9 Best Dog Toys: Top Picks for Chewers, Squeakers, and More

Finding the perfect toy for your furry friend can be a game-changer. The right toy not only keeps your dog entertained but also promotes mental stimulation and physical activity. With countless options on the market, choosing the best one can feel overwhelming.

1. Chew Toys for Oral Health

Benefits of Chew Toys

Chew toys offer numerous benefits for your dog’s oral health. They help reduce plaque and tartar buildup, ensuring healthier gums and teeth. Regular chewing can also strengthen your dog’s jaw muscles and relieve teething pain in puppies. Additionally, chew toys can alleviate boredom, reducing the risk of destructive behavior.

1. KONG Classic Dog Toy

• This durable rubber toy is great for powerful chewers. You can stuff it with treats to keep your dog entertained and engaged. It’s available in various sizes to suit different breeds.

1. Nylabone Power Chew Textured Ring

• Designed for aggressive chewers, this nylon bone helps clean teeth and freshen breath. Its unique texture promotes better dental hygiene.

1. Benebone Real Flavor Wishbone

• Infused with real flavors like bacon, chicken, or peanut, this wishbone-shaped chew toy is both tasty and durable. Its ergonomic design ensures dogs can easily hold it while chewing.

1. Petstages Dental Chew Toy

• This toy features multiple textures to help clean teeth and massage gums. It’s particularly suitable for puppies and small dogs.

1. Gnawtlers Premium Elk Antlers

• These natural elk antlers are long-lasting and packed with essential nutrients. They’re perfect for dogs that love a good natural chew.

1. Arm & Hammer Super Treadz Gorilla Chew Toy

• Made with baking soda for added dental benefits, this toy is designed for tough chewers. Its ridged surface aids in cleaning teeth and gums.

2. Interactive Toys for Mental Stimulation

Interactive toys are fantastic for keeping your dog’s mind sharp and engaged.

Why Mental Stimulation Is Crucial

Mental stimulation is crucial for your dog’s overall well-being. It helps prevent boredom, reduces anxiety, and curbs destructive behaviors. By providing engaging activities, you’re ensuring your dog stays happy and mentally healthy.

1. KONG Classic with Treats
   The KONG Classic Dog Toy can be stuffed with treats or peanut butter, turning playtime into a delicious challenge. It’s great for keeping your dog engaged and mentally stimulated.
2. Outward Hound Hide-A-Squirrel Puzzle
   The Hide-A-Squirrel Puzzle Toy offers a fun way for your dog to hone its hunting instincts. Your pup will love seeking out the squeaky squirrels, providing hours of enjoyment.
3. Nina Ottosson by Outward Hound Tornado Puzzle
   The Tornado Puzzle Toy features rotating compartments that hold treats or kibble. It challenges your dog to figure out how to access the treats, enhancing mental acuity.
4. Pet Zone IQ Treat Ball
   The IQ Treat Ball not only dispenses treats but also requires your dog to roll it around to get them. The adjustable difficulty level makes it suitable for dogs at all stages.
5. Snuffle Mat
   The Snuffle Mat encourages your dog to use its sense of smell to find hidden treats. It mimics the natural foraging process, providing both mental stimulation and a fun activity.

These interactive toys can keep your dog entertained, provide mental stimulation, and help foster problem-solving skills.

3. Fetch Toys for Active Play

Active play is crucial for keeping your dog happy and healthy. Fetch toys help your dog stay physically fit and mentally stimulated.

The Importance of Physical Exercise

Daily physical exercise is essential for your dog’s overall well-being. Regular activity through fetch toys can help prevent obesity, improve cardiovascular health, and increase muscle tone. Active play sessions also provide a positive outlet for your dog’s energy, which can result in better behavior at home.

1. Chuckit! Ultra Ball
   Chuckit! Ultra Ball is highly durable and bounces well, making playtime more dynamic. It’s designed to withstand rough play and is perfect for active dogs who love to chase and fetch.
2. KONG Classic Flyer
   KONG Classic Flyer is a high-quality frisbee that’s tough yet flexible. Its soft rubber material makes it safer for your dog’s teeth and gums, while its aerodynamic design ensures long and accurate throws.
3. Nerf Dog Tennis Ball Blaster
   Nerf Dog Tennis Ball Blaster adds an exciting twist to fetch. With its easy-to-use mechanism, you can launch tennis balls up to 50 feet, giving your dog ample room to run and retrieve.
4. JW Pet Hol-ee Roller Dog Toy
   JW Pet Hol-ee Roller is a versatile toy that can be used for fetch, tug-of-war, and treat stuffing. Its unique design is both durable and flexible, perfect for interactive games and endless entertainment.
5. Hyper Pet Flippy Flopper
   Hyper Pet Flippy Flopper is a great fetching frisbee made from durable, soft material that is gentle on your dog’s mouth. It floats on water, making it ideal for play in the pool or at the beach.
6. West Paw Zogoflex Zisc
   West Paw Zogoflex Zisc is an eco-friendly and durable frisbee. It’s lightweight and easy to throw, and its soft material is gentle on your dog’s mouth while ensuring tough play.
7. Outward Hound Tail Teaser
   Outward Hound Tail Teaser is a fantastic interactive fetch toy that includes a wand and two plush toys. It mimics a quick-moving critter, sparking your dog’s natural hunting instincts and keeping them actively engaged.
8. Dogziey Fetch Ball with Rope
   Dogziey Fetch Ball with Rope combines a durable ball and a rope for versatile play. The rope makes it easy to throw long distances, and the ball offers chew-resistant fun for your active pup.
9. Planet Dog Orbee-Tuff Ball
   Planet Dog Orbee-Tuff Ball is a buoyant and bouncy fetch toy. It is incredibly durable and non-toxic, ensuring your dog’s safety and enjoyment during playtime.

