The 24 Best Dog Toys, Tested With Real Dogs

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The Spruce Pets / Lecia Landis

Most dogs love toys. They shake, catch, roll, chew, and cuddle them. Toys also stimulate a dog’s brain, keep them from getting bored, help burn energy, and comfort them when they’re nervous.

“What you really, really want is to tap into what your dog was bred to do,” says Ali Smith, professional dog trainer with U.K.-based Rebarkable. “For example, if your dog was bred to keep the barn rat-free? Then squeaky toys are going to be your best friend, if your dog was bred to retrieve, then a ball might be best.”

But not every dog likes every kind of toy and not every toy can survive even a single play session with a determined pet. We tested many different types of toys—some in a testing group and many independently—with dogs of all ages, sizes, and play styles. We considered how engaged the dogs were, as well as the toys’ durability, overall value, and how easy they were for the dogs (and their humans) to play with.

Our favorite dog toy is the West Paw Zogoflex Qwizl, which is versatile enough to be used as a chew or fetch toy, plus you can use it to dispense treats. But there are a lot of other toys we believe your dog will also love.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall

West Paw Zogoflex Qwizl Dog Puzzle Treat Toy

west-paw-zogoflex-qwizl-dog-puzzle-treat-toy

Amazon

What We Like
  • Works as a chew, fetch, or treat toy

  • Durable

  • Dishwasher-safe

What We Don't Like
  • A little heavy for fetch (watch your toes!)

The twisty Qwizl can be played with in many ways. In our testing, dogs that liked movement had fun pushing it around and would fetch and gnaw on it when thrown. Teething puppies chewed on it and rolled it across the floor. The toy is very durable for aggressive chewers and also floats if you like to take toys to the beach or the pool.

But the best part is that the Zogoflex Qwizl is built for long-lasting treats. There’s an opening that runs down the center with little openings along the middle and edges. It’s the perfect size for bully sticks, dental chews, carrots, or biscuits. Dogs that weren’t typically interested in this toy were smitten and engaged when it was stuffed with treats.

One of the best ways we found to keep dogs happy and entertained was by smearing peanut butter in the nooks and poking in some treats or kibble, then freezing the whole thing to make it last even longer. If anything is left behind, the Qwizl is easy to clean in the dishwasher.

West Paw makes many different durable toys like the Qwizl and it seems like so many dog owners have their favorites. There’s the Bumi, an S-shaped boomerang-looking toy that is great for heavy-duty fetch. And lots of puppy fosters can’t live without the Toppl, a cup-like toy where you can tuck in treats or freeze a mix of kibble with yogurt or peanut butter for a long-lasting snack or dinner.

Play Style: Chew, fetch, treat, puzzle | Sizes: 5.5 inches (small), 6.5 inches (large) | Colors: Blue, green, orange | Materials: Plastic

Dog with West Paw Qwizl

The Spruce Pets / Mary Jo DiLonardo

Best Budget

Best Pet Supplies Duck No Stuffing Dog Toy

Best Pet Supplies Crinkle Dog Toy

Amazon

What We Like
  • Stuffless, crinkly, and squeaky

  • Multiple colors

  • Gentle on mouth

  • 15 inches of floppy fun

What We Don't Like
  • Not for aggressive chewers

The Duck Crinkle Dog Toy from Best Pet Supplies is made to be tossed about, and with a squeaker and crinkly material inside, it's sure to delight your dog across a variety of senses and instincts. The plush duck-shaped toy is stuffless, affordable, and comes in yellow, green, pink, purple, dark blue, light blue, turquoise, and white. The toy is even available in a multi-pack, so you can always have one on hand.

While it's not as long as our tested Best Stuffless pick (the Skinneeez Forest Series Fox from Ethical Pet), this duck does measure 15 inches in length, which is long enough for your dog to carry around, throw about, and play fetch with. It was not part of our latest batch of tested toys, but it is sure to become another much-loved toy.

Play Style: Chew, fetch, tug-of-war, squeak | Sizes: 15 inches | Colors: Yellow, green, pink, purple, dark blue, light blue, turquoise, white | Materials: Fabric, paper

Best Plush

Kong Cozie Marvin the Moose Plush Dog Toy

Kong Cozie Marvin the Moose Plush Dog Toy

Amazon

What We Like
  • Lots of designs

  • Soft, yet durable

  • Lasting squeaker

What We Don't Like
  • Aggressive chewers can de-stuff

Some dogs love plush toys so much, they will carry them around, cuddle them, and sleep with them. Others view them as a challenge, working diligently to rip out the stuffing and the squeaker. Kong Cozies are amazingly durable and fun for dedicated stuffed animal lovers. They are built relatively tough, are very soft, and have a hardworking squeaker.

