While not indestructible, fire hose dog toys are a durable alternative to plush toys. Here’s our guide to the best fire hose toys, along with tips for choosing the right option for your pup.
If your pet destroys soft toys in minutes, a fire hose dog toy could be a great option. Made from new or recycled fire hose material, these toys are a hard-wearing alternative for light-to-moderate play.
Unlike ultra-durable rubber toys, fire hose toys are soft on your pup’s mouth, while tough enough to withstand a good degree of canine punishment. They’re not indestructible chew toys – and should always be used under supervision – but can be a match for many dogs.
The right fire hose dog toy depends on your pet’s breed and the games they like to play. There’s a huge variety of fire hose toys on the market, so it’s no surprise that some owners find the options a little confusing.
In this guide, I’ll explain the benefits of fire hose toys and how to use them safely. I’ve also recommended five of the best fire hose toys for dogs, so you can find the ideal match for your pup.
Our #1 Pick: Outward Hound Firehose Squeak N Fetch
Tough toy with double-stitched seams and a squeaker
The Outward Hound Squeak N Fetch is our top pick for a firehose dog toy. Made with tough firehose material and double-stitched seams, it’s much more durable than the average soft toy (although not indestructible.) It also doesn’t have any weak appendages for your pup to target.
What Are the Advantages of Fire Hose Toys?
As the name suggests, fire hose toys are made from ultra-durable fire hose material.
Modern fire hoses are built with tightly woven natural and synthetic fibers, together with elastomers for flexibility. The inner liners are made from synthetic rubbers that prevent the hose from rotting if stored wet.
This combination ensures the hose is resilient to high pressures, as well as being resistant to splits and punctures. It also makes fire hose a great choice for durable dog toys!
Most fire hose dog toys have a tube design made with newly manufactured fire hose, but some use recycled material. Toys are usually dyed bright colors, before being cut, folded, and stitched up at the ends.
Here are some advantages of fire hose dog toys:
- Durable yet soft – Many durable rubber toys, like standard Kongs, can be tough on your dog’s teeth and gums. Fire hose dog toys aren’t as durable as dense rubber, but are stronger than soft toys and gentle on your pet’s teeth. Their flexibility also means that most models include squeakers, which isn’t possible in rigid rubber toys.
- Eco-friendly options – While most models are manufactured from new fire hoses, there are environmentally-friendly options that use recycled fire hoses.
- Often buoyant – The majority of fire hose dog toys float, which makes them a great choice for water-loving pups. Always make sure your dog wears a life jacket when near water though.
- Variety of designs – Fire hose toys come in a range of sizes and designs, so there’s an option for every pup. Some models have extra pieces of hose stitched or glued on, to create interesting designs. Others are folded over multiple times to make frisbee-like discs that are great for games of fetch.
Note: Toys made from recycled fire hoses should always be washed multiple times to remove dirt before giving them to your dog. This is particularly important when buying from small, independent sellers on websites such as Etsy.
Is Fire Hose Material Safe for Dogs?
Yes, fire hose material is safe for dogs – so long as it’s properly washed (if recycled) and used under supervision.
As mentioned earlier, fire hose material is tightly woven fabric that’s tough and tear-resistant. It can withstand light to moderate strength play, but should only be used when you can keep an eye on your pup.
Despite marketing claims, these are not chew toys and aren’t suitable for the most aggressive chewers. Instead, they are a durable alternative to soft toys.
If you leave your dog alone with a fire hose toy to chew to their heart’s content, it won’t stand up to the punishment. Unfortunately, this leads to many fire hose toys receiving bad reviews, simply because dog owners have unrealistic expectations.
The design also affects durability. Fire hose toys are usually weakest at the seams, and plush appendages are vulnerable to destruction.
If you have a dog who often destroys their toys in minutes, we recommend avoiding fire hose toys with plush attachments. Toys with appendages are also best avoided if your dog likes to play tug of war, as they are a weak area that will get ripped off pretty quickly.
Note: If your pup is a champion toy destroyer, we recommend checking out our guide to indestructible dog toys instead.
5 Best Fire Hose Toys for Dogs
Listed below are five of the best fire hose dog toys. We’ve chosen a range of types, so there should be a toy to suit most dogs.
