Artisanal Dog Toys Nourishing Your Pet with Handcrafted Playthings
Best dog toys 2024 to keep your canine companion happy and healthy
Playing with your furry friend is a great way to bond and spend time together, and with our picks for the best dog toys, you can ensure your pooch is happy, healthy, and stimulated. Having an array of options your dog can play with ensures they always have something to do that isn't destructive. The right toys also have a variety of other benefits for your pets as well, from offering mental stimulation to promoting dental hygiene.
We've got you covered with a number of options for dogs at all activity levels, and stages of life. If you already know your dog is tough on toys be sure to check out the toughest dog toys for chewers, or our best rope toys guide. In this round up, we've collected our favorite choices for dogs, looking at durability, suitability for different types of dog personalities, and even whether the toy makes noise or contains stuffing.
We also took a peek at the best dog puzzle toys, and teething toys, as well as whether a toy might help with separation anxiety. Our best puppy toys round up is also available if you've just brought home a new furry friend!
Dr Nick Horniman MRCVS, veterinary surgeon and founder of the online pet pharmacy mypetsvet says, Dog toys provide mental stimulation, enhancing your dogs cognitive skills and problem-solving abilities. Toys also foster a stronger bond between you and your pet through interactive play sessions. Additionally, certain toys promote dental hygiene by helping to clean teeth and gums. Finally, they offer an outlet for physical exercise, keeping your dog active and preventing destructive chewing behavior. In essence, dog toys are more than just playthings; they contribute to a happier, healthier life for your pet.
For now - lets have a look at some of the best dog toys, available at a range of price points to suit your budget.
Dr. Nick Horniman MRCVSDr. Nick Horniman MRCVS is an experienced veterinary surgeon and petcare expert. In addition to his strong experience in veterinary medicine, throughout his career Dr. Horniman has worked in various fields, including clinical research, customer service, sales and medicine.
Having spent 25 years running his own veterinary practice, Dr. Horniman recognised the rising costs of veterinary medications. Motivated by the need for more affordable options for pet owners, he founded online pet pharmacy, MyPetsVet. MyPetsVet offers pet owners value-for-money medication and a safe, reliable delivery service.
The best dog toys 2024
1. Outward Hound Stuffingless Snake
Best overall dog toy
Material: Dura-tuff
Includes stuffing: No
Includes sound: 12
Tough? Yes
This toy has a lot of the features we would want in a dog toy. It has a lot of squeakers, is built to last, and looks great. There is also no stuffing, so less mess to clear up should your pup tear it apart.
Reinforced with double-layered seams, this toy should withstand a good amount of chewing. Saying this, there are still some reports from owners that their dogs have managed to rip it apart, so you might want to supervise your dog when playing with this toy.
The risk is relatively low compared to other toys, however. With so many squeakers (there are 12 in the XXL version), it should keep even the strongest dogs occupied for quite some time. The manufacturer claims the squeakers should continue to squeak, even if punctured. We think that this depends on how destructive your dog is, but its good news for those whose dogs aren't into wanton vandalism.
There are three sizes, with the largest perhaps best suited for large dogs, or those with a low boredom threshold and who want to hunt out all the squeakers.
The main drawback is the retail price. However, if it lasts as long as the manufacturers says it can, you've got yourself value for money.
Reasons to buy: Lots of squeakers, durable material, no stuffing for less mess
Reasons to avoid: Expensive, no match for destructive dogs
2. JW Pet Bouncin' Bowlin Pin Dog Toy
Best indestructible squeaky toy
Material: Rubber
Includes stuffing: No
Includes sound: Yes
Tough? Yes
If youre after an indestructible, squeaky toy that your dog can happily chew on for hours on end, this bowling pin set from JW is a great option.
Its classic bowling pin shape makes it easier for dogs to grab onto with their mouths, and the tough, natural rubber is designed to be durable. Inside the pins are squeakers, adding to the fun and excitement of the toy. The set also comes in three different sizes and assorted bright colors (pink, yellow, orange, and blue), adding more interest for your playful pup.
