Pull Apart Dog Toy: 3 Choices for Safe Enrichment

We’ve all been there–picking out a cute stuffed animal for our pup only for them to rip it open and tear the stuffing out immediately. Before you know it, your house looks like a winter wonderland with white fluff all over the ground, and the once cute stuffed animal an empty sack on the floor. You know your dog enjoyed it, but now you’re left to clean up the mess, and you wonder if the money you spent was worth such a short period of enjoyment. Sure, you could pick up the fluff and try to restuff it. But most likely, it will end up in the trash not long after you bought it. Stuffed animals have always been a favorite pull apart dog toy among pups, but they were never intended for that purpose.

What if you took a different approach? What if there was a toy that was meant to be destroyed? Well, you’re in luck! The pet industry has taken notice of our plight as pet parents whose dogs have been tearing through stuffed animals (and pillows and blankets!). We now have the option of investing in pull apart dog toys which are meant to be ripped apart and put back together. These innovative toys are designed to endure multiple ripping sessions with the added bonus of encouraging problem-solving, promoting interactive play, and satisfying their natural instincts.

Pull apart dog toys are essential for pet parents who strive to keep their dogs stimulated in a safe, engaging way. There are safe enrichment toys for dogs that are designed to be durable and entertaining! Let’s take a look at some of the safest and most engaging pull apart dog toys of 2025.

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Why a Pull Apart Dog Toy Is Worth It

Dogs have natural instincts that can lead to mischief if they are not thoughtfully engaged. This can look like digging, tearing, licking, barking, and other undesirable behaviors. When our dogs act out, boredom is often to blame. Puzzles offer a lot of positives to the overall well-being of our pups. Here are some of the top benefits of dog puzzles:

• Mental Stimulation: Dogs have natural instincts that make them want to pull things apart and get into things we would rather they didn’t. Pull apart dog toys are designed to challenge your dog’s problem-solving abilities and keep them engaged. This helps to prevent boredom, which helps to keep your other household items safe! 
• Physical Benefits: Aside from the mental stimulation, pull apart dog toys are physically stimulating. They encourage healthy chewing and pulling, which is a positive physical engagement. 
• Behavioral Benefits: By providing an outlet for your dog’s natural instincts to chew and pull, you will be able to reduce their destructive tendencies for other items in their environment that you would prefer they leave alone. 
• Bonding Opportunities: Designed to be interactive, pull apart dog toys can enhance playtime between you and your dog. Your dog will quickly learn that the fun can keep on going when you reassemble the toy! 

Features to Look for in a Safe Pull Apart Dog Toy

One thing we know for sure, not all dog toys are created equal! When you’re doing your research on pull apart dog toys, there are a few features to take into consideration. 

• Durability: You’ll want a toy that can withstand more than one session with your dog, so finding something that is durable will save you both money and a headache. 
• Non-Toxic Materials: Keeping toxins out of your dog’s body is just as important as keeping them out of your own, so be on the lookout for toys that are BPA-free, phthalate-free, and latex-free. 
• Interactive Elements: A great toy is one that will keep your dog engaged for more than two minutes! Interactive elements like hidden treat compartment, detachable pieces, or tugging features help to keep them engaged for longer. 
• Size Appropriateness: Dog toys are designed with different-sized dogs in mind, so be sure to check the size of the toy before you order! Your golden retriever won’t get the same enjoyment out of a toy that is designed for a pug. 
• Ease of Cleaning: Just throw it in the washing machine? Yes, please! Consider choosing a toy that is easily washable or resistant to dirt and bacteria to help keep your pup safe and your home clean. 
• Safety Features: As with anything that is meant to be chewed, be sure to pick a toy that has smooth edges, secure stitching, and parts that won’t splinter or pose choking risks. 
• Supervision: Be sure to keep a close eye on your pup while they play with any toy, pull-apart toys are no exception. 

Top 3 Safe Pull-Apart Dog Toys for 2025 

Pull apart dog toys should be fun, safe, and mentally stimulating for pups. A variety of factors are taken into account when determining the best option for your dog, including style of play and how aggressive their chewing habits are. Here are our top picks for safe pull apart dog toys for 2025. 

