The best toy for a chewer is one that suits how they use their mouth. A dog who loves carrying and shaking a ball needs something very different from a dog who settles down for a long gnaw. Size matters too: even the toughest toy isn’t suitable if it fits entirely in your dog’s mouth.
Start with our tough dog toys, then use the comparisons below to narrow it down. Our eight picks cover supervised chewing, fetch and tug. No toy is indestructible, and the hardest option isn’t automatically the best. Check the age guidance, choose the right size and stay nearby while your dog plays.
Our picks at a glance
| Toy | Best for | Material | Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| KONG CoreStrength Bone | Textured chewing | Reinforced layered core | Medium and Large |
| SodaPup Fishbone | Adult dogs who love ridges | Nylon | 7 to 36kg |
| KONG Jumbler Ball | Fetch and chase | Outer shell with tennis ball inside | Medium/Large |
| KONG Ogee Stick | Tug and floating fetch | Flexible, floating | Large |
| KONG CoreStrength Bamboo Bone | A firmer textured chew | Bamboo-infused | Large |
| SodaPup Vampire Bat | Adult dogs who gnaw for longer | Nylon | Ask us for sizing |
| Olive Wood Dog Chew | Dogs who love chewing wood | Olive wood | Small, Medium, Large |
| Coffee Wood and Hemp Rope | Tug and mixed textures | Coffee wood with hemp and cotton rope | Small to medium dogs |
Power chewer or destructive chewer?
Watch what your dog actually does. A steady gnawer might hold a toy between their paws and work on one edge. Another dog might grab a seam, rip at the surface or try to crack the toy between their back teeth. How your dog chews matters far more than their breed or a claim about strong jaws.
What to look for instead of “indestructible”
- The right size: choose a toy your dog can use comfortably without being able to swallow it.
- Actual dimensions: check measurements and weight guidance, as “Small” and “Large” vary between brands.
- Your dog’s teeth: hard nylon and wood can damage teeth. If your dog has dental problems or bites hard enough to crack objects, ask your vet what’s suitable.
Need help sizing for a very small dog or a giant breed? Ask our team.
Nylon, rubber and wood compared
| Material | Good for | Watch out for | What to check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nylon | Firm surfaces and ridges for long gnawing sessions | Hard; edges can become sharp | Is your dog gnawing or trying to crack it? |
| Rubber | Flexible; some hold food | Can tear or lose pieces | Damage around openings and thin sections |
| Wood | A natural texture many dogs love | Wear, loose fibres and splinters | Are pieces coming away? |
Material is only part of the picture. KONG and SodaPup both make toys in different materials for different uses, so choose by the individual toy rather than the brand. Wash food-filled toys after every use and check them before refilling.
1. KONG CoreStrength Bone
The KONG CoreStrength Bone (Medium/Large) has a reinforced, multi-layered core and a textured outside. It suits dogs who like to hold a toy and work along the surface, and it’s good for the occasional game of throw and fetch too.
2. SodaPup Fishbone
A nylon chew with raised ridges and plenty of edges to explore. It’s designed for adult dogs between 7kg and 36kg, so choose something else for puppies or dogs with dental problems.
3. KONG Jumbler Ball
A tennis ball rattles around inside the Jumbler’s outer shell, with a squeaker for extra fun. It’s best for fetch, chase and playing together, rather than long, hard chewing sessions. We stock the Medium/Large size.
Check the shell regularly for cracks and splits, and replace the toy as soon as the tennis ball or squeaker can be reached.
4. KONG Ogee Stick
The KONG Ogee Stick (Large) is curved, flexible and floats, making it great for tug and fetch, including in water. It’s ideal if you want a toy you’ll play with together.
5. KONG CoreStrength Bamboo Bone
The KONG CoreStrength Bamboo Bone (Large) is infused with bamboo, making it firmer than a standard KONG rubber toy. Raised textures give your dog different surfaces to explore. As it’s a firmer toy, think about your dog’s teeth and chewing style before choosing it.
6. SodaPup Vampire Bat
A hard nylon toy with grooves and a broad shape, designed for adult dogs. It isn’t suitable for puppies or dogs with dental problems. Not sure which size fits your dog’s mouth? Ask our team.
7. Olive Wood Dog Chew
Our Olive Wood Dog Chew is a very hard natural wood chew, available in Small, Medium and Large and recommended from 12 months. Get in touch if you need help choosing a size.
Check the surface regularly and take it away if pieces come loose or the wood is damaged. If your dog tries to crack wood rather than gnaw it, choose a different toy. Some adult dogs are better suited to a softer texture.
8. Coffee Wood and Hemp Rope
This toy combines coffee wood with a hemp and cotton rope, designed for small to medium dogs. Use it for tug games together, and put it away if the rope starts to unravel or the wood splinters.
When a toy isn’t the answer
If your dog needs more mental stimulation, try slow feeders and enrichment toys alongside walks, rest and training. Toys can’t fix anxiety. If your dog repeatedly destroys things when they’re stressed, speak to a qualified behaviourist.
For dogs who get through toys quickly, browse our tough natural dog chews and long-lasting dog chews, checking age, size and hardness. Remember that edible chews count towards your dog’s daily food allowance. Our chew quiz can also help narrow down the options.
When to replace a toy
Check toys before and during every use. Replace them if:
- pieces are coming loose
- edges have become sharp
- the surface has split
- what’s left could be swallowed
Damage can happen in a single session, so put toys away whenever you can’t supervise.
Frequently asked questions
Are tough toys suitable for puppies?
Some are, but avoid hard nylon and wood while puppies are teething. Always check the age guidance on the product.
Why does my dog chew everything?
Chewing is a natural behaviour that helps dogs relax and stay occupied. If it’s sudden, excessive or happens when your dog seems stressed, speak to your vet or a qualified behaviourist.