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At DogLab, we understand that no two dogs are alike – and neither are the toys they play with.
The best toy for a Chihuahua would be quickly torn to shreds by a Labrador that loves to chew.
On the flip side, a dog toy that could withstand a powerful Labrador bite would probably be too heavy for a small dog, like a Chihuahua, to carry around.
This makes it all too easy to buy a toy that your dog refuses to use. Or worse, destroys in a matter of seconds. We have been there, and we get how frustrating sucky dog toys can be.
Tired of wasting money on toys that didn’t meet our expectations, we made it our mission to find the best dog toys for all dogs. To date, we have painstakingly tested and reviewed over 1,000 different dog toys – rating each from best to worst.
Seriously.
From rounding up some of the toughest chew toys on the market…
And set a team of super-tough dogs on them…
To scouring the store shelves for the best-selling tennis balls…
And playing fetch with our dogs for hours and hours, until our arms were too sore to go on…
We get down and dirty (and often drooly) to recommend the ideal toys for your pup…
And we are not stopping yet. We are continually reviewing the latest toys as they are released. Every time we find a great new dog toy, we will add it to this list!
This hands-on experience with every type of dog toy you can think of has allowed us to put together the greatest and most comprehensive best dog toy list on the internet.
If you are looking for the best dog toy ever, this is the review for you.
No matter what your breed, we have an exceptional dog toy recommendation. From the tiniest of Chihuahuas to Giant Mastiffs, there is something for everyone!
Yep, let’s do exactly that.
Best dog toys
Here are the must-have dog toys of 2023 – reviewed and tested by our team of dogs!
Best Tennis Ball Toy
Chuckit! Ultra
Play Style: Fetch
Breed Size: Small to Extra Large
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
A superior alternative to a tennis ball | Not suitable as a chew toy |
Fits ball launchers | Your dog may not want to give it back |
Floats in water |
Let’s kick things off with a dog toy that will up your fetch-game. After trying this toy, you’ll never go back to tennis balls again…
At first glance, the Chuckit! Ultra looks like any other rubber tennis ball. But once you throw it, the difference becomes obvious.
Amazingly, the Chuckit! Ultra can be thrown further and bounces higher than any other ball we tested. When it comes to tiring out your hyper-active pooch, these things count!
When your dog wraps his jaws around it, he will be delighted to learn it’s somewhat squishy. Despite this, the rubber held up to the powerful jaws of our Boxer, who is notorious for crunching through tennis balls.
Finally, it comes in different sizes. Whether you have a French Bulldog or a St. Bernard, there is a Chuckit! Ultra to suit every dog.
It’s so good, your dog won’t want to give it back. Kind of defeats the purpose of fetch, right?
Best Plush Dog Toy
Hide-A-Squirrel
Play Style: Fetch, Snuggle, Puzzle
Breed Size: Small to Large
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Multiple play styles | Not suitable for chewers or dogs that play rough |
Squirrels squeak | Not suitable for outdoor play |
Spare parts available | |
Great for indoor play |
It’s easy to see why the Hide-A-Squirrel is one of the best selling plush dog toys on the market, it’s four toys in one…
- Removing each squirrel is a brain-teasing puzzle
- Soft squirrels are perfect for an indoor game of fetch
- Treats can be hidden behind each squirrel
- It can be snuggled after a tiring day of play
This innovative dog toy allows your dog to play a game of hide-and-seek. Or should I say hide-and-squeak! Load the log with squirrels and give it to your pup.
As if your dog needs more encouragement, each squirrel has a built-in squeaker. Once your dog hears the squeak, he will excitedly double down on his efforts to remove each squirrel from its hidey-hole.
Best of all, playtime doesn’t have to stop if your dog breaks or loses a squirrel. Replacement squirrels are sold separately. If you keep a spare pack on hand, your dog will never have to go without his favorite toy.
For more information and other plush recommendations, check out our best plush dog toy review
Best Chew Ring
Goughnuts Chew Ring
Play Style: Fetch and Chewing
Breed Size: Small to Extra Large
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
The most heavy-duty chew toy available | Expensive (but you get what you pay for) |
Sizes available for small to extra large dogs | Plain Designs |
Safety indicator inside chew toy | |
Excellent replacement program |
The problem with dogs that love to chew? They are darn good at it. If you have a power chewer, you have likely amassed a grave-yard of toys that didn’t go the distance.
After testing over 80 different chew toys, we are confident only one chew toy is appropriate for aggressive chewers – tested by the powerful jaws of Labradors, Pitbulls, German Shepherds and a Great Dane.
I’m talking about the Goughnuts Chew Rings. Made right here in the USA, the high-quality rubber can take a beating, has a built-in safety indicator and is available in a range of sizes.
Based on our testing, we are confident you won’t find a chew-toy more durable than the Gougnuts chew rings.
But nothing is more awesome than the Goughnuts return policy. If your dog exposes the safety indicator, send it back – for the cost of return postage, they will send you a brand new one!