All our dog testers loved this plush toy and worked diligently to find the squeaker. A few even carried it around like a pacifier, while a couple of puppies curled up and fell asleep with it. If you have a dog who lives to disembowel stuffed animals, they’ll probably find a way to destroy this one, too. But for cuddlers and squeakers, this is a great choice.

My dog has unwillingly shared his Cozies with dozens of foster puppies. As hard as they’ve tried, the most damage they’ve done is shred an ear or an antler. They make great snuggle buddies.

Cozies come in two sizes and a menagerie of 10 animals and colors including a moose, elephant, and sheep. They make a great security blanket for any size dog and are easy to throw in the washer when they get too slobbery.

Play Style: Chew, fetch, squeak | Sizes: Small, medium, extra-large | Colors: Various | Materials: Fabric, polyester

Dog with Kong Cozie Moose

The Spruce Pets / Mary Jo DiLonardo

Best Big Ball

Jolly Pets Tug-n-Toss Dog Toy

Jolly Pets Tug-n-Toss Dog Toy

Amazon

What We Like
  • Available in four sizes

  • Handle for carrying or tossing

  • Won’t pop

What We Don't Like
  • Handle can be chewed off easily

Jolly Pets balls are based on similar toys sold to keep horses entertained. They’re hollow plastic balls with handles that bounce, float, and roll unpredictably enough to keep your dog engaged. Herding dogs that like to chase and carry, such as border collies and Australian shepherds, are especially likely to enjoy a Tug-n-Toss ball.

Several of our ball-obsessed dogs herded these toys around a yard during testing. Some of our testers became possessive of them, toting their Jolly Pets ball by the handle and chasing after it whenever it was tossed. While the handle is great for carrying and throwing, some dogs will chew them off. Still, the ball works great even without its handle.

Jolly Pets Tug-n-Toss toys come in four sizes, from small to extra-large, and they never pop, even when punctured by a rowdy dog having a ball with one.

Play Style: Chew, fetch, tug-of-war | Sizes: 4.5 inches, 6 inches, 8 inches, 10 inches | Colors: Purple, red, blue, light blue, green, orange, red | Materials: Plastic

Best for Fetch

Chuckit! Classic Ball Launcher

Amazon Chuckit! Classic Ball Launcher

Amazon

What We Like
  • Hands-free ball pickup

  • Allows dog owners to throw farther

  • Comes in several sizes

  • Works with regular tennis balls

What We Don't Like
  • Not for indoors or small spaces

For dogs that like to fetch, the Chuckit! Classic Launcher should be a required toy. The long handle lets you scoop the ball off the ground without having to bend down and pick up a slimy ball over and over again.

You whip the launcher forward over your shoulder and it releases the ball, tossing it up to three times further than a normal toss. The technique doesn’t take long to master and it’s been called a lifesaver by people whose dogs just can’t get enough of fetch. One owner of several tester dogs pointed out that the Chuckit! would save them from wear and tear on shoulders and rotator cuffs.

Distinctive Chuckit! orange balls are made with tough extra-thick rubber with a lot of bounce and durability. With any ball, make sure they are big enough so they don’t slip down your pup’s throat and become a choking risk, Smith cautions.

Smith likes Chuckit! balls much better than regular tennis balls. “They're made with such a high friction surface that they're able to grind down teeth!” she says of standard tennis balls.

However, the Chuckit! isn't suited for all pet owner situations, as it requires a lot of space to get the best use out of the launcher. If you don't have a big backyard or regularly visit the park with your dog, then this launcher might be a little too much for playing fetch in closer quarters. It's very easy to launch the included ball over a fence or into the street.

The Chuckit! Classic Launcher comes in several sizes, and there’s even a folding variety.

Play Style: Fetch | Sizes: 14 inches, 18 inches, 25 inches, 26 inches | Colors: Blue and orange | Materials: Plastic, rubber

Dog carrying ChuckIt Classic Launcher

The Spruce Pets / Mary Jo DiLonardo

Best Tennis Ball Alternative

Chuckit! Ultra Ball

Amazon Chuckit! Ultra Ball

Amazon

What We Like
  • Durable

  • No fuzz

  • Several sizes

  • Works great with Chuckit! Launcher

What We Don't Like
  • Can be destroyed by very aggressive chewers

Ball-obsessed dogs can sometimes be fixated on the yellow fuzz of a tennis ball. For them, it’s as much fun to remove the ball covering as it is to play fetch. That’s one reason Chuckit! Ultra Balls are such a good alternative. They’re made of durable rubber and are a hard-to-miss orange which makes them easy to find in the yard.

Chuckit! Ultra Balls come in five sizes from extra-small for pups up to 20 pounds to extra-large for those over 100 pounds. The surface of the ball is textured for easy gripping. The material stands up to rowdy play but is soft on a dog’s mouth. The balls work hand-in-hand with the company’s popular launchers to make fetch easier and more exciting.

