| Best for | Product |
|---|---|
| Best Overall | KONG Extreme Goodie Bone Dog Toy |
| Best Budget | KONG Extreme Ball Dog Toy |
| Best for Puppies | West Paw Zogoflex Jive Tough Ball |
| Best Flavored | Benebone Chicken Flavor Wishbone Dog Chew Toy |
Despite what some people may think, pit bulls are an incredibly loving and sweet dog breed. They make wonderful pets and require similar maintenance as other larger breeds. Pit bulls need regular exercise and a variety of durable toys to withstand their muscular grip.
Just like any other dog, if pits aren’t given enough attention or room to roam, they’ll start chewing on things like furniture, rugs, and anything else they can get a hold of. And pit bulls can’t necessarily use the same toys as any other dog because of their Hulk-like strength.
To make it easier for pit bull owners, we’ve found the best chew toys for this breed. You won’t have to worry about parts of the toy breaking off, potentially causing a choking hazard.
From fun pull ropes to treat-concealing toys, here are our top picks for the best toys available to your four-legged friend and everything you need to know to choose the ideal option for Fido!
Why Do Pit Bulls Need Special Toys?
To be clear, chewing tendencies may be quite strong in canines of any breed. Some Chihuahuas can chew through a flimsy toy just as quickly as your pit bull can. However, pit bulls generally have more consistent power-chewing habits than most other dogs.
Pit bulls are neither ferocious, murderous, nor any of the other hyperbolic terms typically used to describe the breed. The bottom line is that their jaws are stronger and have a chewing power that can destroy standard chew toys rather quickly.
In order to find a toy your dog will love that won’t break immediately, it’s best to get a pit bull-specific toy. Here are a few other reasons you’ll want to avoid picking up just any toy off the shelf.
Most Pit Bulls Have Bigger Heads
Although some little dogs can disassemble a tough toy in minutes, the majority of strong chewers have huge heads. Pit bulls weighing 40 to 50 pounds typically have heads the size of pups weighing twice that much. These bigger heads generally imply larger canine teeth, jaws, and muscles, which allows them to destroy delicate toys in short order.
Their Jaws Are Wider
While the bigger dimensions of so many pit bull skulls contribute to higher jaw strength, the technical advantage provided by pit bulls’ comparatively broad jaws also contributes to their power-chewing skills.
Since their jaws are wider, they can exert greater leverage and tension on their toys, allowing them to quickly break down even the most robust objects
It’s in Their Blood
Early pit bulls were chosen for their desire to accomplish tasks despite unpleasant stimuli, a trait known as “gameness.” Back in the day, pitties were chosen for their determination to fight even if they were seriously injured.
Because dog toys don’t fight back, even an average pit bull will typically continue tearing it apart until their toy is completely destroyed. With that being said, let’s take a look at the toys that can withstand the strength of our favorite breed!
Check Chewy Check Amazon- Great choice for aggressive chewers
- Made in the USA
- Super-sturdy construction
- Trusted brand with quality materials
- Available in medium and large sizes
- Hide treats in the treat compartment
Check Chewy Check Amazon- Affordable pricetag
- Made in the USA
- Puncture-resistant construction
- Durable materials stand up to aggressive chewers
- Available in multiples sizes
- Ideal for adult pits (not pups)
Check Chewy Check Amazon- Made of recycled materials
- Dishwasher safe for easy cleaning
- Floats in water — great for water play
- Made in the USA
- Latex-free and FDA-compliant
Check Chewy Check Amazon- Nylon-based construction is highly durable
- Paw-friendly design helps pups keep a solid grip
- Flavored with real chicken
- Percentage of purchase price is donated to animal welfare groups
A-Z-Animals’ Top Picks for the Best Chew Toys for Pit Bulls
#1 Best Overall: Kong Extreme Goodie Bone Dog Toy
The Kong Extreme Goodie Bone Dog Toy is our choice for the #1 Best Overall chew toy for pit bulls because of its durability and the fact that it’s made in the U.S. This toy is perfect for aggressive chewers and may also be used for pit bull training.
