Aggressive. Indestructible. Fluffy massacre. It appears there may have been a struggle.
These words aren’t what you would expect to be describing your puppy when it comes to how it treats the toys you’ve so lovingly picked out.
Part of the first few months with your puppy is getting to know his habits. When you’re preparing for a new puppy, you choose the initial batch of toys without knowing which ones your puppy will prefer.
As a puppy owner, you will need to be flexible and pivot when buying the best toys for your puppy if your puppy keeps destroying them in seconds flat.
Learn how to pick the best durable puppy toys and get some recommendations for your heavy chewer.
Why Do Puppies Chew?
All puppies will go through the puppy teething process, where their adult teeth grow in and replace their razor-sharp puppy teeth. Puppies go from having 28 deciduous teeth to 42 permanent adult teeth, a process that is often uncomfortable and downright painful.
To assuage some of this pain, puppies will turn to anything and everything they can get their mouths on to chew for relief. For this reason, it’s best to be prepared with durable chew toys to redirect their chewing, provide comfort, and teach them appropriate outlets for their mouthy behavior.
In addition, puppies use their mouths as their main tool for exploring the world around them. Everything they come into contact with is met with a thorough examination using their mouth. From toys to furniture to the ankles of unsuspecting adults, every object serves as a potential source of information for curious puppies. Despite the occasional annoyance of a nip or chewed-up shoe, this behavior is an essential part of the learning process for young dogs as they discover their environment and develop their senses.
What are Some Characteristics of Durable Dog Toys For Puppies?
What you do want to avoid is going for the first product you see with the lowest price, even if you are on a budget (aren’t we all these days). Just because the price tag is low doesn’t mean the dog toy has the qualities needed to make it the right choice for you. Here is what to look for when selecting the top dog toys for tough chewers.
Easy to clean
Dog toys for heavy chewers spend a significant amount of time in a puppy’s mouth, which makes it extra important to regularly clean your puppy’s chew toys. When considering the design, see if it is dishwasher-safe or hand-wash. You may need a long, thin brush for the inside of treat pockets to prevent mold and remove all food substances. Is the surface smooth or knobby where dirt, food, and drool can roost in? Make sure to follow the instructions on the package for the best way to wash dog toys to take care of them while keeping your puppy’s health safe.
Safety
Unfortunately, some dog toy products are made only with money in mind and can be full of substances toxic to pets. Because dogs chew on toys, you wouldn’t want them to ingest harmful chemicals that can affect them negatively. Here are some dangerous materials to look for in dog toys to avoid:
- Arsenic: Can cause vomiting and possibly death
- Melamine: Used as a fire retardant, in paints, and varnishes; can be linked to kidney failure
- Lead: A dangerous heavy metal that can be found in tennis balls and can cause symptoms similar to other common dog illnesses like lethargy, loss of appetite, and muscle spasms
- Formaldehyde: Even though it is naturally occurring, high levels of synthetic formaldehyde in wood and other materials can cause digestive and respiratory problems
- BPA: Bisphenol-A is a hormone disruptor; many products are labeled “BPA-Free” making it easy to avoid these days
- Phthalates: This chemical can leak out of toys and cause liver, kidney, and other organ failure
- PVC: Polyvinyl chloride is a substance in plastic that can release chlorine and phthalates when chewed.
The right size for your puppy
Not all durable dog toys are created equally. You’ll need to pay attention to the size of your toy. If it is too big, your puppy won’t be able to fully enjoy the benefits if he cannot fit it in his mouth. On the other hand, if a toy is too small, it can be a choking hazard. Make sure to follow the recommended size guidelines on the package or website to ensure it’s the right size for your puppy.
Fits your budget
Take a good look at the toys line item when financially preparing for a puppy. When you are browsing high-quality indestructible dog toys, you may find they are a bit more expensive than simple stuffed toys. However, if you buy a few quality toys, they will last longer and get more playing time out of a toy rather than one your puppy will annihilate within three minutes. Even though a less durable toy may be more expensive, you don’t want to be wasting your hard-earned money on toys that will not last.
11 Indestructible Dog Toys For Heavy Chewers
Without further ado, here are 11 indestructible dog toys for aggressive chewers in no particular ranking that we recommend for those tough-as-nails canine jaws.
1. Freezable Teething Ring For Heavy Chewers
The orange Freezable Teething Ring For Heavy Chewers not only helps your puppy with gnawing but also serves a few other purposes. This durable ring helps soothe teeth and gums when frozen, floats on water for pool fun, and can be thrown and bounced for a game of fetch. The knobs also help clean your puppy’s teeth.