We like the fact that its made from a non-toxic rubber which means that it wont affect the health of your canine in the long run. The fact that its durable and hard-wearing means that it is likely to last a long time. Plus its bouncy and flexible, perfect for throwing up in the air and carrying around. Its light and easy to maintain and keep clean, which is always handy!
Perhaps the only downside is the price. However, if youre looking for longevity, these will save you money in the long term. This toy is ideal for large dogs prone to destroying their toys fairly quickly or teething puppies who can repeatedly chew safely, to their hearts content.
Reasons to buy: Durable, easy to clean/maintain, non-toxic rubber, easily portable
Reasons to avoid: Slightly pricey
Best dog toy for heavy chewers
Material: Rubber
Includes stuffing: No
Includes sound: No
Tough? Yes
If you're looking for a toy that you can throw, stuff, and bounce and that will hold up to heavy chewing then look no further because this KONG toy really does do it all! One of the most popular toys on the market (and for good reason), it provides outstanding mental and physical enrichment.
By encouraging healthy play and satisfying instinctual needs, this treat-dispensing puzzle toy helps solve chewing, separation anxiety, teething, boredom, weight management, crate training, digging and barking. Stuff it with peanut butter, applesauce, banana, or any other favorite food and your pup will be kept amused for hours.
The toy is available in a range of sizes to suit all breeds and its unpredictable bounce makes for an exciting game of fetch. The tough and durable rubber means it's ideal for heavy chewers and it's dishwasher safe, so you won't have any problems keeping it clean.
Reasons to buy: Strong and durable, great for physical and mental health, fantastic fetch toy
Reasons to avoid: Super aggressive chewers may still destroy this one
Best dog toy with squeaker
Material: Plush
Includes stuffing: Yes
Includes sound: Yes
Tough? Yes
This duo parody pack that has been designed to look like the adult White Claw drink is likely to be a fan favorite again this year with its fun and unique appearance and built-in squeaker.
Ideal for small, medium and large dogs, these 7-inch-long stuffed toys will keep your pup busy and entertained for hours. Super plush and durable enough for all but the most aggressive of chewers, these toys are the perfect way to spoil your pup and also make a great gift for a fellow pet parent.
And unlike some toys that fall apart in the washing machine, you'll have no such problem with this set - they'll even hold up to a good tumble dry! While they may be a little on the pricey side, the novelty factor alone makes them well worth it.
Reasons to buy: Unique and fun, squeaker, perfect size for all breeds
Reasons to avoid: Not suitable for aggressive chewers
5. Nina Ottosson Dog Worker Interactive Brain Game Toy
Best for boredom
Material: Food safe material
Includes stuffing: No
Includes sound: No
Tough? No
You might find that your pooch becomes easily bored with standard types of dog toys. Toys such as the Interactive Brain Game Toy promise to help alleviate boredom by providing your dog with a challenge, and can even help modify behavior.
This particular toy features sliding blocks and swiveling flippers which hide compartments for treats. You could place your dogs kibble inside to encourage speedy eaters to slow down. Its recommended that you use particularly pungent (to dogs) treats such as cheese or peanut butter to really draw their attention.
Although there are plenty of hidden compartments, none of the parts are removable, which should give you peace of mind while your dog is playing. However, dogs should still be supervised, just in case.
Considering this dog toy is used to hide treats, youll need to clean it regularly the good news is that its designed to be easy to clean.
Reasons to buy: Great for training your dog, fun way to give treats, easy to clean
Reasons to avoid: Some dogs may find it frustrating, high price
6. Chuckit! Indoor Dog Toy
Best indoor dog toy
Material: Textured chenille fabric
Includes stuffing: Yes
Includes sound: No
Tough? Yes
At 4.7 inches in diameter, this durable dog ball plush dog toy is slightly larger than a softball and has an incredibly lightweight and soft design that will ensure you can play games with your dog indoors without having any of your precious belongings destroyed in the process!
