The Best Dog Toys For Large Breeds
From golden retrievers to border collies, large breeds have a lot of love to give. But they can also be a handful at times, especially if you live in a small house or apartment. Having a variety of toys on hand to occupy your dog and satisfy their chew cravings will keep you both sane. To help you out, we've done our research to find the best dog toys for large breeds on the market. Keep reading to discover some of our favorites.
What to Look For
Large dogs aren’t all alike and have various temperaments depending on their breed, so keep that in mind when you choose their toys. We kept a few key questions in mind while choosing the best toys on the market. Does my dog like to play indoors or outdoors? Do they gravitate toward soft or hard toys? Are they very energetic or relatively calm? Our favorite option was from Benebone, a two-pack of chew toys flavored with real bacon and designed to keep your dog’s teeth clean. But if your puppy is still teething, we recommend the toys from Nylabone, which are softer and suitable for growing pups. Check out our reviews below to learn more about our favorite toys for large dogs and find your furry friend’s new favorite.
Benebone Durable Dog Chew Toys
For strong, healthy teeth
This two-pack of chew toys from Benebone is one of the best options for your large dog, especially if they’re aggressive chewers. The dental chew has raised edges to massage gums and clean teeth, which is particularly important for adult dogs. Since dogs don’t have thumbs, the wishbone chew is designed to be easy to hold without slipping or sliding. Flavored with 100% real bacon, these delicious chew toys will become your dog’s new favorite.
Pros:
- Even though these toys are bacon-flavored and taste delicious to your dog, they don’t have a scent. We don’t think you’ll have to worry about them overpowering your home.
- If you adopt an older dog, you can use these as a way to form a bond with them when you first bring them home. Hold onto the chew toy and offer it to them while keeping a firm grip on it as they chew.
Cons:
- The edges of these toys tend to get rough and uneven as your dog chews, which could hurt their mouth over time.
Petstages Deerhorn Antler Alternative Chew Toy
Engineered excellence
Many dogs chew because they enjoy the stimulation on their teeth and gums, but other dogs chew because they are anxious. Petstages offers an antler alternative that provides the same experience as a real antler but is safer for your dog. Keeping chew toys in your home is essential for anxious dogs, especially if you have to leave them alone for long periods. With this antler, they can safely soothe their anxiety.
Pros:
- This chew toy is made without any lead and phthalates, which are both harmful to your dog. We like that this antler has a natural smell and taste that will entice your pet.
- The various textures on the antler and the rough edges created as your dog chews work to remove plaque from their teeth. This will help maintain their overall dental health.
Cons:
- Very aggressive chewers may not get as much satisfaction from this chew toy as it’s a little softer than a traditional antler.
Nylabone Chew Toys for Teething Puppies
Playtime for puppies
From three weeks old, puppies large and small begin to teethe and feel the need to chew. Get your pup off on the right foot with these teething toys from Nylabone. This durable teether encourages them to chew on their toys rather than your favorite pair of shoes. The toys are soft enough for young teeth but are still densely textured to provide enough stimulation as their adult teeth grow in.
Pros:
- Since this toy is so easy to wash, you can easily apply peanut butter to it to make it even more appealing.
- If your puppy is whining a lot or seems in pain because of their teething, you can try putting these toys in the freezer to cool them down. This should help with the swelling.
Cons:
- These are small toys, so your large breed puppy may get bored with them as they grow.
Chuckit Ultra Ball
Tried and true
Playing fetch is one of the best ways to expel energy and keep up a consistent exercise routine for large breeds. These durable rubber balls are the perfect texture for chewing but are also heavy enough to make them easy to throw. Your dog will have an easy time finding these brightly colored balls and won’t ever want the fun to end. Plus, they’re available in various sizes.
Pros:
- These balls are compatible with Chuckit’s ball launcher. We found the launcher makes them easier to throw, and you don’t have to constantly pick up a slimy ball.
- If you have a swimming pool or like to take your pup to the beach, these balls float.
Cons:
- While these rubber balls are more durable than tennis balls, especially for more aggressive chewers, they aren’t completely indestructible.
Bmag Dog Rope Toy for Aggressive Chewers
Get roped into playtime
Rope toys are excellent for large breeds because they’re strong and well-built. At three feet long, Bmag’s rope toy for aggressive chewers is sure to pique your dog’s interest. Introducing rope toys to your dog will help them learn to play independently. They’ll enjoy chewing on the knots and tossing the rope around for hours. But if you want to play with them, this rope is also a great tug of war toy.
Pros:
- Larger dogs tend to destroy plusher toys. This rope has a similar texture but is a lot more durable than a plush toy, so you’ll truly get your money’s worth.
- Two dogs can play tug of war together with this rope toy, which encourages socialization and teamwork.
Cons:
- This rope toy weighs over a pound, so it could be dangerous if your dog decides to swing it around or toss it inside your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size of toy is best for my large dog?
Safety is key when it comes to toys, especially if you work outside the home or spend extended periods away from your pet. Ideally, your dog shouldn’t be able to fit the entire toy in their mouth as this is a choking hazard. When buying toys for your dog, think about how big they would be compared to your dog’s paws. If the toy is large enough for them to hold comfortably and fit part of it in their mouth, this should be the correct size.
What kinds of toys should I buy for my large breed puppy?
Since puppies love to put everything in their mouths, it’s important to have a variety of toys to keep them occupied. From rubber teething toys to chew bones, there are so many options. Have fun with it, and don’t be too disappointed if they destroy a few toys as they play. We recommend buying one or two treat-dispensing toys that can be used to train and teach good behaviors as well as being fun to play with.
About the Author
Why Trust Us
Since 2008, DogTime has served as a leading resource for millions of dog owners and pet lovers alike. Our goal is to give every dog and pet a happy, healthy home by providing owners with all the information they need to be the best pet parents possible. Our experts share their insights and recommendations to make caring for your beloved pets a breeze.