The market is flooded with dog toys — from puzzles and chew toys to interactive options that will keep your pooch busy. This may leave you wondering how you can choose the best dog toys for your fur baby — a valid question indeed.
We’ve spoken to pet parents of all dog breeds, vets, and trainers, all with the aim of compiling the ultimate list of dog toys for you to choose from. However, you must remember to pick a toy that aligns with your dog’s requirements and preferences. For example, if your pet is an aggressive chewer, choosing an indestructible dog will be the best option. Keep reading to find out more about the types of dog toys that are available and which one of them is the best.
What is the Best Toy to Play With Dogs?
When it comes to playing with your dog, the best toy depends on what your pooch enjoys. However, generally, we suggest that you opt for a durable toy that cannot easily be chewed through. Canines usually enjoy toys that promote physical activity, such as a rope toy where they can play tug of war with their pet parents — this is a way to bond and spend quality time with your pet.
You can also use a frisbee or tennis ball to play fetch — this stimulates both your fur baby’s body and mind. Plus, don’t forget to keep your pooch’s size in mind so that you can choose appropriate options — your dog’s safety is of utmost priority.
What Types of Dog Toys Are There?
There are four different types of dog toys; let’s get to know them a little better below:
Squeaky Toys
These kinds of toys make a noise when your dog bites them — this is known to make canines excited. The toys are typically made from rubber, plastic, or fabric and they come in fun and exciting shapes and a variety of sizes.
Tug Toys
These toys are generally made of rope and are perfect for a pet parent to play with their fur baby. They also give your dog’s muscles a good workout while strengthening the bond that both of you share.
Interactive Toys
Also known as treat-filled toys, these are usually puzzle feeders or treat-dispensing balls that keep your dog engaged and help them deal with boredom by stimulating the mind. With the best interactive dog toys, your pet will have to spend time figuring out how they can get their treat.
Chew Toys
These toys are usually very durable and are crafted from materials such as nylon and rubber. They satisfy the canine’s natural urge to chew while also keeping their dental health in check. The best part about these toys is that they come in different shapes and sizes that are tailored to cater to a wide variety of dog breeds.
Plush Toys
These are probably the most cuddly, comforting toys that you can get for your dog. However, you must keep in mind that these toys are not for aggressive chewers, as they can very easily be torn apart.
Fetch Toys
Probably the most common type of dog toys, they come in the form of discs, balls, and sticks that are meant to be thrown by the pet owner and retrieved by the dog. They are ideal for outdoor play and help your dog stay active.
Best Dog Toys to Buy in 2025
Now that you have a better idea of the types of dog toys available, let’s take a look at the top 13 dog toys available in the market:
BEST OVERALL
Multipet Gumby Plush Filled Dog Toy
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
Why We Love
Officially licensed toy
Plush and soft
Budget-friendly
Brightly colored
Lightweight
Good size
But…
Might not last long
Gumby will be more than just your pet’s cuddle companion; you can play fetch with it too! It is super soft with flexible arms and legs, and contains a speaker that squeaks when it is pressed. Additionally, it measures 9 inches, making it the perfect size for all dog breeds and ages.
However, it’s important that you keep in mind that this dog toy may not be suitable for aggressive chewers — they will destroy it. Customers say that their dogs just love the squeaking sound and can’t get enough of it!
BEST FETCH DOG TOY
Chuckit! Ultra Fetch Stick
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
Why We Love
Suitable for all dog sizes
Long-lasting
Made with non-toxic materials
Sturdy
Flexible
Easy to clean
But…
Can be quite heavy for smaller dogs
Crafted with high-quality, durable materials, the Ultra Fetch Stick is ideal for the perfect game of fetch and suitable for dogs of all sizes. The bright colors make it highly visible so your dog can effortlessly find it wherever it lands. Not only does it keep your dog engaged, but it also helps you spend some quality time bonding with your precious pooch.
Though it is very durable, it’s important that you know that this isn’t a chew toy. Plus, it is compatible with the Chuckit! RingChaser Launcher, too.
BEST SQUEAKY DOG TOY
goDog Checkers Dinos Bruto Squeaky Dog Toy
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
Why We Love
Available in 5 sizes
Designed to last
Provides stimulation
Keeps your dog busy
Looks attractive
Comes in multiple different colors and animal variants
But…
Some pet parents find it expensive
Soft, durable, cute, and cuddly — who wouldn’t want the goDog Checkers Dinos Bruto Squeaky Toy? It’s the perfect plush toy for your pooch to cuddle with! The reinforced seams are the chew-resistant lining that makes it super long-lasting and the built-in squeaker keeps your pooch engaged and excited.
The best part about this dog toy is that it’s made with Chew Guard Technology which makes it tough and heavy-duty — much better than your average plush toy. However, even though it’s hard to destroy, no toy is 100% indestructible in the hands of an aggressive chewer.
