Tough Dog Toys - Safe for Home Alone

Written by Australian Dog Lover 16:05:00 - 0 Comments

Even though your dog spends his days home alone, he doesn't have to spend most of his time in boredom!

Whilst there may be already a wide variety of favourites in your dog's toy box, most toys and treats require supervision and are best put away before you leave the house. Older plush toys may open up after many rounds of tug, exposing the plastic squeaker inside. When deciding which toys to leave out, think safety first, considering those that are least likely to shred, splinter, or otherwise pose a risk to your dog.

Interactive Treat Dispensing Toys

There is a wide range of treat dispensing toys to engage your dog’s mind whilst you’re away. Even though these are usually made from high impact plastic, we recommend supervision if your pooch is an aggressive chewer.

#1. The Odin

The Odin's minimal, modern design is inspired by geometric shapes and art. It's a hot new look in dog toys and is not your average treat dispenser. More importantly, it features integrated flaps to easily place treats (or kibble) in differently sized holes.

Measuring approximately 9cm in diameter (bigger than a tennis ball), it is big enough not to be swallowed by big dogs but light enough for small dogs.

As you can connect 2 modules together for even more erratic movement and fun, it is guaranteed to provide your dog with mental stimulation. Available in black only.

RRP: $34.95. For details, visit www.luckypet.com.au

#2. StarMark Bob-A-Lot

The StarMark Bob-A-Lot exercises and feeds your dog at the same time! Dogs of all sizes are able to manipulate the toy to get food or treats out. The large bottom chamber fits up to three cups of food - enough for a full meal! 

Adjustable openings at the top and bottom accommodate most types of dog food and allow you to regulate the difficulty level. The weighted anti-slip bottom makes makes the toy wobble erratically, enticing your dog to play.

RRP: $18.95-$29.95 from www.ozpetshop.com.au

#3. West Paw Design Tux Dog Toy

Tux is a dog treat toy that was designed to withstand chewing. Made from guaranteed-tough Zogoflex it is extremely durable. 

Tux is pliable, bounces, is non-toxic, recyclable, and buoyant. You can also stuff your dogs’ favourite treats into the cavity and let them rip. Tux is even dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning! 

Only available in one size approx 15cm wide. 
*Not intended as a chew toy.

RRP: $24.95 from www.vetnpetdirect.com.au

#4. Bark Busters Game Changer

The Game Changer® is a wonderful treat dispensing toy and is exclusive to the Bark Busters dog training group.

Dogs will spend hours flipping the toy over and over again to get to the treats inside. It is sturdy and durable and being quiet, it is suitable for both outdoor and indoor use. 

Made from high-quality non-toxic polyurethane material, that has been proven to be safe for dogs to chew. It comes in four vibrant colours: Red, Blue, Lime Green, Yellow.

RRP: $55 (includes free shipping). For more details, contact office@barkbusters.com.au

#5. Major Dog Snack Egg

The Snack Egg from Major Dog is a little interactive treat toy perfect for those with little paws. As your dog’s nose pushes and rolls around the interactive Snack Egg, the dry kibble or treats you placed in earlier drops out for your pooch to enjoy. 

The special Snack labyrinth will only release small doses of the titbits at a time, ensuring the food is ingested in small portions only. This is a fun way to turn dinner into a game or help keep your pooch mentally stimulated when you’re busy.

Made of 100% natural rubber, this toy (78mm x 81mm) is also dishwasher safe.

RRP: $19.90 from www.dogtrainingproducts.com.au

#6. The Foobler

The Foobler is an interactive puzzle feeding toy which delivers kibble or treats only after your dog hears the bell.
It is an automatic self-reloading puzzle feeder with 6 timer-activated pods inside a hard plastic sphere.

Your dog’s fun gets spread throughout the day because only one chamber is open at a time, and the timer determines when the next one becomes available (you can set the intervals every 15, 30, 60 or 90 minutes). 

RRP: $49 from www.foobler.com.au

Durable Chew Toys & Treats

Flavoured synthetic chew toys borrow the shape our dogs love but they won’t splinter like real bones. Infused with real meat juices for great taste they also prevent plaque build-up and massage your dog’s gums whilst helping relieve boredom.

