Toys

14 Best Husky Toys (Tested & Reviewed)

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I’m sure you’ll agree with me when I say that Siberian Huskies are smart, sassy, and playful. They are also extremely high-energy. Originally bred to pull sleds, a working Husky can run up to 100 miles in a single day. Without proper energy outlets, these pups will get a little anxious and destructive. That’s why it’s important to have the best possible toys in your arsenal to keep your Siberian Husky busy for hours on end. We’ve tested plenty of dog toys and have some recommendations to keep your pup’s playtime fun and safe.

Top PickChew ToyFetch ToyBall LauncherSoccer BallPlush Toy
Kong ExtremeGoughnutsWest Paw JiveChuckit! Kick FetchJolly Soccer BallOutward Hound Hide-A-Squirrel
Kong ExtremeGoughnutsWest Paw JiveChuckit!JollyHide-A-Squirrel
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Buyer’s Guide

Husky playing with an orange ball.

There are some things you want to keep your eyes open for when it comes to Husky toys. This breed has a habit of quickly destroying toys, especially if they are left alone with them and they get bored. You want to make sure you find a toy that is both durable and safe for play.

There are several considerations you should be thinking about before letting your pup go crazy on their next toy, but some are more important than others. Here are some of the most important things to look at when purchasing a dog toy for your Husky.

1. Toy’s Purpose

When you buy a toy for a Husky, you want to have a goal in mind. Is the toy for you and him to play with? Is it an activity to keep your pup busy when you’re gone? Or is it intended to help develop his cognitive skills?

When you decide on a toy, always think about the purpose behind it because every toy has an intention. If you give your Husky the wrong type of toy at the wrong time, they might get bored or even destructive with it, and they could harm themselves.

2. Fetch vs Chew

As we said, each toy has its purpose, but some toys can serve as multi-purpose, which is always helpful.

Balls are typically interactive toys that are meant for play between you and your pup. These are not durable and won’t hold up to your Husky chewing on them all day. Bones, conversely, will make a great chew toy and serve as a throwing toy so you can play together.

3. Materials

The type of material the toy is made from will determine how durable it is while your pup is playing. If the toy is made of a plush material like a lot of squeaky toys are, they will likely destroy the toy before they even have a chance to enjoy it.

If you must pick a plush toy like some puzzle toys, then go for one with a 100% money-back guarantee. Many toys that claim to be indestructible will offer a lifetime warranty in case your pup chews it up; they’ll replace it or give you your money back.

Toys & Materials to Avoid

Some toys are not made for large dogs who have strong jaws. A Husky or Husky mix breed can obliterate a soft plush toy in no time, causing a hazard to their health and leaving a mess about the house.

Plush Toys

When dogs consume ingredients like cotton, it causes digestive issues and discomfort, so you want to avoid these types of toys or give them to your pup with supervision.

Squeaky Toys

Huskies think everything is a game. As a result, they might chew through the toy while seeking the source of the squeaking. They might chew or eat the squeaker, which could cause many problems.

The Best Toys For Huskies: Our Top Picks

Toys are a great way to burn off some of that endless Siberian Husky energy. But which toy is best for your pup? With help from our dedicated team of Husky testers, we have painstakingly tested dozens of toys to see which are best suited to this energetic breed.

Husky helping to play with and test toys to find the best types for Huskies.

Not every toy was a winner. Huskies are notorious toy destroyers and excelled at breaking many of the toys we tested within a week. However, 14 toys outclassed the competition. Months later, they are still entertaining our playful Husky pups.

Top Pick: Kong Extreme Review

Kong Extreme

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The Kong Extreme is an upgraded version of the Classic Kong Toy. With its extra-durable black rubber, it is better suited to the powerful jaws and sharp teeth of Huskies.

The Kong Extreme has a hollow center that can be filled with tasty treats such as peanut butter, cream cheese, or dog biscuits.