For more information, as well as other chew toy recommendations, check out our best chew toy review
Best Frisbee Dog Toy
Hyper Pet Flippy Flopper
Play Style: Fetch
Breed Size: Small to Extra Large
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Durable fabric | Won’t glide as far as a plastic frisbee |
Surprisingly impressive glide time | Not to be left with dogs with dogs that chew |
Won’t break a window | |
Floats in water |
It’s truly amazing watching your dog leap and grab a floating disc out of the air with expert-precision…
Or in the case of my clumsy dog, smacked in the side of the face. Every. Single. Time.
But that’s precisely why the Hyper Pet Flippy Flopper is such an awesome dog toy – it’s ideal for dogs of all skill levels.
Even with its floppy design, this frisbee is capable of some serious glide time. Even our slowest golden retriever tester could run (well, more like waddle) after the frisbee and pluck it out of the air.
Best of all, it’s soft enough that you won’t break a window. Or hurt if it connects with your dog’s face. Perfect for a throw-around in your yard.
If you are looking for a new toy for your fetch-addict, the Hyper Pet Flippy Flopper is a must-have.
For more information and other tough toy recommendations, check out our best dog frisbee review
Best Soccer Ball Dog Toy
Jolly Soccer Ball
Play Style: Fetch and Hearding
Breed Size: Small to Extra Large
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
A truly dog-proof soccer ball | Can’t be picked up by smaller dogs |
Can be used unsupervised | Not suitable as a chew toy |
Doubles as a herding ball for smaller dogs | |
Rolls a great distance | |
Floats in water |
GOOOOAAAAALLLL!
Well, it would be if your dog understood the rules of soccer. But that doesn’t mean he won’t love chasing down the top-rated Jolly Soccer ball – it’s the perfect toy for any soccer-obsessed dog.
The Jolly Soccer Ball ticks all the boxes you would look for in a ball of this size. I could kick it a good distance, it’s nice and bouncy, and it even floats in water…
But what makes the Jolly Soccer Ball truly special is its durability. The high-quality rubber won’t pop or puncture.
Our German Shepherd tried his best. But even with hundreds of punctures and teeth marks, The Jolly Soccer Ball is showing no signs of deflating. The USA-made rubber is surprisingly dog-proof.
While the ball was too big for our smaller testers to wrap their jaws around, they loved the chase. They just couldn’t return it.
For more information, as well as soccer ball recommendations, check out our dog soccer ball review
Best Tug Dog Toy
West Paw Bumi
Play Style: Fetch and Tugging
Breed Size: Small to Medium
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Hand placement is a safe distance away from jaws | Not suitable for chewing on |
Stretches as tug is played | Not recommended for larger dogs (see next recommendation) |
Floats in water | |
Dishwasher Safe |
There are very few dogs who can resist a game of tug-of-war. I often accidentally find myself playing a game of tug-of-war when I try and remove a toy from my dog’s mouth.
But when I want to play a planned game of tug-of-war, there is one toy I turn to — the West Paw Bumi. Made right here in the USA, the Bumi has a secret trick that no other tug toy offers…
Once you and your dog start pulling, the Bumi stretches out to double its the length, allowing your dog more opportunity to twist and tire himself out.
Im not proud to admit it but I had one of the laziest games of tug using this toy. I sat on the couch watching Game of Thrones while gripping the Bumi in one hand. The Pomeranian tester spent the whole show tugging. By the time the credits rolled she was exhausted.
Once the game of tug 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 Heavy-Duty Tug Dog Toy
Goughnuts Tug Max
Play Style: Tugging
Breed Size: Large to Extra Large
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Hand placement is a safe distance away from jaws | Too heavy for smaller dogs |
Most durable tug toy on the market | Playing tug with powerful breeds is exhausting |
Keeps powerful breeds entertained |
It’s no secret that tough dogs, like the American Bulldog, love to play tug-of-war. It gives them a chance to show how strong they are.
Unfortunately, very few toys can hold up to the incredible strength of these dogs. Even my previous recommendation. Fortunately, the American-made Goughnuts Tug Max is more than up to the task of tough breeds, like American Bulldogs or Great Danes.
Goughnuts have taken the same near-indestructible rubber used in their chew rings and created a heavy-duty tug toy for the most powerful breeds around.
After our month-long tugging test, the Tug MaXX showed almost no signs of wear.
I even observed two Cane Corsos playing tug with each other using this ring. Not even these two powerful dogs pulling in opposite directions could break it.
Most importantly, there is plenty of room between your hand and your dog’s mouth, leaving little chance of getting accidentally bitten in the heat of the game. Even our Great Dane’s jaws were a comfortable distance away from my hand, even when he readjusted his grip.
If you have a large breed who loves to tug, nothing compares to the Goughnuts Tug MaXX.
