and comfortable for both senior dogs and young pups

Why we recommend this indestructible dog toy

The West Paw Zogoflex Durable Dog Bone is all of the “good” things about wooden sticks without the risk. It’s fetchable, flexible, and held up well to the chewing and gnawing of two very excited test pups.

We appreciated the versatility we found in this toy, since it’s suitable for both land and water play. It’s dishwasher safe for easy cleaning, and it is also completely recyclable.

Features of the West Paw Zogoflex Durable Dog Bone

  • Sizes: Extra-small, small, and large in aqua, Granny Smith, and tangerine
  • Colors/patterns: We tested an aqua toy, size large (1.97″ x 8.27 x 5.12”; 6.4 ounces)
  • Materials: Non-toxic plastic blend
  • Number in a package: 1

#8 Best treat toy: West Paw Zogoflex Tux Tough Treat Toy

The great (and not great) things about West Paw Zogoflex Tux Tough Treat Toy

pros cons
✓ Made from USA-sourced materials ✗ Some dogs may not engage with the toy without a treat tucked inside
✓ Simple cleaning process ✗ Ultimately could not withstand our heavy-chewing testers
✓ Works with multiple treat types

Why we recommend this indestructible dog toy

The Zogoflex Tux Tough treat-dispensing toy is the perfect combination of a puzzle toy and a treat distributor. It’s durable, easy to use, and a great hiding spot for your pup’s favorite goodies. It also gives them a completely non-toxic and safe play experience with each use.

It’s dishwasher-safe and crafted exclusively from 100% recyclable BPA and phthalate-free materials. It’s also stretchy, resilient and tough against sheer ripping force. You can also use it for water play thanks to its simple and buoyant design.

Features of the West Paw Zogoflex Tux Tough Treat Toy

  • Size: 5″ x 3″ x 4.5”
  • Colors/patterns: Aqua blue, Granny Smith, tangerine — we tested it in aqua
  • Materials: Non-toxic plastic blend
  • Number in a package: 1

#9 Best for big dogs: Nylabone Power Chew Textured Ring

The great (and not great) things about Nylabone Power Chew Textured Ring

pros cons
✓ Made from tough nylon sourced in the USA ✗ Too large for small breeds
✓ Sufficiently strong against sheer force and gnawing ✗ Scent may be offensive to those with sensitivities
✓ Extremely hard exterior promotes engagement to reach meaty-flavored core

Why we recommend this indestructible dog toy

The Nylabone Power Chew is a great chew of choice for larger breeds. While smaller dogs may not quite take to the unique design or flavor, we’re confident that large breeds that love to chomp will appreciate the unique textured, circular design. 

The loop comes flavored with a meaty, savory scent, and is designed to promote plaque and tartar reduction with each use, benefitting both pets and owners. It’s durable and made in the USA, making it a perfect toy for the toughest chewers.

Features of the Nylabone Power Chew Textured Ring

  • Sizes: Small, large, extra-large
  • Colors/patterns: We tested a flavor medley in size large (5.63 x 1.38 x 5.63”; 9.28 ounces)
  • Materials: Pet-safe nylon blend
  • Number in a package: 1

#10 Best for mid-sized pups: West Paw Zogoflex Jive Tough Ball

The great (and not great) things about West Paw Zogoflex Jive Tough Ball

pros cons
✓ Non-toxic for safe play ✗ Too large for small breeds
✓ Suitable for land and water use
✓ U.S.-sourced materials and assembly

Why we recommend this indestructible dog toy

Calling all heavy chewers! Dogs will love the novelty and shape of the Jive Tough Ball. It’s flexible, firm, and strong enough to withstand above-average gnawing and chewing, with a size that suits large and extra-large breeds. While smaller dogs can play with this toy, they may not get the most benefit or may have trouble fitting it in their mouth.

The Jive Tough is stretchy and resilient enough for tug-of-war or fetch and is made with recyclable BPA and phthalate-free material for your dog’s safety. It’s simple to wash – all you have to do is load it on your dishwasher’s top rack.

Features of the West Paw Zogoflex Jive Tough Ball

  • Sizes: Mini, small, large in aqua blue, Granny Smith, and tangerine
  • Colors/patterns: We tested a Granny Smith (green) toy in size large (3.25”)
  • Materials: Non-toxic plastic blend
  • Number in a package: 1

#11 Best for small dogs: Goughnuts Chew Ring

The great (and not great) things about Goughnuts Chew Ring

pros cons
✓ Unique, thickened diameter minimizes risk of shredding and breakage ✗ Too heavy for extra-small breeds
✓ Perfect for fetching and chasing ✗ May take dogs time to engage due to simplistic design
✓ Lifetime guarantee

Why we recommend this indestructible dog toy

The Goughnut Chew Ring is incredibly durable and great for ripping and shredding-prone dogs, offering an incredibly thick design that’s supported by the small diameters and ring construction.