Don’t worry if your pup is on a diet. Kong toys can be filled with healthy treats, too. Mashed bananas or carrot sticks were some of our Husky testers’ favorites.

Nora the Husky being given a Kong Extreme toy stuffed with peanut butter.

Once you have filled the Kong Extreme, give it to your Husky. He will be entertained for up to an hour as he attempts to remove every last treat – The stickier the treat, the longer it lasts.

The Kong Extreme is perfect for dogs of all ages. Even senior Huskies that no longer play with toys will wag with excitement when the Kong Extreme comes out – Very few Huskies will pass up an opportunity for food.

The Kong Extreme also makes a great distraction toy for anxious dogs. One of our Husky testers is terrified of the vacuum cleaner. When it’s time to clean the house, her owner gives her a Kong Extreme stuffed with peanut butter.

Luna the Husky playing tug-of-war with Mammoth Flossy Chews Rope in snow.

With her Husky distracted by a long-lasting treat, the owner can vacuum without terrifying her pup.

The Kong Extreme is available in a range of sizes. The large size works best for Huskies.

Note: The Kong Extreme is not a chew toy. To increase the life of this toy, you should remove the Kong Extreme once your Husky has eaten all the food inside. Replace it with a dedicated chew toy.

You should also consider the Kong Extreme Ball for your hyper Husky. This Kong ball is durable and made with a material that helps soothe your pup’s gums and clean his teeth. The ball can be used for fetch and comes in three different sizes to meet the needs of all sizes of Huskies.

The best thing about the Kong ball is that it comes with a hole drilled through the middle, so it can double as a solo play toy. Your pup can spend time trying to get the treat out, and you can get some things done. There is a hole drilled through the ball, so it does not create a suction on your dog’s tongue.

In-Depth Kong Review

Kong makes a large selection of durable toys that are perfect for heavy-duty chewers like Husky breeds. We cover them in more detail and share personal experiences in our full Kong dog toy review.

Best Chew Toy: Goughnuts Chew Ring Review

Goughnuts Chew Ring

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It’s no secret that Siberian Huskies love to chew. They are far too good at it, destroying countless “indestructible” chew toys. With those sharp teeth and powerful jaws, your Husky has probably already shredded countless toys. It feels like money down the drain, and you have to worry if your couch is next.

That’s why you need the toughest chew toy possible. After reviewing over 80 different chew toys, we can confidently say that they don’t get any more durable than the Goughnuts chew rings.

While Goughnuts come in a variety of different sizes, we found the Goughnuts MaXX to be the perfect size for an adult Husky.

Ceaser the Husky playing with Goughnuts MaXX Chew Toy.

The Goughnuts Maxx is made right here in the USA with incredibly dense rubber. It can take a beating like no other.

But what we love most is Goughnut’s focus on safety. In the middle of the ring is a red-colored center. If your Destructo-Husky chews his way to the center, you’ll know to remove the toy from your pup.

And here’s the best part. If your dog does manage to chew his way to the center, Goughnuts will replace it. Send the ring back, and for the price of return postage, they will give you a brand-new one.

Not that you’ll need to worry about this in a hurry. Our Husky testers are still using their Goughnuts MaXX toys months later, and they show no signs of breaking yet – they are basically Husky-proof.

Best Fetch Toy: West Paw Jive Review

West Paw Jive

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Are you looking to up your Husky’s fetch game? Then you should check out West Paw Jive. You’ll never go back to regular tennis balls again.

Have you ever had your Husky chew his way through a tennis ball mid-fetch? The game is over. As hard as he tries, your Husky will be unable to crunch his way through the durable rubber of the West Paw Jive. Being slightly heavier than a tennis ball, the Jive can be thrown further and bounce higher. When you are trying to tire out your hyperactive Husky, these things matter!

Husky playing fetch with West Paw Jive Dog Toy.