Best Heavy Duty Squeak Toy
Planet Dog Orbee-Tuff Squeak
Play Style: Fetch and Light Chewing
Breed Size: Medium to Large
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Toughest Squeaky Toy | Can roll under couches |
Squeak isn’t obnoxiously loud | Dog many not give it back during fetch |
Dogs can use toy to entertain themselves | |
Floats in water |
Squeakers and toy destroyers generally don’t mix. Our Doberman tester, Dash, earned the nickname Dr. D for his ability to remove squeakers with surgical efficiency.
That is until he came across the Orbee-Tuff Squeak.
This American-made squeak toy is the toughest on the market. The Tuff-Squeak resisted powerful jaws and tearing longer than any other squeak toy we reviewed. Dr. D is still playing with it four months later!
Even though it’s a ball, don’t expect much fetch action from the Tuff-Squeak. Once our testers grabbed it and realized it squeaked, they got distracted. The game was over.
Not that this is a bad thing. Any toy that keeps my dog entertained without effort on my part is an instant house-hold favorite. And judging by how much our tester’s tails wagged as they played with Orbee Tuff-Squeak, they agree.
Oh, and if your dog 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!
For more information and other tough toy recommendations, check out our best indestructible dog toy review
Best Herding Ball Dog Toy
Jolly Pets Push n Play
Play Style: Herding
Breed Size: Small to Extra Large
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Holds up to even the most determined herders | Can’t be picked up with the mouth |
Sizes available for small to extra large dogs | Not suitable for indoor play |
Floats in water | |
Can be used unsupervised |
Theres no escaping it. Some dogs just love to herd. Border Collies, German Shepherds, and Australian shepherds are notorious for this behavior..
A herding ball allows you to turn this natural behavior into a game. And when it comes out to tiring out hyper-active herder, it’s difficult to recommend any other toy over the Jolly Pets Push N’ Play.
Made in the USA from solid plastic, your dog can’t pick the ball up with his teeth – his only option is to push the ball around with his nuzzle, paws and body.
And that’s exactly what our herding breeds did. These high-energy dogs would play with their herding balls for hours, directing them around the yard as if they were a sheep.
Best of all, this was done without any effort from me. Our dogs were playing with themselves. I’m sure you’ll agree that any toy that allows your dog to tire himself out is a must-have.
For more information, as well as other herding ball recommendations, check out our best herding ball review
Best Reward Dog Toy
Nero Ball Ultra
Play Style: Fetch and Tugging
Breed Size: Small to Extra Large
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Ball holds up to powerful jaws | Not suitable as a chew toy |
Can be lobbed a great distance without ball thrower | Supervised play only |
Best performing reward toy we reviewed |
Does your dog love toys so much, that he would choose playtime over treats? A reward toy may be the perfect way to train your pup.
Reward toys are the preferred choice when training k-9 unites and military dogs. They need to be tough, portable and most importantly, fun for your dog.
The Nero Ball Ultra checks all these boxes. When it comes to training, we can’t recommend a better dog toy.
The rubber ball is incredibly tough. Even our aggressive Belgian Malinois and Weimaraners failed to bite through the durable rubber – trust me, they tried their hardest.
The rope makes the reward toy easy to keep on hand while giving your dog directions. As a bonus, by only offering your dog the ball end, you can keep your hands slobber free.
For games of fetch, the rope allows you to throw the ball an incredible distance, without the need to carry a clunky plastic ball thrower with you.
Best Rope Dog Toy
Mammoth Cottonblend
Play Style: Tugging, Keep-Away and Fetch (small sizes)
Breed Size: Small to Extra Large
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
The most durable rope toy we tested | Not suitable as a chewing |
Wide range of lengths | |
Multiple play styles |
There are not many dogs who can resist a good piece of rope. Dangling a length in front of your pup is an invitation to play tug-of-war – which all dogs know is one of the most awesome games ever!
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.
It also comes in more sizes than any other rope toy, offering something for every dog. Toy Chihuahuas and small puppies will adore the mini 10″ length.
Sizing caps out at a whopping super large 72 inch version – perfect for the hulking Mastiff or Great Dane in your life.
For more information, as well as other rope toy recommendations, check out our best rope dog toy review
Best Nylon Dog Toy
Benebone Wishbone
Play Style: Chewing
Breed Size: Small to Extra Large
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Long lasting chewing | May be too hard for some dogs |
Flavor keeps dogs engaged | Produces small rice-sized chips |
Wide ranges of sizes |
Nylon chew toys are a long-time favorite among owners of super chewers. It’s easy to see why:
These hard chew toys last and last and last…
While the jury may be out on whether or not nylon chews are too hard for dogs, thousands of dog owners swear by them.
Our recommendation is the top-rated Benebone Wishbone. Coming in three tasty flavors and a wide range of sizes, it’s easy to see why these American-made nylon toys are a bestseller.
We observed that the curved wishbone shape was easier to hold between the paws than straight-bone-shaped chews.
This awesome toy will keep your power chewers tail wagging for hours and hours.
