Can These Toys Survive a Power Chewer? Our Picks for Big Dogs
Big dogs with strong jaws can destroy a toy in minutes. I know this because my American Bully has destroyed many toys. I have purchased many of those “indestructible” toys you see online and many did not last long. It’s not just annoying and expensive, it can be dangerous when chunks of rubber end up in your dog’s mouth.
Here’s the truth: no dog toy is completely indestructible, no matter what the label says. Dogs chew for different reasons—boredom, teething, anxiety, or just instinct. A powerful chewer with enough time will chew up almost anything if given enough time. Even if a toy is non-toxic, swallowing rubber or plastic pieces can still make your dog very sick.
For this reason, I put together this list of the best durable chew toys for big dogs and power chewers. These toys aren’t perfect or unbreakable, but they’ve survived my Bully longer than most and show minimal wear. They’re tough, safe when used properly, are actually worth the money.
Quick Takeaways: Choosing the Right Chew Toy
Here’s a quick look at what each option is best suited for.
| KONG Classic Dog Toy | Durable, stuffable, and great for mental stimulation and heavy chewers. |
| West Paw Zogoflex Hurley | Floatable, flexible, easy to clean, and perfect for dogs who love water fetch. |
| Doudele Horse-Shoe Shaped Dog Toy | Textured, beef-flavored, tough, and designed to support chewing and dental health. |
| Ruff Dawg Dog Cube Toy | Soft yet durable rubber, floats, bounces unpredictably, and backed by a lifetime guarantee. |
| GoughNuts Ring Dog Toy | Built for extreme chewers with a lifetime guarantee and safety indicator design. |
How to Choose a Safe Chew Toy for Large Dogs
Large dogs don’t just chew harder — they chew longer, stronger, and with more force. Choosing the right chew toy isn’t about finding something labeled “indestructible,” but about selecting a toy that’s safe, properly sized, and designed for powerful chewers.
Before handing any toy to your big dog, here are important things to consider.
Size Does Matter
A chew toy should always be large enough that your dog can’t fit the entire toy in their mouth. Toys that are too small can become choking hazards, especially for large breeds with strong jaws and wide mouths.
Rule of thumb: It is better to have a toy that is larger to prevent choking.
Choose the Right Material
Look for chew toys made from:
Natural rubber
Heavy-duty, flexible materials designed for aggressive chewers
BPA-free, non-toxic materials
Avoid toys that are:
Rock-hard nylon or plastic (can crack teeth)
Brittle or easily splintered
Labeled only for “light” or “moderate” chewers
Some Flexibility is Good
A good chew toy should have a little give. If you press it with your thumb or tap it against your knee and it feels rock-solid, it may be too hard for chewing. A dog can break off a tooth.
Slight flexibility helps protect your dog’s teeth and gums, especially during long chew sessions.
Inspect Chew Toys
Even the toughest dog toys wear down over time. Make it a habit to check chew toys for:
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Cracks or splits
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Sharp or jagged edges
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Missing chunks
If a toy starts breaking apart, it’s time to replace it.
Chew Toy Safety: Trust Expert Resources
For additional guidance on dog chew toy safety and dental health, these trusted veterinary resources are helpful:
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American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) – General dog safety and chewing recommendations
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American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) – What types of chew toys to avoid
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Veterinary dental care resources – Why extremely hard toys can damage teeth
Now that you know what to look for in a safe chew toy, let’s take a closer look at some durable options that work well for large dogs and strong chewers.
KONG Classic Dog Toy
The KONG Classic has been a big-dog staple for decades — and for good reason. This toy stands up to heavy chewing, especially with my American Bully. He chews on it for hours and it has not lost its shape. There is a hollow center that you can put treats in to keep your pet occupied. The unpredictable bounce keeps your dog guessing. It’s made in the USA using high-quality natural rubber.
Durability & Material
Made from durable natural rubber, the KONG Classic is tough enough to handle strong jaws while still having some flexibility to protect teeth and gums. The erratic bounce also adds durability during active play.
Things to Know
Some dogs prefer softer toys, and if smaller treats are used, they may fall out of the opening more easily during chewing or play.
Best For
Power chewers and big dogs that need extra mental stimulation and enrichment.
West Paw Zogoflex Hurley
If your big dog loves to chew and splash around in the water, the West Paw Zogoflex Hurley is a great choice. This tough bone-shaped toy comes in two colors and three sizes. It’s bouncy enough to keep playtime exciting, tough enough to handle strong jaws, and dishwasher safe. Made with non-toxic materials in the USA, this toy is slobber-proof, which means it will not soak up that doggie drool. Your pet can enjoy this toy in the water and on land.
Durability & Material
This toy is made in the USA from Zogoflex material that’s BPA-, latex-, silicone-, and phthalate-free. It’s flexible yet durable and designed to be safer on teeth than harder rubber toys.
Things to Know
The large size is only about 8 inches long, which may be too small for some big dogs, and very aggressive chewers may find it too flexible.
Best For
Dogs who love water fetch and moderate to strong chewers who prefer a softer rubber feel.