Another great bonus: this toy is dishwasher-safe. Once playtime is over, a quick trip through the dishwasher will remove any traces of slobber, dirt, or other gunk stuck to the surface. Best of all, it’s made right here in the USA and comes with West Paw’s satisfaction guarantee. If your dog breaks it, they will issue a replacement or a refund. The 2.6-inch size is the same as a tennis ball and fits standard-sized ball throwers.

Best Ball Launcher: Chuckit Launcher Review

Chuck it launcher

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It’s almost impossible to tire a Husky out from a game of fetch. I don’t know about you, but before long, my arms get so sore that I have to call it quits – much to the disgust of our Husky testers.

That’s where the Chuckit Launcher comes in. This handy device allows you to throw the balls considerably further than using your arms alone. Take your Husky fetch game to a whole new level with a ball launcher that allows you to throw the ball up to 3 times further.

Nora the Husky playing fetch waiting patiently for Chuckit Ball thrower to launch tennis ball.

The result is that your Husky pup has to run further to retrieve the ball, increasing the exercise he gets from a single game of fetch. And because your arms don’t get sore, the game lasts longer, too.

As a bonus, you can use the launcher to pick the ball up off the ground without using your hands – No more drool-covered fingers! The Chuckit! Launcher fits tennis-ball-sized balls, including the West Paw Jive that I recommended earlier. Combine the two for the ultimate game of fetch.

Best Soccer Ball: Jolly Soccer Ball Review

Jolly Soccer Ball

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I know what you are thinking: your Husky will pop this soccer ball in no time. Well, this isn’t your ordinary soccer ball. The Jolly Soccer ball is made in the USA from a unique rubber that is designed for sharp dog teeth. This material is durable enough to withstand rough play but flexible enough for our adult Siberian Husky testers to pick it up in their jaws.

Where the Jolly Soccer ball really shines is with the amount of damage it can take. It didn’t matter how many times sharp Husky teeth pierced the Jolly Soccer Ball; it wouldn’t deflate. Months of daily play later, and our Jolly Soccer Ball looks like a pin cushion. Despite this, it has maintained the same shape, form, and inflation. Truly impressive.

Husky chasing Jolly Soccer Ball toy in snow.

This was a favorite for playing fetch in the snow. The bright color and large size made it easy to locate, even when kicked deep into snowbanks. If you are looking for a larger, long-lasting ball for your Husky, the Jolly Soccer Ball is our number one recommendation. If your pup needs something even bigger, consider a herding ball.

Best Plush Toy: Outward Hound Hide-A-Squirrel Toy Review

Outward Hound Hide-A-Squirrel

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It might surprise you to learn that some Huskies can play with toys without tearing them to shreds. For these gentle pups, a plush toy is a suitable option. And by far, the most popular plush toy around is the Hide-A-Squirrel by Outward Hound. What I love most about the Hide-A-Squirrel is the many different ways your Husky can play with it.

Each of the squeaky squirrels can be removed and played with individually – I love to throw them down my hallway. The soft log can be carried around and snuggled. Or, in our case, dropped at our feet. When this happened, it meant our Husky tester wanted us to refill the log with the squirrels.

Luna the Husky playing with outward hound hide-a-squirrel dog toy.

You can even use the Hide-A-Squirrel as a simple puzzle toy. By hiding kibble behind each squirrel, your dog will have to remove each squirrel to retrieve the food. This toy is the ultimate Husky toy because it tests their mind. It’s highly durable, which is a must for Huskies, as they can be quite destructive during playtime. It will challenge them as you hide squirrels in different locations while your pup goes digging for them.

These types of toys are ideal for pups who enjoy mind games and playing socially with their owner. This toy will reduce boredom because most Huskies will continue looking until they have found each squirrel you’ve managed to hide away.

If you want a great toy to keep your Husky entertained indoors, the Hide-A-Squirrel is an exceptional choice. While the Hide-A-Squirrel is available in different sizes, we recommend the Ginormous (X-Large) size. It comes with six removable squirrels and is the ideal size for Huskies.

