Strong Chewer? Best Dog Chew Toys That Wont Break.
Okay, so my dog, Max, is a super chewer. I mean, this dog can destroy a "durable" toy in, like, five minutes flat. It's been a real struggle (and a hit to my wallet!) finding toys that can actually stand up to his powerful jaws. So, I went on a mission to find the best chew toys for strong chewers like him. Here's how it went down:
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(1999x0:2001x2)/peo-dog-toys-tough-chewers-test-otterly-pets-puppy-rope-kate-rousu-03-2-daf5e9a36d4a47e4be7cdddcc0bc2ddf.jpeg)
Phase 1: The "Indestructible" Toys That Weren't
I started with the toys that claimed to be "indestructible" or "for power chewers." You know the ones – they look tough, they feel heavy, and they cost a pretty penny. I grabbed a couple of those, feeling optimistic. Yeah, that optimism didn't last long.
First up was a hard, rubber bone-shaped thing. Max loved it...for about ten minutes. Then, I started noticing little pieces of rubber all over the floor. Nope, not indestructible.
Next, I tried a rope toy. This one was thick, knotted, and looked like it could tow a car. Max shredded it in an afternoon. I was finding bits of rope everywhere – under the couch, in his water bowl, you name it.
- Lesson 1: "Indestructible" is usually a lie.
- Lesson 2: Rope toys are fun for a bit, but not for long.
Phase 2: Getting a Little Smarter
After the initial failures, I started doing some actual research (I know, I should have started there!). I read some reviews, asked other dog owners with powerful chewers, and watched some videos. I started to realize that material and design mattered a lot.
I decided to try a super-tough nylon bone. This thing was solid, and it didn't have any weird crevices or parts that Max could easily tear off. It took a little getting used to because, let's be honest, Max is a plush-toy kind of guy, and plastic bone is no plushy. This one lasted much longer! He could chew on it for ages, and it barely showed any wear. Success!
I also picked up a really thick, natural rubber ball. I chose one without any holes or squeakers (those are just asking to be ripped out). This ball was bouncy and heavy, and Max loved chasing it and chewing on it. Again, it held up incredibly well.
Phase 3: My Top Picks
After a lot of trial and error (and a lot of destroyed toys), here's what I've found works best for Max:
- Super-Tough Nylon Bones: Find one that's solid and doesn't have any weak points.
- Heavy-Duty Natural Rubber Balls: Solid, bouncy, and no squeakers!
- A thick Kong toy, stuffed with frozen peanut butter:
This keeps it busy for a long time.
It's still a bit of an ongoing process. I am always looking for new strong toys, so I will switch it up. I rotate toys to keep things interesting, and I always supervise Max when he's chewing, just in case. But, for now, these are the winners in my house!