There is no official size to define an extra large or giant dog breed. However, for our specific purpose in this review, we consider an extra large to be over 100 pounds and a giant breed is over 150 pounds. And since we know that extra large and giant breeds can be “ruff” on their toys, we decided to review some of the best.
After evaluating more than 30 toys from extra large dogs, we chose the KONG Extreme Dog Toy as our favorite because it has so many of the features that dogs love and the safety features that they need.
We used specific criteria and found the KONG Extreme Dog Toy is safe, durable, and fun as well as being made in the USA of natural rubber. Another fantastic quality of this toy is that its shape makes it bounce erratically, which entices any pup to chase it. And this is one is the only ones that you can fill with treats or kibble for an extra benefit.
But I understand you might have different needs, whether you’re looking for extra large dog toy to play tug of war with your doggie or a durable frisbee. That is why I prepared a shortlist of our favorite toys that address different styles & needs.
Before we dive into the review section below, we are going to talk about 2 types of dog toys you should not give your pooch and what criteria you should use to make the best selection for your needs. At the bottom, we also answer one of the most im-paw-tant questions our readers asked.
So let’s get started.
These Toys Are Dangerous to Extra-Large & Giant Dogs
Extra large and giant dogs are unique, as anyone with an extra large or giant breed will tell you right from the start. They look, act, and play dif-fur-ent than small, medium, and large dogs. The thing about toys though, means that you have to be extra careful that your fur baby cannot hurt himself playing with them. Because these behemoths can chew and swallow things you would not even worry about with smaller pups.
Even if a toy is cute and fun, that does not mean it is safe. Even those that claim to be safe for dogs, that does not mean that they are safe for extra large or giant dogs. If you have ever had to speed to the emergency veterinary hospital with your pooch that is having trouble breathing because he swallowed stuffing from a toy, you know all about this.
Larger dogs are stronger and can chew through just about anything you put in front of them so you have to make sure that whatever you give him to play with is safe, even if he does happen to chew a piece of it off. It is the stuffing inside those plush toys and the little squeaky mechanism in the squeaky toys that can cause your dog to become very sick or even die.
This means that you should take the time to inspect whichever toy you buy and see where it is made. For some reason, there are many dog toys made in China that have toxic materials or chemicals that can actually cause cancer in dogs. Even if it costs more for a similar toy, your dog is worth it and you would end up spending more at the emergency vet than you would for that safer toy.
Plush Toys
Even little pups should not be allowed to play with plush toys. No matter how adorable they are or how cute your fur buddy looks carrying them around, a plush toy can be destroyed by any dog in minutes. And they will. That is just what dogs do. We recommend you do not give your dog any kind of plush toy. But since you are his owner/parent, it is up to you in the long run.
Squeaky Soft Toys
Squeaky toys are all over the market so you probably wonder why you should not let your dog play with them. This is another seemingly innocent toy that your pup may have been playing with since he was a baby. The squeaky mechanism inside of these toys are enough to drive anyone crazy, especially your dog, whose hearing is much better than yours.
What does a dog do when something drives them crazy? They try to destroy it no matter what it is. Your furry family member will keep trying to get it out no matter how long it takes. And if (when) he gets it out of there, he is likely going to eat it. These are choking hazards that can cause your pup to have trouble breathing or stop breathing completely. No need for that. Just do not give him those toys.
5 Rules Of Thumb When Buying an Extra Large Dog Toy
As soon as you are ready to shop for an extra large dog toy for your pooch, there are some things you need to know that are very im-paw-tant. These include the size of the toy, how durable it is, and what purpose it has. It is also a good idea to see where it was made and how good the warranty is. We go into more detail below.
- Size: Having an extra large or giant dog, you probably already know that you have to make sure to get a toy especially made for dogs of his size. After all, they are stronger and have a bigger mouth so they can chew up and swallow any toy made for smaller dogs. When it comes to size for extra large dog toys, the bigger the better.
- Durability: Our definition of durable may be more extreme than others because we consider a toy to be durable if your pup plays with it often and it lasts more than 6 months. Most toys do not last more than a month. You want to look for toys that are made of a strong material like rubber. Also, if you have an aggressive chewer, take a look at these indestructible dog toys.
- Purpose: One of the most important things to think about is what you want the toy for. Are you trying to get him to stop chewing up your shoes or keep him busy in his crate. Or maybe you want a toy you can play with together. Consider what you want the toy to do before shopping for it.
