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At Canine Journal, we’ve tested more than 1,000 dog toys, yes, really. We’ve seen toys flung across living rooms, buried in backyards, and proudly paraded around during Zoom calls. After all that slobbery fieldwork, one thing became clear: many of the best-performing dog toys are made right here in the USA.
It’s not just about durability (though that’s a big plus when your dog thinks “indestructible” is a challenge). American-made toys often come from companies that take safety seriously, use high-quality materials, and follow strict manufacturing standards. For dog parents, that means fewer mystery chemicals, more peace of mind, and longer-lasting fun. Supporting local businesses is just the cherry on top.
If you’re tired of toys that fall apart faster than your dog can say “fetch,” you’re in good company. Below, I highlight the best American-made dog toys that deliver durability, safety, and serious fun.
| Indestructable | Fetch Toy | Soccer Ball |
|---|---|---|
 |  |  |
| Goughnuts | West Paw Jive | Jolly |
| View on Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon |
| Read Review | Read Review | Read Review |
Why More Pet Parents Are Going American-Made
Imported toys can be a gamble. Some contain toxic dyes or questionable fillers. American-made toys? They’re built to stricter safety standards, often tested more rigorously, and produced by companies you can actually call if something goes wrong.
A 2023 American Pet Products Association (APPA) Pet Industry Report revealed that 74% of U.S. pet owners prefer to buy American-made products. Safety, quality, and supporting local businesses are their top reasons.
Built to U.S. Standards
There’s more to this than national pride. Unlike children’s toys, dog toys aren’t regulated for chemical safety in the same way. That means manufacturers can, and sometimes do, use materials that wouldn’t pass safety tests for human use. Several independent research studies have uncovered elevated levels of lead, phthalates, and other harmful substances in imported dog toys. These can lead to medical issues, including raising your dog’s risk for cancer.
Fortunately, many American companies are stepping up. Brands like West Paw and SodaPup voluntarily follow FDA guidelines for children’s products, going well beyond what’s legally required for pets. Their materials are food-safe. This means they are literally safe enough to eat off of (though we recommend letting your dog have that honor).
Buying American-made dog toys isn’t just about safety, either. It supports businesses that treat workers fairly, pay living wages, and manufacture products in clean, regulated environments. When you choose USA-made, you’re helping create jobs and investing in quality craftsmanship that you and your dog can feel good about.
Superior Craftsmanship & Materials
Seeing Made in the USA stamped on the label, no matter the product, sends a clear message: this is built to last. Dog toys are no exception. For pet parents with power chewers, tug-of-war champions, and fetch fanatics, durability isn’t a luxury. It’s a necessity.
That’s why American-made dog toys stand out. Many are designed with durable materials, thoughtful engineering, and real-life testing, accounting for the many creative ways dogs play (and destroy). Whether your pup plays gently or treats every toy like it owes them money, U.S.-made options tend to hold up far better than their cheaper, mass-produced counterparts.
I’m proud to say that some of the toughest, longest-lasting dog toys I’ve tested came from companies at home. They’re made with better materials and by teams that truly care about the dogs and dog parents they serve. In fact, when we reviewed the toughest dog toys, 6 of the 7 winners were made right here, in America.
And if things go wrong? Well, you’ll be glad you have…
Homegrown Customer Support
Let’s face it, sometimes things go wrong. Perhaps you bought a faulty toy, or it just didn’t work as well as you thought it would…
I don’t know about you, but when I buy from a brand, I want to be supported for that choice. If something goes wrong, I expect the manufacturer to stand by their product.
My worst experience came from one international dog toy brand that would only communicate by email and took 3 days between email replies. After weeks of back and forth, they offered a “generous” 10% discount on my next purchase with them. Pathetic.
Part of the review process at Canine Journal includes “testing customer service,” where we submit a complaint that a toy didn’t meet our expectations and observe how the company responds to and resolves the issue.
I can proudly say that nothing comes close to the customer service offered by most American companies. Not only do they provide generous satisfaction guarantees, but whether you call or email, your query is promptly resolved. Best of all, because the manufacturer is local, replacements usually take only a few days to be mailed out, not weeks.
The One Tradeoff? You’ll Pay a Bit More & It’s Worth Every Penny
Now, I must add that there is a downside to toys that are made in America. They are a little more expensive than those manufactured overseas.
But the small additional cost is worth it. As I touched on earlier, we have reviewed 1,000+ different dog toys. Time after time, the toys made here in the USA beat the competition. Buying a quality dog toy and supporting American businesses? That’s patriotism I can get behind!