Best Ball Thrower Dog Toy
Chuckit! Launcher
Play Style: Fetch
Breed Size: Small to Extra Large
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Throws balls further than ever | It’s another thing to carry on your walk |
No more picking up slobber coated balls with your hands | Dog can run off with it if you |
Affordable |
I can’t decide who loves this dog toy more, me or my hyperactive pup. Probably me…
You see, thanks to my scrawny arms, I’ve never been able to throw aa tennis ball very far. My pup would return the ball with a look that screamed: “is that all you got?” – I swear judgmental dogs are the worst.
That’s no longer a problem. Thanks to the Chuckit! Launcher
I’ve never been able to throw a ball further. I can almost clear my local dog park.
It also makes slobber coated hands a thing of the past. Even if I’m playing fetch with a drooling bulldog, I can keep my hands dry by picking up the ball with the launcher.
My pup adores this toy because it makes games of fetch last that much longer. I no longer have to stop because my arms have turned to jelly – the launcher makes throwing the ball a great distance effortless.
Best of all, you don’t have to use this with Chuckit! Brand balls (although some of them are pretty great.) Any ball similar in size to a tennis ball will fit the standard launcher.
Given its affordable price, the Chuckit! Launcher is a must-have for fetch obsessed dogs. Your arms will thank you for it!
Best Fire Hose Dog Toy
FireHose Fetch N’ Squeak
Play Style: Fetch and Carrying
Breed Size: Small to Extra Large
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Great for indoor games of fetch | Not suitable for powerful jawed dogs |
Built in squeakers keep dogs engaged | Not suitable for powerful jawed dogs |
Typically more durable than a plush toy |
Our next recommendation is made from fire hose. Yep, the same stuff that firefighters use!
The simplicity of the FireHose Squeak N’ Fetch is what made it a clear winner. Combined with its affordable price, nothing else came close.
This light-weight dog toy can be thrown around without fear that you’ll break a window. It’s the Perfect toy for indoor games of fetch when you are snowed in.
Once your dog wraps his jaws around this FireHose toy, he will be delighted to discover that it squeaks – He won’t want to put it down. Our golden retriever tester would carry it around the house for hours at a time.
Best of all, there is no stuffing inside – No cleaning up if your dog does manage to tear his way inside this Fire hose toy.
For further information and other recommendations, check out our best fire hose dog toys review.
Best Stuffable Dog Toy
Kong Extreme
Play Style: Fetch and Chewing
Breed Size: Small to Extra Large
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Perfect for food motivated dogs | May be too hard for some dogs |
Heavy-duty rubber resists powerful jaws | Produces small rice-sized chips |
Wide ranges of sizes |
For over 40 years, the USA-made Kong stuffable toy has delighted dogs and is just as popular today. No ‘best dog toy list’ would be complete without this iconic toy – it’s the undisputed champion of stuffable toys.
The Kong Extreme takes the best-selling toy to a whole new level. The extra-durable black rubber makes the toy suitable for even a powerful Rottweiler or Labrador.
Fill the Kong with a tasty treat like kibble, peanut butter, cream cheese. And give it to your dog – his tail will excitedly wag for as long as it takes to remove every last treat.
For an extra challenge, fill with peanut butter and place it in your freezer. It will keep your dog entertained for hours.
Is your dog on a diet? You’ll be pleased to know that the Kong Extreme can be filled with healthier treats too. Mashed banana or carrot sticks are favorites of our testers.
As a fetch toy, the irregular shape of the Kong causes it to bounce all over the place. But to experience the true joy that this toy can offer a dog, it’s best used stuffed.
Best Wood Dog Toy
Gorilla Chew
Play Style: Chewing
Breed Size: Small to Extra Large
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
One of the few dog-safe wood toys available | Inconsistent shape due to being a natural product |
Splinter free | May not last as long for super-aggressive chewers |
A softer alternative to hard plastic chews | |
Wide ranges of sizes |
Does your dog love chewing on sticks, branches and or any other piece of wood he comes across on your walk?
Then your dog is already hinting as to what his favorite toy could be – The Ware Gorilla Chew, a piece of dog-safe wood designed for chewing.
Okay, so this is probably the least creative dog toy on the list. It’s just a lump of wood with the pointy bits sanded down. But to any wood-loving dog, it’s the most thrilling toy ever!
Your dog will happily gnaw on his Gorilla Chew for hours at a time – the texture provides a lovely change from all those rubber and plastic toys your dog would normally chew.
Best of all, you don’t have to worry about splinters. The Ware Gorilla Chew turns to a soft mush when chewed, making it safe for your dog’s gums.
Like with all good chew toys, the Gorilla Chew is available in sizes small to large.
For more information and other wood toy recommendations, check out our best wood dog toy review
Best Stick Dog Toy
West Paw Zwig
Play Style: Fetch
Breed Size: Small to Extra Large
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
A unique alternative to playing fetch with a ball | Depending on how it lands, may not bounce |
Made from durable rubber | Larger than a tennis ball |
Covered by West Paw’s amazing guarantee |
Who says you can’t improve on nature? West Paw has done exactly that with the Zwig – Arguably the perfect fetching stick.
