A detailed look at the KONG Scrunch Knots Raccoon, including its rope skeleton, stuffing-free design, squeaker, durability, sizing, play style, and who this plush toy is actually best for.
Quick Verdict
The KONG Scrunch Knots Raccoon is an interesting alternative to ordinary plush dog toys because the soft exterior wraps around an internal coiled rope skeleton. KONG says the stretchy sides are designed to create natural movement, while internal knots are intended to satisfy dogs’ natural play instincts. The toy is also stuffing-free, which can mean less loose filling if the outer fabric is damaged.
Its biggest appeal is the combination of plush texture, rope-like resistance, movement, and squeaking. That makes it particularly interesting for dogs that enjoy carrying, shaking, tossing, tugging, or gently chewing plush toys rather than simply cuddling them.
However, this is still a fabric-and-rope toy rather than a heavy-duty rubber chew toy. Dogs that aggressively dismantle plush toys should not be given unlimited unsupervised access to it. For those dogs, a solid rubber toy designed for stronger chewing is generally a more appropriate category.
What Is the KONG Scrunch Knots Raccoon?
A plush toy with a rope skeleton
The KONG Scrunch Knots Raccoon belongs to KONG’s Scrunch Knots line of plush dog toys. Instead of filling the entire toy with conventional stuffing, the plush exterior scrunches around an internal coiled rope. According to KONG, this internal construction provides knots that satisfy natural instincts while the stretchy fabric creates movement during play.
That construction is the main reason this toy is different from a standard plush animal.
A typical stuffed toy gives a dog a soft body to bite, carry, shake, and cuddle. The Scrunch Knots Raccoon adds another layer of texture and resistance through the rope structure hidden underneath the fabric. This can make the toy feel less like a simple stuffed animal and more like a hybrid between a plush toy and a rope toy.
The raccoon design is more than decoration
The raccoon shape gives the toy a long, flexible body that can move when a dog grabs and shakes it. KONG specifically describes the stretchy sides as creating realistic movement intended to encourage play.
For dogs that naturally like to shake toys, this can be a useful design feature. Rather than remaining rigid, the body can compress and stretch around the internal rope.
The current KONG listing identifies the Scrunch Knots Raccoon as SKU NKS12 and lists Medium and Large sizes. KONG’s listed materials are 70% polyester, 25% cotton, and 5% plastic squeaker.
How the Scrunch Knots Raccoon Is Designed
Stuffing-free construction
One of the most noticeable differences is the lack of traditional stuffing. KONG describes the toy as stuffing-free and specifically positions this as a way to create less mess.
This does not mean the toy contains nothing inside. The internal coiled rope forms the structural core, while a plastic squeaker adds the sound element.
The advantage is straightforward: if a dog manages to open part of the plush exterior, there is less loose polyester filling to spread around the room compared with a conventional stuffed toy.
That does not make the toy damage-proof, though. A dog may still pull apart fabric, expose rope, or damage the squeaker. Once structural damage occurs, the toy should be removed.
Internal coiled rope and knots
The rope skeleton is the defining feature of the Scrunch Knots design. KONG describes the internal rope as coiled and says the internal knots satisfy natural instincts.
This gives the toy a different mouthfeel from an ordinary plush animal. A dog can encounter the soft exterior and then feel the firmer rope structure underneath it.
That combination can be particularly appealing to dogs that enjoy grabbing, shaking, and wrestling with toys. It can also make the toy easier to manipulate than a completely flat plush toy.
Stretchy sides and movement
The fabric isn’t simply wrapped tightly around a rigid shape. KONG says the stretchy sides create natural movement that encourages play.
This matters because movement can change how a dog interacts with a toy. When a dog pulls one part of the raccoon, the body can flex and scrunch rather than behaving like a solid object.
That makes it suitable for games involving tossing, carrying, shaking, and gentle tugging, although it should not be treated as a dedicated heavy-duty tug toy.
KONG Scrunch Knots Raccoon Play Experience
Good for dogs that like to shake and carry
The shape and internal rope structure make this toy particularly suited to dogs that enjoy physical interaction with plush toys.
Instead of being primarily a stationary comfort toy, the Raccoon is designed around movement. The flexible body can be grabbed at different points, carried around the house, tossed, or shaken.