BEST TOY FOR SMALL DOGS
ZippyPaws Skinny Peltz – Fox, Racoon, & Squirrel
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
Why We Love
Comes in a pack of 3
Doesn’t create a mess
Available in 2 different sizes
Super soft
Looks attractive
Doesn’t hold up for very long
But…
Doesn’t hold up for very long
These toys from ZippyPaws come in a pack of 3 woodland creatures — a fox, a raccoon, and a squirrel! They are soft and lovable, offering hours of fun to your pets without the risk of a mess caused by shredded stuffing. They are flat and unstuffed — each dog toy has 3 independent zones with a high-quality squeaker that delivers sounds to keep your pet entertained.
Furthermore, they are easy to clean since they are machine washable — wash on a gentle cycle with mild detergent. Plus, they’re 18 inches long, making them perfect for small and medium dog breeds.
BEST TOY FOR LARGE DOGS
Feeko Dog Rope Toy
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
Why We Love
Heavy-duty construction
100% cotton
Fibers floss your dog’s teeth
Pet-safe
Fibers floss your dog’s teeth
Comes in a pack of 2
But…
May not be as thick as shown in the images
Designed especially for large-breed dogs and aggressive chewers, the Feeko Dog Rope Toy comes in a pack of 2 — they are bigger and stronger than regular rope toys. Crafted with natural cotton, they are durable, super safe, and washable too! The colors and the shapes have been meticulously designed by dog experts, and are meant to get your pet’s attention, keeping them busy and entertained.
Additionally, they’re also non-toxic and tasteless — they gently clean your pooch’s teeth and help prevent the accumulation of dental plaque. Plus, they’re perfect for a game of tug of war between you and your fur baby.
BEST OUTDOOR DOG TOY
Chuckit! Max Glow Paraflight Flying Disc
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
Why We Love
Charges in minutes
Large size
Lightweight
Travel-friendly
Sturdy
Long-lasting
But…
May start fraying after a while
If you feel like playing a fun game of fetch with your dog after dark, the Chuckit! Max Glow Paraflight Flying Disc will help you do that! It’s lightweight, glows in the dark, and is designed for long-distance flight. To charge it, all you have to do is hold it under the sunlight or a flashlight for just 5 minutes, and you will be able to enjoy 20 minutes of illuminated play.
Moreover, it’s crafted with durable multi-layer nylon, which is safe and gentle on your dog’s gums and teeth. However, it is not recommended to be used as a chew toy!
BEST DOG PUZZLE TOY
Outward Hound Hide A Squirrel Plush Dog Toy Puzzle
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
Why We Love
Comes in 4 sizes
Available in 14 styles
You can buy more squirrels separately
Suitable for all life stages
Incredibly soft
Keeps boredom at bay
But…
High price point
The Hide A Squirrel Plush Toy is one of the best dog puzzle toys that will have your furry friends busy for hours! Fill the tree trunk with the 6 plush squeaky squirrels, toss the toy, and let your pooch hunt for them. Their natural instincts will kick in, keeping them stimulated and engaged. Since the toy is super soft, you can rest assured that it will be gentle on your fur baby’s teeth, making it safe even for puppies to play with.
Furthermore, you can remove the squirrels and use them individually as fetch or squeaky toys. Here’s what a customer had to say on Amazon — “ My puppy needed a new toy & this one is super! She pulls all the squirrels out, chews on them & then attacks the tree stump. So funny to watch! Seems to be well constructed & squirrels have squeakers in them”.
BEST SCENTED DOG TOY
Hartz DuraPlay Bacon Scented Dog Toy
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
Why We Love
Long-lasting
Durable construction
Available in 3 sizes
Lightweight
Loved by teething pups
Ability to squeak
But…
Not suitable for aggressive chewers
The Hartz DuraPlay Dog Toy is perfect for throwing and bouncing — it can even float in the water! It is soft and flexible, making it ideal for dogs of all ages, including seniors and teething puppies. You don’t have to worry about this dog toy getting dirty because it’s super easy to clean.
The exterior portion is made from firm and durable natural latex, and the interior consists of a unique foam technology that makes it chewy and squeaky. Plus, the bacon scent is irresistible and will have your dog excited.
BEST FLAVOURED DOG TOY
Nylabone Power Chew Classic Bone Chew Toys
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
Why We Love
Very durable
Promotes dental health
Suitable for small dogs
Delicious flavors
Prevents destructive chewing
Suitable for teething pups
But…
Some pets may find them too hard
Crafted with durable nylon, these long-lasting dog chew toys from Nylabone will challenge even the most aggressive chewers — this way, none of your stuff will be destroyed. They feature raised bristles that help clean the teeth, ensuring that tartar and plaque build-up is controlled. Additionally, they come in 3 delicious savory flavors — peanut butter, bacon, and chicken.
