We all love our four-legged fur-babies, and we want them to have the best of everything. Most of the time we worry about how to keep them physically healthy.
Is she getting enough protein in their diet? Is he getting enough exercise? Is he/she getting the appropriate mixture of each? It’s all about balance, you know?
These questions can be endless, but the answers out there.
Sadly, the question we ask ourselves the least might be whether or not our dogs are getting the most out of their toys.
Are we buying the right toys for our dogs? Just as all dogs are not built the same, all dog toys are not built the same.
The bulldog is, perhaps, one of the most challenging breeds of dog to buy toys for, or at least to keep them happy and occupied for long.
Their flat snouts and unique mouth structure make it difficult to find something that they love.
Bulldogs also deserve the best dog food, so if you are undecided on the right brand for you check out our list of the best dog food for bulldogs.
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What Makes Buying Bulldog Toys So Tough?
Bulldogs have a unique facial structure. This can cause problems when picking up toys.
Things to consider:
Breathing Problems
Vigorous play is not always recommended for bulldogs, because they tend to have trouble breathing similar to that found in boxers.
The best toys for this breed are things that don’t require more than a short burst of energy or something they can lay around with.
Crowded Teeth
It is common for a bulldog to develop crowded teeth as they grow due to the lack of space in their jaws.
This can make it difficult for a bulldog to grasp things with their teeth.
What Makes a Toy Good or Bad for Bulldogs?
Now that you have a bit more information about why bulldogs are hard to buy for, let’s take a moment to consider what characteristics to look for when purchasing your dog’s toys.
Shape
Because of the bulldog’s short muzzle, it’s important to consider the shape of the toys that you’re buying.
Bulldogs appreciate a toy that stands a bit off the floor, making it easier to pick up. Rather than perfectly round balls, you should for ones that have pockets or grooves in them to help your dog grasp it.
Durability
Again, because bulldogs spend a considerable amount of time being sedentary, they appreciate something with a good chew. Durability is key.
Their powerful jaws make them capable of chewing through most toys very quickly, while we’d hate for to find a new favorite, today, only for it to be gone tomorrow, this can also get expensive.
Material
Dog toys come in all shapes and varieties from plushies to hard plastic.
Bulldogs can be very cuddly and may enjoy a stuffed friend from time-to-time, but when they want to chew, it’s going to take something a bit stronger.
In this case, it’s best to pick a material that your dog cannot simply bite through or shred.
What Are The Best Bulldog Toys?
Benebone Maplestick/Bacon
The Benebone comes in either Maple Wood flavor or Bacon flavor. You can purchase the Benebone in three different sizes, small, medium, or large.
They’re said to be better than real sticks, chiefly because they are more durable and do not crack and splinter. Benebone is made in the USA and they guarantee their product will live up to your heavy chewer.
We like this product for bulldogs because the knobs on the end make it easier to grasp.
Pros:
- The overwhelming majority of dog owners who have tried this product say that it is one of the longest-lasting chew toys they’ve ever purchased.
- Their dogs love them and it really helps them to work off their energy.
Cons:
- The few people who complain about this product, complain because it is not indestructible. It can break. While breaking is rare, the packaging warns buyers to watch their pet for any signs that the Benebone is breaking.
WENXUAN Pineapple Dog Chew Toys
These Pineapple-shaped chew toys help dogs to satisfy their instinctual need to chew.
It is made from non-toxic food grade rubber and is safe for dogs to consume should it break, but the chances of it breaking are unlikely.
This product is rated for the toughest of chewers and helps to maintain good dental hygiene.
Because the inside is hollow, it’s great for stuffing with any of your dog’s favorite treats and is machine washable.
Backed by a lifetime replacement guarantee.
Pros:
- Most buyers of this product say that it has defied expectations with its durability and that their pets are really happy with it.
Cons:
- The number one complaint amongst those who have purchased the WENXUAN Pineapple say that their dogs have bitten the green tops off of the pineapple very quickly, and a chemical odor that does not wash away easily.
Tikaton Indestructible Dog Toy Bones
Tikaton Indestructible Dog Chew Bones come in two different sizes, medium and large, and they are beef flavored. The large knobs on the ends make it ideal for bulldogs to pick up.
These bones are made of nylon and do not break like real sticks. The tempting beef scent makes this non-toxic chew toy a tantalizing anxiety reliever for any bigtime chewer.
Pros:
- It lasts longer than other bones/toys they’ve tried,
- Its beefy scent holds a dog’s interest longer.
Cons:
- Most negative comments about this product seem to complain that their dog was able to chew off small pieces of it very quickly.
- Also, some people say their dog did not prefer the beef scent.
Teething Ropes
Teething ropes are a general category of toy. We’ve seen these in every store and all over the internet. They’re made of safe-to-chew, non-toxic cotton material.
