The Best Dog Toys Reviewed

Written by Anthony Dewitt

Dogs are more complex creatures than many realize. While your dog might love to lay around with you during the day or go playing outside, most dogs need some type of mental and physical stimulation to stay active and healthy. You might be able to have plenty of fun with your dog while you play fetch with a stick that you’ve found outside, but you really do need to find ways to make sure that your dog is entertained. That’s why it’s so important to find the right toys for your dog.

Dog toys come in many shapes and sizes, many of which are intended for specific purposes. It could be something natural to chew on while they’re in their crate, or something to keep them entertained while you’re gone, or even something to pack for the trip. If you are in the market for a dog toy, you’re in luck. We’ve compiled a list of not only some of the best dog toys on the market but also the best places to buy them. If your furry pal needs a new favorite toy, we can show you the perfect products.

Best Dog Toys In 2021

From dog chew toys to plush toys to balls, there’s no single best dog toy out there that is going to be perfect for every dog. Your goal as a dog owner should be to find a toy that suits your specific pet, which is why we’ve compiled this list of some of the best dog toys that you can buy this year. 

Chuckit! Ultra Rubber Ball Tough Dog Toy

Dogs love to play with balls. Anything that can be thrown through the air and caught generally works, but there’s something special about the aerodynamic shape of a ball that makes it a dog’s preferred toy. Though you might have gone through plenty of tennis balls in recent years, it’s generally best to find a sturdier chew toy for your games of fetch. If you want a ball that you can throw but that won’t get ruined when your dog starts to feel like chewing, you’ll want to take a look at this ChuckIt! Ultra Rubber Ball chew toy- it’s no accident that we’ve placed it at the top of our list of today’s best dog toys.

Most of what sells the ChuckIt! ball has to do with its toughness. Unlike a simpler tennis ball, the ChuckIt! stands up to your dog’s chewing and biting for quite some time. This not only means that your dog is less likely to break a favorite toy, but that you’re not going to have to deal with sharp edges when you try to throw the ball. Having a tougher build makes it easier for you to play with your dog without having to worry about how much he or she chews on the chew toy. 

There’s more to this ball than toughness, though. Since it has a hard outer layer, it’s a perfect toy for dogs who love to play in the water. It’s also among the best toys for those who have a tendency to lose balls in the woods – the bright orange exterior easily catches the eye. The durable chew toy is even compatible with the ChuckIt! launcher, which will allow you to throw the ball even further for your dog. This is a fantastic dog chew toy for those dogs who traditionally love to play with balls but who have a tendency to destroy or lose them during the course of normal play – and it’s a great toys for dog owners, too!

Frisco Plush with Rope Squeaking Monkey Dog Toy

Dogs love toys that have multiple uses. Just like humans, dogs get bored and a toy that can do more than one thing will help to keep them occupied so that they don’t cause trouble. If you have a dog who loves soft toys and loves to play tug of war, you’ll love this plush from Frisco. It is a perfect combination of the kind of cuddling toys that dogs love to sleep with as well as the rope toys that are perfect for both chewing and for play with their favorite people. 

The plush part of this toy monkey is the part that you’re going to initially see and it’s likely the part that your dog is going to love when he or she is feeling cuddly. Made of a soft material, it’s a perfect fit for dogs of all sizes. Of course, even this part is as much a toy as it is a plush, as the toy does include a squeaker that will keep your dog engaged for quite some time. If you’re looking for a nice, soft toy that’s going to keep your four-legged friend engaged, you’ll find what you need here. 

Of course, the toy also functions as a great rope toy. Dogs love ropes not only because they can chew on them, but because they can pull them. The loop design makes it easy for your dog to pick up the rope toy and throw it around, but it really shines when playing tug of war. If your pup loves to play with you, it will love being able to get a good grip on this toy. The fact that this toy is not only great for play but also a toy to snuggle with really makes it stand out as one of the best dog plush toys available today.

KONG Squeezz Ball Dog Toy

KONG is one of those names in the dog toy space that tends to immediately command attention. If you are familiar with the classic KONG (the one with the compartment for peanut butter), you already know that the brand has a reputation for making chew toys that can stand up to a lot of punishment. What you might not know, though, is that the company also makes toys that come in a more standard ball shape. If you love the utility of a Kong but your pet loves to play catch, you’ll find the best of both worlds in this KONG Squezz Ball dog toy – a toy for dog owners as much as it is a toy for a dog. 