Play Style: Fetch | Sizes: 2 inches, 2.5 inches, 3 inches, 3.5 inches, 4 inches | Colors: Orange | Materials: Rubber

Best Silent Toy

Hear Doggy Silent Squeaker Dog Toy

Hear Doggy Silent Squeaker Dog Toy

Amazon

What We Like
  • Extremely quiet

  • Reinforced seams

  • Dogs seemed very interested in the sound

What We Don't Like
  • Doesn’t look as durable as some soft toys

This plush giraffe toy is a little disconcerting. You press the squeaker and hear nothing, but your dog gets all excited. The silent squeaker is a great solution for dogs that insist on squeaking when you’re on calls or trying to sleep in.

The Hear Doggy Silent Squeaker advertises “chew guard technology,” which means reinforced seams and a durable lining. However, its construction didn't impress some of our testers. That said, no member of our canine testing team ripped one apart. We anticipate it standing up to moderately rough play, though it seems likely that a determined chewer will get through it.

The real appeal of the Hear Doggy Silent Squeaker is that silent squeaker, which was a fun novelty for both our human and dog testers. When the toy was squeaked out of sight, tester dogs went bonkers looking for it. They were less interested in Hear Doggy Silent Squeaker as a chew toy; the novelty of the silent squeaker was more than enough to engage every dog who heard it.

There are six different Hear Doggy Silent Squeaker Dog Toy animals available: alligator, cow, chicken, pig, giraffe, and elephant.

Play Style: Chew, fetch, tug-of-war, squeak | Sizes: 3.5 x 8.5 x 13 inches | Colors: Varies | Materials: Fabric

Dog sitting with Hear Doggy Toy

The Spruce Pets / Mary Jo DiLonardo

Best for Chewers

Benebone Bacon Flavor Wishbone

Benebone-bacon-flavor-wishbone-tough-dog-chew-toy

Amazon

What We Like
  • Several shapes and sizes

  • Softer version for puppies

  • Comes in three flavors

What We Don't Like
  • Can wear down relatively quickly

These heavy nylon chew bones are great for dogs who love to work their jaws. The wishbone shape helps dogs grip them easily with their paws. The bite marks left behind by our testers indicate that some dogs were chewing at the knobby ends so thoroughly, they were likely using their rear back teeth, too. The Benebone chew toys were so great for chewing, they even enthralled two dog testers who didn't typically prefer chew toys.

While all of our dog testers went to town on the Benebone Wishbone chew toys, some sizes were difficult for tiny dogs to maneuver around. However, there are four different sizes available (a fifth "Tiny" size is manufactured, but wasn't available from the retailers we looked at), plus the smaller versions felt slightly softer. These were perfect for puppy testers.

While it's normal for tiny flecks of the nylon bone to come off, bigger chunks are a good indication that you should either try a larger version or a different toy entirely.

Benebone's Wishbone Tough Dog Chew Toy comes in three flavors, including bacon, chicken, and peanut butter.

Play Style: Chew | Sizes: Small, medium, large, giant | Colors: Brown | Materials: Nylon

Best for Aggressive Chewers

KONG Tires Dog Toy

Amazon KONG Tires Dog Toy

Amazon

What We Like
  • Very durable

  • Two sizes

  • Can be a fetch or chew toy

  • Can fill with peanut butter or treats

What We Don't Like
  • Only comes in black

Kong is one of the most well-known names in dog toys and is particularly recognized for durable toys and those you can fill with treats. This Kong Tires toy is made of strong natural rubber with a thick outer tread which makes it perfect for tough chewers (here are 12 more toys for chewers that we like). As your dog chews, the tire walls bend and rebound, making for a very satisfying chewing experience.

The toy can be used just for chewing or can be part of a good game of fetch. You can also fill the tire’s inside wall with peanut butter or treats for long-lasting interactive play. The tire comes in two sizes: small for dogs up to 20 pounds and medium/large for those 15 to 65 pounds.

Play Style: Chew, treat | Sizes: Small, medium/large | Colors: Black | Materials: Rubber

Best for Feeding

West Paw Toppl Tough Dog Chew Toy

West Paw Toppl Tough Dog Chew Toy

Amazon

What We Like
  • Made by a certified B Corporation

  • BPA- and latex-free

  • Dishwasher-safe

  • Floats

  • Different sizes interlock for more play options

What We Don't Like
  • More useful when you buy two

  • A useful accessory is sold separately

The West Paw Toppl is somewhere between a bowl and a toy. The perfect size for snouts (and a huge hit with puppies), the Toppl is basically a rubber-like cup that you can fill with peanut butter, frozen treats, mashed bananas, and other wet foods. It’s got knobs inside that help hold food in place. Then your dog can have fun rolling it around and licking it out.