The big knots tied into them at consistent intervals offers great handholds for you and wonderful purchase for your dog’s jaws. They are durable and washable.
Pros:
- These are great for smaller dogs and more relaxed chewers, but soft enough to make grasping them and playing with them easy for any dog.
Cons:
- Hyperactive chewers and dogs who produce excess drool tend to shred the ropes and unravel the knots.
KONG Extreme Dog Toy
You’ve probably seen this one at the store. It looks like a three-tiered rubber ball with a hole through the middle.
The whole can be filled with cheese or peanut butter, or other snacks, and dogs can get lost in chewing and licking these.
Their durable rubber construction makes them almost indestructible.
Their unique shape makes them bounce in unpredictable ways making them ideal for dogs that are easily bored.
The KONG ball comes in several different sizes.
Pros:
- The majority of those who have purchased this product say that it is one of the best toys they’ve found for their strong chewers.
- It provides their pet with plenty of playtime and chew time.
Cons:
- The number one complaint about this product from those who purchased it is that their heavy chewer, chewed right through it within an hour.
Willie Bones
This product features a sleek modern style and bright coloring. The Willie Bone is billed as a one-size-fits-most product.
The bone bounces in exciting ways due to its polyhedral surface and floats in water. It is made with non-toxic, BPA-free rubber, making it safe for any dog.
Pros:
- The number one positive characteristic reported by people who bought this product is that it really is fun for dogs of all sizes and that it does not squeak
Cons:
- Many who have purchased this product say that it is not suitable for heavy chewers and the scent is not appetizing
Fluff & Tuff Walter The Wabbit
Walter The Wabbit is a twelve-inch-long tough plush toy. All seams are concealed, folded inward, and doubles stitched.
It’s stuffed with a new, non-toxic polyfill that is ideal for playing. The eyes are embroidered so that if torn off they will not be a swallow hazard.
Pros:
- These plush toys are perfect for cuddling, last longer than the average plush toy, and are non-toxic.
Cons:
- While these are tougher plush toys, people who have purchased this toy have noted that it does not hold up against heavy chewing.
Barkbox Dog Squeak Toys
These squeak toys from Barkbox is a two-in-one plush dog toy. You can get them in one of two sizes, small and medium/large, and two different shapes, acorn and pineapple.
Like most plush toys, these toys are easily torn, but what makes these interesting is that they are made to be ripped open to expose a second smaller toy.
They’re made with non-toxic plush and contain a spiky rubber ball on the inside.
Pros:
- These toys are perfect for a good afternoon cuddle, and people who have purchased it say that it is great for their heavy chewing dogs.
Cons:
- From those who have purchased this toy, we would say that this is not a great buy for large, active players
Ucho Chew Dog Toys
These Ucho brand, dog chew toys are made of durable, non-toxic rubber. Ucho chew bones are BPA and odor-free, they float on water and bounce when thrown.
These bones are great for nervous chewing and cleaning teeth.
Not only do these toys come in a rubber bone shape, but you can also get them in other various shapes and different levels of hardness.
Make certain that you choose the correct rubber before purchasing.
Pros:
- People who bought this say that their dogs love them, they are durable enough not to break but soft enough to chew.
Cons:
- Large and energetic dogs can still break these, also you must make certain to purchase the correct hardness of rubber for your dog.
Petstages Dogwood Chew Toys
These non-toxic Dogwood stick toys are shaped like real branches and are made with real wood. They simulate real wood flavor and texture, without all the mess of splintering sticks.
Another positive is that these Dogwood sticks are much easier on the mouth than a real stick while still satisfying your dog’s instinctual need to chew.
This product comes in an array of sizes from petite, small, medium, to large. It’s slight curve helps make these sticks easier for your bulldog to pick up.
Pros:
- From Bulldog owners, we hear that not only is this a great product that keeps their pup busy, but it also has the added benefit of substituting your dog’s destructive wood chewing habits.
Cons:
- Those that have purchased this product have complained that it breaks off in large chunks and does not last very long.
Conclusion
After reviewing this list of ten dog toys, you may see a pattern in style and construction. Among all of them, there is a clear winner for the Bulldog.
Soft teething ropes and plush toys like Walter the Wabbit are great for the Bulldogs’ crowded teeth and relaxed playing needs.
But, from this list, the Tikaton Indestructible chew bones are the best in our opinion. These bones have an enticing beef scent that will keep your pup coming back for more.
The large knobs on the ends of the bone raise its center off the floor and make it easier for your dog’s flat muzzle to grasp.
The Tikaton’s extreme durability will hold-up to your bulldog’s long hours of aggressive chewing, keeping them distracted from other candidates such as shoes.
But know that all these products can still be a great choice for your Bulldog. This is just our personal preference from the products provided on this list.