Best overall: Kong Goodie Bone Dog ToyBest for puppies: Smart Pet Love Snuggle Puppy Behavioral Aid Dog ToyBest rope toy: Feeko Dog Rope ToysBest dog Frisbee: Tuffy No Stuff Ultimate Ring BoneBest with treats: Outward Hound Fun FeederBest interactive: Wobble Wag Giggle BallBest budget: Nylabone Dental Chew Bone
How we chose the best dog toys
As avid pooch people, we know from experience how to differentiate between a high-quality dog toy and one that disintegrates in one chomp. On top of our own personal experience, we also looked at suggestions from pet stores, impressions from fellow dog owners, and reviews from experts.
What to consider when buying the best dog toys
Anxiety level
Having a dog with anxiety or nervousness can be a tough sight to see. As a pet parent to a dog with this type of personality, you want to do all you can to help reduce these issues and work to increase their comfort and confidence levels. Dog toys can be the perfect aid here. You’re the expert on your dog (along with your vet, of course) so think about how your dog tends to make himself feel better when he’s anxious or nervous. For many dogs, gnawing on things seems to help distract them. For others, having a comforting smell or their favorite dog products nearby simply makes them feel better.
Personality
Apart from DIY canine enrichment games and puzzles, toys play a big role in a dog’s happiness and overall health. If you’ve been a dog owner for some time now, you’re probably keenly aware of the importance of matching a dog toy to your pup’s personality. Oftentimes we get so amped about how cutesy or reputable a particular toy is, only to present it to Pooch and get straight-up denied—there’s zero reaction, and it’s left alone, forever. To avoid this sad scenario, it’s important to anticipate your dog’s needs and wants by considering his or her personality. For example, if you know your dog is anxious, consider getting him a chewy dog toy or something he can gnaw on (this simple action has been shown time and again to decrease anxiety in dogs). If your dog is really playful, invest in a more interactive dog toy that will keep him on his toes and busy for hours. And if your dog is known to tear things to shreds, it’s time to ante up with an indestructible dog toy. A good dog toy can blow your dog’s mind.
Activity level
Whether you have a puppy or a more mature pooch who is still young at heart, sometimes it can feel impossible to find a toy that will actually fulfill their boundless energy needs. One of the best ways to exercise an active dog is by using interactive dog toys—where both you and your pooch can spend hours playing and bonding together. In fact, even if your furry friend isn’t the most active, toys can be a great way to encourage some positive fun and physical activity through new forms of exercise. Once they see that you’re having fun, they’ll want to join in and play, too.
Mental stimulation needs
Some breeds—like Australian Shepards, Jack Russell Terriers, and Siberian Huskies—need lots of mental stimulation to live a happy, healthy life. They can take to your couch cushions if not provided with self-entertaining dog toys. If you’re looking for some mental stimulation to keep your pet busy and entertained, dog puzzles and other enrichment toys are an ideal option. They present a healthy opportunity for pets to exert their physical and mental energies on a safe and fun toy. Plus, they can help with decreasing anxiety and improving problem-solving skills.
The best dog toys: Reviews & Recommendations
Much like humans need exercise to live a balanced life, dogs need toys for happiness and entertainment. As a crucial aside, keep in mind that no matter the material, even the best dog toys can break and/or wear with time, so please monitor your furry friend during playtime to ensure they’re having a safe experience.
Best overall: Kong Goodie Bone Dog Toy
Why it made the cut: From mental stimulation to everyday play, the Kong Goodie Bone Dog Toy survives it all. Specs
Sizes: Small, medium, largeBreed recommendations: All breedsDimensions: 1.9 x 5.15 x 1.25 inches for small; 2.63 x 7.13 x 1.75 inches for medium; 3.35 x 8.5 x 2.25 inches for large
Pros
Multiple sizesWarrantyDurable
Cons
Some dogs cause quick destruction despite durable claims
The Kong Goodie Bone Dog Toy will satisfy your pup’s instinct to chew while encouraging problem-solving. If you have a food-motivated dog, you can even fill the “Goodie Grippers” on each side of the bone with some of his favorite treats—go ahead and stuff them in there for a fun toy-turned-puzzle and some extra mental stimulation Kong’s durable red rubber stands up to wear from your canine’s canines. In case the toy is destroyed, this durable dog toy comes with a warranty, perfect for serial toy destroyers.
Best for puppies: Smart Pet Love Snuggle Puppy Behavioral Aid Dog Toy
Why it made the cut: With a soft outer cover and an internal heated element, this toy is a cozy hug for nervous puppies. Specs
Sizes: One sizeBreed recommendations: All sizesMaterial: Plush
Pros
Easy to cleanAAA batteries, heat pack includedLong-lasting
Cons
Doesn’t work for all puppies and dogsNo auto shut-offNeed to purchase additional heatpacks
Unofficially known as the sweetest toy out there, the Smart Pet Love Snuggle Puppy Behavioral Aid Dog Toy features a heartbeat-like vibration and a heat source, which you can turn on and off as you wish, for puppies who are in need of some mama-like comfort. If your dog is particularly anxious, you’ll be happy to learn that AAA batteries and a heat pack are included and last for two weeks of 24/7 use. Puppies are known to be messy—thankfully, the toy is easy to clean as it’s machine washable once you take out the heartbeat insert. Plus, it comes in four adorable color schemes to match your puppy’s coat.
