The Best Pitbull Toys - Top Rated Durable Options
OUR #1 PICK
The Overall Best Toy For Pitbulls
KONG Tug Toy
Do you have a Pitbull or Pitbull mix dog? If so, you already know that this loveable breed wears a huge smile just for you and is ready for just about any adventure you are ready to take. Few breeds bring the same level of affection and adoration of their humans than the humble Pitty.
Dr. Sara Redding Ochoa | Doctor Of Veterinary Medicine
Sara is Wileypup’s Veterinarian Adviser and helped compose this article to ensure the information is up to date and accurate. For more information on Sara click here
However, few too are the breeds that put their mouth on everything, well into adulthood. Combined with their inquisitive nature, high exercise requirements, and need for plenty of interaction with their people, Pitbulls are in their own league when it comes to finding the right products to check all the boxes.
The best selection of Pitbull toys will stimulate all of these drives to keep your trusty canine companion balanced and happy.
We built this guide to be an all-inclusive review of the best indestructible dog toys for Pit Bulls on the market. To that end, we organized our review of the best toys for pit bulls into the following categories:
- Chew Toys
- Tug Toys
- Puzzle Toys
- Fetch Toys
Best Pitbull Chewing Toys
Pitbull Chewing Toys are the top priority when it comes to essential products for this mouthy breed. Many Pitties never seem to grow out of mouthing everything in their environment due to a very strong chew drive.
There is little use in trying to fight it. Rather than punishing your dog for exploring a natural drive, find some great ways to help her express that drive in a healthy way that spares your furniture. Or course, the best chew toys for Pit Bulls need to be virtually indestructible!
You will find that many chew toys on the market are just not tough enough for the powerful jaws of a Pitbull or their “never give up” attitude. And, getting cheap toys can be dangerous because they can break into small pieces which can become choke hazards.
Rest assured, these toys are as tough as they get!
Pitbull Dog Toys - Chew Summary
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Benebone Real Flavor Chew |
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Nylabone Power Chew |
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Elk Antlers |
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Pitbull Dog Toys - Chew!
Benebone Real Flavor Chew
Although traditional bone shaped chews are still fun, you would be surprised how much extra delight your little chew monster will have with these wishbone shaped chew bones from Benebone. They are easier to for your pooch to get his paws around to keep it steady for a long chew session, leading to a more satisfying experience.
These chews won’t last forever. They will eventually wear down, but only after hours of chewing by even the toughest dogs. Don’t worry about the little edges that will form on the nubs – they actually help keep your pup’s teeth clean and tarter free.
What makes these dog chews so irresistible is that flavors such as bacon, chicken and peanut butter have been infused into the hard plastic material which gives them a scent and slight flavor that keeps them interesting from start to finish.
These toys are completely sourced and manufactured in the USA. Benebone has a strong commitment to customer service, so don’t feel shy about reaching out if you have a problem with your purchase.
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Making our review of the best chew toys for Pit Bulls is this selection by toymaker Nylabone. Not only is it made of extremely durable nylon material, it also has expertly designed overall shape and texture to stay interesting for your dog.
Not all dogs love to chew on something this hard, and you may need to add a little peanut butter to the ridged parts to get her started. However, once the outside of this toy gets a little bit of texture on the outside from chewing, it becomes more and more satisfying for your pup.
Another great reason to give this chew bone a second look is the low cost. It comes in at an excellent price point considering it will likely last for years to come and is from a well known and trusted name in doggy gear.
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Elk Antlers
If you have a really spoiled Pitbull dog, then we recommend Elk Antlers for a natural chew treat that is both healthy and satisfying for your canine companion. Although they are on the pricey side, and they will eventually need replacing, these Elk antlers are going to be a big hit.
Go ahead and go for the largest size for most Pits and Pit mixes since they are less likely to break and they will last the longest.
Dogs know that antlers are fun to chew. They can smell that just below the hard exterior is the tasty marrow which will keep them going on these chews for hours and hours.
In fact, you may need to actually take this chew toy away after a half hour to give your buddy a rest. Be sure to always supervise a dog with an antler since, although it is unlikely, there is a chance a sharp piece could break off and become a choke hazard.
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Best Pitbull Dog Toy – Tugs Summary
IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES | RATING | |
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KONG Tug Toy |
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KONG Safestix |
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Dog Puller Tug Rings |
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Best Pitbull Dog Toy – Tugs!
Some people believe that playing a game of tug with a dog will make him more aggressive. This just isn’t true. Tug is a game that dogs will often play with each other if they have a strong bond. It is about fun and trust building, not aggression, if done right.
Many professional trainers recommend that dog owners use tug games as both a non-food reward during training as well as a fun game to build up your dog’s confidence and teach important boundaries. With a mouthy breed like Pitbulls, tug is a great way to teach mouth discipline which is actually healthier than teaching them to never mouth anything.