Top American-Made Dog Toys by Category
You might be surprised by just how many dog toys are proudly made in the USA. From chew-proof bones to interactive puzzles and eco-friendly fetch toys, there’s a huge variety of high-quality, homegrown options out there. And while many of them deliver solid performance, a few truly rose to the top.
After hours of real-world testing (and many happy tail wags), I’ve narrowed it down to the best of the best. These American-made dog toys didn’t just survive. They impressed. They’re safer, more durable, and more thoughtfully designed than the competition, earning our top marks in every category.
Coming up: my top picks for tough chewers, high-energy fetchers, squeaker lovers, and more. Whether your dog is a destroyer, a fetch fanatic, or a tug-of-war champion, there’s a standout toy waiting just below.
Most Indestructible Chew Toy: Goughnuts MaXX
If you have a power chewer in your home, then the average chew toy will be destroyed in minutes. Rough dogs need a tough toy, and as far as rubber chew toys go, they don’t get any tougher than the American-made Goughnuts ring.
Originally designed in 2006 by mechanical and polymer engineers, the Goughnuts ring was born out of a need for a more durable, safer chew toy. Here we are 13 years later, and it’s still one of the best chew toys on the market.
The Goughnuts ring is available in three sizes:
- Regular – Suitable for dogs up to an adult Corgi and weaker chewers
- MaXX – Suitable for dogs up to a Labrador
- Buster – Suitable for giant breeds and strong chewers
Price
The thick, firm rubber has enough give to keep dogs interested but is durable enough to keep even the most hardcore chewer entertained for weeks. In fact, during testing, our Boxer and Doberman barely made a dent during the first few weeks. As time progressed, scratches and puncture marks began to appear, but the ring still maintained its integrity – no chunks of rubber were pulled off.
And if your dog does manage to tear shreds off the Goughnuts Ring, exposing the red inner core, you can mail it back (along with a check for return postage), and they will send you a brand new one! That’s a service that only a company based here in the USA can offer!
Now, it is worth mentioning that these rings are a little too heavy for tiny breeds to carry around, such as a Chihuahua or Dachshund. They also have a strong rubber odor initially, like a car tire. However, with continued use, it quickly faded to where it was no longer noticeable until I held it up to my nose.
But if you want the toughest, most durable chew toy on the market, then these minor flaws are a small price to pay. There is no tougher chew toy than the Goughnuts ring.
Best Fetch Ball Made in the USA: West Paw Jive Review
Forget tennis balls! The West Paw Jive is the last ball you will ever need. Made in Montana, USA, this ball can be thrown farther, bounces higher, and is basically uncrushable compared to your average tennis ball. Trust me when I say… There is no going back.
Made from an FDA-compliant heavy-duty rubber, it’s free from nasties like BPA and latex. But the main reason you want to buy this ball is for its durability. After hundreds of games of fetch, the surface only showed light signs of scuffs and scratches, and our dogs were not gentle.
The West Paw Jive is available in 3 sizes…
Price
The x-small is perfectly suitable for tiny breeds like Chihuahuas, while the large should be considered if your dog could swallow a tennis ball in one gulp. But if you are simply looking for a tennis ball replacement, then stick to the smaller size – it fits perfectly into your standard ball thrower…
As you expect from American manufacturers, West Paw offers a satisfaction guarantee. If you don’t love this product, they will either offer a refund or let you choose another product in their range.
The only downside to this ball is that it’s heavier than your average tennis ball. This makes it unsuitable for indoor play. But in a yard or a wide open field, it really shines. Highly recommended!
Check out our review on dog tennis balls for more options!
Top Pick: Dog-Safe Soccer Ball: Jolly Soccer Ball
If you need a larger ball for games of fetch, then check out the American-made Jolly soccer ball. After all, why pick up a slobber-coated tennis ball when you could simply kick the ball instead?
Unlike a regular soccer ball, this one is dog-proof. It doesn’t matter how many times your dog’s teeth puncture the Jolly Soccer Ball. It won’t deflate or pop.
Yep, even with hundreds of punctures, this ball keeps its shape…How’s that for American quality?
The Jolly ball is available in two sizes:
Price
The larger Jolly ball has the same dimensions as a size 4 soccer ball. Be mindful that smaller breeds, such as Boston Terriers, won’t be able to wrap their jaws around it. While it may feel firmer than a regulation soccer ball, it still travels a great distance when kicked, with your pup galloping along behind it.
Still not sure if the Jolly ball is the right soccer ball for your dog? Check out our review on dog soccer balls for more options!
