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| For Chewers | For Fetch | Subscription | Comforting | For Puppies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |  |  |  |  |
| Benebone | Chuckit! | BarkBox | SmartPetLove | Rocket & Rex |
| View on Amazon | View on Amazon | Visit BarkBox’s Website | View on Amazon | View on Amazon |
| Read Review | Read Review | Read Review | Read Review | Read Review |
Keep your furry friend entertained with my picks for the best dog toys. My dog loves toys, and I’ve included my top picks for super chewers, fetchers, brainiacs, teething puppies, and more. As dog owners, we know it’s essential to understand the physical benefits of exercise for your pets and the intellectual advantages of interacting with them. Toys are a great way to provide mental stimulation while spending time with our dogs and strengthening our bonds. So, let’s uncover the top 13 best toys for dogs.
Top 13 Best Toys For Dogs
There are thousands of dog toys on the market, and here are 13 of my favorites. Our in-house dogs have been lucky enough to try several of these toys, and I share our personal experiences.
Note: Please inspect your dog’s toys regularly to ensure they’re in good condition and are safe for play. Your dog should not ingest stuffing, plastic, or other harmful materials. Always read the toy’s packaging to identify any precautions.
1. Benebone Bacon Flavored Wishbone Chew Toy Review
This Benebone chew toy is made with real bacon, so dogs love the taste. The curve of the wishbone makes it easy for dogs to grab and bite. This product is made in the USA and comes in five sizes. This durable chew toy is long-lasting and gets excellent reviews. It is also available in chicken and peanut flavors. Since it is made in a facility where nuts may be present, do not purchase this product if someone in your household has a nut allergy.
Our Personal Experience With Benebone Chew Toy
My dog Falkor is a very persistent chewer. He is a Beagle Poodle mix, and despite being 18 pounds, he chews through every toy I get him in a short time. The Benebone has been very effective for him. It has three different ends to chew on, so it lasts a long time. I am also confident this is a safe toy. Unlike others, it does not splinter or break off in pieces as he chews it. Usually, he will chew on one for about three months before I have to replace it due to the ends getting too sharp from his gnawing. This is the best heavy duty dog chew toy I have found.
– Danielle DeGroot, Rescue Dog Parent & Writer For Canine Journal
Price
- Starts at $10.88
2. Chuckit! Ultra Ball Review
The Chuckit! Ultra Ball encourages exercise and playtime. These balls add an element of fun with high-bounce and buoyant material so that you can use them in or around water. These rubber balls are easy to clean and find in the snow and are available in five sizes. They’re compatible with Chuckit! Launchers, which were voted one of our best dog ball launchers. I recommend these over tennis balls for playing fetch, which are not built to stand up to a pup’s sharp teeth and are much more fun. Remember to match up the ball and launcher sizes.
Price
3. BarkBox Rip & Reveal Dog Squeak Toys Review
BarkBox is known for the fun and unique dog toys in its subscription boxes, including one for super chewers. This 2-in-1 interactive toy is durable and great for more destructive dogs. It has a squeaker to entice play, and if/when the dog destroys the first toy, there’s a second toy underneath. It’s a pretty novel way to make a toy last longer.
In addition to their singular toy options like this one, BarkBox offers a toy subscription service. Rotating your dog’s toys is a good idea to bust their boredom. Check out our short video showing one of Canine Journal’s pups unboxing a BarkBox subscription box.
Price
4. SmartPetLove Snuggle Puppy Behavioral Aid Toy Review
This toy can help with crate training and reduce whining and barking. It can also help transition a newly adopted pet to their new home and reduce anxiety caused by fireworks and thunderstorms. It has a pulsing heartbeat, which you can set to either 24/7 mode or eight hours at a time. You can also slide a heat pack in for additional comfort, too. The pup is available in multiple colors, and it’s machine washable.
Price
If your dog is an anxious pup, we have a guide on the best crates for nervous dogs.
5. Rocket & Rex 6-Pack Teething Toys Review
Puppies are known for being destructive with their constant chewing. This six-piece teething chew set is a must for anyone with a puppy, as it helps distract them from destructive behaviors. This set is made from durable, non-toxic cotton and rubber and includes squeaky, plush, rope, chew, and ball toys. These are some of the best all-natural dog chew toys. They help clean your dog’s teeth, controlling plaque and tartar buildup. Keep a close eye on your puppy while chewing to ensure the toys remain intact and safe.