A game of tug should not be a free-for-all. Nor should it be about dominating your dog into submission. Tug should feel like a game between friends, and yes, it is perfectly okay if your Pitbull buddy wins the game regularly.
Here is how to make the most of the game of tug with your dog:
Put the game on command with an invitation cue. Tug should be a game that you invite with a cue said in a fun tone, such as “Tug it!” This lets your pup know that they need to be in your good graces before they get to play one of their favorite games.
If your Pitty tries to initiate a game of tug by trying to grab something out of your hand uninvited, then do not reward this kind of behavior with a game of tug. Instead, correct the behavior with a stern “No!” and ignore her for a few minutes.
Put “Drop it!” on cue. The game of tug is an opportunity to practice “Drop it!” with your Pitbull. Periodically say “Drop it!” and then go limp and boring until your dog lets go of the tug. Then get excited and reward her with a toss or invite her back to the game of tug with your “Tug it!” cue.
Enforce the rules of tug with “Game over!” Once your dog has had a chance to fully learn the rules of tug, it is time to start consistently enforcing them. Since she is likely to love the game above all else, taking the game away when the rules are violated is the only tool you need to enforce the rules.
If your canine accidentally touches her teeth to your skin, tries to use her paws on your body, fails to drop the tug promptly when told, or tries to grab the tug out of your hand when you have not invited a tug, then say “Game over!” and simply put the tug toy out of reach and ignore your dog. Wait 5 minutes before starting a new game.
Let your dog win at the game of tug. When it comes to tug, the “old school” trainers would say to never let a dog win at tug for fear they will become aggressive, or “dominant.” We now know this is nonsense. Insecure dogs are more likely to be aggressive than confident ones. Plus, who wants to play a game they always lose? No one.
She doesn’t have to win every game, and sure, she should really be working for it. But letting her win about half of the time just keeps the game fun and engaging for her while building her confidence and bond with you.
A tug toy is not a chew toy. If you want a tug toy to last, you should consider saving it only for the game of tug and avoid letting your Pitbull “free chew” on it which will eventually destroy it. For a free chew toy, check out our section on finding the toughest chews here.
Buy only indestructible dog toys for Pitbulls. Pitties take tug pretty seriously, so many of the tugs on the market just don’t have what it takes to stand up to their powerful jaws. For example, rope bone tugs which are very popular for other breeds, are likely to be shredded in no time if you have a Pitty.
Here are our top recommendations for indestructible Pitbull tug toys:KONG Tug Toy
This durable tug dog toy for Pitbulls made the top of our list because it has several design features that make it stand out. First, it has a good distance between the handle and the bite zone, making it easier to teach your pup how to tug politely.
Second, the ergonomic handle gives you a bit of leverage advantage which is always welcome with strong tug players like Pits.
Third, it is made with the extremely durable material that KONG toys are well known for without sacrificing the flexibility that has just the right amount of give for a great game of tug for those Pitties that love a good strong head shake type of tug.
It’s a little on the pricey side, but worth it for those looking for a well-built tug toy.
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KONG Safestix
For the strongest tug playmates, this Pitbull proof toy is an excellent choice. The thick knobs at the end will give her some leverage, and the soft but tough material will allow her to get a great grip. Plus, there it is large enough to put plenty of room between your hand and the biting end of your Pitty.
This toy comes in several sizes that vary in length and thickness – the largest being the best for aggressive chewers. Even the thickest is plenty flexible for a vigorous game of tug.
One word of caution with this toy – it may not be the best choice if there are smaller kids around. If your dog gives it a good shake and you lose control of the end, it definitely packs a punch when the other knobby end comes swinging around!
In case you are wondering, it does float, making it a great toy for playing some fetch at the lake or pool.
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Dog Puller Tug Rings
The manufacturer calls these “training rings” and it makes a lot of sense. Although we have included them as great tug toys for Pitbulls, they are really multitaskers, making them an all-around great choice among the best Pitbull toys out there.
Despite being incredibly durable, these rings are just the right softness to give your pooch that satisfying bite. The ring design allows you to play a game of tug or combine it with some fetch – just toss it like a frisbee.
They are brightly colored and also float for those canines that love to swim. Each set comes with two rings, which accounts for the slightly higher price tag on this product.
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Best Pitbull Proof Toys – Puzzles Summary
IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES | RATING | |
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KONG Extreme |
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West Paw Zogoflex Toppl |
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Best Pitbull Proof Toys – Puzzles!
Although Bully breeds don’t rank very high on the canine intelligence scale, the truth is that all dogs have a natural inquisitive nature that can be developed with plenty of mental stimulation.
Dog puzzle toys are one of the hottest new trends in canine products for good reason. Professional dog trainers have been on a mission in the last 20 years to get the word out to owners that a balanced dog needs to be mentally stimulated in order to stay balanced and avoid depression, boredom and destructive behaviors.
However, not all puzzle games have what it takes to stand up to a mouthy Pitbull. Read on to find a doggy Einstein toy that your Pitty won’t tear to pieces.