Best All-American Squeaky Toy: Orbee-Tuff Squeak Review
When it comes to a durable squeak toy, there is no beating the American-made Orbee-Tuff Squeak. The durable rubber both softens the pressure placed on the squeaker but also makes it significantly more difficult for sharp dog teeth to penetrate – the result? One long-lasting squeak toy.
At 3 inches wide, the Orbee-Tuff Squeak is slightly larger than a standard tennis ball. Admittedly, this makes the ball too large for smaller breeds, who are unable to get their jaws around the ball and make it squeak. But dogs that are the size of Jack Russell Terriers and larger will have no difficulty getting the ball to squeak.
Price
Speaking of the squeaker, we noticed that the squeaking sound was a little softer than other squeak toys we tested. However, this isn’t a bad thing because your dog’s sensitive ears have no problem detecting the squeak.
Planet Dog infuses all their toys with mint oil. I noticed out of a lineup of unscented toys that many dogs chose this ball as their play toy. Given your dog’s keen sense of smell, the mint scent will make it easier to find this ball in long grass or behind your couch.
When thrown, the ball is surprisingly bouncy and floats if it lands in the water. The ball is a little too large to fit in a standard-sized ball thrower, but it slides perfectly into the scoop of a large, 3-inch ball thrower. If the ball gets too dirty from all that outdoor play, throw it in your dishwasher (top-rack only!). If the toy fails, Planet Dog offers a one-time replacement.
Best Tug Toy Built for Two (or More!): West Paw Bumi Review
At first glance, the Bumi looks like any other tug toy. It has two obvious handles, one for you to grip and the other for your dog to bite. But once your pup starts pulling, you’ll notice something unusual…The Bumi stretches to over twice its length!
Price
This unique flexing makes it stand out. Our doggy testers could shake their heads left and right without yanking our arms around too much.
Made from Zogoflex, a patented rubber made right here in the USA, the Bumi is one of the toughest tug toys on the market. Oh, and it’s available in two different sizes…
Just like the West Paw Jive I recommended earlier, the Bumi has a lifetime guarantee. If the toy breaks or isn’t suitable for your dog, West Paw will replace it with a more suitable toy from their product range. It’s like getting two toys for the price of one, so hold onto your receipt.
Out of all the categories, it was hardest to single out the best tug toy made here in the USA. Including the West Paw Bumi, there were three strong contenders. Each was suitable for different-sized dogs and American-made. Want to see the others? Check out our dog tug toys guide.
Best Flying Disc for Long-Distance Play: Kong Flyer Review
Kong’s Flyer Frisbee hits the sweet spot between performance and durability. Made here in the USA, this rubber Frisbee flies a great distance while resisting sharp dog teeth.
The soft, durable rubber held up to our dog’s teeth, while its ability to flex made it easy for our dogs to pick up off the ground.
We love it mainly because, as a Frisbee, it works. Other American-made brands just didn’t glide as far. And that’s what Frisbee throwing is all about: long-arcing throws that your dog can catch in mid-air.
The Kong Frisbee is available in two sizes:
| Small | 7½ inches |
| Large | 9½ inches |
Price
For anything but the smallest of pups, we recommend choosing the larger size – it flies farther!
Kong also offers a black Frisbee designed for extreme chewers, which is also made in the USA. However, during testing, we noticed that this Frisbee wore significantly faster than the basic red Frisbee.
The only drawback we found was that the Kong Flyer doesn’t float. If it lands in a pool or lake, it will sink like a stone.
If you aren’t sure this is the right Frisbee toy for your dog, don’t worry. Check out our guide on the best dog Frisbees for more recommendations.
I have had Kong dog toys for as long as I can remember. They’re perfect for my super chewer dogs. After my Labrador mix ate my exercise bike, yep, he literally ate it, I knew I needed a toy that could withstand some heavy-duty chewing. I purchased a Kong Extreme, which has held up to this dog’s aggressive chewing habits for a decade. So yeah, the investment in these toys is worth it. They are my favorite, and my dogs love them. You can stuff them with treats and food, making them a toy that is great to have on hand for any situation.
In-Depth Kong Review
Kong is a fantastic company based in Golden, Colorado, that makes durable dog toys for all types of chewers. Learn more in our detailed Kong dog toy review. Learn more about an awesome event they sponsor, Goldens in Golden, an amazing gathering of thousands of Golden Retrievers!
Stars, Stripes, and Solid Second Picks for Best Dog Toys Made in USA
If you’re still on the hunt for something that can stand up to your dog’s energy (and teeth), here are a few more American-made favorites worth checking out.