KONG is a well-known brand that is beloved by dog owners that have larger pets and/or aggressive chewers. This bone-shaped chew toy is designed with ultra-durable rubber that will last through multiple chew sessions, all while being gentle on your dog’s teeth and gums.
The nicest part about this chew toy, which comes in medium and large sizes, is that it has a compartment on each end where you can hide treats for your pit to discover. However, some pet owners have complained that the chew toy isn’t as indestructible as it should be.
The KONG Extreme is created with powerful chewers in mind and is composed of all-natural black rubber. The KONG Extreme Goodie Bone Dog Toy will keep your dog active and pleased. Overall, it’s our top pick and pet parents seem to agree!
Pros and Cons of the Kong Extreme Goodie Bone Dog Toy
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| This bone-shaped chew toy is ideal for aggressive chewers and may be used for pit bull training. | Some pet parents complained that this toy isn’t as indestructible as it should be. |
| It’s made from ultra-durable, all-natural black rubber that is gentle on dogs’ teeth and gums. | |
| It’s available in medium and large sizes. | |
| This chew toy has a compartment on each end where you can hide treats. |
- Great choice for aggressive chewers
- Made in the USA
- Super-sturdy construction
- Trusted brand with quality materials
- Available in medium and large sizes
- Hide treats in the treat compartment
2. Best Budget: Kong Extreme Ball Dog Toy
Kong has a second appearance on our list for the best chew toy for a pit bull that won’t break the bank: the Kong Extreme Ball Dog Toy! Pet parents love that this ball is puncture-resistant, making it great for long games of fetch or a tough chew session from your pit. The ball itself will withstand pit bulls’ strong jaws.
It has a hole through it it that you can put a rope through so you can play fetch and tug of war with your pittie.
The ball, which is made in the U.S. from durable rubber, bounces high in the air, making it easy to wear out your dog, leading to a well-deserved nap. It’s available in small and medium/large. Because of the weight of the ball, we do suggest this choice for adult pities. It may be too heavy for pups.
Pros and Cons of the Kong Extreme Ball Dog Toy
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| This puncture-resistant ball is puncture-resistant. | Because this ball is heavy, it is suitable for adult dogs only, not puppies. |
| A hole runs through it so you can insert a rope to play fetch and tug of war with your pit bull. | |
| It’s made in the U.S. from durable rubber and bounces high in the air. | |
| It’s available in small and medium/large. |
- Affordable pricetag
- Made in the USA
- Puncture-resistant construction
- Durable materials stand up to aggressive chewers
- Available in multiples sizes
- Ideal for adult pits (not pups)
3. Best for Puppies: West Paw Zogoflex Jive Tough Ball Dog Toy
If your dog loves chasing and chewing toy balls, the West Paw Zogoflex Jive Tough Ball Dog Toy is a must-have! It’s soft, bouncy, and latex-free and Zogoflex is made from BPA-free and phthalate-free, dishwasher safe, recyclable materials. What’s not to love?
This ball is much more durable than a tennis ball and has a unique shape that makes gameplay much more fun for your canine. This ball is available in three sizes (extra small, small, and large) and in three vivid, easy-to-spot colors: orange, blue, and green. The smallest size fits in a dog ball thrower if you already have one of those toys.
This ball is heavier than expected, so it might not be the best choice for elderly or mobility-challenged pet owners. It’s also been reported as being easy to destroy if you have a really aggressive chewer.
This recyclable dog ball toy is FDA-compliant and backed by the manufacturer’s “Love It Guarantee” for breakage.