It’s safe and designed to prevent breakage, giving your dog a safer chew toy. Toys are manufactured in the USA and covered by a lifetime warranty in the event of destruction. These toys are created by a specialist with over 30 years of experience, and it shows. Pups will seriously enjoy nibbling at this delicious (faux) doughnut, which is the perfect size for medium- and large-size dogs!

Features of the Goughnuts Chew Ring

  • Sizes: Small, medium, large, extra-large in green, orange, and black
  • Colors/patterns: We tested a green toy in size medium (3.75″ x 3.75″ x 1.3”)
  • Materials: Non-toxic, custom rubber blend
  • Number in a package: 1

How to choose an indestructible dog toy

Wondering what really constitutes an indestructible dog toy? We’ve got you covered. An important thing to consider is that “indestructible” looks different across different dog breed types and temperaments. Does your dog shred? Chew? Gnaw? What types of toys does your dog enjoy and play with strategically rather than destructively? 

These are important questions you can use to determine your dog’s play style and align your toy purchase choice to that style to find the toughest dog toys.

Now that you’ve determined your play type, it’s time to do your research. We recommend keeping the following criteria in consideration to help you walk away with the best possible indestructible dog toy:

  • Recalls. Has the toy been recalled in the past? If so, why? Has the manufacturer resolved the recall?
  • Pricing. Is the price affordable? Are the toys covered by any sort of replacement promise or warranty?
  • Safety. What are the toys made of? Is it non-toxic?
  • Design. What size of dog is the toy meant for? Is it better for large or small breeds?
  • Features. We looked at the features of the dog toys and evaluated how well the toy would perform with those features in mind for your convenience.
  • Durability. For indestructible dog toys, we also pay attention to how durable it is. We want to be able to tell you how durable a toy is so that you can make an informed decision when buying the next (or another) indestructible dog toy.
  • Maintenance. We considered how easy it would be to clean the indestructible dog toys. Is it a simple matter of wiping it down, or will cleaning the toy mean that you’ll have to take it apart completely?
  • Safety. We also looked at how safe the indestructible dog toys are for dogs. Does the design present choking hazards for any pets or children in the home? Can the toy be left out without supervision? These are important questions and pets deserve the best toys, after all. We want to help you give that to them.

Indestructible dog toys and pet health

Toys are always a good investment for your dog. They encourage cognition, play, total-body engagement, and exercise. The question is, how can you keep your pet safe with your toy choice? Do marketed toys actually pose a risk to your dog? 

Simply put, yes. Toys, if not constructed properly, can pose a serious risk of choking and abdominal blockages in the case of shredding or breakage. For example, we considered but ultimately opted against the popular Smash Potato toy for this reason. While it might be well-suited for supervised teething puppies, veterinarian Dr. Erica Irish says to avoid cloth toys that can be easily shredded and digested by your dog. 

Understanding how your pet plays with toys, investing in quality toys, and having playtime with close supervision can help you mitigate your risk.

When to seek help with dog chewing

If you notice your dog is continuing to chew excessively or in a distressed, strained way, it’s time to make a vet appointment. Voracious chewing or violent outbursts when chewing could point to emotional distress or anxiety. Your pup may also be trying to address a dental problem, such as plaque or tartar buildup in the teeth. A vet can confidently diagnose your pup if there’s an underlying cause of the chewing and offer helpful alternative strategies to curb the behavior safely.

Frequently asked questions

How do you keep a destructive dog entertained?

Exercise, agility challenges other dog sports, and a fun romp in a new environment may keep your pup engaged enough to leave the destructive tendencies behind. Play releases endorphins, which work to combat anxiety and stress hormones in your dog, which may contribute to reduced destructive behaviors. If you’re still struggling, we encourage you to seek veterinary care. A vet can determine if there’s an underlying problem or cause for concern.

Is it normal for my dog to be an aggressive chewer?

Aggressive chewing, by definition, is chewing with such energy or enthusiasm that the object your dog is chewing can break or be torn. Non-aggressive chewers simply chew objects more gently.

From teething puppies to bored adult dogs, chewing of all types is common for dogs and quite natural. In the end, what’s important is to help your dog chew responsibly by providing them with durable, near-indestructible dog toys.

Do dogs get bored at home?

Dogs absolutely do get bored. They experience emotions, too! That’s why play is so critical – it’s a way of offering them attention, stimulating their brains, and keeping them happy and healthy.

What’s the best thing for dogs to chew on?

Generally, you’ll want your dog to chew on toys made from non-toxic materials, or materials that don’t shred off to smaller pieces. Bones and sticks can splinter, causing gastrointestinal distress or danger to your dog’s health. While we love plush toys, they also may not be a good idea as an indestructible dog chew toy. Consult with your vet to get a personalized recommendation of what toys and items are suitable for your furry friend’s unique needs.

What do vets recommend for aggressive chewers?

For aggressive chewers of all sizes, non-edible chews can be the safer choice without the potential risk of injury and digestive issues. Non-edible chews made of rubber or nylon offer longer-lasting play, plus chews with compartments where you can put treats allowing your dog to have the best of both worlds.