Best dog toys for large dogs

No matter what your dog's play style is, there is plenty to choose from when it comes to finding large dog toys.

dog toys for large dogs

by Rosie Floyd |
Updated on

When it comes to finding dog toys for large dogs, there are many factors to consider and it all depends on the personality of your pooch. Do you have a gentle giant that has a sweet-tempered approach to play or do you have a boisterous big boy or girl that loves to be rough with any toys that cross their path? Whether they like to chase, tug or fetch, we're here to help you find the best dog toys for their needs.

Playtime is an important part of a dog's life as it helps with improving their overall fitness levels, provides mental stimulation and brings them lots of joy and happiness. All dogs have different needs for their toys and for big dogs, they need a toy that will help them burn off their bundles of energy while being super durable and the right size for their mouths. Most large dogs love fetching toys and tugging toys but equally, many love soft and cuddly toys, too. It's all about finding large dog toys that will satisfy their needs while also being strong and sturdy enough to withstand chewing from a powerful jaw.

The best dog toys for large dogs at a glance:

• Best overall: Kong Extreme Chew Treat Dog Toy Black XX Large – view on Pets at Home
• Best squeaky chew toy for large dogs: HETOO Dog Toys Indestructible Squeaky Dog Toy – view on Amazon UK
• Best flavoured chew toy for large dogs: Nylabone Extreme Tough Dog Chew Toy X-Bone – view on Amazon UK
• Best interactive toy for large dogs: Starmark Bob-a-Lot Interactive Dog Toy – view on Amazon UK

When selecting the ideal dog toys for large dogs, there are a few things to keep in mind, such as size, material, durability and play style. If your big dog is the type to try and take squeakers and stuffing out of their toys while playing, we'd suggest a tough toy that's made out of rubber, nylon or rope to make sure they're more durable. However, if they're more gentle at playtime, they may prefer a soft toy to carry around and snuggle with.

Whether you're after a strong chew toy or an exciting squeaky toy, we've searched the web to find all the best dog toys for large dogs. You can also find some information about what makes a good large dog toy and how to choose the right size toy for your dog in our FAQs section.

Best dog toys for large dogs

Best overall

Kong Extreme Chew Treat Dog Toy Black XX LargePets at Home

We can't have a list of dog toys without featuring a Kong, they've been a hit with dogs and their owners for years. Being extra, extra large in size, this one is recommended for dogs weighing over 38kg and is tough enough to withstand teeth from even the strongest chewers. You can pack it with their fave treats or soft pastes to provide them with hours of entertainment.

Customer review: "We have had the same Kong for over twelve years. It has outlasted our two Rotties and is now on its third Rottie and Staffy. Fantastic toy and great value for money as it has no signs of ever being able to be destroyed !! If you ever only bought one toy this would have to be it - fantastic."

Pros

  • Extremely durable
  • Great for chewing and for holding foods

Cons

  • Tricky to clean

Best squeaky chew toy for large dogs

With a soft textured design, milk-flavoured exterior and a squeaker on both ends, the HETOO Dog Toys Indestructible Tough Squeaky Dog Chew Toy has a lot going on to keep large dogs occupied and entertained. Not only will this tough toy be a boredom buster for your pooch, but it will be beneficial for their dental health, too, as it'll clean their teeth and keep their breath fresh.

Customer review: "I really have trouble finding a toy that will last more than a couple of hours for my large dog. He can chew through anything easily as a rule but this has stood up to his roughness. I would recommend for powerful jaws but also as a good fun toy for most larger breeds."

Pros

  • Fun and interactive
  • Tough and durable

Cons

  • Some owners may not like the skull design of this toy

Best flavoured chew toy for large dogs

Nylabone Extreme Tough Dog Chew Toy X-BoneAmazon
Price: $15.68
Alternative retailers
Petco$15.68View offer
Blain Farm & Fleet$15.99View offer
Walmart$17.01View offer

Another great option for a textured chew toy is the Nylabone Extreme Tough Dog Chew Toy X-Bone. This chew toy will keep your dog busy while satisfying their natural urge to chew. It's flavoured with beef all the way through with tiny raised bristles on the bone to act like a mini toothbrush.

