Best Indestructible Dog Toy

Elk antlers are about the most durable chew toy on the market.  They’re rock solid and full of vitamins and minerals, including phosphorus, glucosamine, and chondroitin. Plus they’re a sustainable resource and require no processing other than cutting and slight sanding. Some are left whole, others are split to expose the healthy bone marrow which dogs love.  They do have an odor but it’s not quite as pungent as the water buffalo horns we also recommend (reviewed further below). 

These antler pieces may splinter and we chose not to give our dogs all of the pieces included with the assortment, we threw a few away. As with all chew toys, supervision is necessary.

Our dogs went to this bone right away. The textures are appealing to them and it’s easy for them to hang onto while chewing. The smaller size is best for dogs under 12 lbs as it really is rather small. The large size may not work for big dogs over 50 lbs. Once the ends are ground down, the toy may not be as appealing to them. While most dogs love them, and ours will happily grind away with a faraway look on her face, Nylabones this hard can be hard on a dog’s teeth if used exclusively so we like to switch it out with softer chew toys and limit usage as needed. 

Good for long chew sessions, the West Paw Zogoflex Hurley Durable Dog Bone is non-toxic, BPA- and Phthalate-free, and FDA compliant, which means it’s safe if your dog accidentally ingests a small piece. It’s available in 4 easy-to-find colors and makes a perfect fetch stick, in or out of water. It’s a great toy to take with your canine companion to the lake or the pool. When it does break down, it eventually comes apart in smaller chunks, which you won’t want your dog eating but aren’t as dangerous as splinters. 

For a dog toy, the West Paw Zogoflex Awizl Puzzle Treat Chew Toy carries a higher price tag, but with good reason: not only is it a fun chew toy for pups, but the play is enhanced by the addition of treats.  And what dog doesn’t love treats? This mentally-stimulating puzzle toy keeps pups occupied for hours trying to work your choice of treats out of it. A little peanut butter inside will hold various sizes of treats, and when play time’s over, this earth-friendly, recyclable toy can be popped in the dishwasher. We don’t recommend bully sticks though as it will encourage the dog to destroy the ends of this toy. 

The Goughnut pro series is meant for the power chewer, the dog who terminates everything else. It may be just what your tough-guy junkyard dog is looking for. Marked with the yellow dot to indicate the Pro series, these come in sizes big enough even for a big Great Dane. We like that these have a safety indicator (red core) to indicate when the toy has been chewed to the point where it needs replacement. Some dogs lose interest in these. We’re not sure if it’s because they don’t have tons of nubs and things that can be torn off or no flavor, but those of us who have spent hundreds of dollars on chew toys like to think we’re entitled to a victory lap. 

This is a good, basic stick toy that aggressive chewers enjoy. It’s not hard enough for extended chew sessions to run the risk of wearing down your dog’s teeth, but the texture is soft enough to be satisfying.  The rubber-type material is non-toxic, BPA and phthalate-free, and the soft nature allows for energetic chewing while keeping teeth and gums clean and safe. Doubles as a fetch toy.

 This toy comes in a variety of shapes and flavors with one sure to please your pup. Due to the hard nature of this toy, it should not be given to breeds with pre-existing dental problems as chewing on it could cause tooth breakage. We do feel it helps with stinky breath but only as long as the dog is chewing on it. Both of the two dogs who tried this one didn’t seem to like the smell and soon lost interest. 

The Jolly Pets Romp-n-Roll Ball is a popular choice for dogs. It’s great for throwing, tossing, fetching, and tug-of-war. Dogs love to whip this one around by the rope, but owner beware if he lets go – the hard rubber can hurt if you’re caught in the crossfire. For this reason, it’s more suited to outdoor play. And the rope won’t last long with a power chewer working this toy, so while there’s play value there, if your dog immediately shreds rope this one may not be worth it. Still, this is a versatile toy. It can sustain plenty of bite marks as it doesn’t deflate when punctured.  Truly a versatile, durable toy.

Softer than a Frisbee, the Kong-Flyer is much easier on a dog’s mouth when playing catch.  It’s also easier for the pup to retrieve from the ground than the hard plastic saucers and won’t shatter into sharp pieces like a plastic one will. Available in 3 sizes, this is a reliable toy with many fans, both human and canine.

Made from non-toxic BPA- and Phthalate-free materials, this FDA-approved ball beats the socks off of tennis balls for robust dog play. Not too hard, not too squishy soft, the Planet Dog Orbee-Tuff Diamond Plate Orbee Ball has just the right squeezability for your dog. It’s hollow, yet durable, which gives a pup’s jaws a good workout. It didn’t last long though with our power-chewer who began pulling chunks off within the  hour. 

The Zogoflex Tux Interactive Treat Dispensing Dog Chew Toy has a lot of play value and can be stuffed with treats! Our dog made short work of anything inside it that wasn’t frozen in place and began immediately shredding the thinner edges between the circular elements of this toy. We love Westpaw toys because they are BPA- and Phthalate-free, non-toxic and FDA compliant. Dishwasher safe and recyclable, this is a responsible, earth-friendly pet toy that’s fun for pups and parents alike. It’s a favorite toy but once they get bored with it, they begin shredding it. 

Designed by mechanical and polymer engineers, the Goughnuts – Original Dog Chew Ring functions as a fetch and chew toy, both in and out of water. Designed with an inner red layer to alert pet parents of damage, the manufacturer will replace the toy free of charge if damage occurs. Some parents and dogs object to the strong rubber smell, and the manufacturer requires damaged products be sent back to them at buyer’s expense.

This earth-friendly “ball” was designed to bounce erratically, keeping your dog entertained while trying to catch it it mid-air. Only “mid-air” keeps changing! Veterinarian-approved, it’s made with sustainable natural rubber, giving your power chewer a gum massage and jaw workout at the same time. FDA-compliant, non-toxic and biodegradable, this stimulating chew toy is good for light chewers, but power chewers tend to make short work of it. 

More durable than a tennis ball, the West Paw Zogoflex Air Boz (rhymes with “nose”) is soft enough for dogs to catch mid-flight and will stand up to many games of fetch… but not aggressive chewing sessions. This ball is perfect for water play and bounces higher than most balls for greater play value. The small size fits in standard ball throwers. These balls are air-injected for a more satisfying “squish” and are perfect for dogs with high play drives- that ridiculous bounce will send them running! 

Customers love this ball because their dogs love this ball.  It’s bouncy, floaty and squishy, and it can be used with or without the ChuckIt! Dog Ball Launcher. The bright orange and blue color makes it easy to locate in the yard or house. Many customers say their pups chew this ball like gum, it’s that soft and squishy. But it holds up well to determined chewing, too.

KONG is a brand known for its dog toys, and this one is no exception.  The KONG Jumbler Disk Dog Toy is a 2-in-1 ball toy which should satisfy dogs who like to fetch and dogs who like to chew squeaky toys.  There is a tennis ball in the center compartment which provides movement and visual interest for your pup. The loud squeak, plus the handles on all sides, entice rousing games of fetch.  Dogs who love squeaky toys should enjoy this one- but be warned, the tennis ball may entice your power chewer to destroy the toy to get to it. Ours easily removed the tennis ball and abandoned the actual toy.