4. Puzzle Toys to Challenge Your Dog’s Mind

Puzzle toys provide essential mental stimulation, keeping your dog engaged and entertained. These toys are perfect for curious pups who love solving problems.

How Puzzle Toys Help With Intelligence

Develop mental skills. Puzzle toys challenge your dog’s cognitive abilities by requiring them to think and strategize. Increase problem-solving skills by presenting obstacles they must overcome to receive treats or toys hidden inside. Reduce anxiety. Solving puzzles can calm your dog by diverting their attention from stressors.

Best Selling Puzzle Toys

Outward Hound Hide-A-Squirrel. This fun toy engages your dog’s natural hunting instincts as they try to pull squeaky squirrels out of their plush tree trunk.

Nina Ottosson Dog Tornado. This interactive toy features spinning compartments that conceal treats, encouraging your dog to use their problem-solving skills to earn their reward.

Pet Zone IQ Treat Ball. This adjustable-difficulty ball dispenses treats as your dog rolls it around, offering both mental stimulation and physical exercise.

TRIXIE Pet Products Flip Board. This puzzle requires dogs to figure out how to lift and slide lids to access hidden treats, enhancing their dexterity and memory.

KONG Classic with Treats. Stuff this durable toy with favorite treats or kibble to keep your dog entertained and mentally stimulated for hours.

5. Plush Toys for Comfort

Plush toys offer warmth and security to your dog. They’re perfect for snuggling and can ease anxiety.

When to Choose Plush Toys

Pick plush toys if your dog shows signs of anxiety or needs a comfort object. These toys are ideal for gentle chewers and pups who like to cuddle. Avoid them for aggressive chewers as they might tear the toy apart.

1. KONG Cozies
   These soft, plush toys have minimal stuffing and an internal squeaker. They’re perfect for light play and comforting your dog during nap time.
2. ZippyPaws Skinny Peltz
   Featuring three adorable woodland creatures, these stuffing-free toys minimize mess while providing hours of fun. They’re great for gentle games of tug-of-war.
3. Outward Hound Hide-A-Squirrel
   This interactive plush toy challenges your dog’s mind while providing comfort. It consists of a plush tree trunk and multiple squeaky squirrels to hide inside.
4. Multipet Duckworth
   This oversized duck is soft, cuddly, and ideal for larger dogs. It’s durable enough for light play and wonderful for snuggling.
5. goDog Dragons
   These plush dragons come with chew guard technology, making them more durable than the average plush toy. They include a squeaker for added entertainment.

Plush toys can help provide comfort, security, and gentle play for your dog. Choose the right ones based on your dog’s habits and needs.

6. Tug Toys for Building Strength

Tug toys are great for enhancing your dog’s physical strength and promoting healthy play. They’re ideal for interactive play sessions and can help you bond with your canine companion.

Advantages of Tug Toys

Strengthen muscles. Tug toys engage your dog’s muscles, leading to improved strength and conditioning. This physical activity is especially beneficial for active breeds.

Improve dental health. Chewing and pulling on tug toys can help clean your dog’s teeth and gums, reducing plaque and tartar buildup.

Promote bonding. Playing tug-of-war with your dog fosters a strong bond between you both, enhancing your relationship.

Encourage proper behavior. Tug toys can be used as a reward during training sessions, encouraging proper behavior and obedience.

Provide mental stimulation. The interactive nature of tug games challenges your dog mentally, preventing boredom and promoting problem-solving skills.

Top Tug Toys Reviewed

KONG Tug Toy. Made from durable rubber, the KONG Tug Toy provides strong resistance and longevity. It’s designed for vigorous play, making it perfect for enthusiastic tuggers.

Outward Hound Invincibles Snake. This tug toy is great for aggressive chewers, featuring multiple squeakers that keep working even if punctured. Its durable fabric withstands tough play.

Mammoth Flossy Chews. This rope toy helps clean your dog’s teeth while they tug. It’s durable and perfect for interactive play, promoting muscle strength.

Goughnuts TuG MaXX. Designed for the strongest pullers, this toy is almost indestructible. Made from tough rubber, it ensures safe play and is ideal for larger breeds.

Zogoflex Bumi. This flexible, durable toy stretches to twice its length, offering a unique play experience. It’s tough enough for heavy chewers and gentle on your dog’s teeth and gums.