Best Squeaker Toy: Planet Dog Orbee-Tuff Squeak Review

Planet Dog Orbee-Tuff

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The Orbee-Tuff Squeak is the most durable squeak toy on the market. This squeaker encased in a rubber ball holds up exceptionally well to powerful dogs with sharp teeth.

Raleigh the Husky being offered Planted Dog Orbee-Tuff squeak ball toy.

Despite each of our Husky testers working this ball over and over daily, it made it through our month-long testing period. That is particularly impressive when most other squeaky toys fail to last a week.

Oh, and if your Husky doesn’t like or breaks the ball, you can return it to Planet Dog for a replacement or refund. With an awesome guarantee like that, you have nothing to lose! However, even though it’s a ball, it’s not a good toy for playing fetch. Once our Husky testers grabbed it and realized it squeaked, they got distracted and wouldn’t return the ball. This one is best for solo play.

Best Floppy Flying Disk: Hyper Pet Flippy Flopper Review

Hyper Pet Flippy Flopper

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Out of all the Husky toys we tested, Frisbees were the most divisive. Some Huskies loved them, leaping and catching them in mid-air. Others were less interested. Miska was one Husky who hated them. If you threw a frisbee at her, she would let it bonk her snout. She would then look at me as if to say, “Are you happy?” – even though she loved to fetch balls.

Husky chasing frisbee in snow.

If your Husky enjoys chasing frisbees, then you can do no better than the Hyper pet Flippy Flopper. The Flippy Flopper is a soft frisbee and is perfect for a throw-around in your yard. It’s gentle enough that it won’t break a window. Or hurt if it hits your dog in the face. Despite being little more than fabric stretched across a rubber tube, it glides exceptionally well. Even our slowest Husky tester was able to catch it before it hit the ground.

Ceaser the Husky holding Hyper Pet Flippy Flopper Frisbee in mouth.

I am particularly impressed with the fabric of this one. After a month of being tossed around, it’s showing barely any signs of wear – even with our Huskies’ teeth clamping down hard when they catch it. If your Husky loves frisbees, then this is a great toy to provide some variety to your fetch game.

Best Large-Sized Ball: Chuckit! Kick Fetch Ball Dog Toy Review

Chuckit! Kick Fetch

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This is no ordinary fetch ball; it is more of a kickball. It’s intended for you to kick it and for your dog to chase it. The ball has grooves throughout that make it easy for them to pick up. Compared to the Kong ball, this one also comes in a vibrant blue and orange color.

The Chuckit! ball is ideal for interactive play, but we don’t see any use for it when it comes to solo play. If you let your pup sit around and chew on it for too long, it will not hold up. The ball is buoyant, so it’s great for water play, and it comes in a few different sizes and colors, some of which even glow in the dark.

This one is a toy that’s built for throwing, which is important given the energy level that your Husky likely has. The vibrant colors make it easy to find, and the grooves make it easy for your pup to carry. The unique shape makes the ball bounce erratically, and your pup will have hours of fun chasing after it.

Best Puzzle Game: Nina Ottosson Brick Puzzle Review

Nina Ottosson dog brick puzzle toy.

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So your Husky thinks he’s pretty smart? Well, it’s time for him to prove it in the ultimate test. The Nina Ottoson Brick Puzzle features 20 different compartments and hidden chambers that are perfect for hiding treats. These hiding spots can only be accessed if your pup removes the white bone-shaped brick first. For a real challenge, fill only some of the hiding spots with treats.

Raleigh the Husky playing with Outward Hound Nina Ottosson Puzzle Brick Dog Toy.

While it certainly took some longer than others, every one of our Husky testers eventually figured out this puzzle. Puzzle toys come in three different difficulty levels. One is the easiest, and level three is the hardest. The Nina Ottoson Brick Puzzle is a level two and is a great starting point, even if your Husky has never used a puzzle toy before. We cover more interactive dog toys in detail here if this one isn’t quite right for your pup.