Despite our Belgian Shepherds being aggressive chewers, we have found these to be perfectly safe to leave with them without supervision.

#7. Sporn Marrow Bone 

The Sporn Marrow Bone is a jerky-flavour filled chewable nylon bone that helps control tartar and plaque to assist with your dog's dental health.

Great even for the toughest of chewers and especially recommended during the puppy phase, when your dog is constantly teething and needs something to chew, other than your shoes or furniture...

Available in sizes from XS to XL from pet stores and online. 

More details at www.sporn.com

#8. Antler Chews 

These are a natural alternative to synthetic chew toys and our verdict after 12 months of use is extremely positive as they do last a long time.

Aussie Antlers are 100% organic, naturally shed Australian Red Deer Antlers. They are full of nutrients, will not splinter and can last for months. 

These should be given as a treat for a controlled period each day, say 1 to 2 hours. Your dog should not be allowed to grind down more than 1cm of antler per week. For an intense chewer, choose only the most dense/heavier pieces. Their team will help you match the perfect antler piece with your dog's requirements. 

RRP: $9.00 - $60.00 at www.aussieantlers.com.au


Rubberized Toys 

Toys made of thick rubber can usually stand up to hours of safe chewing. These puncture-resistant dog toys are durable, safe, and fun. They will keep your dog’s imagination active, discourage destructive behaviour, promote dental health, and give you peace of mind. 

And with the variety of models and sizes available from pet manufacturers these days, it's easy to find a new favourite for that special place in your pooch’s toy box.

#9. Aussie Dog - Staffie Ball

Staffies are noted for their extreme chewing habits and ability to destroy most toys however this ball was originally designed for zoo animals and is Staffie-proof.

Made of very tough, extra thick non-toxic material that resists penetration. The extra large diameter (240mm) makes it virtually impossible for dogs to get a good grip so they cannot chew it. 

They will have a lot of fun trying to grip this ball and chasing it about as it slips from their jaws! It comes with a 12-month warranty.

RRP: $64.44 from www.aussiedog.com.au

#10. Busy Buddy® Ultra Woofer™

This uniquely shaped chew toy poses an extra challenge for even those determined chewers! 

The extra wide ends of the Ultra Woofer protect a single Ultra-Thick Treat Ring. The toy design makes it more difficult for dogs to get a grip on the treat and this combined with the ultra-thick treat ring means this toy will hold your dog's interest for longer.

Once the dog finishes the treat, replacing it is as easy as unscrewing the ends and using one of the three replacement rings included. The toy is dishwasher safe for quick and easy cleaning. Available in small and medium sizes.

RRP: from $16.99 on the PetSafe Australia website.

#11. Petstages Orka Jack with Rope

The Orka Jack is a perfect toy for both chewing and play. The chewy jack shape is fun to bounce and offers challenging interaction and long-lasting chew sessions. 

Made from durable, non-toxic material with a 100% cotton rope, which improves dental health by removing soft tartar and your dog will be focusing on untangling the knots for hours…

The unpredictable bouncing pattern when it is thrown makes play much more exciting for your dog. The hollow ends can also be filled with treats if desired.

RRP: $29.95 from www.petsonthepark.com.au

#12. GoughNuts Maxx Chew Toys

GoughNuts chew toys are designed to float, are virtually indestructible and come with a lifetime guarantee.

Each GoughNuts toy (green or black) has includes a visual safety indicator in its design: Black means “Go” and Red means “Stop”.  If your dog chews through the Black outside wear layer to expose the Red indication layer, GoughNuts will replace your toy.

Available as a Doughnut or Ring shape in 3 sizes, these toys are used extensively by law enforcement agencies and K9 squads for training and enrichment purposes.The GoughNuts Maxx 50 range (featured) is designed specifically to withstand extreme chewers.

RRP from $40. Please contact www.dirtymutz.com

DISCLAIMER: 
No dog toy is indestructible. A few dogs are particularly destructive and in those cases, no matter what you give them, they WILL destroy it. If you believe your dog to be particularly destructive, these toys may not be for you. Or you can try them but only give your dog limited supervised sessions with the toy at the week-end first.

Last updated 1st June 2018

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