12 Best Dog Toys To Keep Your Dog Entertained

Looking to channel your dog’s energy into a constructive outlet? A new dog toy can provide hours of enjoyment and fun.

Of course, dog toys vary heavily depending on their type and materials. You’ll want to consider these factors before buying a dog toy for your pup:

• What does the toy need to do? A treat-dispensing toy is good for enrichment, for example, while playtime may call for rope toys or tug-of-war toys.
• Do you want a plush, stuffed toy or a heavy-duty one? The best toys are often made with durable rubber to withstand wear and tear, even from big dogs.
• What kind of toys does your dog love? Dog owners should get interactive dog toys for pups who like to play actively. On the other hand, dogs that just love a game of fetch might be fine with a ball launcher — it might even become their favorite toy!
• What’s the toy made of? Make sure the toys you buy won’t hurt your dog’s teeth or lead to injuries for your furry friend! While hard plastic is a sturdy option, natural rubber or soft toys are good for all dogs.

Today, let’s break down the 12 best dog toys you should buy for your canine companion.

Best for Fetch: Chuckit! Ultra Fetch Stick

Key specs: One color, 4.48 ounces

The Chuckit! is one of the most popular fetch toys on the market. Not only is it the perfect size for dogs to pick up, but it’s also pretty durable and ideal for heavy chewers who like to shake the toy after retrieving it.

Pros

There’s a lot to like about this fetch dog toy, so take a look:

• Highly durable and difficult to lose, even in a grassy park
• Quite affordable, yet provides many hours of entertainment
• Great for all breeds and sizes of dog
• Very lightweight and easy to throw around

Cons

Still, you’ll want to keep in mind these potential downsides:

• Only one type of game you can play
• Can break down if subjected to consistent chewing like a bone

Best for Long-term chewing: Benebone Wishbone Durable Dog Chew Toy

Key specs: Four sizes, three flavors

This dog toy is actually a chewable bone for aggressive chewers. Thanks to its real bacon flavor, it’s undeniably attractive to many dogs, so it should entertain them for several hours.

Pros

Should you choose this chewable dog toy, you’ll find a lot of positives that immediately stand out:

• Several different flavors available
• Quite durable and long-lasting, even if your dog chews on it for a long time
• Curved so it is easy for your dog to hold onto
• Made in the United States

Cons

Alternatively, you might also notice some potential downsides that could make it a less-than-stellar fit for your pup:

• Will still break down over time, and it’s not consumable
• Not useful for large breeds

Best for Large dog chewing: Nylabone Power Chew Easy-Hold Dog Toy

Key specs: Five sizes

This large dog chew toy is particularly easy to hold due to its special shape, and it even helps to promote dental health. For this reason, it’s a great choice for larger dogs that need constant entertainment.

Pros

This chew toy for dogs has many big advantages and benefits you should consider:

• Special construction helps to reduce plaque and tartar buildup
• Made of highly durable nylon
• Intended for very large dogs that are 50 pounds or larger
• Bacon flavor to keep your dog satisfied

Cons

That said, there are some elements that might cause you to choose a different toy out of the full range of toys on the market. This toy is made of hard, durable material and could be rough on your dog’s gums.

Best for Gentle chewers: SmartPetLove Snuggle Puppy Tender-Tuffs

Key specs: Seven varieties

This squeaky plush dog toy is perfect for dogs that need a little companion while they sleep. You can also use it if your pooch likes to carry a plush play toy around throughout the day.

Pros

Many puppies and pet parents love this toy for a variety of key reasons:

• Great for providing your dog with companionship
• Has a puncture-resistant squeaker, so it will engage your dog for hours
• Several shapes available

Cons

Simultaneously, there are some possible downsides you might encounter if you choose this dog toy:

• Very soft, meaning it won’t be suitable for aggressive chewers
• Can’t really be used for chase games

Best for Brain training: TRIXIE Turn Around Strategy Game

Key specs: Three difficulty levels

Maybe you want to entertain your dog through mental stimulation. In that case, this brain training strategy game is a great choice, and it’s available in several levels so you can purchase new toys as your dog masters each previous level.

Pros

You might find that this is the right dog toy for your pup thanks to the below advantages:

• Excellent for intelligent dog breeds that get bored with normal toys
• Perfect for teaching puppies how to train their brains
• Good for training
• Ideal for feeding your dog slowly

Cons

On the other hand, it might not be the overall best toy pick due to the following downsides:

• Not ideal for athletic dogs or play
• More expensive compared to other dog toys

Best for Snack dispensing: KONG Extreme Dog Toy

Key specs: Five sizes

This tough and highly durable Kong toy is perfect for storing snacks or kibble to be dispensed as your dog sniffs around. But it’s also great for chasing, fetching, and chewing, making it a versatile toy for dogs of all types.