It’s also got a hole on the side, for dispensing treats, which brings us to one of the downsides of the Toppl: To get the most from it, you really need two. By buying two in interlocking sizes (small with large or large with extra-large) you can wedge them together to form a treat-dispensing puzzle challenge out of an otherwise wide-open toy.

However, there’s still lots you can do with just one Toppl. It’s especially useful for frozen treats. West Paw just released Toppl Stoppers, cute dog- and tail-shaped plugs that keep the Toppl upright and seal the hole on the side, making it easy to freeze liquids and softer substances.

Like other West Paw toys, the Toppl is made from Zogoflex, which is the brand's in-house name for a thermoplastic elastomer made from recycled materials (and recyclable, albeit only by sending the toy back to West Paw). This is the same material used in medical devices, knife handles, and other high-grade, human-safe needs.

The West Paw Zogoflex Toppl is available in three different sizes and three colors: granny smith, tangerine, and aqua blue.

Play Style: Chew, treat, puzzle | Sizes: Small, large, extra-large | Colors: Granny smith, aqua blue, tangerine | Materials: Zogoflex (TPE)

Best Stuffless

Spot Skinneeez Forest Series Fox

Spot Skinneeez Forest Series Fox Stuffing-Free Squeaky Plush Dog Toy

Amazon

What We Like
  • Squeaks

  • Floppy and great for fetch

  • Different animal designs available

What We Don't Like
  • Short lifespan for determined dogs

Every dog that tested the Skinneeez stuffing-free toy was obsessed. They whipped it around, hurled it, shook it mightily, and carried the flattened fox with them wherever they went. While the squeaker in the Skinneeez is adequate, dogs seemed to enjoy its limp form more, since it's both easy to carry and shake. Our testers treated it like a prize catch (even if it does look a lot like roadkill).

Spot's Forest Series plush toys come in 14-inch and 23-inch sizes, with versions that look like foxes, squirrels, and raccoons. Our testers played with the smaller-sized fox, which was perfect for smaller dogs. Opt for the larger size if your dog is over 20 pounds or so.

Of course, all that enthusiasm means that the tested Skinneeez was constantly soggy with slobber, and it didn't seem especially durable to our testers. But since the toy doesn't have any stuffing, there's no interior fill to worry about, and you only risk having to buy a new one after your dog tears it apart. This seemed like a worthwhile trade-off to our testers since their dogs loved it so much.

Play Style: Chew, fetch, tug-of-war, squeak | Sizes: 14 inches, 23 inches | Colors: Varies | Materials: Cotton, polyester

Best Squeaky

Outward Hound Invincibles Snake Plush Dog Toy

Outward Hound Invincibles Snakes

Amazon

What We Like
  • No stuffing to make a mess

  • Durable fabric and seams

  • Colorful and cute shapes

What We Don't Like
  • Ginormous size can be overwhelming for small dogs

  • Can be loud (dogs love this!)

The Outward Hound Invincibles Snake is joyously loud and sure to be a favorite of any dog who likes squeaker toys. Unlike most squeakers, which have a single noisemaker, each segment of this toy has its own squeaker. It will even keep making noise if your dog is able to puncture it.

The Outward Hound squeaker toy is made from two layers of fuzzy, tough fabric, with reinforced double seams, making this a durable pick. Most dogs would have to work very hard to tear apart the Invincibles Snake. Thankfully, there's no stuffing to make a mess if they do manage it.

These come in 3-squeak, 6-squeak, and 12-squeak (ginormous) sizes. There are also other critters and shapes.

We tested a ginormous snake, which was too big for many of our dogs to actually drag or whip around. Instead, they seemed content making the squeakers squeal over and over. The puppies also liked teething on the outer seams, producing a little wear and tear after a few days of use. But no matter how much dogs toss and chew the Invincibles Snake, the seemingly unbreakable squeaker never stops.

Play Style: Chew, fetch, tug-of-war, squeak | Sizes: 24.5 x 2 x 4 inches (large), 40 x 4 x 2 inches (extra-large), 70 x 2 x 5 inches (ginormous) | Colors: Blue, pink, orange, pink, turquoise, green | Materials: Fabric

Dog playing with Outward Hound Invincibles

The Spruce Pets / Mary Jo DiLonardo

Best Interactive

Outward Hound Hide a Squirrel Dog Toy

Amazon Outward Hound Hide a Squirrel Squeaky Puzzle Plush Dog Toy

Amazon

What We Like
  • Brain game plus squeakies

  • Comes in four sizes

  • Soft and cuddly

What We Don't Like
  • Not durable for chewing

This toy combines the challenge of a puzzle game with lots of little squeaking stuffed animals. In order to get to the squirrels, your dog has to pull them out of the holes in a stuffed tree. This combines the fun of a puzzle toy, plus enough little plush creatures for endless squeaking and chewing.