Even if you only look at this dog toy as a basic ball, you’ll find an awful lot to love. It is made to bounce high and erratically, which gives your pup a reason to run around. This is the kind of ball that you can generally bounce off a floor and let your dog take over, especially if your pup is the type that isn’t the best at playing catch. It doesn’t have an unusual shape, though, so it’s going to be very easy for you to throw and for your dog to grab when it is ready for you to throw the ball again. 

With that said, you’re still going to get a ball that has KONG’s level of toughness. While it might not quite match up to the classic dog chew toy stuffed with peanut butter, this ball is much harder to puncture than the average ball. If it does puncture, though, you’re in luck – the squeakers will continue to work. If you’ve ever watched a pup worry over a dog toy because it stops making noise, you know how much your canine companion will appreciate this small feature. If you’re looking for a tough, fun ball, this might be your best bet. 

KONG Classic Dog Toy

When it comes to dog toys, it’s very hard to beat a classic. Though there are plenty of rubber chew toys that have come and gone throughout the years, none of them seem to have quite as much lasting power as the classic durable rubber Kong. This super-tough, durable rubber toy has been touted as the ultimate unbreakable option for dogs who are rough with standard toys, and the nearly-impervious design makes it a good fit for any pup who tends to go through standard toys. If you’re looking for something that your dog’s going to be able to play with and that he or she won’t destroy, you’ve got to pay attention to this classic. 

So much of this durable rubber toy’s reputation is bound up in its ability to take punishment and, fortunately, most of its reputation is very well earned. Though there is no dog toy in the world that is truly unbreakable, durable rubber Kong does come to a lot closer than most. The best thing, though, is that the lack of breakability doesn’t come at the expense of your dog’s ability to play with the toy. Whether your pet wants to play around with the Kong on his or her own or your dog wants you to toss it around, this durable rubber Kong can be incredibly stimulating. 

One of the reasons that this rubber dog toy tends to get recommended by both vets and breeders is that you can take steps to make it more stimulating. The interior of the Kong is hollow, which allows you to fill it with treats. This is best for keeping your pup occupied, of course, but it also gives your dog the kind of mental engagement that is hard to find with other products. If you are looking for a good way to make sure that your dog keeps his or her mind working as he or she ages, you’ll want to keep an eye on this toy. 

Frisco Skinny Plush Squeaking Skunk Dog Toy

Some dogs prefer toys that are a little softer. Maybe it’s because they are easy to cuddle with or because these toys don’t put as much stress on their mouth and jaws, but soft toys usually have their place in the lives of those dogs that aren’t quite as rough on their favorite playmates. If you are in the market for a nice, soft toy that’s going to keep your dog happy, you may want to look at this Plush Squeaking Skunk Dog Toy from Frisco. 

Frisco’s toys are generally fairly high quality, and that’s something that’s important when you start to look at soft toys. Remember, these toys are made for those dogs who aren’t necessarily going to tear them to pieces but who are probably still going to want to play fairly hard. That’s why this toy might be covered with plus but it has a nylon body that’s a lot harder to tear apart than one might think. Your pet will love the fact that the toy is one of the softest on the market, but you’re going to appreciate the fact that you don’t have to sew it back together every time your pup decides to play. 

The play features for this toy are among the best. One of the best bits actually has to do with the shape. The long body of the skunk is perfect not only for throwing but also for catching. It’s wide enough that your dog can comfortably hold it in his or her mouth but not so big that it feels awkward. The toy also has a squeaker inside, which will help your dog to stay occupied even when you’re not around to play. If you’re looking for a lovely soft toy that is still engaging, this might be the right fit. 

KONG Cozie Rosie the Rhino Dog Toy

When most people think of KONG, they think of incredibly tough dog toys. They may not, however, realize that KONG also makes some lovely soft toys that are still tougher than average. If your pet loves to cuddle with something soft but tends to tear apart anything that even looks as though it might have stuffing inside, this may be their new favorite. It combines KONG’s strong build with a cute exterior that will give your dog plenty of exercises when it decides it is time to play. 

It’s natural to wonder exactly how cuddly a toy from KONG can be. After all, most people do think of the signature red toy when they think of the brand. The best news is that this toy really is great for comforting your dog. It has a pleasant shape that can fit up against your pup and the exterior is soft enough that it can comfort your pet no matter what else is going on. It’s aa cute as a stuffed rhino can get without making you feel bad that your pet is ultimately going to start shaking it around.

