The Best Tennis Balls For Dogs
Dogs and tennis balls just go together. Ideal for catch-and-retrieval games, water play, bouncing games, and more, tennis balls can be a wonderful addition to your dog's playtime toys. There is a catch, however. Because tennis balls are notoriously brought to shreds by a dog's powerful jaws, they can become serious choking hazards. That's why it's important to purchase tennis balls specially made for dogs. In our research, we've found that the best tennis balls for dogs are durable, textured for easy grabbing, and colorful enough so you can easily find them. One of our favorite tennis balls comes from Hyper Pet because they can withstand heavy biters. If you'd like to give your arm a rest, consider Nerf's dog tennis blaster. It comes with one to four tennis balls, depending on which model you purchase. The launcher blasts the ball almost 50 ft in the air, so your dog will get plenty of exercise. Read on to learn more about our favorite picks. We're sure you'll find the best tennis balls for your dog.
Hyper Pet Tennis Balls for Dogs
Fun but durable
The problem with traditional tennis balls is that they can be unsafe for your dog’s teeth. However, Hyper Pet’s tennis balls are completely safe for even the most aggressive chewers. Coming in a four pack of natural rubber balls, these brightly colored ones will bounce, whiz, float and roll much to your doggo’s delight. Designed specifically for interactive play, we appreciate that these are easy to wing even with excess slobber.
Pros:
- We love the bright, easy-to-find colors.
- These tennis balls are very durable and safe for your dog’s teeth.
- We appreciate that Hyper Pet’s tennis balls use non-toxic, non-abrasive materials.
Cons:
- These are not intended as a chew toy, so if your dog uses it as such, it has a short life. We recommend buying more than one pack to be on the safe side.
Nerf Dog Tennis Ball Blaster
Launch into playtime
Remember the fun of Nerf Guns as a kid? Now, imagine you’re a dog. This special Nerf Dog gun will have your bundle of energy chasing down the projected ball for as long as you let them. Plus, we think you’ll find it super fun, too. Rocketing balls up to 50 feet, you can adjust the power according to your space as well as meet the energy needs of your dog. And with a smaller diameter tennis ball, this toy will even work for the little dogs, too.
Pros:
- If you have a dog that loves to slobber, this launcher will have no problem shooting a ball drenched in drool.
- We think the ball size is perfect for smaller breeds.
Cons:
- We don’t think this nerf gun is kid-friendly – the trigger can be difficult to press for smaller fingers.
Chuckit! Ultra Ball Dog Toy
Boing, boing
Designed to work along with the Chuckit! ball launcher, this rubber ball is terrific on its own. Thanks to the rubber material, your dog will delight in the extra bounce of these balls. They’re easy to throw, easy to clean, plus they resist breaking and shredding. There are no nasty felt particles, either. You should keep a few of these on hand. And at this price point, you won’t be breaking the bank.
Pros:
- We found that these balls are ideal for nearly all breed sizes.
- These balls float, so you can use them in lakes and pools.
- We love that these balls can handle big breeds, like German Shepherds.
Cons:
- There’s a plug that is not the safest for dogs to chew on should it come loose.
Pet Qwerks Talking Babble Ball Interactive Chew Toy
Let's have a ball
This ball is loads of fun for puppies and puppies at heart. Heck, it’s even fun for humans. That’s thanks to the funny sounds and sayings this ball does as it zips through the air or rolls along the grass. Watch in delight as your dog tries to figure out why this ball is growling, talking, and otherwise making bizarre noises. Made of quality materials, it’s even durable enough to be a chew toy. For this reason, we find ourselves using this ball, especially when trying to calm a more energetic, anxious dog. The noises and durability all work together to release pent-up energy.
Pros:
- We love the sounds, but we also love that they automatically turn off.
- The durable, solid, and safe construction should last your dog a while.
Cons:
- We wish that this ball was also waterproof.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are tennis balls safe?
It’s a fact: dogs love to chew on tennis balls. Due to their powerful jaws, this can mean that what was once a compact ball is now a shredded mess. That’s no good because tennis ball shreds are serious choking hazards. It’s best only to allow your dog to play with tennis balls when you’re around. Either that or go for an indestructible one that’s meant for aggressive chewers.
What size tennis ball is right for my dog?
The appropriate size ball for your dog should be one that is small enough for them to carry in their mouths but large enough that they won’t be able to fit the entire ball in there. This keeps the ball from being a serious choking hazard.
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