Benebone Fishbone Review
First up, the Benebone Fishbone. It’s a chew toy shaped like a fish, smells like fish, and, yes, dogs go nuts for it. It’s designed for aggressive chewers, so if your pup treats toys like a job, this one might actually keep them busy for a while. Bonus: it’s made in the USA and feels solid enough to survive a shark bite.
The Benebone Fishbone is one of my top picks for my dog Falkor. He is a super-chewer despite only being about 25 pounds. This Beagle Poodle mix can chew through just about anything. The Fishbone takes him a very long time to cause damage. It has multiple prongs for him to chew on, and he will spend hours grinding away at it. I never worry about pieces breaking off or him choking. Highly recommend.
West Paw Toppl Review
The West Paw Toppl floats and is great for dogs who like to gnaw. This customizable puzzle toy features interlocking pieces that can be filled with treats or kibble, encouraging your dog to work for their food. Its durable design is perfect for moderate chewers, and it’s made in the USA from recyclable, non-toxic materials.
SodaPup Magnum Can Toy Review
Don’t sleep on the SodaPup Magnum Can Toy if you have a tough puppy chewer. Shaped like a little soda can, it’s designed to be stuffed with treats or peanut butter. Think of it as a tougher Kong with a cool twist. It’s built for super chewers and proudly made in the USA from ultra-durable, non-toxic rubber. Plus, it looks hilarious watching your dog carry it around like they’re cracking open a cold one.
Just because a company makes a product here in America, doesn’t mean their entire range is. Take Kong, for example. While many of their rubber toys are made in America, others, such as their plastic tennis balls, are sourced from overseas. If it doesn’t say Made in USA on the box or product, then it probably wasn’t. What is your favorite American-made dog toy? Let me know in the comments below!
5 Quick Tips for Dog Toy Safety
Even the toughest dog toys aren’t invincible, especially if your pup plays like it’s their full-time job. Keeping your dog’s toys safe and in good condition doesn’t take much effort, but it does significantly prevent accidents (and surprise vet bills). Here are a few quick tips every dog parent should keep in mind:
1. Give toys a weekly checkup.
Toys take a beating. Make it a habit to inspect them at least once a week for any rips, cracks, or missing chunks. If it’s starting to look like a science experiment or like it went through a wood chipper, it’s time to retire it.
2. Say no to glued-on bits.
Those cute little button eyes, glued-on squeakers, or random sparkly parts? Hard pass. These can pop off and turn into serious choking hazards. Stick to toys with stitched or molded features that stay put under pressure.
3. Clean fabric toys like you would a toddler’s favorite stuffed animal.
Your dog’s plush toys spend a lot of time in their mouth and probably on your floor, in the yard, or under the couch. Wash them regularly (most fabric toys can go in a gentle cycle or be hand-washed) to keep bacteria, slobber, and whatever mystery gunk they picked up at bay.
4. Know your dog’s play style.
What’s your dog’s play style? Aggressive chewer? Go for durable rubber or nylon toys that can take a beating. More of a gentle mouther or cuddler? Plush toys or soft squeakers might be just right. Choosing toys that match your dog’s play habits helps prevent frustration and toy casualties.
5. Rotate toys to keep playtime fresh.
Just like us, dogs get bored with the same old stuff. Keep a few toys out of rotation and swap them every week or two. It keeps things exciting and helps individual toys last longer.
Keeping your pup safe doesn’t mean sucking the fun out of playtime; it just means being a little proactive. After all, a toy that lasts longer and doesn’t end up in a thousand tiny pieces? That’s a win for both of you.
Why the Right Dog Toy Matters
Play is more than just fun. It’s how dogs explore the world, stay fit, and burn off energy in healthy ways. A good toy can stimulate their mind, satisfy their natural instincts, and offer comfort or challenge depending on what they need that day. Whether chewing, chasing, tugging, or solving puzzles, the right kind of play keeps your dog mentally sharp and physically active.
That’s why choosing high-quality, well-designed toys matters. They’re safer, more durable, and better at supporting the play your dog craves. A great toy isn’t just something to chew on; it’s a tool for enrichment, joy, and connection. So stock up smart, play often, and enjoy every goofy, tail-wagging moment with your pup. In our detailed guides, you can learn more about what dogs think of their toys and why people leave the TV on for their dogs. Let loose, laugh a little, and make playtime the best part of both your days.
Why Trust Canine Journal?
Danielle has shared a special bond with dogs since childhood. She has over 30 years of experience with dogs of all sizes and dogs with special needs. Danielle is a dedicated professional researcher and pet product reviewer. She spends countless hours researching the latest pet care, health, food, and training developments to help owners learn what’s behind the label. Her two dogs, Daisy and Falkor, serve as in-house food and toy testers.