If your pooch is dealing with boredom, stress, or anxiety, these dog bones are sure to be of help. Plus, they are proudly manufactured in the USA.
BEST DOG TOY FOR HEAVY CHEWERS
Benebone Wishbone Durable Dog Chew Toy
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
Why We Love
Comes in 5 sizes
Available in 3 flavors
Long-lasting
Cleans the teeth
Easy to hold
But…
Might be too heavy for small and toy breeds
If you’re on the lookout for the best dog toys for chewers, then the durable Benebone Wishbone is just what you need! Flavored with 100% real bacon, your dog will fall in love with this toy instantly. It has a curved design that offers a paw-friendly grip so that your pet can get a good hold of it.
To add on, it comes in 5 sizes, so you can choose one that’s right for your pet’s breed and size. Plus, it is completely manufactured in the USA.
BEST INTERACTIVE DOG TOY
WOBBLE WAG Giggle Ball
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
Why We Love
Comes in 4 variants
Sturdy construction
Easy to clean
Looks attractive
Looks attractive
Requires no batteries
But…
Some dogs may take time to get used to the noise
No matter what age or size your dog might be, the WOBBLE WAG Giggle Ball is bound to excite your furry friend! It has 4 clutch pockets that make it easy to pick up, and with just a nudge, off the ball goes. The best part is that it doesn’t require any batteries — the internal tube noisemaker emits an enticing giggling sound.
Your dog will be curious and entertained for hours since this toy is known to stimulate their natural instincts. Whether it’s for fetching, rolling, or shaking the ball to retrieve a treat, your pooch will not be able to resist!
BEST DOG BALL TOY
KONG Jumbler Ball
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
Why We Love
Easy to clean
Sturdy
Long-lasting
Comes in 2 sizes
Available in 4 colors
High-quality materials
But…
May be too heavy for small breeds
The KONG Jumbler Ball is an interactive dog toy that is a combination of a tennis ball and a squeaker toy. Its robust construction makes it suitable for rough play outdoors — ideal for a game of fetch with your pooch. The loud squeaker is bound to keep your fur baby engaged for hours.
Furthermore, it has an easy-to-grab handle that helps you shake and toss it easily. A review on Amazon reads, “I’ve gotten these for three of the extended family’s dogs, and all three love it. Their black lab rips everything to shreds, but this ball held up for three months before she lost it in the river”.
BEST MOTION-ACTIVATED DOG TOY
HYPER PET Doggie Tail
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
Why We Love
Stimulates your pet’s mid
Replacement covers are available
Batteries are included
Easy to activate
Good price point
But…
Hard to replace the batteries
This plush dog toy from HYPER PET wiggles, vibrates, and barks — can you imagine how excited your dog will be to play with it? With its funny sounds and erratic movements, your dog will no longer be bored — it also helps reduce anxiety. All you have to do is give it a hard shake and the toy will be activated.
To add on, this interactive ball is battery-operated, so you don’t have to worry about running out of charge quickly. Plus, there are additional covers that you can buy to customize it.
How We Chose the Best Dog Toys
At DogTime, our team of experts conducted their research while also speaking to pet parents to find out what toys their pooches preferred and enjoyed playing with. This helped us narrow down the top contenders and we were further able to shortlist the products based on our findings. Additionally, they considered the durability, safety, budget, and online reviews to bring you a list of the best dog toys.
FAQ
What is the best dog toy brand?
KONG, Nylabone, and Chuckit! are some of the best dog toy brands in the market. They offer a wide variety of options that are safe and durable.
What kind of toys do dogs love the most?
This depends on the dog’s preferences but generally, they love toys that squeak, ones they can chew, and fetch toys.
Are chewy toys made in the USA?
Yes, there are many dog chew toys that are manufactured in the USA. You can check the label to see where a product is made.
Who makes the strongest dog toys?
KONG dog toys come in a variety of strong and durable options, specially crafted for aggressive chewers.
What is the safest dog toy?
There isn’t one specific dog toy that’s known to be the safest but to choose one of them, we suggest that you consider durable options that are crafted with non-toxic materials. They should be able to withstand chewing without breaking into small pieces that can be swallowed.
What toys do all dogs like?
Most canines enjoy interactive toys such as balls for fetching, tug-of-war ropes, and treat-dispensing toys.
What’s the best toy for a puppy?
The best puppy toys are soft yet durable. They should be teething-safe and shouldn’t break into small pieces that can be swallowed accidentally.
How do I choose a safe dog toy?
To choose a safe toy, you first need to check if it’s durable and non-toxic. They should also be strong enough to withstand aggressive chewing behavior and shouldn’t break into pieces that can be swallowed.