Customer review: "Rocco the doggo is an extreme chewer and very few things last the day, this is holding up pretty well and he loves it"

Pros

  • Beef flavour
  • Great for teeth

Cons

  • Suitable for dogs up to 23kg so may not be suitable for those over this weight

Best interactive toy for large dogs

Starmark Bob-a-Lot Interactive Dog ToyAmazon

Rrp: $20.99

Price: $18.31

With over 15,000 reviews and an average rating of 4.4 stars, the Starmark Bob-a-Lot Interactive Dog Toy is a popular choice on Amazon. It wobbles and bobbles, dropping treats as it goes, which big dogs that love their food won't be able to get enough of. You can adjust the openings to make it a harder or easier mental challenge.

Customer review: "keeps him occupied for ages, good mental stimulating game."

Pros

  • Good for dogs to work for their food
  • Mentally stimulating

Cons

  • A little noisy

Best tug-of-war toy for large dogs

If your pooch loves a game of tug-of-war, you can easily join in with this atopo Durable Dog Chew Toy as it's got handles at both ends so you can bond over playtime. It's made from TPR, which is a non-toxic material so not only will it be a durable toy but a safe one, too. With massaging surfaces, this toy combines fun and health.

Customer review: "My Labrador has destroyed every toy I have bought except this one, 6 weeks later and still in one piece. Strong durable and solid."

Pros

  • Durable
  • Two handles for tug-of-war games

Cons

  • Strong chewers will definitely need to be supervised

Best dog ball launcher for large dogs

3 Peaks Megaball Launcher Dog ToyCREDIT: ROSIE FLOYD/TAKE A BREAK PETS

A fantastic choice for games of fetch, the 3 Peaks Megaball Launcher Dog Toy has a long plastic arm and a cupped end to enable you to chuck a ball much further than just simply throwing it from your hand. Your balls will really be able to go the distance and your big boy or girl will love chasing after them, giving them a much-needed workout.

Our review: "Barney, Bella & Gina have had many hours of fun chasing after the ball using this thrower. As it allows me to throw the ball further than if I was just using my arm, all of the dogs were able to have more of a run around chasing after it. Tennis balls can get a bit slobbery when the biggest dog, Barney, is involved with playing so I appreciated the hands-free pick-up so I didn’t have to touch it.”

Pros

  • Hands-free pickup
  • Long distance throwing

Cons

  • Ball could be made from a more durable material

Best rope toys for large dogs

Youngever 6 Pack Large Dog Rope ToysAmazon
Price: $21.99

Does your pooch love a rope toy? They'll love this Youngever Large Dog Rope Toy multipack as there are six different toys included, with knot ropes of various lengths and rope balls too. Made from 100 per cent natural rope materials, these types of toys are great for rough play so your hound can tug, toss and chew until their heart's content.

Customer review: "Great value for money! Really sturdy and a good size! Highly recommended! My boy loves them!"

Pros

  • Good value
  • Multiple included

Cons

  • Some reviewers felt they could be more durable

Best squeak toy for large dogs

Ruff 'N' Tumble Shake A Fox Squeaky Dog ToyPets at Home

Is your large dog more of a gentle giant? They may enjoy having a soft toy to play with. The Ruff 'N' Tumble Shake A Fox Squeaky Dog Toy has squeak and shakeability factor to keep them entertained for hours but equally, they may be happy enough to bring it with them wherever they go and snuggle up to it during nap times. It's a good size for your big dog's mouth so they can easily carry it around your house.

Customer review: "Considering it's just a fox toy, my Dalmatian can play with it for hours without getting bored. She loves the fact she can shake it around and also has the squeak too. Great toy."

