Whether your furry friend’s birthday is around the corner, or you just want to spoil your precious pet, finding the perfect dog toy for your pooch can become pretty overwhelming. Plus, sometimes, you think you found a great toy that your pal will love, only to have it end up in a black hole of abandoned squeaky toys and busted bones.
There are so many options that it can be hard to decide where to start. Lucky for you, you don’t have to fret because all you need is this handy list of some of the best dog toys for your pup.
The Top Interactive Dog Toys
The best dog toys aren’t just about chewing and tossing. Many feature fun interactive qualities that help challenge your pup both mentally and physically. These types of toys provide much-needed mental stimulation and often tap into your dog’s natural hunting and foraging instincts.
Rolly Cannoli
This mess-proof treat toy is the perfect way to satisfy your dog’s desire to explore and discover some favorite treats. As your pooch gets faster at finding the treats, simply add more goodies to increase the challenge. You can also add some of your pup’s favorite flavors, like peanut butter. Yum!
Are you considering taking your pup with you to the pool, lake, or ocean? The Rolly Cannoli floats so you never have to worry about losing it. Plus, you can choose from multiple colors and designs, so finding the perfect fit for your pet is easy-breezy. If you’re looking for an edge on your pup’s dental care, the barbell model is an excellent choice with its flexible bristles that help clean your dog’s teeth and gums
Outward Hound Hide-a-Squirrel
Does your dog love to play hide-and-seek? If so, then this interactive plush toy is a must-have for your pooch. Several squeaky squirrels hide inside the ultra-durable tree trunk for hours of playtime fun. It’s also available in multiple sizes, ranging from junior to “ginormous,” making it great for small and large breeds, and you can purchase replacement squirrels as needed.
Nina Ottosson by Outward Hound Brick Puzzle
This interactive puzzle toy provides multiple levels of difficulty for progressive learning fun. Simply hide your dog’s favorite treats beneath the sliding discs or blocks, and then watch the show as your pal uses their nose and paws to search for the goods.
The Best Toys for Getting Active
Whether running around the backyard or romping around off-leash at the dog park, pups love to play. If you have a breed that needs a lot of exercise, then choosing the right toys can help you provide your pooch with ample opportunities for stimulating activity. If your pet is happy with a few play sessions inside, there are toys for that too! Here are a few favorites that are sure to get your dog moving.
Chuckit! Classic
If your dog loves to play fetch, it can get pretty tiring trying to throw the ball far enough to keep your pooch satisfied. Enter the classic ball launcher from Chuckit!, perfect for outdoor playtime. You can toss your pup’s favorite ball three times as far, and you won’t even have to feel the slobber because the launcher picks up the ball too. The Classic Launcher works with any 2.5-inch Chuckit! ball.
Chuckit! Paraflight Frisbee
This durable flyer is the perfect way to add an extra layer of fun to your dog’s fetch game. It soars high and long, and it floats, so no more worrying about toys sinking in the pool or pond. The bright color makes it easy to spot, and it has raised edges for easy handling.
Mammoth Three-Knot Dog Rope
You can toss this tough rope toy or engage in a rousing game of tug-of-war with your best pal. Or, simply watch your pup flip it around for some solo playtime fun. The rope fibers also do a great job flossing your dog’s teeth. It’s an excellent option for strong chewers and a good fit for teething puppies, holding up to hours and hours of play.
The Top Chew Toys for Pups
There’s no denying that dogs love to chew. It’s a natural thing, and if you don’t give your canine companion adequate (and acceptable) things to nibble, you can bet your precious pup will find alternatives (like your sofa and baseboards). Plus, chewing on the right kinds of toys can help clean your dog’s teeth, so it’s worth investing in some top-notch options.
Benebone Wishbone
Who doesn’t love bacon? This wishbone-shaped chew is a dog’s dream, infused with the mouth-watering flavor of bacon and featuring the perfect shape for easy holding and chewing. It’s super durable, with deep grooves that help enhance the scent and taste while also giving dogs something to really sink their teeth into. When choosing chew toys for your pal, selecting the appropriate size is essential for safety. This is why Benebone offers three sizes to choose from, ranging from small, for dogs 30 pounds or less, up to jumbo for dogs over 100 pounds.
Benebone Maplestick
Every dog lover knows the classic picture of a dog eagerly chasing a stick. The only problem is, if your pup chews on actual sticks, it can result in splinters and a crumbly mess. So, give your pooch a safe alternative with the Maplestick. It consists of real maple wood and is extremely tough, so it will last a long time.
Nylabone Teething Pacifier
If you have a new puppy, add this teething toy to your checklist. It’s a great way for young pups to work their teeth and gums (without shredding your slippers). The cute pacifier design offers two chews for your dog, both featuring nubs that gently massage your dog’s gums and help satisfy the urge to chew.
The Best Plush Toys for Dogs
Even the most rough-and-tumble pups need to take a break now and then, and many love to snuggle up with a cuddly plush. Other dogs love to toss, shake, and flip soft toys around like they were small (squeaky) prey.
Frisco Plush Squeaking Cow Dog Toy
This squeaky toy not only provides some fun playtime opportunities for your pooch, but the ultra-soft fabric makes it the perfect snuggle buddy. It’s available in small or medium, and you can also find a variety of animal designs.
Multipet🄬 Lamb Chop Plush
This classic soft toy, inspired by Shari Lewis’s famous Lamb Chop puppet, is a great way to play a game of fetch or just give your dog something soft to chew. More than likely, it will become your pup’s favorite cuddle friend, too (other than you, of course).
Fat Cat Floppability Suspicious Chicken
Why not add a little humor into your dog’s playtime with the Suspicious Chicken toy? This heavy-duty canvas plush provides some sturdy chew-time, while the squeaker is bound to drive your pooch crazy with glee. When playtime is over, it’s also the perfect toy for your dog to curl up with and take a nap.
No matter what toys you decide to get for your dog, you’re sure to make your pup smile a sweet canine grin with these options. The right toys make all the difference when it comes to keeping your pet entertained, stimulated, and physically active. For more helpful tips and resources regarding your furry friends, check out the rest of our blog. You’ll find a bunch of great ideas that can help you hone your skills as a fantastic pet parent.