Multipet Nuts for Knots Ball Review

We purchased the Multipet Nuts for Knots Ball so our reviewer could put it to the test. Keep reading for our full product review.

High-quality dog toys are often expensive, so you might think an affordable toy like the Multipet Nuts for Knots Ball will fall apart after a few minutes of use. However, this toy claims to stand up to tough chewing, so I decided to put it to the test, giving it to Addy, a 7-month-old golden retriever puppy.

Addy “tested” the Nuts for Knots Ball over the course of several weeks, helping us decide whether this inexpensive dog toy is a worthwhile purchase. 

Design: Simple and colorful

The Nuts for Knots Ball is made from cotton rope. Each strand of the rope is made from twisted black and colored threads, and the strands interweave to form the ball shape. I wasn’t able to see any knots or rope ends, which I took as a good sign—dogs know to go for the weak spot! 

The Nuts for Knots Ball comes in three sizes: The small is 2.5 inches, the medium is 4 inches, and the large is 5 inches. I opted for a medium, and overall, the design is straightforward and pretty much what I expected. No bells, whistles, or squeakers here.

One thing that I was kind of disappointed about is you don’t get to choose the color you want when you order this product. They just send you something random. Addy didn’t mind, but I probably wouldn’t have chosen lime green if I had a choice. 

Entertainment Value: Quickly became a favorite

From the minute I gave the ball to Addy, it immediately became her favorite toy. Her shredded stuffed llama was quickly forgotten, and any time she wants to play, she now presents you with the Nuts for Knots Ball. She likes to chase it, play keep-away with it, and bring it in the car. Seriously, she’s obsessed! 

As you might suspect, the ball is best for playing fetch, as it doesn’t have a handle for you to hold onto. That didn’t stop Addy from trying to play tug with it, though. I broke a nail, and that was the end of that. However, Multipet also has a version of the Nuts for Knots Ball with a handle, which is ideal for those pups who love nothing more than a good game of tug of war. I have no doubt Addy would love that toy too. 

While Addy loves this ball, I do question its use as a “chew toy.” She does chew on it occasionally, but she’s more interested in interactive play. She never really sits down to gnaw on it the way she might with a bone. 

Safety: Watch for loose threads

Right out of the package, there’s really nothing I was worried about with this toy. There are no loose ends or small parts for her to swallow, so I didn’t feel like I had to supervise her during use. 

However, I have an inkling that eventually strings will begin to break on the ball, as I have experienced with other rope toys. When this happens, Addy will probably begin pulling threads out, which can be unsafe. At this point, I’ll probably trim back the threads, or if it’s seriously unraveling, I’ll take the toy away. 

The product listing actually recommends this course of action: “No dog toy is truly indestructible, so always remove the toy from playtime if pieces begin to break off.” So while it’s durable, it won’t last forever. 

Durability: It survived the destruction phase

Addy recently got her new adult teeth, and she’s discovered how fun it is to rip apart toys. Within 30 minutes of getting a new plushie, she’ll have ripped off the leg (or head, or arm) and begin pulling the stuffing out with fervor. This destruction phase has been going on for a few weeks, and I find myself picking up pieces of stuffing and shredded fabric multiple times a day. I don’t complain, though, because at least it’s not my couch. 

With that in mind, this ball has been around for about a month, and even though she uses it daily, it’s still in one piece. She’s tried chewing on it, but so far, she hasn’t been able to unravel any of the rope. To that end, I think the construction is quite good! If it can survive this monstrous phase, it can survive anything. 

Ease of Cleaning: No clear instructions

After a few weeks, the Nuts for Knots Ball started looking pretty grimy, but I couldn’t find any instructions from the brand on how to wash it. I think you could probably soak it in soapy water or maybe even put it in the washing machine, but you do run the risk of ruining the toy. Ultimately, Addy didn’t seem to mind that it was dirty, so I just let it be. 

Price: As affordable as it gets

One of the best things about the Nuts for Knots Ball is its low price. A small size costs just $2.99, while the medium I got Addy was $6.79. I’ve purchased lots of toys for Addy, and many of them were more expensive and lasted half as long. These balls are a bargain!

Competition: True chew toys are out there

KONG Dog Toys: If you want to keep your pup busy for a while, you might want to consider a Kong. These rubber toys come in several models including Puppy and Classic, and they’re designed for you to place treats or food inside the inner cavity. Addy absolutely loves KONGs, and they were a key part of her crate training and overall upbringing. 

Nylabone Power Chew DuraChew: If you want a more traditional chew toy, Addy would recommend a Nylabone. The chew toy is made from extremely tough, peanut butter-flavored nylon, and she’ll spend hours chewing on it. It’s been around for months, and it’s still in pretty good shape.