Our test dogs interacted with the Outward Hound Hide A Squirrel in wildly different ways, demonstrating its versatility. One of our testers was obsessed with removing each squirrel from its hiding place, only playing with the stuffed animals after every last one was pulled from the stump. Another dog just carried the whole tree around with them. A third tester was content to gnaw on a single squirrel plush, instead of bothering with the whole group.

As far as plush chew toys go, these squirrels aren't the most durable. But most dogs enjoyed interactions beyond chewing, such as engaging with the puzzle aspect of the toy.

The Outward Hound Hide A Squirrel is available in four sizes, with each providing different play configurations. For example, the "Junior" size is a short stump with three plush squirrels, while "Ginormous" is 17 inches tall and comes with six squirrels.

Play Style: Puzzle, squeak | Sizes: Junior, large, jumbo, ginormous | Colors: Light brown and green | Materials: Fabric

Dog playing with Outward Hound Hide-a-Squirrel

The Spruce Pets / Mary Jo DiLonardo

Best Splurge

Fable The Game

Fable The Game

Amazon

What We Like
  • Adjustable opening for food

  • Holds more than 1.5 cups of kibble

  • Great for snacking or meals

What We Don't Like
  • Pricey

  • Heavy on hard floors

The Game, from pet product manufacturer Fable, is a treat and kibble dispenser with a solid bottom that rocks back and forth as your dog nudges it with a nose or a paw. Several of our test dogs had used these types of toys before and immediately went to work, pushing and pawing at The Game as it wobbled across the floor.

You can vary the size of the opening where the treats pop out to make it easier or harder based on the size of the food. It significantly slowed down how long it took each of the dogs to eat their meals. One tester puppy had never tried a dispensing toy before but was soon mesmerized after a few minutes of practice with the Fable toy.

The Game has a very heavy base that helps keep it upright. However, it can be loud when placed on non-carpeted floors. It also required a little more active oversight than you might suspect, since our tester dogs immediately started chewing on the Fable toy once it stopped dispensing food. While this didn't damage its operation, it did leave behind some deep scratches on The Game's surface.

The Game can hold up to 1.5 cups of dry food, making it suitable for snacking or whole meals.

Play Style: Chew, treat, puzzle | Sizes: 6.25 x 4.75 inches | Colors: Green, navy, gray, blush, purple | Materials: Plastic, rubber

Best Water Toy

Chuckit! Amphibious Bumper Fetch and Float

Chuckit! Amphibious Bumper Fetch and Float

Amazon

What We Like
  • Lightweight and floats

  • Two sizes

  • Bright color

  • Knotted rope for a secure hold

What We Don't Like
  • Not very chew-proof

If you’ve been to a dog-friendly beach, you’ve likely seen these bright orange toys from Chuckit! go sailing into the water with pups in hot pursuit. Made of lightweight foam and polyester, the Amphibious Bumper Fetch and Float is designed for water play. It’s very sturdy, but gentle on a dog’s gums.

There’s a knotted rope at one end for an easy grasp and the toy comes in two sizes so it’s not too overwhelming (or underwhelming) for dogs. The bright color makes it easy for you to spot after you toss it and it dries fairly quickly after a day at the beach or in the pool.

Play Style: Chew, fetch, tug-of-war | Sizes: Small, medium | Colors: Orange and blue | Materials: Foam, polyester

Best Teething Toy

Nylabone Puppy Teething Toy

Nylabone Puppy Chill & Chew Puppy Teething Toy

Amazon

What We Like
  • Freezes to help soothe gums

  • Changes color when it thaws

  • Lamb and apple flavor

  • Soft bristles

What We Don't Like
  • Only for very gentle chewers

When puppies are teething, they want to gnaw on anything they can find. This teething toy offers relief for tender gums while saving your fingers, chair legs, and anything else that looks tempting. Just put it in the freezer until it’s frozen, then let your puppy chew. It has soft bristles to soothe gums and a lamb and apple flavor to entice your puppy.

The toy turns orange when it’s frozen and then gradually becomes yellow when it thaws. That helps you figure out when it’s time to pop it in the freezer again. Always supervise puppies. The material is for gentle chewers and pieces can be broken off by a more aggressive chewer.

