Does your dog chew through a new toy faster than you can give the fetch command?
Pup parents know that quality chew toys for dogs are essential for enrichment. Additionally, inappropriate chewing (like chewing on furniture or shoes) can be a sign of boredom or anxiety.
But what do you do if you can’t seem to keep a heavy chewer supplied with safe toys? Start by choosing the right toy materials for your aggressive chewer.
What Is a Heavy Chewer?
Heavy chewers — or aggressive chewers — are dogs that destroy toys quickly. They usually have strong jaws, high energy and a natural need to chew.
Chewing isn’t bad behavior on its own. It’s instinctive for many dogs and provides mental stimulation for dogs, stress relief, enjoyment and improved oral health.
Signs you might have a power chewer include:
- Many toys you try only last hours or even minutes.
- You often find shredded plushies or parts of toys around the house.
- Your dog’s always on the prowl for something to chew. If you don’t provide it, they might turn to table legs or other inappropriate items.
Recommended Materials for Heavy Chewers
Choosing toys made from safe but durable materials can help you satisfy your dog’s chewing instincts without having to constantly run to the pet store for replacements.
Tough Nylon
Tough nylon toys are an ideal choice for heavy chewers. These ultra-durable dog toys support dogs with sharp teeth, gnawing behaviors and prolonged chewing sessions.
Because nylon doesn’t compress easily, it’s ideal for dogs who love a firm, satisfying chew. Nylon toys can last weeks or months, even with daily use, making them great long-term options for your toy box.
Best for:
- Solo chewing sessions to satisfy strong jaws
- Distracting your dog during crate or rest time
- Replacing unsafe items that your dog might otherwise chew on
Our favorite tough dog toys made with nylon include Nylabone’s Power Chew X Bone and Benebone’s Wishbone made of super-strong nylon.
BULLYMAKE’s Nylon Turkey Leg Chew Toy and Nylon Controller Chew Toy are designed specifically for power chewers!
Durable Rubber
Durable rubber toys are tough and fun. They can handle repeated chewing without losing their structure, bounce or playful give.
Many rubber dog toys feature hollow centers for treats or peanut butter, like the Toss-N-Treat Cheeseburger Rubber Dog Toy, one of the options in BULLYMAKE’s dog subscription box.
Rubber toys offer an unpredictable bounce that makes them fun for interactive play. Your dog can drop or toss the toy and chase it as it bounces, encouraging physical and mental play. Adding a treat inside the toy turns it into a puzzle for your dog, helping to keep them mentally engaged.
Best for:
- Solo or human-powered toss, fetch or chase games
- Treat-stuffing for mental stimulation and reduced boredom
Consider top durable rubber options like tried-and-true rubber fetch and treat balls from BIONIC, made with the brand’s ultra-tough proprietary BIONIC Rubber®.
KONG toys are typically made of natural rubber, and the Extreme versions of their Dental Dog Toys are highly recommended for aggressive chewers.
100% Cotton Rope
Cotton rope toys are flexible but sturdy, making them ideal for tug-of-war and other playtime bonding exercises.
The thread-based texture can also help clean your dog’s teeth as they chew and pull, adding physical health benefits to the mix.
Cotton rope toys aren’t indestructible, so they’re better used during supervised games. However, they are often washable and made from natural fibers, making them an eco-friendly and sanitary addition to your dog’s toy basket.
Best for:
- Tug-of-war and strength games
- Command-training sessions, such as when you want to teach “drop it”
Ballistic Fabric
Ballistic fabric toys utilize tightly woven nylon or polyester, which holds up much longer than standard plush toy fabrics. Starmark’s DuraFoam lineup is a fantastic example of top ballistic fabric options, along with durable ballistic toys from BULLYMAKE.
These toys often have reinforced seams and layers that include plastic film or other materials that crinkle audibly when pressed. That sound mimics the rustling of small animals outdoors, tapping into instinctive prey drives for dogs. It’s also just fun for playful pups.
Best for:
- Adding sound-based sensory enrichment to play with other dogs or humans
- Supervised chewing time
Cuddly Plush
Even tough chewers sometimes need a break with something soft. Plush toys can provide comfort and help robust chewers wind down after an active play session. While they’re not built to withstand constant gnawing, they can help promote calmer behavior and bonding moments.
Select plush toys with reinforced stitching and no small parts if you have an active, strong-chewing pet. Bring these toys out during low-energy times to help them last longer.
Best for:
- Gentle play and snuggle time
- Comfort during rest time
- Supervised play for moderate chewers
Pro Tip for Testing Different Toys
It can be all too easy (and potentially expensive!) to constantly try new toys until you find the perfect match for your pup.
To sample top products without too much of a commitment, consider trying a dog toy subscription box specifically designed for aggressive chewers. They usually come with a selection of toys in a variety of the toughest materials, plus treats and other goodies, making them one of the best gifts for dogs in 2025.
The top four subscription boxes to consider are from:
- BULLYMAKE. Each box includes ultra-durable, American-made toys designed to match your dog’s size and chew style, along with tasty treats to reward good behavior.
- BarkBox. Expect two toys and two treats tailored to your pup’s personality and preferences.
- PupJoy Power Chewer’s Box. This option is designed specifically for aggressive chewers and includes 1 uber-durable toy, 2 premium treats, and 2 grass-fed bully sticks. Plus, you also have the option to design your own box.
- Woof Pack Chewer Box. Created especially for aggressive chewers, this collection of durable toys and healthy treats arrives monthly and often includes a seasonal theme.
Making the Most of Toys for Aggressive Chewers
Even the toughest material wears down over time, and keeping a few tips in mind can help you make the most of your dog’s chew toys.
- Rotate toys regularly. Switching out toys every week keeps playtime exciting and helps each toy last longer. Pay attention to your dog’s favorites, so you can bring those into rotation most often. Consider purchasing backups of your dog’s favorites for when they inevitably chew through them.
- Inspect toys often. Check toys for frayed edges, missing pieces, or cracks. Discard damaged ones to prevent choking risks.
- Provide variety. Offer toys in a mix of materials, including nylon for solo chewing, rubber for interactive play, and cotton rope for tug-of-war. Variety helps keep your dog mentally and physically stimulated.
- Prioritize safety and quality. Avoid toys with small detachable parts or unidentified materials. Look for brands that are transparent about their manufacturing standards and use pet-safe, non-toxic components.