The Outward Hound Firehose Squeak N Fetch toy is a great option for fun-loving pups who may be too rough for a regular plush dog toy.
This toy is available in a choice of three sizes. It’s made from real firehose material with double-stitched seams for extra durability against fraying and tearing. The deep red color stands out against the surroundings for visibility, so your pup can easily track it through the air when playing fetch.
The Outward Hound is simple in design, without any plush appendages or tug of war loops. This limits the games you can play with your pup, but also means it has limited weak points for determined chewers to target.
As this toy is buoyant, water-loving dogs can enjoy playing with it while swimming, too. The built-in squeaker is great for keeping your pup engaged, but it isn’t quite as durable as the rest of the toy.
- Brand: Outward Hound
- Plush Appendages?: No
- Squeaker(s)?: Yes
- Double-stitched seams for enhanced durability
- No plush appendages or attachments means limited weak points
- Built-in squeaker increases engagement
- Lack of plush appendages or attachments limits the games you can play
- Squeaker is less durable than the rest of the toy
If you have an energetic pooch, the Katie’s Bumpers Frequent Flyer Square Firehouse Toy is worth checking out.
This toy is made from a folded and stitched length of firehose, and designed to look like a frisbee. It has poor aerodynamics and won’t fly far (especially compared with regular dog frisbees,) but it’s still a great option for games of fetch with your pup.
The seams are double-stitched for durability, but these are limited to a few key places to reduce weak points. It also has no plush appendages, so there are fewer vulnerable areas for your pup to target. Despite its hard-wearing design, this toy is still soft and gentle on your dog’s mouth.
For extra engagement, the Katie’s Bumpers Frequent Flyer comes with two built-in squeakers to really ramp up the fun. Unfortunately, they are also the weakest part of the toy, so if your dog is a strong chewer, don’t expect them to squeak for long.
This firehose toy is suitable for all breeds and is available in a choice of two sizes. The textured material and ring design make it easy for your dog to get a good grip if they have a short snout. We also like that it’s buoyant.
Katie’s Bumpers Frequent Flyer Square Firehouse Dog Toy has a frisbee-style design that’s great for energetic dogs. While it doesn’t fly as far as a real frisbee, the durable materials, lack of appendages, and double stitching make it perfect for dogs with strong jaws. It also floats and comes with two built-in squeakers for extra fun.
- Brand: Katie’s Bumpers
- Plush Appendages?: No
- Squeaker(s)?: Yes
- Double-stitching and lack of appendages means fewer weak points
- Frisbee-style makes it great for energetic dogs
- Squeakers and buoyancy for extra fun
- Squeakers don’t last long if your dog likes to chew
- dog likes to chew Not as aerodynamic as a real frisbee.
The Outward Hound Fire Biterz Toucan is a top pick for dogs who play rough with their toys. It’s not completely indestructible, of course. But, as it’s made from a combination of fire hose and durable ballistic materials, it can withstand strong play.
This hard-wearing toy features a fun, brightly colored toucan design that’s sure to stand out. The seams have top-quality binding that sits flush with the toy, so there are no weak areas for your dog to target. Should they manage to tear it open, the lack of stuffing means there’s nothing inside that your pup can ingest.
The wings and tail of the toucan are good for playing tug of war, but as they’re made from thinner material, they may tear if you have a large or strong dog. It does come with “invincible” inner squeakers, though – so even if your pup punctures them, they will continue to squeak and keep your dog interested.
This toy doesn’t float, so it’s less suitable for water-loving pups who prefer to play fetch at the beach or lake. However, for energetic small to medium-sized breeds who quickly destroy plush toys, the Outward Hound Fire Biterz Toucan is a good choice that’s built to last.
- Brand: Outward Hound
- Plush Appendages?: Yes
- Squeaker(s)?: Yes
- Made from a highly durable combination of fire hose and ballistic materials
- “Invincible” squeakers that will continue to squeak even if punctured
- Flat seams minimize weak areas that your dog can target
- No stuffing inside – increased safety should your pup manage to tear it open
- Doesn’t float, so unsuitable for water-based play
- Wings and tail of the Toucan are weak points that can be torn off by strong dogs
Next on our list is the Hyper Pet Firehose Friends Raccoon. With a cute and colorful design, this hardy toy is a great option for small to medium dogs.