Pros

  • Soft
  • Has a squeaker

Cons

  • Not designed for chewers

Best ball toy for large dogs

Chuckit! Ultra Tug Dog Toy With Rubber BallAmazon
Price: $11.72
Alternative retailers
Walmart$7.46View offer

Sometimes you just can't beat a ball for some fun and this Chuckit! Ultra Tug Dog Toy With Rubber Ball is great for throwing and tugging. It's developed to have high bounce and buoyancy so you can use it for both play in the park and a swim in the sea, with bright orange and blue colours that make it easy for both you and your dog to see wherever you're playing.

Customer review: "If your dog has destroyed every ball you've bought so far, and loves tug then this is perfect. I've had it for months. I've left it in the rain. He chews it (handle and ball) and it's still perfect. This is one of his only toys that lasted more than 2 weeks."

Pros

  • Great for both tug and fetch
  • Highly visible as it's made in bright colours

Cons

  • Some reviewers felt it could be bigger in size

Best soft toy for large dogs

Outward Hound Invincibles Blue Snake Plush Dog ToyAmazon
Price: $10.99

Last up on our list is this Outward Hound Invincibles Blue Snake Plush Dog Toy. It's packed with six jumbo squeakers that keep squeaking even if punctured! We understand you may be sceptical about giving your large dog a plush toy but it's made with a dura-tuff inner lining to prevent ripping and it's reinforced with double-layered seams, but if they do manage to make their way through all that, there's no stuffing inside so there's no mess either!

Customer review: "Was given one of these before, for our German/Belgian Shepherd cross as a Christmas present, whilst not completely indestructible, it certainly lasted a lot longer than all other toys we've had. This, especially considering her main aim is to kill all squeaks and annihilate any toy as quickly as possible! It's certainly more sturdy than most toys, which is why I purchased another. It's great for her to play and tug about, far better than one's arm when she gets giddy and so playful! As there aren't many other toys we've managed to find that match it, I will be buying another on this one's demise."

Pros

  • Designed to be tough
  • Six squeakers inside

Cons

  • It's quite a big toy so takes up a lot of room

FAQs

What types of toys are best for large dogs?

When looking for the best dog toys for large dogs, it’s important to opt for ones that can withstand their size, strength and energy levels. Here are some of the types of toys that are perfect for larger breeds:

Chew toys: Big dogs tend to be strong chewers, so look for tough toys made from materials like heavy-duty rubber or nylon. They’re designed to withstand aggressive chewing and provide a satisfying outlet for their chewing instincts.

Interactive puzzle toys: These types of toys that require them to figure out how to access parts to get rewards are great for developing your pooch’s problem-solving skills while providing some mental stimulation.

Tug toys: Ropes and other tug toys are ideal if you’re after a toy where you and your large dog can enjoy some bonding playtime together.

Fetch toys: Toys that are designed for fetching, such as tennis balls, flying discs and sturdy sticks can help your large dog to burn off energy and help them with learning commands like “fetch”, “drop” and “come”.

How do I choose the right size toy for my large dog?

Choosing the right toy size for your large dog is crucial. You don’t want to choose anything that’s too small as it could become a choking hazard. You’ll want to make sure that your dog can comfortably carry it in their mouth, without the whole thing fitting inside.

In fact, any toy that has small parts is a no-no for big dogs as they could easily become loose and lodged in their throat. For this reason, you should also regularly inspect and replace toys that start to show signs of wear and tear.

Large dogs tend to have stronger jaws and a more powerful bite than smaller dogs, so you’ll want to look for toys made from strong, durable materials.

Rosie Floyd is a Pets, Homes and Garden Product Writer for Take A Break Pets, specialising in all things dogs. She grew up always having at least one dog as part of the family and has experience in owning a variety of breeds, including Labradors, Cockapoos and Yorkshire Terriers.

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