Pros and Cons of the West Paw Zogoflex Jive Tough Ball Dog Toy
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| This ball is soft, bouncy, and latex-free. | It’s heavy, so it’s probably not a good choice for senior or mobility-challenged pet owners. |
| Zogoflex is made from BPA-free and phthalate-free, dishwasher safe, recyclable materials. | It may not stand up to extremely aggressive chewers. |
| It’s far more durable than a tennis ball and has a unique shape that makes playing ball more fun. | |
| It’s available in three colors (orange, blue, and green) and three sizes (extra small, small, and large). Extra small fits dog ball throwers. | |
| It’s FDA-compliant. | |
| The manufacturer offers a “Love It Guarantee” for breakage. |
- Made of recycled materials
- Dishwasher safe for easy cleaning
- Floats in water — great for water play
- Made in the USA
- Latex-free and FDA-compliant
4. Best Flavored: Benebone Rotisserie Chicken Flavored Wishbone
For dogs who are fussy about their chew toys, the Benebone Flavored Wishbone is a terrific alternative. Not only are these nylon-based bones highly durable, but they’re also flavored with real chicken!
The Wishbone of Benebone Chew isn’t your typical chew toy. The ergonomic wishbone, American-made from sturdy nylon and authentic USA-sourced chicken, will keep your dog chewing happily! Distinctive flavor channels on each prong will keep Fido intrigued, and the unusual, paw-friendly design makes grasping a breeze.
As if that weren’t enough, Benebone donates a percentage of each purchase to animal welfare groups around the country, so your purchase will also help animals in need! Dogs across the board love the taste and you won’t have to worry about chunks breaking off and potentially causing harm. This toy slowly breaks down, providing a long-lasting chew!
Several reviewers reported that their dogs weren’t interested in this chew toy.
Pros and Cons of the Benebone Rotisserie Chicken Flavored Wishbone
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| This nylon-based, wishbone-shaped chew toy is infused with real chicken. | Some reviewers said that their dogs weren’t interested in this chew toy. |
| It’s ergonomically shaped so your dog can pick it up easily. | |
| It has flavor channels on each prong to keep your dog’s attention. | |
| The company donates a percentage of each purchase to animal welfare groups. | |
| This toy breaks down slowly so you don’t have to worry about chunks breaking off and posing a potential choking risk. |
- Nylon-based construction is highly durable
- Paw-friendly design helps pups keep a solid grip
- Flavored with real chicken
- Percentage of purchase price is donated to animal welfare groups
Choosing the Best: What to Look For
For this review, we didn’t consider cutesy, fluffy items with squeakers that may be ripped out and choked on. We didn’t include rope toys since they are the pit bull equivalent of single-use dental floss. We also ruled out anything that might be pulled out and eaten, since these items can become lodged in dogs’ bowels, necessitating surgery to remove them.
When you’re shopping for a chew toy for your pittie, we suggest that you keep the following criterion in mind.
Dog’s Temperament and Age
We would not want to offer a heavy chewer a soft toy. And noisy toys are also not a suitable choice for frightened dogs or those that are sensitive to loud noises. Please ensure that the toy you choose is appropriate for your dog’s temperament.
You’ll also want to make sure that the chew toy you’re considering is appropriate for your pet’s age. The greatest dog toys specify the age range for which the toy is appropriate. Hard toys are best for mature dogs since puppy teeth can be harmed. Also, some of the toys in this review are too heavy for puppies to carry around or handle easily.
Toy Type
If you have a lively dog or a teething puppy, a dog toy ball is ideal. Chew toys, on the other hand, are the greatest alternative for younger dogs and those that chew on furniture. Rope toys are a wonderful way for you and your pet to bond.
Stuffed toys are a great option if you want a basic toy that is absolutely safe and soft on your pet’s teeth. If you really want to stimulate your pet, puzzles might be an excellent solution. Your dog will have to learn how to rotate and spin parts of the puzzle to retrieve treats.
Durability
The last thing you want to buy a pit bull is a flimsy chewy toy. Look for something made with durable materials, such as nylon or hard rubber. We all know how fast a pit can destroy his favorite toy and finding a sturdier option makes the toy last longer, saving you money.
Flavor
As you saw in our reviews, some of the best chew toys for pits come with flavoring. Pit bulls love a tasty treat as much as any other breed. Getting a chewy toy with flavoring is a great way to entice your dog to play with that specific toy over something they’re not supposed to nibble on, like your new sofa!
The Different Types of Chewy Toys for Pit Bulls: Pros and Cons Compared
Now that you’re one step closer to being an expert on the best chew toys for pit bulls, here’s a guide to finding the best type for your pooch. Dog toys are designed using a variety of materials. This is the main factor you want to look for when comparing one toy to another.