KONG Extreme
KONG was really the first brand on the market that designed the kind of dog toy that is really ready for a lifetime of use, even from strong chewers like Pits. This is the toy that put them on the map. If you choose any toy from this list, this is the one to try first.
KONGs come in a huge variety of colors and sizes so you can find the perfect fit for your pooch. Stuff this toy with some peanut butter and a few pieces of kibble or treats and your buddy will be completely engaged for at least 20 minutes working on getting out the good stuff.
This is a great training toy to get your canine accustomed to spending time in the crate, or to keep her distracted when you have to leave the house. It is the one toy that we would recommend as safe, even when your dog is left unattended.
This is an indestructible Pitbull chew toy that just won’t let you down.PROS
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West Paw Zogoflex Toppl
We are happy to get this toy on your radar. Although they have only been around since 1996, West Paw has already become a leader in eco-friendly and durable pet toys that are built to last.
You actually will need to buy two of these (in interlocking sizes) to really make the most of this puzzle game. Stuffed with kibble and interlocked, this toy dispenses treats as your pooch plays with it for a fun way to make dinner time a great game.
There are no moving parts to make it vulnerable to being destroyed, even by tough chewers. Plus, it comes with a lifetime guarantee so you can make your purchase with confidence. It is easy to clean, just toss it in the dishwasher. If you have a Pit that loves the water, this will double as a fun fetch toy that floats. And, if frisbee is more your thing, West Paw has an indestructible fog frisbee as well!
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Best Indestructible Dog Toys for Pitbulls – Fetch Summary
IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES | RATING | |
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West Paw Zogoflex Air Boz |
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Monster K9 Indestructible Dog Ball |
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Chuckit! Ultra Ball |
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Best Indestructible Dog Toys for Pitbulls – Fetch!
Pitbulls and Pit mixes tend to be a fairly high energy breed with an extended period of “puppy like” behavior well into adulthood. It is one of the reasons that so many cherish these affectionate and playful dogs.
Unless you are in the best shape, wearing your Pitty out on a leash is just about impossible. Luckily, most Pitties will take readily to the game of fetch, the best way to wear him out without even getting off the couch.
An alternative option would be automatic dog ball launchers.
West Paw Zogoflex Air Boz
Besides being eco-friendly and made in the USA, West Paw has been making a splash with their line of indestructible dog toys perfect for Pitbulls. When it comes to balls, they found the right balance of soft enough to be squishy, while light enough to be bouncy, because of their air injection technology.
These balls will float and are made in three bright color choices that make them easy to spot even in murky water or tall grass. The 2.5” size is right for a standard size ball thrower for those that like to throw long. The larger 4” size is big enough for even the largest Pit.
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Monster K9 Indestructible Dog Ball
If your number one priority is finding a ball your Pitbull won’t destroy, this is our top choice for toughness. It is a solid core ball made from durable natural rubber that comes with a lifetime guarantee. If your pup has destroyed the rest, give this dog ball toy for Pitbulls a try.
Because this ball is not squishy, it may not be as interesting as a chew toy, however that is good news if you want a ball that will last through more than a few games of fetch! Don’t try to use it at the lake though. This ball does not float.
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Chuckit! Ultra Ball
Chuckit is a brand that has been on the scene for nearly two decades. Their signature dog toy is the hand launcher which allows you to toss a ball for a very long distance, even if you don’t have a pitcher’s arm.
When it comes to wearing out a high energy dog in a short amount of time, there are few activities that can provide the physical stimulation of a great game of fetch. And, if you need a dog toy for Pitbulls, this will fit the bill.
This is a solid construction ball, but it still packs plenty of bounce. It is durable for even the worst chewers making it one of the best Pitbull toys on the market.PROS
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Conclusion: Find the Best Toys for Pit Bulls
When it comes to finding the right toys for your Pitbull, we hope you will consider thinking through their needs to find products that will satisfy their need for:
- Chew
- Tug
- Mental stimulation
- Physical stimulation
Helping your Pitty check all of these boxes will help him stay balanced and ready for life’s adventures.
Does your Pitbull have his own favorite toy or do you have a funny story to share about Pitbull toy destruction? Feel free to tell us about it in the comments section below.
References
- Sarah Wooten, DVM (29 November 2017) 5 Common Causes of Choking in Pets: Retrieved from https://www.petmd.com/dog/emergency/common-emergencies/5-common-causes-choking-pets
- Gaby Dufresne-Cyr, CBT (21 March 2016) Fear Biters, The Insecure Aggressive Dogs: Retrieved from https://thedogueshop.com/dogue-s-blog/blog/fear-biters-the-insecure-aggressive-dogs
Sharon Elber (M.S. in Science & Technology) - Professional Dog Trainer
Sharon is a professional dog trainer with over 10 years experience. She is also a professional writer that received her M.S. in Science & Technology Studies from Virginia Tech.
For more info on Sharon click here
