Last Updated: October 2026
Key Takeaways
- The best dog toys for heavy chewers are made of thick rubber, TPR (a tough, bendy rubber) or nylon. Pick one size bigger than the label suggests for your dog.
- Skip soft plush, thin rope, sticks and very hard items for dogs that chew hard. Vets warn that swallowed bits can cause a blockage.
- No toy is unbreakable. Watch your dog with a new toy, check toys often and throw out any that crack or wear thin.
If your dog wrecks a new toy in one afternoon, you need dog toys for heavy chewers. These toys use thick rubber, TPR or nylon, so they last longer than plush or thin plastic. This guide shows you what to look for, how to keep your dog safe, and which tough toys we stock at Mindiampets, an Australian online pet shop. You can also browse every dog toy in one place.
Quick Comparison Table
Here are the tough dog toys in this guide side by side. Prices are in Australian dollars and were checked in October 2026, so check the product page for the latest price.
| Toy | Material | Good for | Price (AUD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| GiGwi Johnny Stick Extra Durable | Solid TPR | Solo chewing | $39.99 |
| Benebone Chicken Wishbone | Nylon with real flavour | Dogs that hold toys in their paws | $32.99 |
| Tonka Infinity Chew Tug | Heavy-duty rubber | Tug and treat play | $37.99 |
| GiGwi Treat Dispensing Bulb | Natural rubber | Food puzzles | $29.99 |
| GiGwi Multi-Sound Bone | TPR with 3 squeakers | Dogs that love noise | $24.99 |
| GiGwi Jumball Soccer Ball | Rubber shell with handle | Big dogs, fetch and water | $45.99 |
| Pet Toy Tough Chew Value Pack | Rubber and rope mix | Trying a few textures | $31.00 |
Is Your Dog a Heavy Chewer?
Not every dog chews the same way. The AAHA [1] sorts dogs into three groups. Gentle chewers carry soft toys around. Moderate chewers rip soft toys but leave hard rubber alone. Heavy chewers, also called power chewers, can wreck a toy in minutes and gulp treats whole.
“Chewing can help relieve stress and anxiety, keep their teeth clean, and keep their minds stimulated.”
Dr Lori Teller, clinical associate professor, Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences [3]
If your dog is in the last group, buy toys made for that style. Soft toys will not last, and torn pieces can end up in your dog’s tummy.
| Chew style | What it looks like | Toys to try |
|---|---|---|
| Gentle | Carries soft toys around | Plush toys are fine |
| Moderate | Rips soft toys, leaves hard rubber alone | Rubber balls and TPR toys |
| Heavy (power chewer) | Wrecks toys in minutes, gulps treats | Solid TPR, thick rubber or nylon, one size up |
What to Look For in Tough Dog Toys
Tough dog toys need to be the right size, the right hardness and the right material. A toy that is too small can be swallowed. A toy that is too hard can crack teeth. Use this short checklist before you buy any chew toy for a dog that chews hard.
- Size: the toy should be bigger than your dog’s snout and a bit wider than its mouth. The AAHA [1] suggests going one size up for heavy chewers.
- Hardness: press your thumbnail into the toy. If it leaves no mark, it may be too hard for teeth, says Preventive Vet [5]. The toy should bend a little.
- Material: the ASPCA [2] says durable nylon and plastic chews suit strong chewers. Thick rubber and TPR are other tough choices.
- No small parts: avoid toys with bits that can snap off, like eyes, tags or thin edges.
- Easy to clean: rubber and TPR toys can be washed in warm soapy water.
Our Picks: Dog Toys for Heavy Chewers
Each toy below is in stock at Mindiampets. We list what the toy is made of and what it is for, so you can match it to your dog.
1. GiGwi Johnny Stick Extra Durable
The GiGwi Johnny Stick Extra Durable is a solid stick made from TPR. It is 19.5 cm long and 5.5 cm wide. It gives dogs a stick shape to chew without the splinters of a real stick. The TPR has a little give, so it bends when your dog bites down.
- Solid TPR, with no hollow centre to tear open
- Stick shape most dogs like to hold
- Good for: solo chewing by medium and large dogs
2. Benebone Wishbone
The Benebone Chicken Wishbone is a nylon chew with real chicken flavour all the way through. Its curved shape lets your dog hold it with its paws while it chews. It also comes in a bacon flavour. If your dog likes to carry and fetch, try the Benebone Bacon Stick.
The ASPCA [2] says dogs slowly wear down the ends of nylon chews. Throw the chew out before the ends get thin enough to break off.
- Flavour runs through the nylon, not just on the outside
- Curved shape for an easy paw grip
- Good for: dogs that lose interest in plain toys
3. Tonka Infinity Chew Tug
The Tonka Infinity Chew Tug is a 29 cm loop made from heavy-duty rubber. It has a tyre-tread texture for grip. You can hide treats or food inside, then let your dog work to get them out. It also works for tug games with you.
- Heavy-duty rubber with a tread pattern
- Hide treats inside for a longer chew
- Good for: dogs that like to tug and chew
4. GiGwi Treat Dispensing Bulb
The GiGwi Treat Dispensing Bulb is made from natural rubber. Rubber flaps inside slow down how fast treats fall out. Its bulb shape bounces in odd directions, so your dog has to chase it.
