Strong Toys for Dogs

by Rebecca Prill

Overview

Finding a dog toy that can stand up to the test of time and a dog's teeth can be a challenge. Thanks to a growing demand from consumers for toys that last, manufacturers are starting to develop functional and practical dog toys from a variety of materials.
Brands

Dog toy manufacturing companies often have a regular toy line and a heavy-duty toy line. Popular brands such as Kong, VIP products and Nylabone all have strong toy options (see Resources).

Nylon

Look for toys made from reinforced nylon, which is durable and flexible. Reinforced nylon is most often made into a tug toy.
Rubber

Rubber can be molded into almost any shape and size. A quality rubber toy will be resistant to wear and tear.
Multi-Fabric

VIP products combines luggage material, plastic and fleece to create a safe, long-lasting fabric for its toys. Their line of Tuffy's toys comes with a toughness scale of one to 10 to help buyers gauge the durability of a toy.
Considerations

Purchase toys appropriate for your dog's size and age. Toys should be large enough to eliminate any chance of choking. Puppies enjoy smaller toys that are easy for them to handle. Senior dogs often have sensitive mouths and prefer flexible toys to chew on.
Warning

Always supervise toy play. Toys broken into pieces or otherwise damaged should be discarded immediately.

Overview