The Best Dog Toys
Whether young or old or big or small, dogs of all kinds require stimulation to keep them active and healthy. Chew toys are a fun and effective way to get them that stimulation — rarely do our furry canines look as satisfied as when they’re gnawing on a bone or chasing down a tennis ball. And while conventional toys, such as a stick from the woods or an old piece of rope, will keep them occupied well enough, there are tons of options out there that are both safer and more fun to play with.
What to Look For
To help you find the best toy for your pooch, we vetted dozens of options while keeping in mind what makes dogs happy. Dog toys come in a huge variety of shapes and styles, but the best ones will share a few key features, including safety, durability, and cost value. Our all-time favorite, Benebone’s bacon-flavored chew toy, checks off all three of those boxes, ensuring it satisfies both dogs and dog owners. For the best plush toy, we love the ZippyPaws’ Skinny Peltz, which offers the same fun as a stuffed animal without the mess. Read on to discover more of our favorite dog toys to find one your canine will love.
Benebone Real Bacon Wishbone Chew Toy
Make a wishbone
If we had to guess what the chew toy of our dog’s dreams looked like, it would probably be something like this Benebone. Not only is it shaped like a realistic wishbone, which should pique your pup’s animal instinct, but it’s also infused with real bacon flavor — and who doesn’t love bacon? The bone even has a slight curve to it, which makes it easy for dogs to handle with their paws as their mouths gnaw away for hours on end. The material is denser than that used in other chew toys on the market, too, which means that this option is great for canines with especially aggressive bites.
Pros:
- We love that the bone comes in a variety of sizes, making it appropriate for both small and big dogs.
- The bone also comes in two flavors, chicken and peanut butter.
- If you’re concerned with where you’re products are coming from, you may appreciate that this one is made in the USA.
Cons:
- The bone is really dense, which is great for aggressive chewers but may not be ideal for puppies or smaller breeds.
Nina Ottosson by Outward Hound Interactive Puzzle
Mind games
Even puzzles for people aren’t as rewarding as this option from Nina Ottosson. Your canine will have to work to figure out how to open each bone-shaped compartment to get to whatever treats are hidden inside. Actually, Outward Hound offers several different levels of difficulty, so you can choose how much brain training your dog will have to endure. These puzzles might even help reduce dogs’ destructive tendencies since they give them an outlet on which to focus their explorative minds. They’re also a fun way to pass the time.
Pros:
- The whole toy is constructed out of strong, food-grade materials, so it’s both safe and durable.
- We like that you can adjust the difficulty of the game to suit dogs of different ages.
- It’s affordably priced, making it an inexpensive way to keep your dog occupied.
Cons:
- Because it contains some small parts, you make want to keep a close watch over your dog while they play with this toy.
Nylabone Puppy Chew Toy
A bone to pick
Puppies have to chew and teeth on whatever suitable materials they can fit their jaws around. And since the destruction of some teething toys is inevitable, we recommend investing in this multi-pack of puppy chew toys. Each bone is made of durable nylon that’s tough enough to offer relief from growing pains, but gentle enough for young, sensitive gums. Plus, each bone comes infused with its own unique flavor that your pooch is sure to love. These bones are appropriate for puppies and small dogs up to 25 pounds.
Pros:
- The variety of flavors, including chicken, bacon, and lamb, suits many different dog palettes.
- It’s a good value for the price, considering it comes with three separate bones.
- One bone is more dense, giving your dog something to chew when all their teeth come in.
Cons:
- These are softer than other bones on the market, which makes them less suitable for aggressive chewers.
ZippyPaws Skinny Peltz Squeaky Plush Dog Toy
Furry friends
Like humans, dogs love stuffed animals. But unlike humans, dogs are prone to loving their stuffed animals a little too much, which often results in them tearing the stuffing right out of the toy and leaving you with a big mess to clean up. So if you want to avoid that inevitability, but still want your pup to experience the joys of playtime with a stuffed animal, get these ZippyPaws toys. With three toys per pack, they boast the same plush exterior and cute shape as normal stuffed animals, but do away with the stuffing, leaving your pooch with a toy they can throw around all they want without making a mess. Each toy also incorporates two high-quality squeakers that offer auditory stimulation alongside visual and oral fun.
Pros:
- The toys come in three visually distinct styles, including a fox, raccoon, and squirrel, with each one cuter than the last.
- The plush exterior and thoughtful designs make them look just like real stuffed animals.
- We also appreciate that these come in a larger size for larger dog breeds.
Cons:
- While durably made, they’re still made of fabric, so they might not last long in the mouths of aggressive chewers.
Kong Classic Dog Toy
King kong
Few dog toys are as instantly recognizable as this Kong Classic dog toy, which has enjoyed an almost cult following among dogs (and their owners) for decades. As a chew toy, it satisfies a natural canine instinct to gnaw and features a hollow center that can be filled with peanut butter or other treats to maximize the mental stimulation your dog experiences while playing with it. As a fetch ball, it also provides plenty of physical stimulation. Its irregular shape results in an unpredictable bounce that will keep your dog engaged for longer periods. And if that wasn’t enough, it’s recommended by veterinarians and trainers everywhere.
Pros:
- Because it’s available in different sizes and rubber densities, this toy is suitable for a wide range of dogs.
- A hollow design means you can stuff it with your dog’s favorite treats.
- We’re thankful that it’s dishwasher-safe, making it super easy to clean.
Cons:
- It’s not the most visually interesting toy. Also, it doesn’t float, so be careful not to lose it in bodies of water.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my dog need more toys?
Like any animal, dogs require lots of mental and physical stimulation to stay healthy and strong. All of the dog toys on this list are specially designed to give them that. Rubber balls, for example, can help get your dog moving and their heartbeat going with a game of fetch. Chew toys, likewise, can present them with a mental challenge and keep them engaged while they’re alone.
What kind of toys should I get for my dog?
Dog toys come in all shapes and sizes, so you should choose one that is appropriate for your pet. Toys designed for smaller are often made with softer materials that are easy on the gums and mouth. Toys designed for big dogs will often be made with tougher materials so that they can stand up to more abuse. You should also think about how active your dog is since some toys are meant to promote physical stimulation, while others are more mentally stimulating.
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