Made in the USA, your dog will instantly fall in love with this stick-shaped fetch toy. The sleek design feels good to hold, and I could throw it further than a regular stick found on the ground.
Best of all, the bright colors make the Zwig easy to find. You can be confident that your dog will never leave the park without it. It even floats in water, much to the delight of our English Springer Spaniel.
When playtime is over, a trip through the dishwasher will clean off all any dirt, slobber and other nasties the Zwig picked up on your walk.
Like all West Paw Toys, the Zwig 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 Heavy-Duty Ball Dog Toy
West Paw Jive
Play Style: Fetch
Breed Size: Small to Large
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Bounces higher and can be thrown further than tennis ball | Not suitable as a chew toy |
Most durable fetch ball | Your dog may not want to give it back |
Fits ball throwers | |
Floats in water | |
Dishwasher safe |
The West Paw Jive is one of the most durable balls around. Made from heavy-duty rubber, it holds up incredibly well to sharp dog teeth. Perfect for dog’s who delight in crunching tennis balls.
As hard as they tried, our Labrador and pitbull testers were unable to crunch this ball in half during games of fetch.
It’s available in three different sizes, so even small pups and super-sized dogs have an option that comfortably fits in their mouth. The 2.6-inch ball fits perfectly into a standard ball thrower – allowing you to hurl this ball a great distance.
Once playtime is over, you can throw this ball through the dishwasher. Removing slobber, dirt and other gunk has never been easier!
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 either issue a replacement or refund.
For further information and other recommendations, check out our best tennis balls for dogs review.
Best Creative Dog Toy
JW Pet Hol-ee Roller
Play Style: Anything but Chewing
Breed Size: Small to Large
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
A durable hollow ball that allows for creative play | Not suitable as a chew toy |
Can be filled with treats and toys | Takes longer to clean than an enclosed ball |
Multiple sizes | |
Allows dog to breath easily as they carry ball |
The Hol-ee Roller is one of the most unique dog toys on the market. Its hollow design allows you to really get creative when it comes to playing with your dog.
Small sized balls can be filled with treats and chews. If you stretch the flexible holes, you can even put large treats like a pigs-ear inside.
We were even able to squeeze a medium-sized Babble Ball (our next recommendation) inside a jumbo-sized Hol-ee Roller, which added a whole new way to play.
Even without modifying the Hol-ee Roller, our dogs had a blast. We could kick it a great distance, and the loops allowed us to hook a finger through the ball, allowing us to carry it without getting slobber on our hands.
My husband even tied a rope through the toy and would drag it around the yard as our dogs gave chase.
If you are looking for a versatile dog toy, the Hol-ee Roller is a must-have.
Best Interactive Ball Toy
Babble Ball
Play Style: Herding and Pushing
Breed Size: Small to Large
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
A toy that talks to your dog | Batteries will eventually need replacing |
Wide range of sounds | Hard plastic makes it unenjoyable for dogs to pick up. |
Durable plastic |
What could be cooler than a dog toy that talks to your pup? According to our excited testers, not a whole lot.
Activating at the slightest movement, this ball comes alive and talks at your pup. With over 20 different sounds, it’s bound to grab your dogs attention.
Some of the phrases include “Come here puppy,” “Lucky Dog” and “Yeah Baby”- The voice sounds like Alvin the Chipmunk.
It even taunts your dog. With the sounds of “Nana Nana Nana” and “I’m gonna get you” it’s hard for a dog to resist.
Our beagle tester would chase the Babble Ball around the lounge room for hours at a time, excitedly leaping around every time it spoke.
Placing a medium-sized Babble Ball inside a Jumbo Hol-ee Roller (our previous recommendation) will make it more fun to carry and to stop it rolling under your couch. It’s a tight fit, but once the babble ball is inside, your pup won’t be able to get it out.
Best of all, batteries are included.
Best Small Dog Toy
West Paw Hurley
Play Style: Chewing, Fetch and Light Games of Tug
Breed Size: Small
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
The perfect chew toy for tiny mouths | Not durable enough for medium dogs and up |
Dishwasher Safe | Doesn’t go as far as a ball when thrown |
Fantastic satisfaction guarantee | |
Floats in water |
The problem with small dogs is that many toys are too big for their tiny jaws. Small dogs need a small toy. And that’s exactly where the Hurley shines.
At a tiny 4½-inches long, the extra-small size is perfect for small breeds. Our Chihuahua tester was even able to climb onto the couch with the Hurley in his mouth – something he can’t do with other toys.
As a chew toy, the Hurley is top of the range. Our Mini Dachshund tester is a notorious toy destroyer and can break most toys in under a week. The West Paw Hurley is still keeping jaws entertained three months later.