Play Style: Chew | Sizes: 6.5 x 4 x 0.75 inches | Colors: Yellow | Materials: Plastic

Best Chaser Toy

Tug-e-Nuff Chaser Tug

Tug-e-Nuff Sheepskin Chaser Tug

Amazon

What We Like
  • Long, cushioned handle so you don't have to bend down

  • Double bungee cord for bouncing and yanking

  • Four colors

  • Durable

What We Don't Like
  • Chewers can tear fur from the sheepskin tugger, so this is best for supervised play sessions only

Some dogs live for a good game of chase. They run after each other, after squirrels, or after anything that moves. This chaser tug lets you motivate your dog to jump, run, and play. It has a double bungee cord that bounces and withstands lots of yanking. That stretchiness protects your dog’s neck and your own shoulder. At the very tip is a sheepskin toy for your pup to chase and grab.

The chaser has a long, cushioned handle so you don’t have to bend down to play with your pup. It comes in four bright colors: green, orange, and pink. Smith particularly likes this toy for dogs that love to play tug.

Play Style: Chew, fetch, tug-of-war | Sizes: 47 inches long | Colors: Green, blue, purple, yellow | Materials: Webbing, sheepskin

Best Automatic

PetSafe Automatic Ball Launcher

PetSafe Automatic Ball Launcher

Amazon

What We Like
  • Setting for nine distances and six angles

  • Training sounds to announce launch is happening

  • Safety motion sensor

  • Sleep mode after 15 minutes

What We Don't Like
  • No easy way to see rest mode

Automatic ball launchers let your dog play fetch over and over again. They keep your pup entertained while saving your shoulder from all that throwing. This PetSafe launcher lets you choose how far the ball goes and how high it goes up in the air. You can choose nine different distances and six different angles to determine where and how each ball is launched. The launcher has sounds to help train your pup to be ready to run because the ball is about to be tossed.

There’s a safety motion sensor that protects anyone who is standing as far as 7 feet in front of the launcher. To keep your dog from overdoing it, there’s a sleep mode that comes on after about 15 minutes of play. It rests for 15 minutes before launching again. The launcher can be plugged into an outlet or it works on battery. It holds up to three balls at once and fits most standard-sized tennis balls.

Play Style: Fetch | Sizes: 12 x 12 x 12 inches | Colors: Gray and purple | Materials: Plastic

Best Set

Benebone Multipack Dog Chew Toys

Benebone Large 4-Pack Dog Chew Toys

Amazon

What We Like
  • Four different toy shapes

  • Durable nylon reduces buildup on teeth

  • Four sizes including puppy

  • Three flavors: bacon, maple, and salmon

What We Don't Like
  • Dog likely to loose interest as flavor fades

The multipack from Benebone comes with four chew toys and each one is a different shape. The pack includes Benebone's signature wishbone—our top tested choice for Small Dogs that can be positioned in a variety of ways, a zaggler that is designed to roll around, a stick, and a fish bone, all of which will offer your dog an assortment of textures and surfaces to gnaw upon.

The Benebone Multipack Dog Chew Toys set comes in four sizes. The small set is for dogs under 30 pounds, medium is for dogs under 60 pounds, large is for dogs under 90 pounds, and puppy is to entertain young dogs with budding teeth. Benebone recommends selecting the largest size your dog can handle to minimize their ability to swallow the chew. These durable chew toys are manufactured in the United States from durable nylon that helps reduce buildup on teeth as a dog chews. For extra appeal, each toy is flavored—bacon for the wishbone and the zaggler, salmon for the fish bone, and maple for the stick. As with all chew toys, it is important to monitor your dog while they play with a Benebone to keep them from consuming any pieces.

Play Style: Chew | Sizes: Small, medium, large, puppy | Colors: Brown, green (puppy only) | Materials: Nylon

Best Puzzle Toy

Nina Ottosson by Outward Hound Brick Puzzle Dog Toy

Amazon Nina Ottosson by Outward Hound Brick Puzzle Game Dog Toy

Amazon

What We Like
  • Toys with four different skill levels

  • Lots of compartments for treats or kibble

  • Dishwasher-safe

What We Don't Like
  • Can be frustrating for some dogs

For smart pups, these Nina Ottosson puzzle games let them show off their brains. Tuck some treats or kibble in the crannies or under the lids and let your dog figure out how to get to them. Some dogs are brilliant and are nosing open drawers and pushing levers right away. Some figure out quickly to dump the whole toy upside-down and see what falls out.

There are four skill levels: easy, intermediate, advanced, and expert. This level 2 toy is a good option with sliders to maneuver and lids to lift. You can challenge your pet at mealtime or keep them busy when they’re bored. The toys are dishwasher-safe and easy to clean.

Play Style: Treat, puzzle | Sizes: 12.75 x 9.25 x 2 inches | Colors: Turquoise, red, white | Materials: Plastic

Best Snuffle Toy

DogNMat Taco Snuffle Dog Toy

DogNMat Taco Snuffle Dog Toy

DogNmat

What We Like
  • Cute design

  • Lots of hiding spots

  • Has squeaker and crinkly spots

  • Machine-washable

What We Don't Like
  • Smaller than many snuffle mats

Snuffle mats have shag-like strips of fleece and nooks and crannies where you can tuck in treats and kibble and keep your dog entertained while they sniff them out. You can unroll this cute taco, then tuck food into the fabric cheese and lettuce or into one of the many other hiding spots. But it’s not just about finding food. The taco has a squeaker and lots of crinkly areas to make it a fun toy.