Featuring a multi-layer construction, this toy is durable enough to hold up to light and medium chewers, and the circular design allows for easy rolling across hardwood or tile floors in the home. It's great for rolling and fetching, and the bright colors will make it easy for your dog to spot.
With a soft, chenille fabric exterior it's incredibly comfortable for your dog to hold in their mouth and it's compatible with the indoor Chuckit! ball launcher, so you don't have to worry about getting doggy slobber all over your hands! While it's marketed at all breeds, the larger size means smaller dogs may find the ball a little bit more tricky to retrieve.
Reasons to buy: Strong enough to hold up to light to medium chewing, lightweight, fabric is soft on pets' mouths for comfortable catching and carrying
Reasons to avoid: Quite large so may not be suitable for smaller breeds
7. Kong AirDog Dumbbell Dog Toy
Best dog ball alternative
Material: Felt
Includes stuffing: No
Includes sound: Yes
Tough? Yes
Kong is a brand that is well-known to animal lovers for its range of well-built and durable products. It has lots of products featuring squeakers, but we love this dumbbell for its novel approach to the traditional ball toy. If your dog has already become bored with a standard tennis ball, its worth giving this one a try.
As well as being more fun to play with, it features non-abrasive felt designed to be gentle on your pups teeth, unlike a standard tennis ball that can be rougher.
There are three different sizes available here (small, medium, and large) so you can easily find one to match your dog. We love the way that the toy bounces in erratic and fun fashions when it rebounds off a hard surface the unpredictable nature will keep your pooch entertained far more than the average tennis ball.
If your dog loves squeakers, then this will also provide hours of fun, with the tough exterior making it hard for the dog to get at the squeaker itself. Some users have reported that the toy is less durable if you have a particularly destructive dog, so its worth paying close attention, especially when you first let your dog play with the toy.
Reasons to buy: Durable, gentle on dogs teeth, variety of sizes
Reasons to avoid: Not suitable for destructive dogs
8. SmartPetLove Snuggle Puppy Behavioral Aid Toy
Best dog toy for comfort
Material: Plush
Includes stuffing: Yes
Includes sound: Yes
Tough? Yes
If you have an anxious pooch in the family, consider the SmartPetLove Snuggle Puppy Behavioral Aid Toy. Although it's generally designed for puppies experiencing separation anxiety, it's actually useful for a dog of any age so whether you've adopted a pup or an adult dog, you're likely to find great value for money here as you pass it on to future generations.
It's surprisingly tougher than it looks in the durability stakes too: expect a bit of batter here and there, but its teddy-like design should stay together for most dog breed types.
How it works is that the Snuggle Puppy looks to recreate the intimacy of a dog's mother with a 'real-feel' pulsing heartbeat, a nifty extra that could end up being a lifesaver for you too if your canine struggles to settle and cries through the night.
Sensitive dogs may find the sound alarming, but the ability to add and remove the heart is a useful feature that will be appreciated by pet owners looking to tailor toys to their dog's preferences.
Reasons to buy: Snuggly design, comes with a disposable heat pad, variety of colors available, suitable for all ages and breed sizes
Reasons to avoid: Sensitive dogs may be frightened by the pulsing heartbeat feature
Best for gadget-lovers
Material: Polycarbonate
Includes stuffing: No
Includes sound: No
Tough? Yes
The WickedBone interactive smart pet toy can be controlled from your phone (drive mode), while it will also react to what your pet is doing and require no input from you (interactive mode). The battery has been designed to last for 40 minutes in drive mode, but up to four hours in interactive mode. The bone can respond to being chased, being touched, being ignored, and more.
The body of the toy is made from a tough polycarbonate, so it should withstand some chewing but its worth supervising your pet while playing with the toy. The manufacturers state that it is not recommended for strong chewers, so be wary if that describes your canine pal.
Despite being an electronic gadget, it is easy to clean with detachable tires and a protective cover.
