Finding the toughest dog chew toys for our rescues, many of which are Pitbulls, Rottweilers, and other aggressive chewer types, can be difficult.
We’ve gone through a lot over the years.
Soft, cushy toys and fluffies don’t fare well around here. We need hard rubber or other substances to withstand what our dogs do. I somethings think a brick might be the right choice.
We have also experienced heartbreak by choosing the wrong type of chew toy and will never let another rope chew toy on our property.
These days, you’ll find only Kong, Antler, and Bullymake toys around here, all of which have been proven very safe and durable for our aggressive chewers.
Buying a few indestructible chew toys is cheaper than replacing window frames!
Kong chew toys
We’ve tried some of the others, but we always return to Kong. We have Kong chew toys that are years old and have only little knicks and scratches.
Kong chew toys are made specifically for aggressive chewers and come in small, medium, and large.
A nice feature of these Kong chews is that they have an opening in the middle where you can stuff treats. Our dogs love peanut butter, so we occasionally fill them with peanut butter; the resulting shenanigans are as much fun for us as it is for them.
The Kong toys are oddly shaped, which gives the dog some interesting angles to work with while chewing but also makes for great fun when thrown. They take unexpected bounces and give the dogs a good time trying to track it down.
Deer antler dog chews
In addition to the Kong brand of toys, we’ve also been buying elk and deer antler dog chews lately. These are dense and make great chew toys that last a long time. They are some of the toughest dog chew toys you’ll find anywhere.
One of the top-rated antler chew toys that we have found is the Gnawtlers by Pet Parent. You can buy these Elk antlers in small, medium, large, and extra-large sizes, depending on your dog’s size.
Another popular brand is Heartland – pretty much the same as the Gnawtlers, so worth a look to see what works best in terms of price and convenience. Here at JollyMutt, we buy the Gnawlter brands.
One tip for these antlers is that if your dog doesn’t love them right away, you can boil them in chicken or beef broth. Given the nature of the antler, it will absorb the taste and smell. Dogs love it.
A nice feature of the Gnawtlers is that they shipped vacuum-packed. If you consider that the antlers are natural and organic, they can become contaminated unless they are protected. The vacuum wrapping ensures they remain safe and free from contaminants to help ensure the health of your dogs.
A side benefit of antlers is that, unlike man-made chew toys, antlers are organic and, as such, contain zinc, calcium, phosphorus, and manganese, making them a healthy treat as well.
Many customers compare the antler chews to, perhaps, the different types of rawhide chews you’ll find on the shelves of many stores.
You’ll go through a couple of packages of those rawhide chews in the amount of time it takes your pooch to get through a single antler.
The other drawback to those rawhides is the smell. I guess the dogs love the smell, but it can be a bit strong for most of us, and continuous chewing on them leaves the dogs with the same smell.
Lastly, for the eco-warrior in you, it’s important to understand that these antlers are “naturally shed”, meaning they fall off the elk and deer as a natural course of their lives so the animals are not killed to obtain the antlers.
Bullymake chew toys
I’m saving what we consider the best for last here, as we are huge fans of Bullymake. We have been subscribers for over two years now. The toys are amazing, as is the customer service.
We like them so much that we wrote an entire article about them – find it here: My Bullymake box subscription review – 2 years in
The toys are safe, the dogs love them, you get themed toys throughout the year (witches for Halloween), and, as mentioned, the customer service is amazing.
The Toughest Dog Chew Toys – A Buying Guide
When it comes to buying chew toys for aggressive chewer dogs, you’ll want to consider durability, material, size, and your dog’s preferences. Here’s a casual buying guide to help you make the right choice:
- Material Matters: Look for chew toys made from tough materials like rubber, nylon, or natural rubber compounds. Avoid toys that can easily splinter or break into small pieces, as these can be hazardous if swallowed.
- Size Does Count: Ensure the toy is the right size for your dog. It should be large enough that your pup can’t swallow it whole but small enough for them to grip comfortably.
- Texture Variety: Dogs often prefer different textures. Some like rough textures for a good gum massage, while others prefer smoother surfaces. Try to find toys that offer a variety of textures to keep your dog interested.
- Interactive Toys: Consider interactive toys like treat-dispensing or puzzle toys. These can engage your dog’s mind, provide mental stimulation, and satisfy their chewing instincts.
- Brands Matter: Look for reputable brands known for their durable dog toys. Brands like Kong, Nylabone, and Goughnuts are often recommended for aggressive chewers.
- Check for Safety: Always inspect toys regularly for signs of wear and tear. If you notice any small pieces breaking off or the toy becoming damaged, replace it immediately to prevent choking hazards.
- Customer Reviews: Read customer reviews online to get a sense of how well a particular toy holds up to aggressive chewers. Real-world experiences from other dog owners can be valuable.
- Consult with a Vet: If you’re unsure about which toy is best for your dog, consult with your veterinarian. They can provide guidance based on your dog’s specific needs and chewing habits.
- Budget-Friendly Options: While you want a durable toy, it doesn’t have to break the bank. Look for toys that offer good value for money without compromising on quality.
- Keep it Fun: Remember that the purpose of a chew toy is to provide enjoyment for your dog. Rotate toys to keep things interesting, and don’t forget to play with your pup too!
Remember, every dog is unique, so what works for one aggressive chewer might not work for another. Finding the perfect chew toy that keeps your furry friend entertained and their teeth healthy might take some trial and error. Enjoy the journey of finding the toughest chew toy that your dog will love!
Finding good, safe, and reliable indestructible dog chew toys for Pit Bulls or other aggressive chewing dogs can be tough, and you can spend a lot of money in the process – they aren’t cheap.
The alternative is spending a bunch of money on easily chewed and digested rawhide-type chews you find in the store.
One thing we’ve noticed about the above toys, however, is that the dogs have favorites they can’t have when they eat a rawhide rather than chew a toy consistently.
Additionally, chew toys such as those above have a positive effect on the dog’s dental hygiene as well, keeping their teeth strong and clean.
Toughest dog chew toys – wrapping it up
The Kong and Antler toys are two of our favorites, and we trip over them all the time around here.
We seem to have far more Kongs than antlers, so there is a good bit of thievery and shenanigans with the antlers.
They end up missing from one crate, only to be found piled under Rusty’s bed, with him acting like he had nothing to do with it. In our experience, both are great chew toys, and the dogs truly love them.
We do reviews now and then, not as many as I’d like, but you can see reviews on tactical harnesses, collars, invisible fences, and more on our Reviews page.