Food puzzle toys can keep dogs busy. VCA Animal Hospitals [4] advises picking a size your dog cannot swallow and watching your dog the first few times.
- Natural rubber with deep grooves
- Inside flaps hold treats in longer
- Good for: dogs that need a job to do
5. GiGwi Multi-Sound Bone
The GiGwi Multi-Sound Bone is a TPR bone with three squeakers. Each part makes a different sound, so your dog keeps finding something new. It measures 14 x 3 x 23 cm.
Squeakers are inside the toy, so check it often. Take it away if your dog starts to tear into the squeaker.
- TPR bone with three different squeaks
- Mixed textures
- Good for: dogs that love noisy toys, with you nearby
6. GiGwi Jumball Soccer Ball
The GiGwi Jumball Soccer Ball is a big rubber ball with a handle on top. It is 19 x 22 x 22 cm, so it suits bigger dogs. It floats, which makes it handy at the beach or a dog-friendly pool.
- Tough rubber shell with a grab handle
- Floats in water
- Good for: large, active dogs that love to chase
7. Pet Toy Tough Chew Value Pack
Not sure what your dog likes? The Pet Toy Tough Chew Value Pack has five toys: a rubber ball, a bone, a branch, a long rope and a round rope with a pull. It is made for hard and extreme chewers. Use the rope toys for tug games with you, not for chewing alone.
- Five toys with different shapes and textures
- Ball is 6 cm wide and the long rope is 60 cm
- Good for: finding out what your dog likes best
Toys to Skip for Power Chewers
Some toys are a poor fit for dogs that chew hard. The AAHA [1] warns that dogs can swallow broken parts or stuffing, which can cause a blockage. It also says very hard things like sticks, rocks and antlers can crack teeth.
- Soft plush toys left alone with a heavy chewer
- Thin rope toys for solo chewing
- Small balls your dog could swallow
- Anything that does not bend at all
How to Keep Your Dog Safe While Chewing
Even the toughest toy needs a check. A vet at Texas A&M Veterinary Medicine [3] puts it simply:
“Remove any toy that has reached the size where it can become a choking hazard or cause an intestinal obstruction. If your dog chews off large pieces of the toy and swallows them, then that toy should also be taken away.”
Dr Lori Teller, clinical associate professor, Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences [3]
- Stay close the first few times your dog has a new toy.
- Check toys each day for cracks, tears or thin spots.
- Throw out worn toys. Do not wait for them to break.
- Call your vet straight away if your dog swallows a piece, as the ASPCA [2] advises.
How to Make Chew Toys Last Longer
A few habits help your dog’s toys go further. They also stop your dog getting bored. For more ideas, read our guide on keeping your dog from being bored at home.
- Rotate toys. Put two or three away each week and swap them back later.
- Fill a treat toy with part of your dog’s dinner.
- Wash rubber toys in warm soapy water and let them dry.
- Keep a few dog treats and chews on hand as rewards for chewing the right things.
If your dog still chews the couch, give it a toy straight away to swap. A bitter spray such as Aristopet Stop Chew Spray can go on items you want your dog to leave alone.
Get New Toys Every Month
Heavy chewers go through toys fast. Our dog subscription box sends a box for your dog each month, so you always have something new to swap in.
A monthly pet subscription box from Mindiampets
Mindiampets has a monthly pet subscription box for your dog or cat, also in our iPhone app. Subscribe in the app or online. See the subscription box
Share a photo of your pet with our frame in the app.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are quick answers to the questions dog owners ask most about tough toys for heavy chewers. If your question is not here, our team is happy to help you pick the right size or material for your dog.
What are the best dog toys for heavy chewers?
Look for solid rubber, TPR or nylon toys that are bigger than your dog’s mouth. Good picks at Mindiampets include the GiGwi Johnny Stick Extra Durable, the Benebone Wishbone and the Tonka Infinity Chew Tug.
Is any dog toy truly unbreakable?
No. Even the toughest toys wear down in the end. Check toys often and throw them out when they crack, tear or get small enough to swallow.
What size chew toy should I buy for a power chewer?
The AAHA says a chew should be bigger than your dog’s snout and a bit wider than its mouth. For a heavy chewer, go one size up from the label.
Is rope safe for dogs that chew hard?
Rope is best for tug games with you. Texas A&M vets say rope toys should only be used with someone watching. Take rope away once it starts to fray, because loose threads can be swallowed.
How do I stop my dog chewing furniture?
Give your dog its own tough toys and swap them each week so they stay new. A bitter spray such as Aristopet Stop Chew Spray can be used on items you want your dog to leave alone.
References
- AAHA. Don’t Chew On This!.
- ASPCA. Position Statement on Dog Chews/Treats.
- Texas A&M Veterinary Medicine. How to “Chews” the Best Dog Chew Toys.
- VCA Animal Hospitals. Behavior Management: Enrichment and Activity Toys.
- Preventive Vet. How to Choose Safe Dog Chews.
During veterinary school, he contributed to projects involving species such as hammerhead sharks, Shark Bay mice, woylies, mulgara, and kangaroos, gaining valuable hands-on experience in wildlife health and preservation.