It’s hard to find the perfect toy for a man’s best friend. A busy dog is a happy dog and you need the best toys that will entertain your fur baby. Puppies need to expend their energy, even with mental stimulation, to be happy and healthy – and to avoid problems. That’s why a dog toy that stimulates your dog is so important. Yes, it’s great to spend hours playing with your dogs, but it’s not always possible to do this every day because work, housework and other responsibilities hinder you.
Finding the best dog toys that will entertain your furry friend, even when you’re not around, so you can play tug of war or throw the ball over and over again (and over and over again) is definitely an option dog lovers should take advantage of.
There are many dog toys to choose from, from frisbees and balls to whistles, puzzles and food gadgets. But as every dog owner knows, a toy can be hit or missed. Maybe yours pet it shows no interest in it – or worse, they chew or pull for a few minutes and it is immediately shredded. So how do you find the best dog toys that are sure to guarantee hours of engagement and play?
We asked the experts: our dogs.
We interviewed dog parents at CNET and rounded out the proven and true favorites of their puppies. Finding an indestructible toy for your dog can be a daunting task, but these toys have they survived the furious game, went through endless chewing sessions and provided hours of daily dog fun – we even got three votes for the very popular Chuckit!
Because each dog has unique peculiarities and preferences, you will find a wide range to choose from. Whether your four-legged friend is a big dog or a small dog, chewing gum or puller, you will definitely find something you will like in this list. These are the best dog toys available that our dogs have really gone crazy about.
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Sarah Mitroff / CNET
If you have a dog that requires almost constant attention, you will do anything to keep it busy for a few minutes. I use this puzzle toy for that. There are three rotating trays where you can hide treats so your dog will work for a reward. My puppy has to use his snout to turn the coasters to reveal the bins, and I have to hope it keeps his brain sharp because he has to solve problems to get all the treats. I have a second (medium) version and I would definitely buy it again. –-Sarah Mitroff
Stephen Shankland / CNET
To be honest, we have a lot of miles of rough old tennis balls that Molly finds in the gutter, but Chuckit! Ultra Balls are much better when they resist her efforts to tear them to pieces. They are also resistant to falling asleep, do not catch as much mud and are easy to wash. The only downside is that they tend to disappear in dog parks. –Stephen Shankland
If you have an active dog who likes to chase balls (like my lab), then Chuckit! is a must for your fetching games. You never have to bend again to lift or touch a drooling ball. This piece of cheap molded plastic picks up the ball for you and allows you to “throw” it over and over again with the movement of your wrist. –-Connie Guglielmo
My puppy will play fetch until the cows return home, making this launcher much easier to tolerate long sessions. Not only is it great for those of us who have below-average throwing, but it also means less inclination to catch the ball. Every time I reach for Chuckit! Launcher, my puppy is excited! –-Lexy Savvides
Theodore Liggians / CNET
This toy is durable and covers all things that can entertain the dog forever. Inside is a rope and a pair of whistles to get and keep their attention, and usually it ends up being a toy that my dog caresses. –-Theodore Liggians
Desiree DeNunzio / CNET
Banjo is nervous when left alone, but like most labs he is very driven by food. Mochi, our little boy, is just an extreme chewing gum. If he has nothing to chew on, he will start biting holes in the carpet in the living room. So when I know I’ll be gone for a few hours, I’ll pull Kongy. The stuffing is mozzarella or peanut butter (or both) and lo and behold, my two dogs are happy and busy the whole time I’m gone. –-Desiree DeNunzio
My dog is a beast when it comes to toys, and he’s almost destroyed each the only toy we gave her in a day or two. That was until we came across a range of Kong Extreme dog toys that she did perfectly, she enjoys it and we can use it as a reward by filling it with peanut butter when it is good all day. There are several different shapes and sizes and he seems to enjoy them all! –-Jared DiPane
Kim Wong-Shing / CNET
Most plush toys can’t match my dog Junebug, who tears them to pieces in a matter of minutes. But this ball of Fluff and Tuff takes her weeks to release the thread. As a result, she is obsessed with it and carries it with her everywhere (even if it is too big for her body – an adorable bonus). It remains true to him even after it is nothing more than a sad, cut, hollowed-out shell. Eventually, I fire him and buy her a new one, and the cycle begins again. After about a year, the third beach ball is playing! It’s worth the money. –-Kim Wong-Shing
Amazon
My dog loves two things (besides people): food and toys. And this puzzle combines the two for endless fun. I received this dog treat puzzle as a gift after months of rolling up towels and old T-shirts to make mentally stimulating toys for my chihuahua. Now I use it whenever I don’t have the opportunity to take my dog for her long evening walk.
It looks complicated thanks to all the moving plastic parts, but in reality the setup is simple. All you have to do is hide the selected treats or granules in hidden cubicles, cover them with a plastic door, push the slider to keep the door closed, and that’s it. I found it to be a great inner possibility for my dog to burn some energy and test his brain. –-Alexandra Garrett
Jim Hoffman / CNET
My puppy, Alistair, has been crazy about his Dogobie flying disc for as long as we’ve had it, which takes 14 years. The reel made of flexible silicone is almost indestructible and it is as easy for me to throw as it is for me to fetch, and thanks to the neon colors it can be easily found in the brush after a stray throw. Alistair has been around for several years, but is still excited whenever she sees her Dogobie play. Now, if he brought it back with as much enthusiasm as if he was chasing it. –-Jim Hoffman
Frequently asked questions
Do dogs really need toys?
It’s easy to overlook the importance of toys in a dog’s life, but toys are essential to your dog’s well-being – and to your own peace of mind. A tired and mentally interested dog gets into much less misery than a bored puppy. Toys can help correct bad behavior, keep your dog mentally busy, tire him, and provide appropriate sales for dogs that are prone to destructive chewing.
What toys do dogs like best?
All dogs have different natures and activity levels, so you will want to understand your puppy’s individual needs to find the toys that best suit them. Toys for dogs generally fall into three categories:
- Active toys: Balls and frisbee, as well as ropes and woven tugs, are great for interactive play and get your dog to do much needed exercise. If your dog is very active, such toys can also be used as training motivators.
- Enriching toys: These toys will keep your dog busy and mentally stimulated. They can range from puzzles and toy dispensers to durable rubber toys that stuff stuffed with Kong. By trying to get on the treats, your dog tries to “solve the problem”, which stimulates his brain and gives him something to do. These types of toys are designed to keep your dog engaged when you are busy or unable to do so.
- Comfortable toys: Did you have a favorite stuffed animal or doll as a child? Dogs, on the other hand, are not so different and can also gain comfort when wearing a favorite toy. Anxious dogs in particular could benefit from having a stuffed companion. Be careful because some dogs are aggressive chewing gum and should not receive plush toys. And avoid stifling with squeegees that can be easily removed and swallowed.
What are the best dog toys for chewing gum?
Chewing is the natural behavior of a dog, but if your puppy tends to chew things he shouldn’t, it’s a good idea to find suitable alternatives. Most of us know that boiled bones are big no-no because they can shatter and break and get stuck in your dog’s throat or intestines. The best solution is something that is easily digestible and commercially available (like Greenies), or better yet a hard rubber gum like Nylabone or Kong. As always, consult your veterinarian about the safest options for your dog.