That makes it a natural fit for dogs whose favorite plush-toy routine is something like grab → shake → toss → chase → carry.
Because the toy has a soft exterior, it can also transition from active play to quieter carrying or cuddling.
The squeaker adds another layer of interaction
KONG includes a squeaker in the Scrunch Knots Raccoon, and the current product specifications identify a plastic squeaker as part of the toy’s material composition.
For dogs that enjoy squeaky toys, the sound can provide an immediate reason to investigate and interact with the toy.
The squeaker also gives the dog feedback when the toy is squeezed or bitten. This can make the Scrunch Knots Raccoon more engaging than a silent plush toy.
On the other hand, squeakers are not suitable for every household. Some owners simply prefer quiet toys, while some dogs become extremely focused on locating and removing the squeaker. If your dog routinely destroys toys specifically to get to the squeaker, supervision becomes especially important.
A hybrid play style rather than a single-purpose toy
The strongest argument for the Scrunch Knots Raccoon is versatility.
It isn’t just a plush toy. It isn’t just a rope toy. It isn’t primarily a chew toy. Instead, it combines elements of several play styles:
- Plush carrying and cuddling
- Squeaky play
- Shaking and tossing
- Gentle tug-style interaction
- Light chewing
- Texture exploration through the rope skeleton
That makes it especially interesting for dogs that switch between several ways of playing with the same toy.
Durability: How Tough Is the Scrunch Knots Raccoon?
The rope skeleton helps, but it does not make the toy indestructible
The internal rope gives the Scrunch Knots Raccoon a structural advantage over a plush toy that contains only fabric and stuffing. However, it is important not to confuse an internal rope skeleton with a heavy-chewer construction.
The outer layer remains fabric. The toy also contains a squeaker. A determined dog can potentially damage either component.
So while the rope structure makes the design more substantial than an ordinary stuffed animal, it should not be marketed as an indestructible dog toy.
KONG’s broader guidance emphasizes that dogs should be supervised with toys and that no dog toy should be considered completely indestructible.
What about aggressive chewers?
If your dog is a true power chewer that routinely destroys fabric toys, the Scrunch Knots Raccoon is probably not the type of toy to leave available for unrestricted chewing.
The important distinction is between interactive plush play and destructive chewing.
A dog that gently mouths a plush toy, carries it, shakes it, and occasionally chews it is interacting with the product in a very different way from a dog that immediately searches for seams and attempts to rip through the material.
For dogs in the second group, KONG’s own product guidance for its Knots-style plush toys points owners toward KONG rubber toys for tough chew sessions.
How to extend the toy’s useful life
The simplest strategy is to use the Scrunch Knots Raccoon for the type of play it is designed to encourage rather than treating it as an all-day chew object.
Inspect the seams, fabric, rope exposure, and squeaker area regularly. If your dog starts pulling out fabric or exposing internal components, stop the session and remove the toy.
Rotating toys can also reduce the amount of continuous wear placed on one item. A plush toy can be used for interactive play while a suitable rubber chew toy is provided for dedicated chewing sessions.
KONG Scrunch Knots Raccoon Size and Best Dog Types
Medium and Large sizes
KONG’s current product page lists the Scrunch Knots Raccoon in Medium and Large sizes. The current specification for the listed NKS12 product gives dimensions of approximately 4.5 × 14.25 × 3.25 inches and a weight of 0.41 lb.
Because dog-toy sizing is not determined by weight alone, consider your dog’s mouth size, play style, and ability to safely carry the toy.
A toy should be large enough that your dog cannot easily swallow it and should be appropriate for the way your dog interacts with toys.
Is it good for medium dogs?
The Medium size makes the Scrunch Knots concept particularly relevant to medium dogs that enjoy plush toys but need something with more structure than a simple stuffed animal.
It can work well for dogs that enjoy carrying long-bodied toys around, shaking them, or playing interactive games with their owners.
For a medium dog that destroys plush toys within minutes, however, the question is less about physical size and more about chewing style. A correctly sized toy can still be inappropriate for a dog that immediately dismantles fabric toys.
Is it good for large dogs?
