5 Of The Best Ball Dog Toys

Humans and dogs have been playing fetch together for thousands of years. Fetch activates the instinctual desire dogs have to chase, search for, and retrieve things for their human counterparts. And one of, if not the best, way to play fetch is with a ball dog toy. Ball toys are easy to throw for humans and easy to catch and retrieve for dogs. The small, spherical shape of ball toys is the perfect size to comfortably pick up with their adorable snouts and drop at your feet when they’re ready for another throw.

As with any dog toy, balls can easily become worn out and chewed to pieces after a couple of months of heavy usage. Even the most sturdily constructed dog toy balls can fall prey to your dog’s penchant for chewing up just about anything it can get its paws on. That’s why it’s important to stock up on high-quality ball toys as a responsible pet owner. With more ball toys, you can ensure that the good times keep on rolling, and your beloved pup continues to get the exercise they need to stay fit and healthy. Check out our list of the best ball toys for your dog to find the best fit for you.

Best Ball Toys to Consider

There are a few key factors to look out for when searching for a new ball toy for your pooch. Firstly, you’ll have to consider your dog’s size. It might seem like an overly obvious thing to point out, but the last thing you want is your tiny toy poodle getting excited to play fetch only to find itself unable to pick up the ball you just threw. Also, you should familiarize yourself with the different kinds of toy balls. Nowadays, there are plenty more options on the market than your average, run-of-the-mill tennis ball. Some balls have tufts that enable them to double as tug-of-war toys. Others have built-in treat dispensers that fall out at certain angles, providing your dog with a reward for getting daily exercise.

Lastly, and potentially most importantly, you’ll have to read up on what material your prospective toy ball is made from. The vast majority of these toys utilize some form of rubber, making them highly durable and resistant to gnawing. However, not all rubbers are created equal. If your dog is a heavy chewer, it would be prudent to consider purchasing an option made from sturdily constructed and densely layered rubber.

Dog Fetch Ball/Treat Dispenser

Can you think of anything your dog would love more than a toy that combines getting treats with playing fetch? Luckily, this ball toy from JW does just that. JW’s craftily named Hol-ee Roller has a perforated construction that allows you to hide treats inside for your dog to find. The treats might fall out mid-air, providing ample opportunity for your pooch to start a sniffing search party, or they might require some good old-fashioned snout-nuzzling to break free. Either way, the Hol-ee Roller is certain to be a good time for both parties involved.

Pros:

• Available in an inclusive amount of sizes
• Easy to clean
• Great for teething puppies
• Available in various shapes

Cons:

• The odd shape might make it hard to throw for some folks
• The holes might be too large for some types of treats to fit inside snugly

Squeaker Dog Ball Multi-Pack

Plenty of new-fangled toy balls caught my eye while researching for this piece, but you can’t argue with the classics. Outward Hound’s squeaky ball toy multi-pack features four multi-colored balls you and your dog will surely have a great time with. Modeled after traditional tennis balls, these balls feature a highly durable rubber construction with a fuzzy fabric exterior. They might not dispense treats or glow in the dark, but these balls have a tried-and-true design and are certain to endure plenty of fetch sessions to come.

Pros:

• Highly affordable
• The color variation makes it easy for owners with multiple dogs to share the pack
• Tough exterior

Cons:

• Not available in that many sizes
• They could bounce a bit better

Glow In The Dark Toy Dog Ball

If you like to play fetch with your dog when the sun goes down, this glow-in-the-dark ball from Chuckit! should certainly pique your interest. Not only does the glow-up feature make it easier for you to find the ball, but it makes it much easier for your dog as well. All you have to do is leave the ball under a bright light for five minutes and the ball will generate its own light for 20 to 30 minutes of playtime. Not to mention, this toy ball has a durable, weighty feel that will help it stand the test of time – even against the most aggressive doggie chewers.

Pros:

• Easy to throw
• Available in a wide range of sizes
• Unique glow-in-the-dark feature

Cons:

• I wish the ball would stay lit for a little while longer
• The ball may be a bit heavy for some small dogs

Chuckit! Bouncy Dog Toy Balls

There’s nothing like bouncing a ball off the blacktop, watching it soar dozens of feet into the air, and proceeding to feel your pooch whip past you as it chases after the airborne ball. Thankfully, these Ultra Balls from Chuckit! have a weighty, evenly distributed rubber construction that makes them perfect for bouncing. You and your dog can count on hours of fun fetch time with these impressively durable toy balls. Not to mention, this highly affordable multi-pack comes with two balls for a more than reasonable asking price.

Pros:

• Multi-packs available
• Compatible with the Chuckit! ball launcher
• The orange color helps make it more visible against the sky and grass
• Supremely bouncy rubber construction

Cons:

• The XL ball could be a bit bigger
• Aggressive chewers might cut through these quickly

Tug-of-War Soccer Ball Dog Toy

Throughout all of the research I did for this piece, the only ball I was truly surprised to see was this one from QDan. This unique dog ball features multiple fabric handles sewn into the base of its soccer ball design, allowing your pooch to pick it up with ease. This outstanding design detail also makes it possible for spontaneous tug-of-war sessions to take place during your regular fetch game. I also love that this ball can easily double as a soccer ball to kick around with friends, children, or other dogs.

Pros:

• Option for accompanying net available
• Durable fabric handles
• Great for kids and dogs
• More versatile than traditional dog balls

Cons:

• It’s much harder to throw than handheld dog toy balls
• It’s not available in that many sizes

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do dogs like to play fetch so much?

Fetch is a game humans and dogs have played together since the early days of canine domestication. Back then, dogs would retrieve game for hunters to bring back to their homes to feed the community. Nowadays, those deeply ingrained instincts kick in when a dog’s owner throws a ball for them to catch and retrieve. Dogs feel rewarded and validated by continually bringing back the ball as the game plays out.

What kind of treats should I put inside a toy dog ball?

Certain toy dog balls possess a specific design that allows owners to place treats inside for their dogs to nuzzle out during playtime. Generally, it’s a good rule of thumb to put medium-sized and large treats in toy dog balls. If the treats are too small, they might fall out mid-air and your dog could have a hard time finding them. However, if they’re too big, your dog could have trouble getting them out with its snout. You might have to try a few brands before you find the Goldilocks treat that fits just right in your dog toy ball.

Why should I get a dog toy ball instead of a frisbee?

I’m not going to tell you not to get a frisbee for doggie playtime. They’re just as fun as dog toy balls, and some dogs have a blast jumping high into the air to catch them as they soar. However, there’s no denying that frisbees are a bit more complicated for dogs to learn how to play with. Their flat shape makes it harder for dogs to pick them off the ground. Not to mention, some owners even have a hard time throwing a frisbee correctly – especially if there are kids involved. A dog toy ball, on the other hand, is a much simpler procedure for all parties involved. Everyone knows how to throw a ball, and every dog knows how to pick one up.

About the Author

With extensive experience as a professional dog handler, Nick wants to help owners choose the best possible products for their pooches. Since dogs show their humans such unconditional love, Nick believes it's only fair that we give it right back to them -- and who wouldn't want to? He has had dogs since elementary school himself, so you can trust him to have the best advice on canine care.

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