KONG Extreme Dog Toy, Large

The KONG Extreme is the black, tougher version of the familiar snowman-shaped KONG. It is made of natural rubber with a hollow center you can stuff with food, and it bounces in odd directions for fetch. This pick is the Large size.

Who it suits

Dogs of about 30 to 65 lbs that chew hard and go through regular rubber toys quickly. If your dog is a determined chewer near the top of that range, KONG suggests going up a size or two.

Key facts

• KONG calls it the most durable strength of its rubber, made for power chewers (brand claim) (KONG)
• Large is listed for dogs 30 to 65 lbs; sizes run from Small to XX-Large (KONG)
• Can be stuffed with kibble or treats and frozen for a longer challenge (KONG)
• Natural rubber, made in the USA (KONG)
• Power chewers may need to size up one or two sizes (KONG)

What reviewers say

Inverse ranked it first among toys for aggressive chewers, saying the black rubber stays flexible and bouncy but is very hard for dogs to chew through. A veterinary dentist writing for Cornell University names Kong toys as a good chewing option.

Pros and cons

• Pro: KONG’s toughest rubber, built for power chewers
• Pro: Works as a food puzzle as well as a chew and fetch toy
• Pro: Five sizes, so large dogs can size up
• Con: Not chew-proof, so it still needs checking for damage
• Con: Stuffed food means cleaning out the inside often

Cautions

• Use only under supervision, remove all packaging and stop using it if it is damaged, as KONG advises.
• Size up: choose a size your dog cannot fit fully in its mouth. A toy that is too small is a choking risk.
• Replace it when it shows deep cuts, tears or missing pieces.
• A chew should have some give: if you cannot dent it with a fingernail it may be too hard for teeth (Cornell).