Doudele Horse-Shoe Shaped Dog Toy
The Doudele Horse-Shoe Shaped Dog Toy is built tough for big dogs who love a serious chew challenge. Made from durable, non-toxic rubber and shaped with a twisted, textured design, this toy gives your dog plenty of grip while they gnaw or tug on it. It comes in three bright colors, which makes it easy to spot, regardless of where your dog throws it, and the curved shape keeps play interesting.
Durability & Material
Made from firm rubber with a textured surface, this toy is built to handle moderate to power chewing while also supporting oral health by helping massage gums and reduce plaque buildup.
Things to Know
The toy is heavier than most (nearly half a pound), and some owners report a strong rubber smell when first opened.
Best For
Moderate to power chewers who enjoy firm, flavored toys and focused chewing time.
Ruff Dawg Dog Cube Toy
The Ruff Dawg Dog Cube Toy is anything but ordinary. Its cube shape gives it an unpredictable bounce, which can keep your dog active. Made in the USA with FDA-approved, BPA- and latex-free rubber, it’s completely safe for heavy chewers, who can chew and gnaw for hours. It comes in two sizes for large dogs and a variety of bright neon colors. This toy floats and is dishwasher safe, making it perfect for the beach or the pool as well as the backyard.
Durability & Material
Made in the USA from soft yet durable rubber, this toy floats, is dishwasher safe, and is backed by a lifetime guarantee. The softer texture makes it easier on teeth during play.
Things to Know
It’s heavier than many toys (around 18 oz), on the pricier side, and the softer rubber can show teeth marks and wear more quickly.
Best For
Water fetch and moderate chewers who enjoy chasing toys with erratic movement.
GoughNuts Ring Dog Toy
The GoughNuts Ring Dog Toy is widely considered the gold standard for extreme power chewers. Built with nearly indestructible rubber, this ring toy is simple but incredibly tough. What’s different about this chew toy is the built-in red safety indicator. If your dog chews down to the red layer, it’s time for a replacement. It is a little heavier than some other toys, but its long-lasting design and unbeatable toughness make it well worth the investment for dogs who chew up and destroy everything else.
The GoughNuts Ring Dog Toy is built for dogs that destroy nearly everything they chew. Its thick, wide ring shape is designed to reduce the risk of pieces being torn off during chewing.
Durability & Material
Made in the USA from heavy-duty rubber, this toy is extremely tough and comes with a lifetime replacement guarantee. The wider shape adds an extra layer of safety for aggressive chewers.
Things to Know
The toy is heavy, more expensive than most, may have a strong rubber smell at first, and some dogs lose interest if they prefer softer toys.
Best For
Extreme power chewers who need a long-lasting, safety-focused chew toy.
Chew Toy Comparison Chart
| Toy | Key Benefits | Things to Know | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|
| KONG Classic Dog Toy | Durable natural rubber, unpredictable bounce, can be stuffed or frozen with treats, and is dishwasher safe. | Some dogs prefer softer toys, and if the treat hole is overfilled or treats are too small, they may fall out easily. | Power chewers and dogs that need extra mental stimulation or enrichment. |
| West Paw Zogoflex Hurley | Floats in water, comes in multiple colors, made in the USA, BPA-, latex-, silicone-, and phthalate-free. | Large size (8 inches) may be too small for some big dogs, and some owners find it too flexible. | Water fetch and moderate chewers who enjoy softer rubber toys. |
| Doudele Horse-Shoe Shaped Dog Toy | Available in multiple colors, beef flavored, easy to clean and textured to help support oral health. | Heavy than most toys (alost one pound) and some report a strong rubber smell. | Moderate to power chewers who like firm flavored toys they can grip and tug. |
| Ruff Dawg Dog Cube Toy | Multiple bright colors, soft rubber feel, floats, erractic bounce, lifetime guarantee, made in USA, dishwasher safe. | Pricey, weights about 18 ounces, and softer rubber can show teeth marks and wear quickly. | Water fetch and moderate chewers who love unpredictible bounce. |
| GoughNuts Ring Dog Toy | Made in USA heavy-duty rubber, lifetime guarantee available in four colors, thick shape prevents tearing. | Heavy, strong rubber smell at first, some dogs lost interest, pricey. | Power chewers who need a tough, long lasting chew toy for safety and durability. |
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, even the toughest chew toy isn’t completely chew-proof. Some dogs will try to destroy anything you give them—whether it’s from boredom, teething, anxiety, or simply because they just love to chew. I’ve learned this firsthand with my Bully.
What has made the biggest difference in saving his toys (and my wallet) is rotation and engagement. I never leave him with just one toy—he always has a few to switch between, so he doesn’t obsess over chewing just one until it’s destroyed. And when I take a few minutes to play tug, toss the toy, or hold it while he chews, it keeps him from getting bored or turning playtime into a destruction mission.
So while no toy is truly indestructible, the right toy, a bit of supervision, and some interactive playtime can make them last a whole lot longer—and keep your power chewer happy, busy, and safe.