Since the toy appears to have a life of its own, its likely to keep your pet amused for several hours and is well suited to dogs who are easily bored by conventional toys. Some dogs may be scared of the toy at first, but tips are supplied to help them get used to it.
This is a fun gadget that will likely amuse you just as much as the dog, but the big downside with this product is the high price. However, if it lasts for several years, you might consider it a worthy investment.
Reasons to buy: High tech toy, durable, long-lasting battery life
Reasons to avoid: Very expensive, not for tough chewers
10. ChuckIt! Paraflight Flyer Dog Frisbee Toy
Best frisbee dog toy
Material: Nylon
Includes stuffing: Yes
Includes sound: No
Tough? No
If you have an active canine companion on your hands who loves zooming about all over the place, then this frisbee from ChuckIt! is sure to provide them with hours of fun and entertainment.
Measuring 10 inches and designed for long-distance flight, the frisbee floats beautifully on water, making it the ideal toy for use both on land and in a pool or lake.
The frisbee features a multilayer nylon interior with soft rubber edges that are gentle on a dog's mouth and it will gradually descend making it easy for your pup to jump up and catch mid-flight.
Available in small and large sizes, this toy is perfect for all breeds, and the bright blue and orange colors make it easy for pets (and their parents!) to spot the frisbee in tall grass or on water.
Reasons to buy: Great for use on land or in the water, designed for long distance flight, gentle on your dog's mouth
Reasons to avoid: Not very durable
11. Volacopets Treat Dispensing Dog Toys
Best interactive dog toy
Material: Rubber and rope
Includes stuffing: No
Includes sound: No
Tough? Yes
If you're looking for a way to keep your canine companion amused for hours on end, this variety pack of five ball toys might just be the answer to your prayers. Containing a squeaky ball, solid rubber ball, dental cleaning ball, treat dispensing ball and wool ball, this brightly colored set is full of fun.
We love that these toys are made from rubber and rope, as opposed to plastic, which can be easily bitten into, so they're great for dogs of all ages and stages. They're also durable enough to withstand plenty of light to moderate chewing, although given they're roughly the size of a tennis ball, they're best for small and medium sized breeds.
Two of the balls can hold treats, with one being slightly more challenging than the other, so they're ideal if you're wanting to keep your dog occupied for a few hours while you're out of the house. And because they're made of rubber, they're wonderful for teething puppies.
Reasons to buy: Five different balls, durable, great value
Reasons to avoid: Not suitable for large breeds
12. Kong Wild Knots Bear Dog Toy
Best for chewers
Material: Rope/Plush
Includes stuffing: Yes, but minimal
Includes sound: Yes
Tough? Yes
We love the Wild Knots bear toy because it manages to blend cuteness with durability. The interior skeleton of the bear is made from rope, which most dogs will find incredibly satisfying to get their teeth stuck into. Meanwhile, the exterior plush is designed to be tough and durable, so if youve got a dog whos keen on chewing, it should last a little while at least.
For any dog that manages to get through the exterior, the inside has very minimal stuffing, so you shouldnt have too much mess to clean up. There is also a squeaker inside, which many dogs will go mad for.
The bear is available in a range of sizes, so you can match it perfectly to the size of your dog. The larger one is ideal for playing tug, or for two dogs to play with each other.
One of the downsides of this toy, along with other Kong toys, is that its not cheap. However, considering the high-quality construction of the toy, we think its worth it.
Reasons to buy: Good for chewers, very cute, durable
Reasons to avoid: A little expensive
How to choose the best dog toy
When picking a dog toy, there are a few things to consider:
Engagement
Every dog is different, but if youve got a particularly inquisitive dog, you could consider toys that offer lots of ways to interact. Perhaps through squeakers, different textures, or even intelligent interactive toys.
Size
Its a good idea to pick a toy that matches well with the size of your dog. A toy which is too large can be overwhelming for small dogs, while larger dogs may find small toys dont offer the right kind of stimulation.
Ease of Use
If a dog toy requires some kind of complex set-up or tricky management to use, chances are itll end up in a box and barely touched. Look for those that are simple and easy to play with and chew straightaway.
