If your dog shreds plush toys in minutes and leaves rope toys in pieces, you have a power chewer. Pit bulls, labs, shepherds, huskies and plenty of mixed breeds fall into this group. The good news: some toys really do hold up. Here are the ones we'd pick, and how to make them last.
What makes a toy hold up to power chewers
- Dense natural rubber or tough nylon. Soft plastic, vinyl and stuffing don't last.
- No small parts. Squeakers, eyes and seams are the first things a strong chewer pulls out.
- The right size. A toy that fits completely in your dog's mouth is a choking risk. When in doubt, size up.
Our top picks
Best overall: KONG Extreme
The KONG Extreme is made from KONG's toughest black rubber and is built for power chewers. Its unpredictable bounce makes it a fetch toy too. Stuff it with peanut butter or wet food to keep your dog busy much longer.
Best for treat lovers: KONG Extreme Goodie Bone
The KONG Extreme Goodie Bone has a classic bone shape with ends that grip treats, so dogs keep working at it.
Best for serious gnawing: Nylabone Power Chew Bone
The Nylabone Power Chew Textured Bone (XL) is tough nylon that's peanut-butter flavored all the way through. It's made for dogs that want to gnaw for a long time.
Best for fetch and tug: KONG Extreme Ball with Rope
The KONG Extreme Ball with Rope puts a tough rubber ball on a thick cotton rope, so it's easy to throw far and great for tug.
More tough options
- KONG Extreme Donut: a thick ring of dense rubber that rolls and bounces in unexpected directions.
- KONG Extreme Tires: thick tread and springy sidewalls, with room to tuck treats inside.
- Chuckit! Ultra Ball 2-Pack: high-bounce rubber balls for dogs that live for fetch.
Best value: the Power Chewer Pack
Can't decide? The Power Chewer Pack bundles a KONG Extreme (Large) with a Nylabone Power Chew peanut butter bone (XL), together for less than buying them separately.
3 tips to make tough toys last
- Rotate toys. Keep 2 or 3 out at a time and swap them every few days so your dog stays interested.
- Make it a puzzle. Stuff a KONG and freeze it overnight. It slows chewing down and keeps most dogs busy far longer.
- Check toys often. No toy is truly indestructible. Replace anything that's cracked or has pieces coming off, and supervise new toys at first.
Shop all Tough Chewers. Free US shipping on orders of $50 or more.