Like all West Paw Toys, the Hurley comes with their famous satisfaction guarantee – If your dog destroys this toy, they will offer a refund, replacement or another toy from their range.
For further information and other recommendations, check out our best toys for small dogs review.
Best Treat Ball Dog Toy
Starmark Treat Dispensing Chew Ball
Play Style: Pushing, Interactive, Treats
Breed Size: Small to Extra Large
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
A superior alternative to a tennis ball | Not suitable as a chew toy |
Fits ball launchers | Your dog may not want to give it back |
Floats in water |
For the price, you are not going to find a better treat-dispensing ball than the Starmark Chew Ball.
It fits a wide range of tasty goodies such as Zukes Minis, freeze-dried treats, and of course, kibble. With a bit of modification, breaking off the tabs on the hole will allow you to fit larger treats such as biscuits.
As your dog excitedly chases the ball around, treats fall out the hole. Yep, your dog is rewarded with a tasty treat for just for playing – talk about motivation to play!
The hard rubber held up to powerful jaws. Our German Shepherd tried to cheat and break open the ball by biting it. He soon figured out he couldn’t break it and resorted to rolling the ball around to get the treats out.
Throw in the low cost and you the Starmark Chew Ball must-have toy for any food motivated dog. It lasted longer than treat-dispensing toys that were over three times its price!
Best Flirt Pole Dog Toy
Squishy Face Studio Flirt Pole V2
Play Style: Chasing
Breed Size: Small to Large
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Most durable flirt pole | Not all dogs like to play chase |
The perfect toy for high prey-drive dogs | Needs room to move |
Tires out hyperactive dogs without tiring you |
Does your pup love to chase squirrels or anything else that moves? Flirt poles are the perfect toy for any dog that has a high prey-drive, such as a greyhound or Australian Shepherd.
Dangle the fleece lure near your dog and the fun begins – your dog must have it. By changing directions, keeping the lure just out of reach, you can play an entire game of chase without the need to run around.
What I loved most about this Flirt Pole is that it allowed me to tire out my dog without tiring myself out – how awesome is that?
Out of all the flirt poles we tested, the Squishy Face Studio V2 was the one to hold up to both small and large breeds alike. When the fleece lure finally wears, it could replace it with a new one.
During testing, this toy was responsible for breaking a vase on our side table in an incident that my husband described as “couch fishing” for a corgi – Learn from our mistake, use the flirt pole where you have room to move.
Best Snuffle Mat Dog Toy
PAW5 Snuffle Mat
Play Style: Interactive and Feeding
Breed Size: Small to Large
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Engages your dogs sense of smell | Needs to be cleaned regularly |
Perfect for elderly dogs | Impatient large dogs can flip the whole mat. |
Extends the time that treats last |
Thanks to the PAW5 Snuffle Mat, your pup can use his nose to play!
This unique dog toy allows you to hide kibble among its long strands. Since your dog can’t see the kibble, he will need to rely on his keen sense of smell to track down every last piece of kibble.
What we loved most about the PAW5 Snuffle Mat is that it’s a low-intensive way to play for pups of all ages. Even our senior Golden Retriever who refused to play with other toys would wag with excitement when we brought the snuffle mat out.
When playtime is over, a quick trip through your washing machine will remove all traces of kibble crumbs and dog slobber.
For more information and other snuffle mat recommendations, check out our best snuffle mat review.
Best Squeaky Plush Dog Toy
Ginormous Gator Squeakier Mat
Play Style: Biting and Snuggling
Breed Size: Small to Large
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
More squeakers than any other toy | Not suitable for any power chewer who destroys plush toys in seconds |
Range of sizes | Small dogs may not be able to carry around the largest size |
Cuddly |
What’s the solution to a dog who adores squeaky toys? More squeakers, of course!
The Ginormous Gator Squeaker Mat contains more squeakers than any other toy we tested – 32 to be exact.
Now the fun doesn’t have to stop just because your pup busted a squeaker. There’s plenty more left where that came from.
At just over 4 foot long, this squeaky alligator toy is ideal for larger dogs. Our Bernese Mountain Dog would roll around on the floor until she was wrapped up in it before starting to play with the squeakers.
Smaller pups can move down the body. would work her way from one squeaker to the next. Our toy poodle would work the toy for hours at a time before curling up exhausted on top of it.
There is even a small size for tiny pups who are unable to carry around the larger size. However, as this contains fewer squeakers, it doesn’t compete with the ginormous version – the more squeakers, the better, according to our puppy testers.
Best Cuddle Dog Toy
Snuggle Puppy
Play Style: Snuggling
Breed Size: Small to Large
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Heart beat simulates a real dog | Not suitable for chewing |
Calms anxious dogs | Heat packs are an ongoing purchase |
Machine washable |
Our next pick is perhaps the most unique on our best dog toy list. It’s designed specifically for cuddling.