Price
We have a guide on puppy teething for more information on a puppy’s teething schedule.
6. Haute Diggity Dog Muttini Bar Collection Review
These unique squeaky plush toys are a great gift idea for a friend with a favorite beverage. From vodka and beer to La Croix, dogs can join their owner for a “dogmestic” or “impawted” drink. They have more than 30 different “drink” options and their iconic plush handbag by “Chewy Vuiton.” This option comes in small and medium sizes, is machine-washable, and has a squeaker inside to excite your dog.
Price
- Starts from $14.95 ($14.95 / Count)
7. KONG Classic Rubber Dog Chew Toy Review
The KONG Rubber Dog Chew Toy has been a bestseller since its introduction. This toy, commonly called “the KONG,” provides an excellent jaw workout for aggressive chewers. You can toss the KONG, which will bounce all over, making it great for playing fetch. KONG is one of the most reliable dog toy brands; many owners have relied on their products for decades.
The KONG comes in five sizes, and many of the pups here at Canine Journal have tried them. I have one of these for my dog, and I fill it with small training treats. She likes to push the KONG around with her nose until all the treats are dispensed. Another way to use it is to fill it with peanut butter and freeze it. Your dog can enjoy chewing and licking it for hours.
Our Personal Experience With KONG Dog Toys
I have been a fan of the KONG dog toys for many years. My dog Bear, a Black Labrador, was one of the most aggressive chewers I have ever met. He would chew up just about anything. The KONG toys were the one thing he would not destroy. I currently have three of these in the house, as my current dogs also love them. For destructive chewers, KONG rubber chew toys are one of the best I have found.
– Danielle DeGroot, Rescue Dog Parent
Price
Learn more about feisty Fido chewing and our favorite indestructible dog toys for aggressive chewers.
8. Kong Rubber Flyer Frisbee Dog Toy Review
The KONG Rubber Flyer Frisbee Dog Toy is durable, flexible, and made from all-natural rubber. Unlike plastic flyers that can crack and splinter and hurt your dog, this soft rubber toy is gentle on your dog’s mouth. It comes in two sizes to suit every breed. The rubber flyer is a fantastic alternative to the classic tennis ball, which gets destroyed quickly and can cause serious digestive issues if they are eaten.
Price
- Starts at $11.99
We have reviewed all of their toys and offerings in our comprehensive KONG dog toy review.
9. Mammoth Flossy Chews Cottonblend Color Knotted Rope Tug Review
If your dog loves rope toys, this is a great pick that’s also inexpensive. Your dog can play tug-of-war, fetch, or chew on it. It’s available in various sizes, too, so your dog can have the right size toy. The fibers in the rope toy also help floss your dog’s teeth. Each rope is made from premium North American Cotton-Poly yarns, offering interactive fun for the whole family.
My Personal Experience With Mammoth Flossy Chews Knotted Rope Tug
This is my dog’s favorite toy. She loves playing tug-of-war and fetch with it. It was the first toy we purchased for her, lasting over two years. We recently repurchased it because she loves playing with the rope toy that much.
Price
- Starts at $5.49
10. Outward Hound Hide-A-Squirrel Dog Toys Review
The Outward Hound Hide-A-Squirrel Dog Toy is every dog’s dream come true. This toy includes three squeaky squirrels and a plush tree trunk. You can play hide-and-seek with your dog, and you will have a blast. The toy comes in various sizes so that you can choose the best size for your dog’s breed. It is one of the most popular soft toys and keeps dogs of all ages busy.
If you want more variety, you are in luck, as the toy comes in several different animal varieties, including a bee, bird, llama, chicken, sheep, cow, raccoon, pig, hedgehog, and even a rainbow.
Our Personal Experience With Outward Hound Hide-A-Squirrel Soft Toys
I have purchased the Outward Hound Hide-A-Squirrel toy several times. It is for me probably the best plush dog toy I have found. It is my dog Daisy’s (a Labrador Pitbull mix) favorite toy. She gets one for Christmas every year, and just adores it. She will keep the squirrels on her bed and take care of them for weeks, before slowly hiding them outside, and eventually ripping them up. The process usually takes her a few months. The squirrels do have squeakers but she does not chew those, so for her this is a perfect toy.