This mat comes gift-wrapped like an actual taco. The seller also has lots of other creative designs including sushi, a tea party, and a picnic. You can have them customized with your pet’s name and they have closures to roll them up when playtime is over. They are machine-washable and can go in the dryer.

Play Style: Treat, puzzle | Sizes: About 12 inches in diameter | Colors: Green, yellow, maroon | Materials: Fabric

Best Ball

JW Pet Hol-ee Roller

JW Pet Hol-ee Roller

Amazon

What We Like
  • Four sizes and multiple colors

  • Can be stuffed with treats

  • Bounces, rolls, and tosses

  • Honeycomb design makes it easy to grip

What We Don't Like
  • Very tough chewers may be able to take chunks out of it

These durable rubber balls are easy for dogs to chase, catch, and grab. The rubber is soft enough for easy playing but tough enough to withstand even hearty chewers. Holl-ee roller balls come in four sizes from 3.5 to 7.5 inches and they’re available in an assortment of colors. You can stuff them with treats to make them more tempting or just play with them like a regular ball.

They offer a spectacular bounce, they’re easy to toss, and all the holes give your pup plenty of places to grip. If the ball gets too slimy, run it through the dishwasher on the top shelf. These honeycomb-designed balls are a favorite with so many active pups.

Play Style: Fetch, chew, treat | Sizes: Mini, small, medium, large, extra-large | Colors: Assorted, including blue, purple, red, green | Materials: Rubber

Best Flying Disc

KONG Classic Flyer Frisbee Dog Toy

KONG Classic Flyer Frisbee Dog Toy

Amazon

What We Like
  • Encourages exercise

  • Two sizes, Small and Large

  • Made from durable rubber for soft catch in mouth

  • Easy to wipe clean

What We Don't Like
  • Only comes in red

The Classic Flyer Dog Toy from Kong is ideal for outdoor, interactive play with a dog that loves to catch and fetch. It is made from soft yet very durable rubber, so it's built to endure but relatively gentle when your dog catches the disc in their mouth. It comes in two sizes; the smaller one is seven inches in diameter for dogs up to 20 pounds, and the larger one is nine inches in diameter for dogs 30 to 65 pounds. Regardless of size, the toy comes in only one color, Kong's signature shade of red.

Like all Kong toys, this disc is made in the United States from materials that are sourced globally. The Classic Flyer has not been part of our official testing, but we have tested many of Kong's other products and the brand is well-known for their high quality rubber dog toys.

Play Style: Fetch, tug-of-war, chew | Sizes: Small, large | Colors: Red | Materials: Rubber

Best Stick

Petstages Dogwood Wood Alternative Dog Chew Toy

Petstages Dogwood Wood Alternative Dog Chew Toy

Amazon

What We Like
  • Available in four sizes

  • Real wood flavor

  • Floats in water

  • Appeals to fetch and chew play styles

What We Don't Like
  • Likely to loose appeal as flavor fades

If your dog has a habit of picking up and chewing on wooden sticks, then you should introduce them to the Dogwood Wood Alternative Dog Chew Toy from Petstages. This dog toy was not in our latest lineup of tested products, but it is still a top recommendation. Petstages is a brand within the Outward Hound collection of pet toys which are all designed in the United States and independently tested for safety. The Dogwood Chew Toy is made with real wood, has the flavor of wood, and is shaped to resemble a stick that has fallen off a tree. Unlike the real deal, the Dogwood stick won't make a mess of shredded pieces on the floor when your dog starts chewing on it.

The wood alternative dog chew is durable and long-lasting, and it is designed to keep aggressive chewers occupied and challenged for an extended duration of time. The toy is made from wood that is blended with polypropylene, a plastic material that is safe for use by humans and pets, and is free of lead and phthalates.

Just like a real stick, you can take it outside and throw it for your dog to play fetch. And, if it lands in a body of water, no worries, as this dog toy floats. It's great for teething puppies, too, and comes in four sizes, from extra-small to large. Your pet should always be supervised when chewing on this toy.

Play Style: Fetch, chew | Sizes: Extra-small, small, medium, large | Colors: Brown | Materials: Wood, plastic

Final Verdict

The twisty West Paw Qwizl is our favorite, and Best Overall Dog Toy, because it encourages many types of physical play by rolling, bouncing, and enticing with treats. Our dog testers found it irresistible. For something more plush (and if you're willing to put up with a squeaker), try out the Kong Cozie. The Cozie is both soft enough for cuddling and durable enough for chewing.