Best For Tug-Of-War: West Paw Bumi Review

Bumi by West Paw

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There are very few Huskies who can resist a game of tug-of-war. You might have found yourself accidentally playing a game of tug-of-war with your Husky when trying to remove a toy from your dog’s mouth. But if you want to play a planned game of tug, then there is no going past the West Paw Bumi.

Made right here in the USA, it has a hidden feature that no other tug toy offers. When your Husky starts pulling, the Bumi stretches out to double its length. The stretchiness allows your pup more opportunity to twist and tire himself out.

Raleigh the Husky playing tug-of-war with West Paw Bumi dog toy.

So grab one end and hold tight because Huskies are pretty good at playing tug! Once the game is over, a trip through the dishwasher will remove all traces of dog slobber. Like all West Paw Toys, the Bumi comes with their famous satisfaction guarantee – If your dog destroys this toy, they will offer a refund, replacement, or another toy from their range.

Best Frozen Treat Toy: PetSafe Chilly Penguin Review

Chilly Penguin toy

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It’s no secret that Huskies love the ice and snow. If we let our Husky testers out, it’s almost impossible to get them to come inside again. That’s why it comes as no surprise that they also loved the PetSafe Chilly Penguin. It combines the two things that Huskies love the most – food and ice. Perfect for when your Husky is too hot and bothered to play, this cool toy will refresh your pup.

Nora the Husky licking frozen peanut butter from PetSafe Chilly Penguin toy.

Load the Chilly Penguin up with your dog’s favorite treat and place it in the freezer. Once chilled, give it to your excited Husky. We found that frozen broth, peanut butter, or canned dog food worked the best. It kept our pups entertained for hours as they licked out every last bit. When the warmer weather rolls around, you’ll be glad to have a Chilly Penguin to help keep your pup cool in the summer heat.

Check out our video below for some yummy, homemade frozen dog treats.

Best Stick Toy: Kong Safe-Stix Review

Kong Safestix

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Do you have a Husky who loves to carry sticks around? Then, check out the Kong SafeStix. This flexible stick is perfect for throwing around the yard, carrying, or a good game of tug-of-war. Where it shines is as a shared toy. One of our testers had multiple dogs, and this was their favorite toy by far.

Luna the Husky playing with Kong SafeStix toy in snow.

They would each bite one end of the stick and walk around the yard trying to pull it off the other – it kept them entertained for hours. Take the SafeStix to the local dog park, and your Husky will be the most popular pup there!

We laughed as Balto, a large Husky, enthusiastically ran alongside two Australian Shepherds, all carrying the SafeStix at the same time – running in unison. I love toys like this, as they allow your dog to exercise themselves and make new friends!

Best Rope Toy: Mammoth Cottonblend Review

Mammoth flossy knot rope

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If you are looking to add variety to your Huskies toybox, a rope is a good choice for multiple games, including:

  • Keep away
  • Tug
  • Fetch (small ropes)

It goes to show that sometimes the simplest toys are the best.

Luna the Husky playing tug-of-war with Mammoth Flossy Chews Rope in snow.

While many rope toys look similar, none could match the durability of the Mammoth Cottonblend rope. This tightly bound rope was the only one to survive our month-long test. I recommend choosing the X-large (36 inches) size as a minimum for a Husky.

What About Nylabone Or Gnawtlers?

Nylabone and antlers are popular picks for heavy chewers, but they are not right for every dog. These can shatter, cause teeth damage, be a choking hazard, and be big trouble if they are ingested. So, while these can be great, you must always be sure to supervise your Husky pup when playing with one of these.

Nylabone Review

Nylabone dog toy.

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The beef-flavored Nylabone bone chew is another excellent option for pups who prefer to chew rather than play. The toy has rigid gripping, which makes it easy for dogs to hold onto and bite away at. It has a few different textures on it, so it helps clean their teeth while they have fun.

