The Best Dog Toys For Small Dogs
All dogs love to play, but not all toys are created equal. So while a Great Dane may prefer a rougher, bigger ball, a Yorkie or Dachshund needs a toy that is much lighter and smaller. Basically, you want to make sure your petite pooch can get its jaw fully around its chew toy and its paws around its ball without injuring itself. Thankfully, these days, you can find almost any dog toy in a smaller dog size, from the classic squeaky toy to a treat dispenser. And to help you get started, we've compiled a list of our favorite dog toys for small dogs on the market today.
What to Look For
We took engagement, cleanliness, and durability into consideration when vetting the top contenders on our list to make sure your mini mutt has a toy made just for them. So, for example, if you’re looking for a toy that will give your pup a hunter-like rush, consider the stuffing-free, squeaky animal toy by Best Pet Supplies, which sounds like an animal but won’t leave a mess in your house. On the other hand, if your pup has a strong set of teeth and wants a toy that will keep up with his jaw while also doling out a tasty treat, opt for the dishwasher-safe, super durable snack-dispensing toy by Kong. Check out the rest of our pooch play picks below.
Outward Hound Hide-A-Squirrel Dog Toy For Small Dogs
A plushy puzzle
We may treat our small dogs as our babies, but they’re still animals at heart. And the right toy can bring their natural instincts to the surface, which is where this Hide-A-Squirrel dog toy by Outward Hound comes in. Three squeaky squirrels are hiding in this tree trunk that your pup won’t be able to resist hunting. As mentally stimulating as it is physically playful, this plush toy is sure to keep your dog engaged. Best of all, you can even replace the squirrels later.
Pros:
- The plushy texture keeps your dog’s mouth safe while chewing, no matter how old they are.
- Each of the squirrels has a squeaker inside to keep your pup’s eye on the prize while they’re hunting.
Cons:
- The holes on the sides and top of the trunk make it easy for the squirrels to be shaken out.
Chuckit! Ultra Ball Dog Toy for Small Dogs
A fetch fit for size
There are lots of reasons that Fido loves to fetch. He can expel energy, show off his speed, and spend important bonding time with his owner. But fetch is nothing without the right ball. Well, fortunately, the Ultra Ball by Chuckit! is the right ball. You won’t find a higher bounce in any other ball, ensuring your pup will always go the distance when you throw it. And because balls inevitably get chomped, this one has a thick rubber core to resist canine jaws.
Pros:
- The bright design of this ball doesn’t just hold your fur baby’s attention, it also makes the ball visible in all kinds of landscapes.
- Perfect for days at the beach, this buoyant ball stays afloat on any watery surface, giving your pup time to fetch it.
Cons:
- This ball doesn’t have a squeaker in it.
Best Pet Supplies Stuffless Squeaky Dog Toy for Small Dogs
Safe and sound
You may find squeaky toys annoying, but to your dog, this type of toy offers the highest reward. A squeak like the one from this stuffless toy by Best Pet Supplies indicates that your pup’s bite was strong enough for the kill, giving Fido a dopamine rush like no other. Choose from a variety of different animal prey pals from foxes to squirrels to wild ducks to further awake the hunter spirit in your hound.
Pros:
- Because this squeaky toy is stuffless, you’ll never have to worry about finding a big mess in the living room after Fido has had his way with it.
- The lighter weight of this dog toy means your pup can carry it around with him anywhere he goes, without damaging his jaw.
Cons:
- This toy is less durable against strong chewers.
Kong Dog Toy for Small Dogs
For a petite treat
It’s no secret that pups love treats almost as much as they love playtime. And that’s precisely why the designers at Kong created this winning combination of a dog toy. Encouraging healthy play and problem-solving, this stuffable rubber toy keeps boredom and separation anxiety at bay while delivering a tasty treat. Simply put your dog’s favorite snacks inside for a palatable pooch puzzle. Moreover, you can even get this toy in XS size for a more petite pup.
Pros:
- Clean-up is easy with this particular chew toy. Simply throw it into the dishwasher to get it squeaky clean for playtime again.
- Thanks to its specific shape and rubber design, this toy also has great bounce for playing fetch.
Cons:
- Some dogs may not be able to reach all the food in the toy.
Nocciola Plush Dog Toy for Small Dogs (12 Pack)
Let every dog have its play
Dogs aren’t the best at sharing their toys, which can be a problem if you own several fur babies. But here’s where a bulk pack of dog toys by Nocciola can help. The assorted plushies in the set include cute shapes like ice cream, banana, lobster, chicken leg, and more, so every pooch can choose their plaything. Bright colored and soft, the 12 toys in this pack are perfect for excitable smaller paws and jaws. On top of all that, you get all these toys for one super low price.
Pros:
- Unlike other dog toys, which can have an unpleasant chemical smell, these chewy characters won’t irritate a pup’s sensitive snout.
- The toys come in a durable drawstring bag that stands up on its own, giving your dogs freedom to explore the contents.
Cons:
- Some of the toys in the set have squeakers that are harder to press.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a toy be too small for my small dog?
While bigger toys can hurt your small dog’s jaw, a toy that’s too small can pose a choking hazard. This is especially true for the squeaky bits inside particular chew toys. That’s why we recommend supervising the first few days of play when you give your pup a new toy.
How long can I let my small dog chew on their new toy?
If the toy is specifically designed for chewing, then you should limit chew time to about 10 to 20 minutes a day. This time limit helps remove dental plaque without chipping or dulling their teeth. But if your pup is chewing on a regular plush toy, then you don’t need to worry about this.
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