While there are different styles of chews, such as balls, ropes, rings, etc., the material is far more important. Let’s take a look at the benefits and disadvantages of the main components used to make dog toys.
- Hard rubber: This is a top option for chew toys and might be the closest thing to an unbreakable dog toy. Kong Toys is an excellent example. Kong toys are composed of strong rubber and have a hollow core. They come in a variety of different designs and shapes.
- Sterilized hollow bones: This is a safe chew toy for your adult dog. This type of treat has natural cow shin bone and dogs love the taste! Because it is a bone, don’t expect it to last that long.
- Plush textile: This makes the plush toy soft enough for gentle gnawing and comfortable enough for your pet to sit on or sleep on. It’s not a good chew toy for pit bulls since they’ll demolish it in under a minute.
- Wood: Puzzle toys constructed of wood can be used as a brain stimulant for dogs. It’s worth noting that they might result in splinters.
- Hard plastic: Nylabone toys are made of a sturdy substance that is ideal for teething. It’s a great choice for puppies but may be too weak for adult pit bulls.
- Rope fibers: A braided rope toy’s fibrous properties ensure that it will survive many playtimes before breaking down. A tough pit bull may be able to destroy a rope faster than another material such as hard rubber.
Verified Review: User Experience
How do you know which one of these dog toys is worth your hard-earned money? We always suggest taking a close look at reviews to get the best idea of how real-life pet parents like the product.
For our top choice, the Kong Extreme Goodie Bone, one Amazon user has this to say: “This KONG Extreme Black Goodie Bone Dog Toy is the perfect toy for your big dog or super chewer. The black KONG toys are the thickest and most durable of all their toys, and they can really take a beating! We have had this toy for our large breed shepherd/pit mix, who uses it almost every day and it is still in excellent condition!”
It’s essential to find a toy that will last a long time. Even the Benebone Wishbone Tough Chew Toy is up for the challenge, despite it having a flavoring of drool-worthy chicken! Here’s what one pet parent has to say on Chewy:
“Our one-year-old Pit mix is a heavy chewer. The Benebone is his favorite and lasts the longest. This wishbone shape is working out better than the others for him. He only is able to get small pieces off of the bone at a time.”
| Best for | Product |
|---|---|
| Best Overall | KONG Extreme Goodie Bone Dog Toy |
| Best Budget | KONG Extreme Ball Dog Toy |
| Best for Puppies | West Paw Zogoflex Jive Tough Ball |
| Best Flavored | Benebone Chicken Flavor Wishbone Dog Chew Toy |
The Best Chew Toys for Pit Bulls FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
What causes dogs to pull the stuffing out of toys?
Since stuffed animals resemble natural prey, dogs pull the stuffing out of them. As a result, these toys may arouse the dog’s hunt-and-kill instinct. Another possibility is that the dog is simply attempting to avoid boredom.
Is it unhealthy for dogs to chew on hard chew toys?
Yes, particularly hard chew toys can cause tooth damage in your dog. Try making an impression on the toy’s exterior with your nail to see whether it’s too hard.
Is it okay if I leave my dog's toys outside?
Whether you hide the toys or keep them visible to your dog is entirely up to you. If your pet like the toy, we recommend leaving it out all of the time. If you’re worried that your dog would damage it, put it away and take it out when your dog is wanting to play with it.
Is it okay if my dog destroys his toys?
Even if toy destruction appears to be innocuous, you should prevent it. Toy destruction may be dangerous to your dog’s health, it can be costly, and it will likely encourage your dog to destroy other objects in your home.
Also, a damaged toy may have sharp or otherwise dangerous pieces that your dog could ingest, causing injury and/or necessitating surgery.
Do dogs need toys?
Toys are important for dogs since they serve to stimulate their minds. They also offer them something to gnaw on and provide them with comfort when they are worried. Furthermore, toys can aid in the prevention of undesired habits in your dog.
Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us? Contact the AZ Animals editorial team.