The larger version can be a better match for bigger dogs that enjoy substantial plush toys. The long body provides multiple areas for grabbing and carrying.
But large does not automatically mean heavy-duty. A large dog with a gentle play style may enjoy this toy, while a smaller but extremely destructive chewer may destroy it much faster.
For more guidance on choosing toys according to your dog’s physical size, see our guide to choosing the right dog toy size.
Pros and Cons of the KONG Scrunch Knots Raccoon
What we like
- Stuffing-free design: Less loose filling compared with traditional stuffed plush toys.
- Internal rope skeleton: Adds texture and structure beneath the plush exterior.
- Stretchy movement: The body can scrunch and move during interactive play.
- Squeaker: Adds auditory feedback for dogs that enjoy squeaky toys.
- Versatile play: Suitable for carrying, shaking, tossing, and gentle interactive play.
- Distinctive construction: More interesting than a conventional plush animal for some dogs.
- Less stuffing mess: The lack of traditional stuffing can be helpful if the outer material gets damaged.
What to consider
- Not a heavy-chewer toy: Fabric construction limits its suitability for destructive chewers.
- Squeaker may not suit every dog: Dogs obsessed with removing squeakers need close supervision.
- Fabric can still tear: Stuffing-free does not mean damage-proof.
- Internal rope can become accessible: If the exterior is damaged, the toy should be removed.
- Not primarily a chew toy: Its main appeal is interactive plush play rather than sustained chewing.
Who Should Buy the KONG Scrunch Knots Raccoon?
A good match for these dogs
The Scrunch Knots Raccoon may be a good fit if your dog:
- Enjoys plush toys
- Likes squeaky toys
- Likes shaking and tossing toys
- Enjoys carrying toys around the house
- Likes soft toys with some internal resistance
- Enjoys interactive play with an owner
- Is a light or moderate chewer rather than a destructive power chewer
- Likes toys that can transition between active play and cuddling
Who should look elsewhere?
You may want to choose a different toy if your dog routinely destroys plush toys immediately.
If the primary purpose is sustained chewing, look for a toy specifically designed for that job. KONG’s own guidance distinguishes stronger rubber toys from fabric-based toys for tough chewing sessions.
Similarly, if your dog has a history of swallowing pieces from damaged toys, this should be treated as a supervised interactive toy rather than something left out unattended.
How it fits into a toy rotation
The Scrunch Knots Raccoon can work particularly well as one part of a broader toy rotation.
For example, you could reserve the raccoon for interactive play and carrying, use a rubber toy for chewing, a puzzle toy for food-based enrichment, and a fetch toy for outdoor exercise.
This approach gives each toy a clearer purpose and avoids expecting one plush product to handle every type of canine play.
How to Use and Care for the Scrunch Knots Raccoon
Introduce the toy during supervised play
When introducing a new toy, start by watching how your dog interacts with it.
Some dogs immediately carry a plush toy around. Others shake it aggressively. Some focus on the squeaker. Others simply lie down and chew.
Understanding which behavior your dog chooses can help you determine whether the toy is appropriate for continued use.
Our guide to introducing a new dog toy covers additional ways to make new toys part of a dog’s routine.
Inspect it regularly
Check the plush exterior and seams regularly. Pay particular attention to areas where your dog tends to grab the toy.
If the fabric tears enough to expose the rope or squeaker, discontinue use. The same applies if the rope becomes loose or if pieces of the toy start coming away.
KONG’s safety guidance emphasizes supervised use and discontinuing toys when damaged.
Keep the toy matched to the dog’s play style
A simple way to think about this product is:
Plush play + shaking + carrying + light chewing = appropriate use case.
Repeated destructive chewing + immediate dismantling = choose a more appropriate toy.
That distinction can make a major difference in how long the product remains useful.
Cleaning considerations
Because this toy combines fabric, cotton, rope, and a squeaker, owners should follow the care instructions associated with the specific product rather than assuming it should be treated like a solid rubber toy.
A practical approach is to keep the plush exterior clean and dry, inspect it after cleaning, and avoid returning a toy to your dog if moisture or damage has compromised the internal structure.
For more general maintenance advice, you can also read our guide to cleaning dog toys.
Final Verdict: Is the KONG Scrunch Knots Raccoon Worth It?
