Best Toys for Destructive Dogs and Tough Chewers

Does your dog love to destroy their toys within minutes? You're not alone. Some pups just have a passion for power-chewing, endless playing, or pulling things apart. At Petdirect, we get pet – especially the spirited kind that just can’t resist shredding soft toys, chewing on couch corners, or outlasting every game of fetch. The key? The best toys for destructive dogs – designed to meet their needs, satisfy their urges, and survive the chaos. Let’s sink our teeth into it.

Why Destructive Dogs Need Special Toys

Chewing and destructive behaviour isn’t just mischief – it can be your dog’s way of relieving stress, boredom, teething pain, or releasing pent-up energy. If you’ve got a Labrador, Golden Retriever, or American Staffy, it’s likely they're highly energetic and strong-jawed, which can turn a soft toy into stuffing confetti in seconds.

The right toy can provide not only hours of safe entertainment but also support dental health, help prevent behavioural issues, and redirect your dog’s chewing instinct away from furniture and shoes.

Top Toy Types For Tough Chewers

Let’s explore the paw-some toy options that can outlast even the most determined dogs:

• Tough Chew Toys: Built from extra-durable rubber or nylon, these are designed for dogs who love to gnaw. KONG and Benebone are top picks with their long-lasting designs and satisfying textures. Try options like the KONG Extreme Dog Toy, KONG Extreme Goodie Bone, or the Benebone Wishbone Chew for serious power chewers.
• Plush Toys With Reinforced Seams: If your dog craves soft toys but turns them to fluff in no time, try toys like Tuffy – specially stitched for durability. Options like the Tuffy Ring Ultimate Dog Toy and Tuffy Sea Creature Hadley Hammerhead are made with multiple layers and reinforced seams to handle rough play.
• Rope & Tug Toys: Ideal for energetic tuggers, rope and tug toys can also help clean your dog’s teeth while you play together. Durable favourites include the Pup & Purr Tugknot Rope Tough Dog Toy and Mammoth Flossy Chews Rope Bone Dog Toy for interactive, long-lasting play.
• Interactive Toys: Smart dogs need smart toys. Dog puzzles and treat-dispensing toys challenge your pup mentally, helping beat boredom before it becomes destructive behaviour. The Nina Ottosson Challenge Slider Interactive Treat Puzzle Dog Toy and the KONG Wobbler are great for keeping clever dogs engaged.
• Fetch & Ball Toys: Burns off that boundless energy safely. Look for brands like Chuckit! for extra-tough, bouncy fun. The Chuckit! Ultra Ball and Chuckit! Fetch Medley are ideal for dogs who never tire of a game of fetch.

Best Brands For Tough Toys

When it comes to durability, not all toys are created equal. These brands bring the bite-proof play that destructive pups demand:

• KONG – Their Classic range is a go-to for stuffing with treats or peanut butter, encouraging chewing and mental stimulation.
• Benebone – These bacon-flavoured chew toys are a hit with serious chewers.
• Nina Ottosson – Great for brainy dogs who love a challenge over destruction.
• West Paw – Eco-friendly, ultra-tough, and made to last (and last...) through tossing, tugging, and chewing.
• Tuffy – Reinforced plush toys that can take a surprising beating, perfect for soft toy lovers.

What To Look For In Indestructible Toys

You know your dog best, but here are a few qualities to sniff out when choosing the right toy:

• Durable materials: Hard rubber, high-density nylon, or multi-layer fabrics stand the test of sharp teeth.
• Size and shape: Make sure your dog’s toy is appropriately sized to avoid swallowing hazards.
• Interactive or stuffable features: Toys that dispense treats, like treat balls or KONGs, keep your dog’s brain and mouth busy.
• Safety: Check that the toy is free from toxic materials, doesn’t have detachable parts, and is made for heavy chewers.

Rotate And Reinforce Good Toy Habits

Even the best-made toys can lose their charm (or structural integrity) over time. For safety and engagement, rotate your pup's toy collection regularly. Introduce new options with excitement – and always supervise play at first, especially with unfamiliar types.

If your dog’s destructive streak is stress-related, combining tough toys with calming supplements or aids may help dial the energy down a notch.

Sniff Out The Right Toy Today

Destructive dogs don’t mean “bad dogs” – they just need the right outlet. Whether your pup is a chewer, tugger, puzzler or fetch fanatic, there’s a durable toy to match. At Petdirect, we stock a wide range of chew-proof dog toys built tough for Kiwi dogs with big energy. Because We Get Pet – and we get what keeps tails wagging (and couches intact).

Explore our full toy range today and let the play begin!