Best rope toy: Feeko Dog Rope Toys
Why it made the cut: With its cotton construction, this tough tugger is fun for your dog and good for their teeth. Specs
Sizes: Two sizes included: 19.5 inches and 30.5 inchesBreed recommendations: Medium and large dogsMaterial: Cotton
Pros
Easy to cleanCleans teethDurable
Cons
Not for small dogs
The Feeko Dog Rope comes in two sizes (19.5 inches and 30.5 inches) for medium and large dogs to play with themselves, their human friends and family, or with their dog peers. The all-natural cotton knots are designed for aggressive chewers, and as a bonus, the fibers help floss your canine’s teeth. Take that, dog breath. Plus, the fun colors and shapes will attract your pup’s attention away from furniture, shoes, and couch cushions. Additionally, the durable cotton rope is machine washable, in case Buddy keeps one rope for indoor fun, and the other for outside playtime.
Best dog Frisbee: Tuffy No Stuff Ultimate Ring Bone
Why it made the cut: This new take on a classic style of toy is safer for dogs’ teeth and more durable than other plush toys. Specs
Sizes: One sizeBreed recommendations: All sizesMaterial: Fleece, industrial-grade luggage material, plastic coating
Pros
DurableBetter for dogs’ teethLightweight
Cons
Squeakers pose a choking hazard
The Tuffy No Stuff Ultimate Ring Bone is made from polyester and fleece, which is super soft on your dog’s teeth mid-catch. The toy is lined with luggage material and plastic, meaning it’s just as durable as it is entertaining for pups. It weighs a mere four ounces, perfect for throwing in the car for long road trips, and it floats, meaning it’s a must-bring on your next lake or beach trip. The Ring Bone features squeakers so that every catch can be as intriguing as possible for your furry friend. However, this toy is a potential pass if your dog is prone to ripping out squeakers.
Best with treats: Outward Hound Fun Feeder
Why it made the cut: Barking brainiacs will get plenty of mental exercise while eating their food at a safe pace. Specs
Sizes: One sizeBreed recommendations: All sizesMaterial: BPA, PVC, and phthalate-free plastic
Pros
QuietBenefits behavior and healthQuiet
Cons
Only holds one cup of food
The Outward Hound Fun Feeder not only should replace your dog’s boring old bowl, but also provide a fun way of slowing down his eating pace. Holding up to one cup of food at a time, the bowl wobbles and rocks and it’s up to your pet to figure out how to use his paws or snout in a way that will release his kibble. Additionally, the non-slip base is quiet on hard floors and won’t scratch or scuff floors while your dog plays. This toy doesn’t only have to be used at mealtime—go ahead and put a few tasty treats in there at any time of day when your dog is ready to play. The top removes for easy cleaning, and it’s made of safe materials for worry-free use.
Best interactive: Wobble Wag Giggle Ball
Why it made the cut: The Wobble Wag Giggle Ball’s giggle sound intrigues and entices dogs to play. Specs
Sizes: One sizeBreed recommendations: All sizesMaterial: Phthalate-free vinyl
Pros
Easy stimulationGood for dogs of all sizesSafe materials
Cons
Not safe for chewingNoise can be annoying to humans
The Wobble Wag Giggle Ball features six clutch pockets across its surface, allowing any pup to easily grab and carry the ball. This ball is not battery-operated—its interesting giggle sound is created by internal tubes when the ball moves—making it long-lasting and safer for play. However, this dog toy might be more suitable for herding breeds who enjoy rolling a ball with their nose, since it is not durable enough to withstand chewing. The name might be hard to say five times fast, but this toy makes for easy pooch entertainment.
Best budget: Nylabone Dental Chew Bone
Why it made the cut: The Nylabone occupies, entertains, and helps keep your dog’s mouth healthy. Specs
Sizes: Extra small/petite; small/regular; medium/wolf; large/giantBreed recommendations: All sizesMaterial: thermoplastic polymer
Pros
Promotes dental healthGood for moderate chewersLots of options for dogs of all ages, sizes
Cons
Not for strong chewers
The Nylabone Dental Chew Bone comes in four sizes—extra small/petite, small/regular, medium/wolf, and large/giant—and features rounded “bristles” that are perfect for tackling tartar and plaque. It comes vet recommended and is made from a rugged thermoplastic polymer that is perfect for moderate chewers. Its chicken flavoring makes it particularly tantalizing for dogs.
Final thoughts on the best dog toys
As pet owners, our dog’s happiness is generally our number one priority. To ensure your dog is leading a happy, healthy, and fulfilled life, buy him a dog toy (or two, or five)! There are plenty of amazing products out there designed for all ages, all sizes, and all environments. Think about what makes your dog’s tail wag the most, and align that with the type of dog toy you want to test out. It’s OK to trial and error with a few toys until you find the best dog toy that makes your goodest boy or girl the most joyful!