The key reason to choose it
The main reason to choose the KONG Scrunch Knots Raccoon is its combination of features.
You get a plush exterior, an internal coiled rope, stretchy sides, a squeaker, and a stuffing-free construction. KONG specifically describes the design as using the internal rope and stretchy material to encourage natural play behavior.
That combination makes the toy more versatile than a basic plush animal while preserving the soft feel many dogs enjoy.
The biggest limitation
The biggest limitation is also straightforward: it is still a fabric-based toy.
If your dog treats every plush toy as something to destroy, the internal rope should not be interpreted as permission to use the toy as a heavy-duty chew product. For intense chewing, a purpose-built rubber chew toy is a better category to consider.
Our overall assessment
The KONG Scrunch Knots Raccoon is a compelling choice for dogs that enjoy plush toys but want more texture and movement than a conventional stuffed animal provides.
The stuffing-free construction can reduce the mess associated with traditional plush filling, while the internal rope gives the dog something more substantial to interact with. The stretchy body and squeaker add further interest.
For light-to-moderate play, especially shaking, carrying, tossing, and interactive games, the design makes sense. For power chewing, it should be replaced with a toy designed specifically for that level of use.
Best for: Dogs that enjoy plush toys, squeakers, carrying, shaking, and light chewing.
Less suitable for: Dogs that routinely destroy fabric toys or need a dedicated heavy-chew toy.
Standout feature: Stuffing-free plush body wrapped around an internal coiled rope skeleton.
KONG Scrunch Knots Raccoon FAQ
Is the KONG Scrunch Knots Raccoon stuffing-free?
Yes. KONG describes the Scrunch Knots Raccoon as stuffing-free. Instead of conventional plush filling, the toy uses an internal coiled rope structure beneath the fabric.
Does the KONG Scrunch Knots Raccoon have a squeaker?
Yes. KONG states that the Scrunch Knots Raccoon squeaks for added enjoyment, and its listed materials include a plastic squeaker.
Is the KONG Scrunch Knots Raccoon good for aggressive chewers?
It should not be treated as a dedicated aggressive-chewer toy. The fabric exterior can be damaged by dogs that aggressively dismantle plush toys. For tough chewing, a purpose-built rubber chew toy is a more appropriate category.
Does the Scrunch Knots Raccoon have rope inside?
Yes. KONG describes the toy as having an internal coiled rope, with knots designed to satisfy dogs’ natural instincts.
What sizes does the KONG Scrunch Knots Raccoon come in?
KONG’s current product listing identifies Medium and Large sizes for the Scrunch Knots Raccoon.
Is the Scrunch Knots Raccoon a good toy for large dogs?
It can be suitable for large dogs that enjoy plush toys and light-to-moderate play, provided the selected size is appropriate and the dog is supervised. Large size does not mean the toy is designed for power chewing.
Is the KONG Scrunch Knots Raccoon a chew toy?
It can accommodate light chewing as part of normal play, but its main design is interactive plush play. It should not replace a dedicated chew toy for dogs that need sustained chewing activity.
What makes Scrunch Knots different from normal plush toys?
The major difference is the internal rope construction. The plush exterior scrunches around the coiled rope, and stretchy sides provide movement. The design also eliminates traditional stuffing.
Related Dog Toy Guides
Choose safer and more suitable toys
If you’re comparing the Scrunch Knots Raccoon with other dog toys, these guides can help:
- How to Choose the Right Dog Toy
- How to Choose Safer Dog Toys
- How to Choose Toys for Large Dogs
- How to Choose the Right Dog Toy Size
Explore related categories
You can also browse our Plush Dog Toys, Squeaky Toys, and Large Dog Toys categories to compare different play styles and product types.
For a broader selection, visit our Best Dog Toys hub and explore toys organized by type and purpose.
Considering the KONG Scrunch Knots Raccoon?
If your dog enjoys plush toys, squeakers, shaking, carrying, and light chewing, the Scrunch Knots Raccoon offers a different take on the traditional plush dog toy with its internal rope skeleton and stuffing-free design.
Product information can change over time. Always check the manufacturer’s current instructions, sizing information, and safety guidance before purchasing or using a dog toy.