- Made In The USA: Dog toys are not regulated like dog food is so it is essential that you know where it is made and it helps to know the history of the company. For example, if you are buying a toy from a company that has been selling dog products for 50 years, you can feel good about your purchase. Also, quality control checks in the US, UK, and Germany are much more stringent than other countries.
- Warranty: The longer the warranty, the better the toy. This is almost always the case. If a company believes in its products, it will offer a longer warranty than others. While most products come with a 30-day warranty, look for one that is a bit longer to know that it is made to last.
Our 2024 Review For 10 Best Extra Large Dog Toys
After reviewing more than 30 extra large dog toys using our aforementioned criteria, we chose 10 that we think are the best for extra large and giant dogs. We also went ahead and rated them as what we feel are the best in each specific category listed below.
KONG Extreme Dog
- Material: Extreme natural rubber
- Durability: 9 to 12 months
- Floats: No
- Easy To Clean: Yes
- Warranty: 60 days
- Made In The USA: Yes
- Our Favorite for: Our Top Pick Overall
The KONG Extreme dog toy is made in the USA using globally sourced materials and is designed to last for as long as your dog. Shaped just like the original Kong toy, the unique design makes it fun for your fur baby because of its erratic and unpredictable bounce, making your dog chase it all over the place.
It comes in five sizes to fit any fur baby but the XL and XXL are the only ones you can use for an extra large or giant breed. KONG is made with an even more durable natural rubber material that is almost impawsible for your pup to tear into. And the best part? You can fill it with treats like peanut butter, mashed bananas, cheese, or even wet dog food. Your pooch will play with it for hours.
What We Like:
- Made of extremely durable and natural rubber to last a long time
- There is a hole you can fill with treats or wet food to give your dog extra reason to play with it
- Made in the USA by a company that is well-known for high-quality dog products
- It is easy to clean in the dishwasher
What Dogs Love about it?
- It has an erratic bounce that makes it fun to chase
What We Don’t like:
- Extreme chewers can still tear these up
JW Pet Company Megalast Ball
- Material: Megalastomer (patented thermoplastic rubber)
- Durability: Extremely durable
- Longevity: Years
- Floats: Yes
- Easy To Clean: Yes
- Warranty: 30 days
- Made In The USA: Yes
- Our Favorite for: Affordable
The Megalast Ball is made of a patented thermoplastic rubber called Megalastomer, designed by the JW Pet Company. They are ridiculously durable and may last forever without your dog getting any pieces off of it. It is infused with a vanilla scent that makes your pup want to play with it even more and the unique shape is great for all dogs.
Another fantastic feature is the price. For just over $5, the large is pawfect for extra large and giant dogs. These cool balls are sealed without seams so there is less chance of your dog tearing it apart like so many others. But if he does or if he gets tired of playing with it, you can recycle it and get another. You can even use it for water play since it floats. This one could possibly last forever.
What We Like:
- The price is so low you can buy several, which is good if you have more than one dog
- It is made of a special material that could potentially last forever
- The design is great for carrying the ball without putting holes in it
What Dogs Love about it?
- It smells like vanilla and bounces all over the place
What We Don’t like:
- Aggressive chewers can bite into it after chewing on it for a while
XiaZ Retractable Interactive Dog Toy
- Material: Polyester nylon
- Durability: Very durable
- Longevity: 6 to 9 months
- Floats: No
- Easy To Clean: Yes
- Warranty: 30 days
- Made In The USA: No
- Our Favorite for: Tug of War
XiaZ makes this retractable dog toy for extra large dogs that love to tug. The swinging and bouncing of this tug toy entices any dog into chasing it and trying to drag it from its perch. The durable knotted polyester tug toy hangs from a bungee cord and spring bar. The solid steel carabiner keeps the toy where it is supposed to be.
The safe construction and high-quality materials mean your fur buddy can spend hours tugging on this thing and it will not give in. This is the kind of toy that helps keep your dog fit as well as teaches him agility and strength. It is easy to hang as well, just tossing it over a limb and securing it. Also, it is adjustable for different dog sizes.
What We Like:
- The high-quality materials and craftsmanship means it will last for years
- This helps your dog build muscles and agility while keeping him happy
- It is easy to hang and adjust for all dogs up to 260 pounds
What Dogs Love about it?
- He can pull on it all-day
What We Don’t like:
- You have to have a place to hang it
Chuckit! Ultra Ball
- Material: Rubber
- Durability: Extremely durable
- Longevity: More than a year
- Floats: Yes
- Easy To Clean: Yes
- Warranty: 30 days
- Made In The USA: No
- Our Favorite for: Fetch
This Chuckit Ball is made of the best rubber and was designed specifically for playing catch with your fur baby, unlike tennis balls. Whether you are playing in the backyard, at the park, or at the beach, you do not have to worry about losing it in the water or the woods because it floats and it is bright orange and blue color. The thick rubber is designed for durability too.