Durability
If youve got a dog that likes to destroy their toys, look for more durable ones that will hopefully last a bit longer. Although they can be more expensive, if you keep hold of them for a while, they can be better value for money. If your pooch is gentler, then youve got scope to go for cheaper and less durable options.
Hazards
Be careful of toys that might have small detachable solid parts that could potentially choke your dog - especially if theyre quite destructive. Its always wise to supervise your dog when playing with toys, especially if its the first time theyve used them.
Why do dogs destroy toys?
There are a variety of reasons your dog may destroy their toys. High prey drive breeds are more likely to tear apart soft toys, and many dogs like to remove the squeakers from toys if they can find them. Playing with your dog, or wearing them out can alleviate this, as mentally and physically stimulated dogs are less like to destroy their toys.
Keep in mind that wear and tear are a normal effect of a dog playing with toys. Chewing, throwing, and whipping toys around are going to cause damage. Depending on your canine breed, their behavior may be an instinctual behavior and need tougher toys.
When dealing with puppies and younger dogs, remember that puppies teethe and that may be while they've been more destructive. Younger dogs in general also tend to be high energy, and if the toys you purchase are not durable they may not last long at all.
Some dogs will destroy toys when dealing with separation anxiety, stress, boredom or frustration. It can also be a behavior to try and get your attention.
If a dog is undernourished, or hungry, they can also be harder on their toys. To ensure this isn't an issue make sure your pooch is getting enough to eat with nutritious dog food.
Do I need to clean my dog's toys?
Its a good idea to give your dogs toys a good clean every once in a while. Although you dont need to be overly fastidious about it, dog toys are a bit of a breeding ground for things like bacteria, mold and mildew so its worth keeping an eye on them.
Hard toys made from plastic, silicone and similar materials are very easy to clean. Brush off any major dirt from them before soaking them in warm soapy water, giving them a good rinse and drying them off before giving back to your dog.
Soft toys, such as those made from fabric, rope or other similar textiles are a bit harder to clean. You can spot clean using a sponge for any obvious dirt, but for a deeper clean, they can usually be placed in the dishwasher (top rack) or washing machine on a hot cycle. Be careful if your soft toys have been damaged, as they might get misshapen - its worth checking the label to make sure its safe to machine wash them too. Allow toys to dry fully before giving them back to your dog - avoid using a tumble drier as this can also damage the toys.
Why do dogs toys squeak?
Not all dogs toys squeak but those that do are tailored for a specific doggy instinct: to catch prey. The squeak is intended to mimic the sound of a small animal and this is why dogs tend to love playing with them. The high-pitched sound gets dogs very excited so if you have a pet who appears to be disinterested, a squeaker toy may prove to be the answer.
How to pick the best dog toy
There are thousands of toys built for dogs on the market, and finding the right one requires knowing your dog. You want an option that fits your canine companion's personality, activity level, and destructive tendencies so you don't end up buying items that just collect dust in a corner somewhere.
If your dog is a tough chewer, you'll want an option that can hold up to them even when they're excited or bored. This means avoiding soft or fluffy toys, and opting instead for durable options built to hold up to dogs on a mission.
For dogs that need a little extra stimulation, puzzle toys can be just the ticket. These toys often feature little mechanisms that hide treats, and make the dogs work for their reward. The extra stimulation is excellent for dogs bored by normal toys, or for distracting dogs with separation anxiety when you leave the house. These toys can provide hours of stimulation, even for high energy dogs.
For high energy breeds, or toys for outside, you want an option that is durable, and easy to see in the bushes at the park. Balls are always great for fetch, but be careful to choose an option that isn't too big, or too small, for your breed. Frisbees can also be a ton of fun, and come in different shapes, sizes, and materials.
When bringing home new toys, it's worth keeping an eye on your dog when they first play with it to ensure there aren't any hazards. Of course, the most important part of bringing home dog toys, is finding one your furry friend will love, whether for a few days, or their whole life.
