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.
Table of Contents
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
- BETTER THAN REAL STICKS – Real sticks are a dirty, splintering mess. The Maplestick’s unique shape means it’s always easy to grab hold and get a good chew going. Upgrade your fetch game.
- DURABLE, LONG-LASTING – Super chewer? Bring it on. The Maplestick is tougher than real sticks and lasts for weeks.
- REAL WOOD FLAVOR – Dogs dig wood flavor, so we use real maple wood. Your furniture legs will thank us.
Last update on 2024-04-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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
- Instinctual Needs: This cool shaped pineapple dog chew toy helps satisfy dogs' instinctual needs and provides mental stimulation. Healthy play is important for dogs' physical and mental development, emotions and behavior. By encouraging healthy play and satisfying instinctual needs, this toy helps solve chewing, separation anxiety, teething, boredom, weight management, crate training, digging, barking and more!
- Safe to chew: Our dog chew toy is extra firm and durable would not be brittle into pieces or broke into halves when chewed on. Made of non-toxic food grade rubber. Tested and approved by German Shepherds, Pit-bulls, American Foxhound, Mastiffs, Alaskan and many other aggressive chewers. While no dog toy is truly indestructible, but this one comes very close.
- Improves Dental Hygiene: Help improve your dog’s dental hygiene to keep them healthy and save money on your dog’s dental bills. Chewing can help clean teeth(dental calculus) and control plaque and tartar, effectively cleans teeth to promote oral health and soothes discomforts from teething.
Last update on 2024-04-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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
- Nylon dog toy provides safer alternative to real sticks, satisfies the natural urge to chew.
- Real-looking bone shape makes it easy for you pet to recognize, creats positive association with toys for dogs and reduces their anxiety and boredom.
- Built to withstand hours of playtime, safe non-toxic, tough and durable.
Last update on 2024-04-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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
- SAFE MATERIAL - chew toys for dogs are made of tight, multi-colored cotton ropes which are natural, non-toxic and absolutely safe for your pet; all puppy chew toys are made to be washable and easy-to-use
- PERFECT SIZE FOR PUPPIES AND SMALL-MEDIUM BREEDS OF DOGS - puppy chew toys will relieve the pain of inflamed gums of your teething puppy and will serve as a fun rope chew toys for dogs
- YOUR FUR FRIEND WILL NEVER GET BORED - sturdy, colorful dog chew toy will help your pet to forget boredom - just let the dog tug or chew these ropes all day long and feel happier and healthier
Last update on 2024-04-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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
- Large Dogs (Up to 65 lbs): The KONG Extreme black rubber toy is 2.75" by 4"; it helps satisfy dogs' instinctual needs while providing mental stimulation and encouraging healthy play
- Fetch and Chew Toy: The KONG Extreme's unpredictable bounce makes for exciting games of fetch and other interactive play with your pet. This is a fun way for extreme chewers to get the exercise they need
- Stuffing: The stuffable KONG Extreme is even more enticing when treat filled with bits of kibble, peanut butter, KONG Easy Treat, Snacks or Ziggies. Bonus: For an added challenge, freeze stuffed KONG for 4-6 hours before giving to your dog. (Dishwasher safe for easy clean up)
Last update on 2024-04-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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
- 🐕 MODERN STYLING - Willie Bones are designed with the most beautiful modern styling so that your puppers will have a blast chewing and playing and look great doing it too!
- 🐶 IT BOUNCES AND FLOATS WITH EASE - Imagine your fur baby having the time of his or her life! This floating toy is amazing for playing fetch by land or by sea!
- 🐕 GOOD AND GOOD FOR THEM - Willie Bones are made with 100% natural rubber and are non-toxic, BPA and Phthalate free! Chewing is crucial for jaw strength, oral health and cleanliness, relieving separation anxiety and curing boredom!
Last update on 2024-04-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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 Wabbit is a large toy measuring 12" in length.
- Made with Fluff & Tuff’s unique, ultra-plush outer fabric. Thick, durable Tuffweb mesh liner.
- All seams are concealed, generously folded and double stitched.
Last update on 2024-04-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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
- Meet Monsieur Acorn - He's the cutest toy around and densely packed with stuffing and an interactive element! Unwrap this fluffy acorn and discover a hidden surprise - a smaller nut with a spiky ball to keep your pup entertained for hours
- Two Toys in One - This 2 in 1 dog toy features a unique design that allows you to tear apart the toy and reveal another toy inside! Keep your pup entertained with a themed dog toy with toy inside. Have hours of fun with our variety of dog toys for destroyers
- Interactive Dog Toy – This tearable dog toy is designed to be longer-lasting and surprise your pup with layers of fun! Non-toxic plush from quality manufacturers makes it safe for all pets so you can enjoy playtime without worry
Last update on 2024-04-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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
Last update on 2024-04-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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
- DURABLE STICK TOY: With all the taste and texture of real wood, this BBQ flavor doggy chew satisfies your dog’s natural chewing instincts with a tough, safe and non-toxic alternative to wooden sticks.
- NO SPLINTERING: Safer than chewing real sticks and branches which can harm your dog’s mouth, these tough chewable dog toys combine real wood with durable synthetic strength.
- MESS FREE CHEWING: Keep chewers occupied to help reduce and redirect destructive chewing behavior. Unlike natural sticks, Dogwood chew toys minimize mess on your floors.
Last update on 2024-04-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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.