What to Look for in a Dog Toy

Engagement

Even a dog that loves squeaky toys or balls isn’t impressed with every one of them. Some toys will hold your dog’s attention for just a short time while others will quickly become a favorite. It’s hard to predict what your dog will like, but one trick is to rotate toys so that your dog doesn’t get bored. Put away a favorite toy or two then tuck it back into the toy box as a surprise for your dog to find. Or consider adding a toy or two to your list of Christmas dog stocking stuffers.

Look for toys with extras, like plush toys with squeakers or balls that let you tuck in treats. If a toy becomes a favorite, you can then find different ways to engage your pup, using their mind and energy at playtime. For example, the new breed of light-up dog toys lets you interact with your pup even after sundown.

Durability

No matter how much your dog likes a toy, it’s no good if it gets shredded, chewed up, or broken quickly. That makes it no fun and potentially unsafe. If it’s a stuffed toy, look for reinforced seams and durable material. The Humane Society of the United States suggests examining toys and removing any strings, ribbons, eyes, or other parts that could be chewed off and swallowed. Repair or discard toys when they tear or break.

Smith recommends getting toys from a reputable manufacturer like Outward Hound, Kong, and Chuck-It because they typically are held to a higher standard than toys sold by an unknown company only online. For chew toys especially, Benebone and Nylabone are two more brands we love.

“Always check that they're going to be strong enough, and don't come with small parts and pieces that may be a choking hazard, and watch for rope toys fraying too, as ingested string rarely goes well for a dog,” Smith says.

Size

Choose toys that are appropriate for the size of your dog. Toys that are too small can become trapped in your dog’s throat or even swallowed. Toys that are too big can be frustrating for puppies or smaller dogs.

Many toys come in a range of sizes and the manufacturer will often specify what breed types, ages, and/or weight range is ideal for each. Always supervise your pup when playing, particularly early on, so that you can tell if the toy is the right fit.

Ease of Use

Most toys are pretty simple to figure out. Dogs squeak a squeaky toy, chase a ball, or chew a rugged toy bone. But there are complicated toys that require your dog to work a little harder—like treat dispensers, snuffle mats, and puzzle games. Many dogs enjoy the challenge, but others might get frustrated.

Choose toys based on your pup’s personality and interests. Smith suggests that if your dog is a retriever, for example, you can take advantage of their natural urge to catch and chase things. Smart dogs like border collies might be interested in brain games.

FAQ
  • Do dog toys need to be cleaned?

    Absolutely, says Jessica Ek, a spokesperson for the American Cleaning Institute. “Dogs can get sick just like the rest of us, so it’s important to clean their toys every few weeks,” Ek says. “This removes harmful bacteria and germs that thrive in moist environments, like on drool-covered toys, and helps keep the whole family healthy.”


  • How do you clean dog toys?

    For fabric pet toys, first look for any holes or frayed seams and repair those before washing. If there’s a tag with care instructions, check that first.

    “If the tag is missing or illegible, your best bet is to either wash by hand or launder in cold water on a gentle cycle,” Ek says.
    “Squeeze any excess water out before drying on low heat or air drying (somewhere your pet can’t get it until it’s dry).”

    For plastic toys, wash them first in soapy water, Ek suggests. Then add 2 teaspoons of bleach to 1 gallon of water in a plastic dish pan. Stir to mix. Add the pre-washed toys to the bleach solution and let them soak for two minutes. Then drain, rinse well, and air dry.


  • Why do dogs like squeaky toys?

    The constant repetitive noise may grate on your nerves, but many dogs love squeaky toys. Dog behavior experts attribute this to a combination of hunting instincts, attraction to sounds similar to alarmed prey, and the stimulus it provides when chewing. Many of the toys are fuzzy and shaped like animals some dogs would instinctively like to chase.

    Their prey-like qualities may appeal even more to dog breeds with strong hunting instincts like terriers. A squeaker toy soon becomes its own stimulus, as your dog connects the sound it makes and the gratification that comes from playing with the toy.

    Always watch your dog when using any toy and repair seams or holes when stuffing as squeakers could be removed and swallowed.

Why Trust The Spruce Pets?

For this list, writer Mary Jo DiLonardo tested toys with her personal dog and two of her foster puppies. She also rounded up other pet owners so that several dogs tested each toy. Many toys didn’t make the list because so few dogs were interested in them or their durability or value scores were too low.

Mary Jo has been writing about pets and animals for several decades. She has a rescue dog and has fostered more than 60 dogs and puppies. She is always trying different products to keep the dogs in her care entertained, healthy, and safe.

The Spruce Pets uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
  1. Dog toys: How to pick the best and safest. Humane Society of the United States.

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