The Snuggle Puppy keeps your puppy company while he adjusts to his new home. With a built in heartbeat vibrator and heat pack, it’s just like snuggling up to a real dog – no more separation anxiety issues.
However, as we discovered during our testing, the puppy is also great for anxious older dogs too. Our Cavalier King Charles Spaniel would panic during thunderstorms…
When he rested with the Snuggle Puppy under his chin, he would calm down. The heartbeat soothed him to the point where he wouldn’t react to even the loudest booms.
If your dog loves to cuddle rather than play, the Snuggle Puppy is worth checking out.
Best Night Time Dog Toy
Chuckit! Max Glow Ball
Play Style: Fetch
Breed Size: Small to Large
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Play fetch in the dark | Needs recharging |
Your dog is visible as he carries the ball around | |
Fits ball launchers |
In Winter, the days are much shorter and the day turns dark quickly. But just because you can’t see doesn’t mean the fun has to stop. The Chuckit! Max Glow will allow you to play fetch well into the night.
Leave the ball in the sun, and once darkness falls, the ball will glow for up to half an hour. The blacker the night, the more visible the ball.
We removed the LED dog collars off our black Labrador testers. When they returned the ball, it was like the ball was floating in mid-air.
What happens if you with the ball runs out of glow mid-fetch? You can use a Black Light Flashlight to recharge it- A minute under the light gave us roughly 25 minutes of visible fetch time.
As we came to expect from Chuckit!, The ball itself is no slouch either and was durable enough to hold up to even our most enthusiastic German Shepherd testers.
Best Indoor Dog Toy
Chuckit! Indoor Ball
Play Style: Fetch and Hearding
Breed Size: Small to Large
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Doesn’t mark walls | Not suitable for destructive dogs |
Won’t break a window | |
Doesn’t make a noise on wood floors |
There is nothing more fun than a spontaneous game of indoor fetch. Unfortunately, in the excitement of the game, it’s easy for something to break.
With a Foam core and terrycloth outer, the super-soft Chuckit! Indoor ball is perfect for inside games of fetch.
I spent the last New York winter snowed in and this ball was a god-send for keeping my pup entertained. My husband plays rough – this ball bounced off the TV, lamp, and windows, without any damage done at all.
Being roughly the same size as a softball, we found it too large to roll under our couch. Impressively, this is one of the few dog toys that hasn’t gone missing in the black hole that is under our couch.
Perhaps best of all is that the Chuckit! Indoor Ball is silent as it rolls across wooden floors – no more rolling balls waking you up in the morning!
Of course, being lighter-weight dog toy, an agressive pittbull will chew this ball apart in no time. But for gentle pups, this is as good as it gets.
Best Water Floating Dog Toy
West Paw Boz
Play Style: Fetch
Breed Size: Small to Large
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Floats high | Not suitable as a chew toy |
Bright color makes it easy to locate | |
Durable | |
Covered by West Paws amazing satisfaction guarantee |
Does your dog love the water? Then he will go crazy for the American-made West Paw Boz – the best floating water ball we reviewed.
The problem with many water toys is that they float just below the waterline.
This makes them nearly impossible to see while your dog is swimming. Even though you can see the toy, to your pup, it’s invisible.
Not a problem with the heavy-duty Boz ball. It floats high in the water, and our testers could easily track it as they swam towards it.
Impressively, the is easy to hold in the mouth while swimming – none of our testers had issue returning to shore while carrying the ball.
Best of all, you can fit the small size in a standard ball thrower, allowing you to launch the ball to the far side of a lake if you so choose.
Like all West Paw Toys, the Boz 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 Freezeable Dog Toy
PetSafe Chilly Penguin
Play Style: Chewing
Breed Size: Small to Large
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Freezable | May be rejected by dogs that don’t like hard rubber toys |
Can be stuffed with different treats | |
Durable |
Is your dog too hot and bothered to play? Not a problem, hand your pup a Chilly Penguin. This freezable toy will cool and refresh your overheating pup.
Load the Chilly Penguin up with your dog’s favorite treat and place it in the freezer. Once chilled, give it to your excited dog.
We tested with frozen broth, peanut butter and canned dog food. These frozen foods can provide over an hours worth of entertainment!
Our Siberian Husky testers couldn’t get enough of their frozen treat toy. Even as we head into Winter, they prefer this ice-cold toy to peanut butter smeared over a Kong.
Best of all, they stack nicely in the freezer. If you have hot and bothered dogs, I recommend buying multiple and rotating them out.
Best Erratic Bounce Dog Toy
SodaPup CrazyBounce
Play Style: Fetch
Breed Size: Small to Large
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Changes directions on bounce | Not suitable as a chew toy |
Made from durable rubber | If throwing long, wide-open spaces will be needed |
More tiring than traditional balls |
Once you throw the Crazy Bounce, there is no telling what direction it will end up traveling in.
As it lands, the protruding rubber nubs will shoot the ball off in a random direction. Dog’s adored this feature as the ball came alive with a mind of its own.