1. BARK Dog Toy 2 in 1 Interactive

Key Features:

Why It’s Suitable

Available in a variety of styles and two sizes, these multi-layer pull apart dog toys feature a rip-and-peel design. The outer layer of the toy has a crinkly texture that provides additional stimulation for your pup. Once removed, a spiky squeaker ball toy is found inside! Designed for aggressive chewers, this toy lasts through many play sessions. Constructed of two outer layers and a rubber ball, there is no stuffing to be ripped out of these toys. That means more play with less mess for pet parents! The construction of this toy is strong enough to withstand playful tugging during interactive play. Easy enough to grip and strong enough to hold shape, these can be great tug toys for dogs.

Highlights

This toy comes in two sizes and a variety of styles. At a reasonable price point for the size, pet parents can invest in multiple styles to keep their dogs thoroughly entertained. Designed to withstand aggressive chewing, the material is both durable and engaging for pups. BarkBox recommends machine washing their toys.

Things to Consider

Unlike other pull apart dog toys, these are not meant to be put back together. Once the top layer is torn to reveal the toy underneath, there is no method for re-stuffing and resealing the toy. However, most pet parents report that their dogs often do not get past the first layer.

2. Frisco Volcano & Dinosaurs Hide & Seek Puzzle Plush Squeaky Dog Toy

Key Features:

Why It’s Suitable

This pull apart dog toy is shaped like a volcano and designed with three holes and six squeaky dinosaurs. To use, you place the dinosaurs inside the volcano. Situate the dinosaurs in a way there they will need some maneuvering to be pulled out of the holes. After it is stuffed, give the toy to your dog and watch as they work the dinosaurs out through the three holes. Once your pup pulls out a dinosaur, they will be delighted to find out that it squeaks! After they are able to pull out all of the dinosaurs, you can place them back in the volcano for another round of ripping fun. The hide-and-seek design of the toy is mentally stimulating, and the squeak feature of the dinosaurs is engaging.

Highlights

The design and squeaky features make this an engaging toy. The material is soft, which is great for both playtime and cuddling. Designed for small and medium dogs, this is a durable toy that will last for many playtime sessions.

Things to Consider

This toy comes in one size, so it is only suitable for small and medium dogs. While the material is durable, it is not for heavy chewers. This toy is also recommended to be spot-cleaned only.

3. Tearribles

Key Features:

Why It’s Suitable

If your dog likes to pull and tear, Tearribles might be the toy for them. Designed to be used as an interactive dog toy between pet parents and their pups, this tear apart dog toy provides a playful tugging experience without creating a mess. Industrial strength velcro holds the limbs into place on this toy, which allows dogs to rip and tear them off without damaging the toy. This design feature makes these appealing toys for dogs who like to shred! Once removed, you can quickly and easily reattach for another round of fun. Available in a variety of sizes and styles, these velcro dog toys can be a safe and entertaining option for most dogs. There is also the added bonus of a hidden treat pocket! Put your dog’s favorite treat inside and watch as they use their problem-solving skills to find it.

Highlights

Lined with a strong mesh, this toy is more difficult for dogs to rip it open. The strong velcro keeps removing the limbs a challenge for the dogs but a breeze for pet parents to reattach. Great for engaging and interactive play, the experience can be tailored by removing the squeaker and adding a treat. Soft and cuddly, these toys are also machine washable!

Things to Consider

No dog toy is completely indestructible, and the same can be said for Tearribles. Heavy chewers would be able to destroy these, even though they are more durable than most plush toys. Designed to be an interactive toy, dogs should be supervised when using this toy. A bit more expensive than other toys in this category, your dog’s playing preferences should be considered before investing.

How We Choose the Products to Include

While all dogs have their own personalities, they also have their own preferred style of play. When choosing these products, we considered the type of play that they promote, the durability that can be expected, and the value of the product. All of these products feature high-quality materials and thoughtful designs that are made to mentally stimulate dogs while appealing to their natural instincts to rip and tear. With the help of community forums and product reviews, we were able to determine the highest-rated pull apart dog toys that checked off the most boxes. While no dog toy is indestructible, these toys are above-average in their ability to withstand vigorous play.  

Conclusion/Additional Tips for Choosing Pull-Apart Toys for Dogs

Investing in durable pull apart dog toys is a great way to keep your pet engaged while reducing the mess. Hide-and-seek, rip-and-peel, and pull-and-tear designs offer a variety of options for interactive play. When choosing a style, consider how your dog prefers to play. Some styles may appeal more to different breeds. It’s also important to consider your dog’s size when choosing the best toy for them. Pull apart dog toys have the potential to keep your dog entertained and engaged for longer, which makes them happier. Pet parents can feel good about investing in toys that are designed to last longer while providing mental stimulation for their dogs. 

Feature Image via Tearribles