In addition, you can use the Chuckit Launcher (sold separately) to give it a good long toss so your pooch gets some real exercise and you don’t wear out your arm. It has an incredible bounce as well, which your dog will appreciate when he is tossing it around by himself. But no toy is indestructible so keep an eye on him when he plays.
What We Like:
- It floats so you can play catch in the water
- The Chuckit Launcher helps you toss it even further
- It is very durable and will last for a long time
What Dogs Love about it?
- It is easy to carry around
What We Don’t like:
- You have to purchase the launcher separately
Starmark Everlasting Bento Ball
- Material: Specially made durable plastic
- Durability: Extremely durable
- Longevity: More than a year
- Floats: Yes/No
- Easy To Clean: Yes
- Warranty: 30 days
- Made In The USA: Yes
- Our Favorite for: Treats dispenser
This incredibly durable treat ball is made by Starmark with a special proprietary plastic that is free of phthalates, vinyl, and latex so it is safe as well as virtually indestructible. It provides hours of play and even cleans your pup’s teeth with the dental ridges on the ball and in the special Everlasting Treat, which is included.
All you have to do is insert the specially made treat into the top and you can put dog treats or kibble in the other end. Your fur baby will spend hours trying to get the treats out and the Everlasting Treat on top may last for weeks, depending on your dog. The treats are filled with protein and so far they only come in chicken flavor but dogs love it. And when it gets dirty, just toss it into the dishwasher.
What We Like:
- Plastic is almost impossible to rip, even if it gets a small tear, they cannot break anything off
- The special treat on top fits perfectly to keep him busy for weeks
- It is dishwasher safe so it can be deep cleaned easily
What Dogs Love about it?
- On one side, the treats are easier to get out
What We Don’t like:
- The treats can get your floor dirty and may stain carpet
Goughnuts Virtually Indestructible Ring Chew Toy
- Material: Natural rubber with carbon reinforcement
- Durability: Extremely durable
- Longevity: Years
- Floats: Yes
- Easy To Clean: Yes
- Warranty: Lifetime replacement
- Made In The USA: Yes
- Our Favorite for: Heavy chewers
All of the Goughnuts rings are made with natural rubber that is reinforced with a special carbon to make it stronger. In fact, they are made with the same rubber that is used in airplanes and they are guaranteed to last forever. Seriously. They have a red inner ring and if your pup chews that far, the company will send you a new one. Forever.
These things even float, so you can toss it in the water when playing fetch and your pooch can still find it. However, the Heavy Duty Pro 50 does not float because it is made of solid rubber and it does not have the red ring. You just have to use your own judgment. Depending on your fur baby’s chewing style, you may never have to replace it but it is good to know that you can.
What We Like:
- They are guaranteed for life no matter what
- You can choose between several styles depending on your dog’s chewing ability
- The inner red ring lets you know if it needs replacing
- It is made from airplane-grade rubber
What Dogs Love about it?
- They can chew on it forever and it massages their teeth
What We Don’t like:
- It is a bit expensive but worth it since it is guaranteed forever
Doggie Dooley Virtually Indestructible Ball
- Material: Hard plastic
- Durability: Extremely durable
- Longevity: 9 to 12 months
- Floats: Yes
- Easy To Clean: Yes
- Warranty: 30 days
- Made In The USA: Yes
- Our Favorite for: Herding ball
If you have a herding dog like any kind of Shepherd or Sheepdog, this ball made by Doggie Dooley, is virtually indestructible and will entertain your fur baby for hours at a time. In fact, you will probably have to take it away to get him to eat or rest. You will love watching your pup push the ball all over the place though.
These come in 4 sizes so you can get the one that is right for your fur buddy. As long as the ball will not fit in his mouth, it is the right size so just make sure. They come in assorted colors so you will not know which color you get until it arrives but your fur baby probably will not care anyway.
What We Like:
- The ball is made of a special plastic that will last forever
- This is a perfect training ball for herders
- They come in 4 different sizes
What Dogs Love about it?