Pros

Consider these benefits before you purchase this rubber toy for your canine companion:

• Perfect for giving your dog treats or freezing peanut butter inside
• Practically an indestructible dog toy, even for aggressive chewers
• Several sizes available
• Recommended by vets and dog trainers around the world
• Dishwasher safe

Cons

You’ll also want to consider the cons and notable downsides that other pet parents have encountered. This dog toy needs to be cleaned frequently, which may be inconvenient for some pet owners.

Best for Feeding game: TOMAHAUK Snuffle Mat

Key specs: Two sizes

Here’s another interactive puzzle toy game for mental stimulation. It will help your dog learn how to forage and help your dog feel satisfied as they sniff out kibble, treats, and other dog food if you want to reward them or slow down feeding time.

Pros

This could be the perfect dog toy for your pup, given the many advantages that pet parents have already found:

• Ideal for dogs that eat their food too quickly
• Good for training your dog and teaching them how to forage
• Easy to clean thanks to machine-washable materials
• Comes with a free-flying disc for added value for money

Cons

However, this toy might be a less-than-ideal choice due to these downsides:

• Isn’t good for outdoor play
• May not be the right choice for extra-large dogs with aggressive chewing styles

Best for Puppy play: SCHITEC Squeaky Dog Toys

Key specs: Two pack sizes, variable colors

Do you have a new puppy? They need plenty of toys to play with! This pack of squeaky toys is ideal for dogs with small teeth. You can use them as fetch balls, squeaky toys, soft plush companions, and everything in between.

Pros

There are many positive elements to this squeaky dog toy pack:

• Perfect for any type of engagement your puppy might need
• Plenty of different colors and expressions
• Good for puppies who want to chase balls around, but are too small for a normal tennis ball

Cons

On the other hand, there are some notable flaws that you shouldn’t ignore:

• Very gentle, so it will degrade over time
• You’ll need to take these toys away when your dog gets bigger

Best for Hyper-tough chewing: Goughnuts Dog Toys for Aggressive Chewers

Key specs: Four sizes

If your dog plays rough, this doughnut-shaped toy could be just the ticket. This virtually indestructible dog-chewing toy is great for dogs that like to gnaw on things to pass the time, and you can toss it or play fetch as well.

Pros

Should you choose to purchase this chewing toy, you’ll find that it’s a great choice for the reasons below:

• Highly durable materials ensure that it will last for a long time to come
• Safe toy as it won’t break into smaller pieces
• Available in several colors
• Perfect for chewing and for playing fetch (just roll the wheel along the ground)

Cons

You might also notice that it’s not the best choice for your pup if the below downsides apply to your situation:

• Could be a bit boring for your dog if they like flavors or other elements
• Somewhat pricier compared to other rubber balls

Best for Interactive puzzle play: Outward Hound Hide A Squirrel Plush Dog Toy Puzzle

Key specs: Several sizes and puzzle animals

This is another interactive puzzle toy that’s great for smart dogs. It’s particularly well-suited for gentle chewers or puppies, as they can pull out the target animals from the trunk and “retrieve” prey over and over again.

Pros

Many pet parents have enjoyed this dog puzzle toy thanks to the below benefits:

• Very fun for puppies and gentle chewer dogs
• You can play with your dog rather than leaving them to their own devices
• Plenty of animal varieties available, plus several different sizes
• You can purchase replacement animals separately

Cons

Others have also found it to be a decent, though not perfect, fit due to the fact that it is not good for aggressive chewers, who will make short work of the critters inside.

Best for Tugging games: Mammoth Flossy Chews

Key specs: Several sizes and types

If your dog likes to play tug-of-war, this is the toy for you and them. It’s available with two or three knots depending on your preferences, and it’s made of durable rope so it will withstand many tug games over the years.

Pros

If you’re in the market for a good tug toy, you might like this one thanks to the advantages broken down below:

• Perfect for high-energy dogs that like to play tug
• Good choice for large dog breeds weighing at least 50 pounds
• Made of biodegradable rope that is safe and non-toxic
• Several sizes available, so it will always fit your pup

Cons

But you might also choose a different type of toy given these cons:

• Limited play possibilities outside tug
• Ends can fray and break off from time to time

Best for Flying disc games: West Paw Zogoflex Zisc Dog Flying Disc

Key specs: Two sizes, seven colors/patterns

This flying disc is perfect for dogs that like to chase and retrieve. It’s available in several different colors and patterns and even doubles as a pet food or a water bowl, thanks to its flexible design and orientation.

Pros

When it comes to flying disc toys, there’s a lot to like about this particular option:

• Doubles as a dishwasher-safe dog bowl
• Quite durable
• Very easy to throw long-distance thanks to its weight

Cons

However, there are also some possible flaws you shouldn’t ignore:

• Ends can chip and break off sometimes
• Pliable, curved edges make this less than ideal for aggressive chewers

The Bottom Line

With so many toys to choose from, you don’t have to stick to boring dog balls. The Mammoth Flossy Chews is a perfect choice for fans of tug, while the SCHITEC Squeaky Dog Toys are ideal for puppies. Whatever you choose, getting your dog a new toy is one of the best ways to show that you love them.

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