7. Treat-Dispensing Toys to Reward Your Pup

Treat-dispensing toys are a fantastic way to engage your dog while rewarding them with tasty treats. These toys not only promote playtime but also provide mental stimulation.

The Dual Purpose of Treat-Dispensing Toys

Keep your dog entertained while rewarding them. Treat-dispensing toys have a dual purpose: they engage your dog’s mind and offer a tasty reward. They’re excellent for training, as dogs are motivated to solve the puzzle to get the treat. These toys also help manage weight, as they slow down the eating process and encourage physical activity.

1. KONG Classic Dog Toy: This durable toy is ideal for heavy chewers. It’s designed to hold various treats and keep your dog entertained for hours. Its unpredictable bounce also adds excitement during playtime.
2. Starmark Treat-Dispensing Bob-a-Lot: Adjustable openings for treats and kibble make this toy customizable for different difficulty levels. Its wobbling motion keeps dogs active and engaged.
3. OurPets IQ Treat Ball: This interactive toy dispenses treats as your dog rolls it around. You can adjust the difficulty level to extend their playtime.
4. West Paw Zogoflex Qwizl: This toy is perfect for long-lasting treats like bully sticks. It’s both chew-resistant and dishwasher safe, making it a great choice for persistent chewers.
5. PetSafe Busy Buddy Twist ‘n Treat: Twist it open to load treats and twist it back to adjust the difficulty level. This toy is great for dogs of all sizes.
6. Nina Ottosson Dog Casino: Designed to keep your pup’s brain sharp, this advanced puzzle toy is perfect for hide-and-seek style treat games.
7. Cheerble Wickedbone Smart Bone: A high-tech option that pairs with a smartphone app, allowing you to control its movements. It dispenses treats sporadically, keeping your pet guessing and entertained.

Treat-dispensing toys are a great way to combine play, mental stimulation, and treats. These top-rated options ensure your pup stays engaged and rewarded.

8. Squeaky Toys for Sensory Play

Squeaky toys captivate dogs, providing both auditory and tactile stimulation that keeps them engaged for hours. Let’s dive into why these toys are favorites and explore some top options.

Why Dogs Love Squeaky Toys

Squeaky toys mimic the sound of prey, triggering dogs’ hunting instincts and making playtime more exciting. The noise provides instant feedback, encouraging them to bite and toss the toy, which helps burn off energy and reduce boredom. Additionally, the squeaks act as a rewarding stimulus, making these toys irresistible.

Leading Squeaky Toys in the Market

1. Outward Hound Hide-A-Squirrel

Designed to challenge dogs, this toy features plush squirrels hidden in a stuffed tree trunk. Dogs love extracting the squeaky squirrels, providing endless fun and mental stimulation.

2. KONG Squeezz Ball

Made with durable rubber, the KONG Squeezz Ball bounces erratically and produces a captivating squeak. It’s perfect for fetch and solo play, offering a resilient option for heavy chewers.

3. ZippyPaws Skinny Peltz No Stuffing

These toys minimize mess with their stuffing-free design. Each animal features multiple squeakers, ensuring dogs remain engaged and entertained without creating fluff chaos.

4. Jalousie 5-Pack Dog Squeaky Toys

This value pack includes a variety of squeaky toys, from plush animals to balls. The assortment caters to different play styles, ensuring your dog never gets bored.

Squeaky toys provide sensory enrichment, satisfying dogs’ instincts while promoting active play. Incorporate these options into your pup’s toy collection for endless entertainment and stimulation.

9. Durable Toys for Aggressive Chewers

Dogs that chew aggressively need sturdy toys to withstand their powerful jaws and incessant gnawing. Let’s explore the materials and best options for these tough chewers.

Identifying Durable Materials

Choose materials that can endure aggressive chewing. Rubber, nylon, and reinforced fabric are known for their durability. Rubber toys, like the KONG Extreme, offer flexibility and resilience. Nylon bones, such as the Benebone Real Flavor, provide a tough and tasty alternative. Reinforced fabric, seen in Outward Hound’s Firehose Squeak, ensures resistance against teeth and claws.

The Best Toys for Tough Chewers

Opt for toys designed specifically for strong chewers. The KONG Extreme is a favorite for its robust rubber and treat-stuffable design. Nylabone’s DuraChew line offers a variety of sizes and flavors to keep your dog engaged. Goughnuts’ chew toys, featuring safety indicators that reveal a red core when it’s time to replace, offer peace of mind. Lastly, consider West Paw’s Zogoflex Hurley, which is both durable and guaranteed by the manufacturer.

These durable toys keep your aggressive chewer occupied and prevent destructive behavior at home.

Conclusion: Selecting the Best Toy for Your Dog

Choosing the right toy for your dog can significantly enhance their physical and mental well-being. By considering your dog’s specific needs and preferences, you can find the perfect toy that keeps them entertained and engaged. Whether it’s the thrill of a squeaky toy or the durability of a chew toy, there’s something for every pup.

Remember to prioritize safety and durability, especially for aggressive chewers. Investing in high-quality toys like those mentioned ensures long-lasting fun and reduces the risk of destructive behavior. Keep experimenting with different types to see what your dog loves most. Happy playing!