The Hyper Pet features dual layers of double-stitched firehose material. This provides enhanced durability for dogs who like to play rough, while still retaining a soft design.
As it’s quite long and has a plush tail, the Hyper Pet is perfect for playing tug of war with energetic dogs. But keep in mind that the tail is a weak point, so large or strong breeds may quickly tear it off. It also has built-in squeakers, which are great for keeping your pup engaged in interactive play.
Additionally, the Hyper Pet Firehose Friends Raccoon is buoyant, so you can bring it to the beach for your water-loving pooch to enjoy on summer days.
On a side note, the contoured face makes this toy a good choice for short-nosed or brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds. These dogs often struggle to pick up large toys, but they shouldn’t have an issue with the Hyper Pet.
- Brand: Hyper Pet
- Plush Appendages?: Yes
- Squeaker(s)?: Yes
- Two layers of double-stitched firehose to withstand rough play
- Elongated shape with tail is great for games of tug of war
- Contoured face is easy for flat-faced breeds to grasp
- Built-in squeakers keep your pup engaged
- Plush tail is a weak point that large or strong breeds will destroy
Finally, we have the KONG Fire Hose Sqwuggie Dog Toy. Available in a variety of colors, this toy is a good pick for energetic pups who like to play tug of war.
The long, slender design is crafted from tough fire hose material for great durability. The shape is easy for your pup to grip onto, and, even though it’s hard-wearing, the material is soft and gentle on their mouth.
This sturdy toy comes in a choice of three sizes to suit every breed, from little pups to bigger, stronger dogs. The vibrant colors stand out well against the surroundings so your pooch can see it clearly when playing fetch. The built-in squeaker is also great for attracting your dog’s interest, but it tends to wear out quickly.
Perhaps the best feature of the KONG Fire Hose Sqwuggie is the attached handle. This is double-stitched to the body of the toy for extra strength, making it perfect for playing tug of war with your furry friend.
The Kong also floats in water, so it’s a good choice for pups who like to play fetch at the lake or beach.
- Brand: KONG
- Plush Appendages?: No
- Squeaker(s)?: Yes
- Tough fire hose material is durable enough for rough play
- Elongated shape is easy for dogs to grip
- Variety of sizes to suit all breeds
- Attached handle is great for playing of tug of war
- Built-in squeaker doesn’t last very long
- Handle is a weak point
Summary
Fire hose toys are a durable alternative to soft toys. They aren’t chew-proof, and it’s important to have realistic expectations, but they are certainly tougher than the average plush toy.
The best fire hose toy for your dog will depend on their breed and personality:
- For fetch and general play, the Outward Hound Firehose Squeak N Fetch is a great pick. It has a simple appendage-free design that comes in a choice of three sizes. It’s also double stitched for durability and has a built-in squeaker for extra fun.
- More energetic breeds will enjoy the Katie's Bumpers Frequent Flyer Square Firehouse Dog Toy. Shaped like a frisbee, this fire hose toy won’t fly as far as the real thing, but is durable and soft on your dog’s mouth.
- For small to medium breeds who are prone to chewing, the Outward Hound Fire Biterz Toucan is a good choice. This toy has a cute design and features a blend of fire hose and ballistic materials for durability. The squeaker is great for keeping your pup engaged, but the appendages won’t stand up to the punishment of strong dogs.
- The Hyper Pet Firehose Friends Raccoon is best for small and flat-faced breeds. The plush tail is good for gentle games of tug of war, and the contoured face makes it easy for them to pick up.
- The KONG Fire Hose Sqwuggie Dog Toy is great for dogs who like to play tug of war, due to the tough handle. The durable design is soft on your dog’s mouth and has no plush appendages.
Which one is your favorite? Will you be buying one of these fire hose dog toys for your pup? Don’t forget to let us know in the comments below – we’d love to hear from you! You may also want to read our full guide to the best dog toys.
Kelly is a full-time freelance writer who’s passionate about pets and animal welfare. In the past, she has volunteered at shelters and veterinary clinics, worked as a part-time pet-sitter/dog walker, and played a hands-on role in rehoming street animals from the Middle East to forever homes in Europe. When she’s not writing about pets, you’ll find her hiking coastal trails with her rescue pup, Sidney.