2. Pet Qwerks Nylon Stick by BarkBone
This unique dog bone is designed with an all-natural look and texture and is made for easy pickup with plenty of nubs and knots for your pup to chew. It’s infused with a tasty mint flavor that is released as your puppy chews. Not only that, but the unique shape of the bone can help promote puppy dental hygiene by helping to scrape plaque and tartar off of their teeth. The Nylon Stick is made in the USA out of premium artesian nylon and is easy to clean.
3. KONG Extreme Dog Toy
The KONG Extreme Dog Toy is designed specifically for the worst of the heavy chewers. In addition to the all-natural durable rubber formula, the unpredictable bounce keeps your puppy entertained and guessing. You can fill the toy with peanut butter, yogurt, kibble, cheese, or delicious treats for extra fun and attention. The materials are globally sourced and assembled in the USA.
4. The Virtually Indestructible Ball Dog Toy
The aptly named Virtually Indestructible Ball Dog Toy truly lives up to its name for puppies who want to play fetch in between chewing sessions. This 10-inch ball is constructed from 100% non-toxic, tear-proof polyethylene. Clean-up is easy as well with its smooth surface. With a puncture-proof design, even the toughest chewer with the most razor-sharp teeth will not penetrate this durable ball.
5. Super Treadz Tough Dog Chew Toy by Arm & Hammer
The Super Treadz Tough Dog Chew Toy by Arm & Hammer is a gorilla-shaped toy that serves several purposes. You’ll love all the baking soda-infused dental hygiene benefits, preventing plaque buildup, reducing tartar, stimulating gums, and freshening breath. Meanwhile, your puppy is redirected to chew on its cute yet tough gorilla for hours of fun.
6. Ethical Pet Sensory Ball Tough Dog Chew Toy
Every dog loves a ball, but sometimes they can puncture it with their teeth or rip off the fuzzy outer layer of a tennis ball. You won’t have that problem with the Ethical Pet Sensory Ball Tough Dog Chew Toy. Not only is it “just” a ball, but it emits a beef scent and features multiple textures and bright, happy colors, and a squeaker and bell for sounds to keep your puppy interested.
7. Bacon-Flavored Squid Dog Chew Toy
Bring some of the ocean into your home with the Bacon-Flavored Squid Dog Chew Toy for heavy chomping puppies. The durable, bite-resistant, non-toxic food-grade nylon material is safer than bones because it won’t splinter and create a choking hazard. The curved design makes it easy for your puppy to pick up and carry around.
8. Chew Corn Stick Toy
If you’re having a cookout, why leave out Fido when you serve the grilled corn on the cob? This one will last much longer than the food version! The Corn Stick Toy for heavy chewers caters well to razor-sharp puppy teeth with its durable rubber material and zig-zag knobs to encourage dental hygiene. A squeaking feature keeps your puppy distracted enough for you to eat your corn in peace!
9. Amazon Basics Dog Treat Dispensing Chew Toy
Double the fun with these affordable and durable Amazon Basics Dog Treat Dispensing Chew Toy. Holes on end allow you to place your puppy’s favorite treat, and a safety air vent protects the tongue from suction. The rubber keeps its shape for heavy chewers, and it’s dishwasher safe to help remove any bits of food stuck inside.
10. Indestructible Squeaky Interactive Toothbrush
Your puppy will have so much fun keeping their teeth clean while chewing on the Indestructible Squeaky Interactive Toothbrush. Not only can you put toothpaste on the outside to encourage redirection and chewing in the appropriate place, but it also floats and squeaks, too. It’s a great toy to help reduce separation anxiety.
11. Nylabone Power Chew Textured Chew Ring Dog Toy
Nylon ingredients with chicken flavoring along with the raised edges and multi-texture design will make this a popular chew toy for your puppy. Nylabone is made in the USA and will help save your shoes and furniture from misdirected chewing. Your puppy will also love playing fetch when you toss it to keep them entertained.
Chompin’ at the Bit For a Puppy? Let Pawrade Help!
Here at Pawrade, we are proud to offer healthy puppies for sale from our partner breeders who uphold the highest standards. We only work with reputable breeders who understand what their dog breed needs, especially with heavy chewers during the puppy teething stage.
Please browse our puppies for sale, and let our Puppy Concierge team know which one catches your eye! You’ll be buying them durable, indestructible dog chew toys in no time!