- They are fun to push around
What We Don’t like:
- It is pretty expensive
Jolly Pets Jolly Egg Dog Toy
- Material: Plastic
- Durability: Extremely durable
- Longevity: 9 to 12 months
- Floats: Yes
- Easy To Clean: Yes
- Warranty: 30 days
- Made In The USA: Yes
- Our Favorite for: Active dogs
The Jolly Egg by Jolly Pets has a unique egg shape that gives it a constantly erratic motion unlike a regular ball. This gives your fur baby an enhanced reason to chase it and he will do that for hours. The shape is also designed to slip away when he tries to bite into it so he does not have the chance to chew it up. However, some extra large and giant breeds can get a hold of it.
Some pooch parents have said that their pups have managed to puncture the egg but it is still just as fun and not an issue. The only time you have to worry is if they start to get plastic shredding off of it because your dog may eat those shavings. The egg even floats so water dogs will really love it. Jolly Pets also supports shelter dogs because they believe all dogs should be jolly.
What We Like:
- The unique shape makes it hard to bite as it slips away from your pup
- It is durable enough to stand up to about a year’s worth of constant play
- This is great for herding dogs like collies and shepherds
What Dogs Love about it?
- They can “almost” get a hold of it
What We Don’t like:
- The 12-inch may not be big enough for some dogs
Nerf Dog Durable Nylon Dog Toys
- Material: Nylon
- Durability: Very durable
- Longevity: 9 to 12 months
- Floats: Yes
- Easy To Clean: Yes
- Warranty: 90 days
- Made In The USA: Yes
- Our Favorite for: Frisbee
Nerf has been around since 1969 and they are most well-known for their Nerf guns that shoot foam darts, which dogs love but cannot play with safely. So, Nerf decided to start making dog toys to join in the fun. All dogs love flying discs and this nylon flyer is pawfect for a day at the beach or the lake or just in your backyard.
The light but tough ripstop nylon material is easy to throw and your fur buddy will spend hours chasing after it or however long you can keep throwing it. Really, the only thing wrong with these discs is that they can really wear out your arm before they wear out your pooch.
What We Like:
- Made of light ripstop nylon for hours of fun games of catch
- This Nerf disc floats so your water dog will love fetching them from the water
- You can teach your dog some cool tricks and give him lots of exercise
What Dogs Love about it?
- They love chasing it over and over and over…
What We Don’t like:
- Your arm may get tired of throwing it before your pup is done playing
Jolly Pets Tug-n-Toss Dog Toy
- Material: Rubber
- Durability: Very durable
- Longevity: 6 to 9 months
- Floats: Yes
- Easy To Clean: Yes
- Warranty: 30 days
- Made In The USA: Yes
- Our Favorite for: playing fetch and tuf of war
What are your dog’s 2 favorite games? Fetch and tug of war? This toy from Jolly Pets puts both of those games together to make this Tug-n-Toss toy that will keep your pup busy all day. It is like a big rubber ball with a handle on it so you can play tug with your fur buddy. The handle is also useful for him to toss it around the yard himself while you take a break.
This soft but tough rubber ball will never deflate, even if your dog puts a hole in it and it is almost impossible to destroy. It bounces all over the place erratically because of the handle and your pooch will love chasing it while you love watching him. It even floats so you can play water fetch too.
What We Like:
- You can use it for tug or fetch
- The handle makes it bounce erratically, which your dog will love
- It is super tough and will not deflate
What Dogs Love about it?
- They can even toss it around themselves while you take a break
What We Don’t like:
- The extra large 10-inch is not available anymore and the 8-inch may not be big enough for some dogs
A Common Question From Dog Parent
Is It Okay To Give My Extra Large Dog a Bone?
Bones are a great source of nutrients and minerals and chewing on them increases saliva enzymes, which prevents plaque and gum disease. However, you have to be careful what kind of bones you give your fur baby because some are dangerous.
Some of the ones that you should never let your dog chew on are pork, turkey, and chicken bones. These are softer and can splinter, causing injuries that can even be fatal. You should also avoid cooked bones because they are soft too. Raw beef and lamb bones are okay but watch him with it and take it away after a while.
The Final Woof
The KONG Extreme Dog Toy may not be the best choice for all dogs, but this fun, safe, and versatile extra large dog toy could potentially be the best for almost every pup since they come in different strengths and sizes. After reviewing more than 30 extra large dog toys, we chose this as one of the best extra large dog toys on the market.
We used specific criteria and found that this one has the best durability, value, and fun rating as well as being made in the USA with non-toxic natural rubber.
The funny design of the Kong Extreme Dog Toy makes it bounce all over so your pup can enjoy chasing it for hours. You can even fill it with treats or kibble for a calming toy.