These types of chew toys are great for dogs who deal with separation anxiety or have destructive behavior when they are home alone. This toy is best for dogs that are larger than 50 pounds. The shape of the Dura Chew is a good pick because your pup can easily grasp it with his paws.

Learn More About Nylabone

In this article, we take a closer look at Nylabone and the precautions owners should take when allowing their pups to play with these.

Pet Parents Gnawtlers Review

Pet Parents Gnawtlers

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Gnawtlers might be a good pick if you have a super chewer. For insatiable chewers, these can be a real game-changer. The elk and deer antlers are naturally shed and gathered from the forest floor. Only the best quality are then selected to be made into Gnawtlers. These come in different sizes, so you can find the one that works just right for your Husky. They are great for teething, anxious dogs, and those needing extra help getting plaque off their teeth. There is also some research into deer antlers helping dogs by providing them with a novel source of collagen, though it is not something they can get from chewing on them.

Consider Pet Insurance

If your Husky likes to eat everything from his food to the furniture, there is a chance they may ingest a “foreign body” (aka something they shouldn’t eat). This can lead to many medical issues requiring veterinary or emergency care. Looking into pet insurance now, before an emergency happens, can benefit your pup and your wallet. Pet insurance cannot prevent an emergency, but it can make a huge difference in the type of care you can afford for your pup should an unexpected medical concern arise. Learn more about what pet insurance is and what it covers in our detailed guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

There are plenty of questions about the best toys for Huskies. I’ve addressed a few below, but if I missed yours, let me know in the comments.

What is the best toy for my Husky?

There is no right or wrong answer here because every dog is different and has different habits. You could try out a lot of different toys and see what works. If your Husky doesn’t do well alone and has destructive habits, avoid soft toys and give him something that won’t easily break apart.

What is the best toy to keep my Husky busy when I’m away?

Great question! The best toys for bored Huskies are ones that entertain their brain and give them a goal to reach. This doesn’t have to be a special puzzle toy, but it could be something as simple as a spoonful of peanut butter inside a ball. It could take your pup hours to get the peanut butter out, and they’ll love every minute of it.

What are the best toys for Husky puppies?

Huskies can have any of the toys above as long as they are not too small or too large for them. Keep your pup’s age in mind when choosing chew toys. Pieces can break off from the bones and stick in their throat. It’s best to consult a vet when choosing toys for Husky puppies. Take a look at our article, which breaks down our favorites for teething puppies.

Keeping Your Husky Happy And Healthy

Keeping your Husky healthy and happy is a full-time job. These adorable and amazing pups are quite high maintenance but worth every bit of effort. A high-quality diet is one of the foundations of a long, healthy life. Along with that, these pups need plenty of attention and regular vet care. We’ve covered this breed extensively and have tons of information to share. Learn all about the difference between Siberian and Alaskan Huskies, find fun Husky name ideas, and see how big they can get in our Husky growth chart. You just cannot beat that Husky smile and loving attitude. Tell us all about your sweet Husky in the comments!

Why Trust Canine Journal?

Michelle has been a dog owner her entire life. She’s part of a team of dog specialists at Canine Journal who have over a decade of experience researching, testing, and writing about everything you need to know to keep your pup healthy and happy.

Michelle Schenker

Michelle is a licensed insurance professional (license #19494757) with an MBA from Vanderbilt University. Since 2007, Michelle has specialized in dogs, focusing on pet insurance. She has run over 2,000 pet insurance quotes, reviewed hundreds of policies, and canvassed the industry for all the latest news, trends, and updates. This focus allows her to provide pet owners with the most comprehensive and valuable advice. Michelle regularly provides expert advice and opinions to media outlets, including Newsweek, The New York Times’ Wirecutter, Forbes, People, Reader’s Digest, and more. Michelle has always lived in a home full of dogs, including today as a co-parent to two rescue pups, Barley and Lily. Michelle is also an accomplished artist and her watercolor dog art can be found in our store.

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