– Danielle DeGroot, Rescue Dog Parent
Price
- Starts at $9.99
11. OurPets IQ Treat Ball Review
This interactive food dispensing toy stimulates your dog to continue playing. It is available in three- and four-inch sizes, and you can adjust the difficulty level as your dog learns to obtain treats faster. The adjustability is one of my favorite features.
Just insert your dog’s favorite dry treats or kibble, and your dog will be intrigued by it. The hard plastic can get loud on tile and hardwood floors, but carpeted areas are perfect for dogs to play with this toy. This not only wears your dog out physically, but it’s also an excellent toy for mental stimulation.
Our Personal Experience With OurPets IQ Treat Ball
This toy keeps our nine-month-old puppy occupied for hours. And when Barley stops playing with it, he falls asleep!! It is also impossible for him to chew it up, which means this toy will thankfully last much longer than most in our home.
– Michelle Schenker, Rescue Dog Parent & Co-Founder of Canine Journal
Watch Michelle’s pup play with the IQ Treat Ball.
Price
- Starts at $12.95
12. Outward Hound Interactive Puzzle Game Dog Toys Review
Many dogs need challenging mental stimulation to keep them satisfied. That’s where these Outward Hound dog puzzle toys come in super handy. A puzzle toy can help reduce boredom and destructive behavior by keeping your pup mentally occupied, especially when you don’t have time to play with them. This line of products has varying levels of puzzles to challenge all levels of intelligence. At level one, this particular toy is for beginners.
Price
For more ideas on how to keep your dog mentally stimulated, we have a guide on brain games for dogs.
13. ZippyPaws No Stuffing Squeaky Plush Dog Toys Review
If your dog loves plush, squeaky toys but destroys them within minutes, you may want to consider these ZippyPaws toys. They’re more durable than other plush toys and don’t have stuffing to make a mess. However, if you have a super chewer, watch your dog with these cute toys because he likely will get the squeaker out, which could pose a choking hazard.
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4 Reasons Dogs Need Toys
As if you needed an excuse to get more toys for your dog, there are actually many benefits that can justify your purchase.
1. Exercise
Exercise is the primary reason many dog owners invest in toys. Throwing a ball helps keep the activity rigorous and fun for you and your dog. Exercise is crucial to having a healthy dog because, without adequate activity, a dog can become obese and fall prey to many illnesses.
2. Intellectual Stimulation
Despite being domesticated, dogs can quickly become bored. There’s a saying that a “tired dog is a good dog,” and this is particularly true for working breeds such as Border Collies. Dogs can become destructive, disobedient, and downright impossible to handle without adequate intellectual stimulation. However, even the most high-energy dog can relax with exercise and mental stimulation.
3. Bonding
Engaging in playtime with their favorite toys is a great way to bond with your dog. Toys also promote bonding in multiple-dog households by helping dogs connect and understand their place in your home’s hierarchy.
4. Dental Health
Investing in toys designed to clean teeth as your dog plays is a fun way to improve dental health and reduce the need for surgical cleanings. These toys encourage chewing, stimulating saliva, reducing plaque, reducing its recurrence, and help prevent a tooth infection. Along with toys, dental chew systems like BARK Bright Dental can help freshen breath and clean teeth.
Which Is The Best Toy For Your Dog?
While your dog would likely choose each of these toys, you are responsible for selecting the right one. Only you know your dog’s likes and dislikes and their destructive tendencies.
For example, if you have a dog who loves to play ball, a Nylabone will not do the trick. For a herding breed, a herding ball may be a good option. If you have a dog that adores plush toys but can get a little carried away, the ZippyPaws toy or snuffle mat might be the right choice. We also cover the best interactive dog toys if a pup loves puzzles.
Other Ideas For The Dog In Your Life
Check out our dog gift guide if you’re looking for another idea for gifting your dog (or a fellow pet parent). You can also consider a dog subscription box to receive toys and treats in the mail regularly so you never run out. Remember to keep pets hydrated; a dog water bottle is the perfect way to keep pups cool and hydrated during outdoor adventures.
What’s your dog’s favorite toy? Share your top picks with us in the comments below.
Why Trust Canine Journal?
Kimberly is a dog parent to Sally, a rescue Coonhound mix. She has written about dog-related topics, such as pet insurance, health conditions, treats, training, and more. Kimberly hunted down the best dog toys with the best performance and the lowest price. She consulted with other Canine Journal members to glean their personal experiences and spent over 10 hours researching and writing this article.
