9 Best Dog Toys
Most dogs love toys. They’ll play with them by shaking, catching, rolling, chewing, and cuddling the best dog toys. Even just knocking a ball on a wood floor also stimulates their brain and helps expel pent up energy.
Testing different types of toys with many different dogs, we found that not every dog likes every kind of toy. Some dogs like edible toys, while others prefer something more appropriate for a fast play session. It makes an impression when a dog enjoys a toy more than their favorite treats.
9 Best Dog Toys of 2022
- Best dog toys overall
- Best plush
- Best big ball for dogs
- Best for fetch
- Best silent toy
- Best for chewers
- Best budget
- Best squeaky
- Best for smart dogs
1- BEST DOG TOY OVERALL:
WEST PAW ZOGOFLEX QWIZL DOG PUZZLE TREAT TOY
The Twisty Qwizl is great for pets. Playing with the toy fosters hours of engagement and exercise in both active and passive modes. Dogs, puppies, teething babies—all can find the Twisty Qwizl irresistible.
KEY FEATURES:
- It’s easy on doggie mouths, stretches (without stretching out) and sports an unstoppable bounce
- Puzzle dog toy
- It’s easy to sanitize
Pros:
- Works as a chew, fetch, or treat toy
- Durable
- Dishwasher safe
Cons:
- A little heavy for fetch
2- BEST PLUSH DOG TOY:
KONG COZIE MARVIN THE MOOSE PLUSH DOG TOY
Some dogs love stuffed toys, but others see them as a challenge; this product is meant for the dog that loves to play with and cuddle plush toys.
KEY FEATURES:
- Minimal filling for minimal mess
- Extra layer of material to increase strength
- Squeaks to help entice play
- Not for chew sessions
Pros:
- Lots of designs
- Soft, yet durable
- Lasting squeaker
Cons:
- A little heavy for fetch
3- BEST BIG BALL:
JOLLY PETS TUG-N-TOSS DOG TOY
The jolly pets balls are based on toys that keep horses entertained. They are hollow plastic balls with handles and high bounce, which makes them unpredictable.
These types of balls have been proven to be the most successful for dogs who like to chase after a toy and carry it around in their mouth. Border collies and Australian Shepherds are the breeds that tend to go crazy for these type of toys.
KEY FEATURES:
- Integrated handle that provides endless ways to carry, play, fetch and tug this durable toy
- Ideal for large dogs between 20-60 pounds
- Made in the usa
- Made from flexible material
- It floats!
Pros:
- Available in four sizes
- Handle for carrying or tossing
- Won’t pop
Cons:
- Handle can be chewed off easily
4- BEST FOR FETCH:
CHUCKIT! CLASSIC LAUNCHER DOG TOY
For the dog who loves to fetch, the chuckit! Classic launcher should be included in all toy sets. The long handle lets you pick up the balls without needing to search for it on the ground.
KEY FEATURES:
- Tennis ball launcher
- Just for pets
Pros:
- Hands-free ball pickup
- Allows dog owners to throw farther
- Comes in several sizes
- Works with regular tennis balls
Cons:
- Included ball isn’t very durable
5- BEST SILENT TOY:
HEAR DOGGY SILENT SQUEAKER DOG TOY
When you press the squeaker on this toy, it produces no sound, which is disconcerting. For dogs that insist on making noise while their owners are on the phone or trying to sleep, this toy’s silent squeaker is an excellent option.
KEY FEATURES:
- Soft & durable plush
- Ultrasonic silent squeaker
- Perfect for cuddling
- Designed to last longer
- Animal options available
Pros:
- Extremely quiet
- Reinforced seams
- Dogs seemed very interested in the sound
Cons:
- Doesn’t look as durable as some soft toys
6- BEST FOR CHEWERS:
BENEBONE BACON FLAVOR WISHBONE TOUGH DOG CHEW TOY
The best toy for your dog to play with is one that is designed to exercise their jaws. The wishbone shape will help them grip the toy in their paws, but dogs can also chew on the knobby ends in order to be satisfied by the amount of chewing that is required.
KEY FEATURES:
- Durable, long-lasting
- Real bacon!