We found that our testers would tire quicker as they had to change direction mid-chase to keep up with the random bounce of the ball – we were even able to exhaust our high-energy Dalmatian tester.
Once playtime is over, a quick trip through the dishwasher will remove all traces of slobber and dirt.
Best Football Dog Toy
JW Pet Hol-ee Football
Play Style: Fetch and Feeding
Breed Size: Small to Large
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Easy to pick up by dogs | Not suitable as a chew toy |
Can be filled with treats | |
Multiple sizes available |
Does your dog want to join in as you toss the pigskin around the yard? Well, now he can, with his own dog-proof football.
Surprisingly, for a ball with holes, the Hol-ee Football can be thrown a great distance, spiraling through the air like a regulation football.
During testing, we noticed dogs with smaller mouths struggle to return regulation footballs. Thanks to the holes, every single one of our testers had no issue picking up and returning this football.
At home, the Hol-ee Football doubles as a treat holder. Large-sized treats, such as Dentastix, can be hidden inside for a tasty playtime.
Best of all, there is a Hol-ee Football for every sized dog. Chihuahuas had no issues carrying the mini version while our Doberman tester was right at home with the large.
Best Novelty Dog Toy
Haute Diggity Dog
Play Style: Carry and Cuddle
Breed Size: Small to Large
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Imitate real world brands | Not suitable for dogs that destroy plush toys |
Great for themed costumes and parties | |
Adorable |
Let’s finish our best dog toy list off with the number one toy that got the most adoring comments and photo requests from passers by. The Haute Diggity Dog collection
Haute Diggity Dog models their toys on real-world products and gives them a doggie twist.
You could sip on a margarita while your pup plays with her muttgarita toy For you beer lovers, the Barkweiser is a too-cute puppy version of a Budweiser beer.
Don’t worry, there are a non-alcholic options too. Such as the Starbarks Frenchie Roast Coffee or Chewy Vuiton Bone.
These toys make the perfect accessory to any themed dog costume party. For example, a Mexican costume would be complimented perfectly with the Grrrona dog toy.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
A superior alternative to a tennis ball | Not suitable as a chew toy |
Fits ball launchers | Your dog may not want to give it back |
Floats in water |
Conclusion
With such a wide variety to choose from, we are confident that one of these toys will be perfect for your dog.
But we are not done yet. We are continually reviewing new products. When we come across another amazing dog toy, we will be sure to add it to this list.
Here is a quick recap of our top picks…
The best dog toys we reviewed:
- Chuckit Ultra – Best Tennis Ball Dog Toy
- Outward Hound Hide-A-Squirrel – Best Plush Dog Toy
- Goughnuts Chew Ring – Best Dog Chew Toy
- Hyper Pet Flippy Flopper – Best Frisbee Dog Toy
- Jolly Soccer Ball – Best Soccer Ball Dog Toy
- West Paw Bumi – Best Dog Tug Toy
- Goughnuts Tug MaXX – Best Heavy-Duty Tug Dog Toy
- Planet Dog Orbee-Tuff Squeak – Best Heavy-Duty Squeaky Dog Toy
- Jolly Pets Pusn ‘N Play – Best Herding Ball Dog Toy
- Nero Ball Ultra – Best Reward Dog Toy
- Mammoth Flossy Chews Cotton Blend – Best Rope Dog Toy
- Benebone Wishbone – Best Nylon Dog Toy
- Chuckit Launcher – Best Ball Thrower Dog Toy
- Firehose Fetch N’ Squake – Best Fire Hose Dog Toy
- Kong Extreme – Best Stuffable Dog Toy
- Ware Gorrilla Chew – Best Wood Dog Toy
- West Paw Zwig – Best Stick Dog Toy
- West Paw Jive – Best Heavy Duty Ball Dog Toy
- JW Pet Hol-ee Roller – Best Creative Dog Toy
- Babble Ball – Best Interactive Ball Dog Toy
- West Paw Hurley – Best Small Dog Toy
- Starmark Treat Dispensing Chew Ball – Best Treat Ball Dog Toy
- Squishy Face Studio Flirt Pole V2 – Best Flirt Pole Dog Toy
- PAW5 Snuffle Mat – Best Snuffle Mat Dog Toy
- Ginomous Gator Squeaker Mat – Best Squeaky Plush Dog Toy
- Snuggle Puppy – Best Cuddle Dog Toy
- Chuckit! Max Glow Ball – Best Night Time Dog Toy
- Chuckit! Indoor Ball – Best Indoor Dog Toy
- West Paw Boz – Best Floating Dog Toy
- Petsafe Chilly Penguin – Best Freezable Dog Toy
- Sodapup Crazy Bounce Dog Toy – Best Erratic Bounce Dog Toy
- JW Pet Hol-ee Football – Best Football Dog Toy
- Haute Diggity Dog – Best Novelty Dog Toy
Did your dog’s favorite toy make our top picks? Let me know in the comments below!
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