- Easy to pick up and chew
- Happiness, guaranteed
Pros:
- Several shapes and sizes
- Softer version for puppies
Cons:
- Aggressive chewers can wear them down relatively quickly
7- BEST BUDGET DOG TOY:
SPOT SKINNEEEZ FOREST SERIES FOX STUFFING-FREE SQUEAKY PLUSH DOG TOY
Dogs loved the skinneeez stuffing-free toy. They threw it, shook it around, and carried it with them anywhere they went. The squeaker in the toy is fine, but they seemed to enjoy playing with the toy more than that because of the easy-to-hold shape.
KEY FEATURES:
- Stuffingless
- Realistic design
- Squeak! Squeak!
- Many designs
Pros:
- No stuffing
- Floppy and great for fetch
Cons:
- Short lifespan for determined dogs
8- BEST SQUEAKY DOG TOY:
OUTWARD HOUND INVINCIBLES SNAKES
The Outward Hound Invincibles snake is an interactive dog toy that has many squeakers. Your dog will love it and can play with it even if they manage to puncture a single part of the toy.
KEY FEATURES:
- Toss, tug, or fetch
- Double the seams & double the lining
- No stuffing, no mess
- Fit for big biters
Pros:
- Lots of squeakers that keep making noise, even if popped
- Durable fabric and seams
- Colorful and cute shapes
Cons:
- Ginormous size can be overwhelming for small dogs
- Squeakers can be loud (dogs love this!)
9- BEST FOR SMART DOGS:
OUTWARD HOUND HIDE A SQUIRREL SQUEAKY PUZZLE PLUSH DOG TOY
With this toy, your dog has to pull the squirrels out of holes in a plush tree. It combines both puzzle-solving and includes lots of squeaky animals for little hands to chew on.
KEY FEATURES:
- Hide & squeak fun
- 2-in-1 interactive play
- Gentle on the teeth and gums
Pros:
- Brain game plus squeakies
- Comes in four sizes
Cons:
- Not durable for chewing
What to look for in a dog toy
1- Engagement
It is difficult to predict what your dog will like, but you should be rotating the toys so that your dog does not get bored. Put away their favorite toy and bring it back into the toy box for them to find when they least expect it.
2- Durability
Ensure that your dog is not playing with any unsafe toys by checking the seams and material of the toy. Toys should be repaired if they show signs of wear, or if any parts have been torn off or broken.
3- Size
Choose toys that are appropriate for your dog’s size. If a toy is too small, it can be swallowed or become stuck in the throat of a dog. If the toy is too big, it can frustrate puppies who want to play with it.
4- Ease of use
Instead of playing with a regular squeaky toy, smart dogs can enjoy an even more challenging toy like treat dispensers. Choose your pup’s personality and interests to find the right kind of toy.
FAQ
Do dog toys need to be cleaned?
Dogs can also carry harmful bacteria, so it’s important to clean their toys every few weeks. In order to prevent the potential spread of germs and bacteria in moist environments such as drool-covered toys, it is important for you to clean these items every few weeks and to keep the whole family healthy.
How do you clean dog toys?
First, check if there are any holes or frayed seams—if there are, repair them before washing. If the tag has any instruction, follow that first.
If the tag is illegible, wash your clothing by hand if it’s a lighter weight and launder the garment on a gentle cycle if it’s heavier.
Squeeze out any excess water before drying and then dry in low-heat. Keep it away from your pet while it is wet.
To sanitize your plastic toys before play, first wash them in soapy water. Add 2 teaspoons of bleach to 1 gallon of water in a dish pan and mix. Add the pre-cleaned toys to the bleach solution and let them soak for two minutes, then rinse well and air dry.
Why do dogs like squeaky toys?
Experts attribute squeaky toys as a combination of hunting instinct, attraction to noises like alarm prey sounds for the dog, and being stimulated when chewing.
Many of these toys are fuzzy and shaped like animals to mirror what the dog might instinctively want to chase.
Dogs which have strong hunting instincts like terriers may find that prey-like qualities in squeaky toys more appealing to play with. This is because the sound of the squeaker toy, as well as the gratification they feel after playing with the toy, become its own stimuli to your dog.
Keep your dog in sight when using any toy and, if necessary, repair any seams or holes that could present a hazard for the stuffing. If a toy’s squeaker is removed, it should also be immediately removed from the pet and discarded.
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