Of course, many people do choose KONG because it makes tough toys. If you typically buy this brand because your dog has a tendency to break toys, you’re still going to love this plush. It may have a squeaker and filling, but it’s not going to cause the same kind of a mess like so many other toys on the market. Engineered to be tough, this toy also comes with less filling so your pet can’t create quite as much of a mess if he or she manages to puncture the toy. If your dog needs something soft but tough, you may want to check this toy out. 

KONG Plush Teddy Bear Dog Toy

There are many dogs who just love soft toys. These toys aren’t so much for being thrown around or torn up as they are for being cuddled. Unfortunately, even a soft toy can lose its luster if some of the parts break. Fortunately, this lovely plush toy teddy bear is still built by one of the companies that is a leading name in durable toys – KONG. 

The KONG name might surprise some people, but the company has been making softer toys for years. Like most toys by KONG, though, this toy is made with the understanding that dogs do tend to get a little rough and chew when they get excited. KONG has chosen to solve the problem of broken squeakers by making it much easier for dog owners to replace the squeaker when it does break. Not only is the part replaceable, but it’s removable – if you find that you just can’t stand the squeaking any longer, you can remove it and let your pet have some quiet playtime. 

At the end of the day, this really is a toy that’s made to be as cuddly as possible. The super-soft plush toy is going to be something that your dog wants to keep in his or her bed even if there’s not a squeaker inside. Consider this an ideal toy for any pet who just loves having soft things around and who might like to have a little extra playtime every now and then. Built by KONG, this is one of those toys that’s nevertheless going to spend more time being doted on than it will spend by torn apart. 

KONG Classic Flyer Frisbee Dog Toy

For some dogs, the best toy isn’t one that can be cuddled with or even bitten – it’s a chew toy that can be caught. Some dogs are just natural fans of the game of catch and all that you can do as an owner is to find something that will keep the dog occupied for hours. One of the best choices for games of fetch is a frisbee but most frisbees really aren’t made for a dog’s mouth. Instead of going with the typical plastic that you will find in most stores, you should give this softer chew frisbee from KONG a try.

Yes, this frisbee is made by KONG so you should already have a fair idea of how tough it is. Unlike the hard plastic frisbees you might be used to, this one is actually designed to stand up to a dog’s teeth when they chew. While there is no such thing as an unbreakable toy, this one feels awfully close. If it does happen to break, you aren’t going to have to worry about your dog swallowing hard, plastic shards when they chew- this one really is engineered to be as friendly to dogs as possible.

Friendly also means soft. Though it isn’t exactly plush, this frisbee isn’t going to hurt your pet when he or she leaps up to catch it. In fact, the frisbee is specifically designed so it won’t cause problems for your dog’s teeth or gums when it is caught or when they chew. Despite the softer design, this toy is made to fly both accurately and quite a far distance, making it perfect for those dogs who really do want to play a good game of fetch with their favorite people.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep my dog entertained while at work?

The best way to keep your dog entertained while you are at work is to give your dog options to keep himself or herself entertained. Just like people, dogs need a variety of different stimuli in order to stave off boredom. If your goal is to make sure that your pet is happy and isn’t too destructive, you’re going to want to be sure that your dog has several different types of toys to play with while you are at work.

What are the most durable dog toys?

The most durable dog toys are generally going to be those made out of a special type of rubber. Most often seen in toys by brands like KONG, these toys tend to be strong enough to deal with a dog’s bite but aren’t so brittle that they will shatter under pressure. The goal is always to ensure that the product is not only going to last but also to make sure that the toy isn’t going to cause problems when it does break. The most durable toys are simply those that can go the longest without having any kind of catastrophic problems, so try to find something that’s both tough and that will not break in a way that can hurt your dog.

Where is the best place to buy dog toys?

There are plenty of great places to buy dog toys, but the best one is always going to be the place that has the new toys that your dog needs. You are generally going to be better off shopping at a specialty site or shop than a more generic store, if only because those shops tend to carry a greater variety of toys. With that said, it does help to look for a site or a shop that carries new high-end toys as well as more common toys so that you can be sure that you’re able to buy precisely the toys that your dog needs. As an aside, never be afraid to shop somewhere a little more unusual if they have an exclusivity deal with a toy-maker that you know or trust. 

What are the safest toys for dogs?

Safe toys for dogs are not just toys that won’t break, but rather toys that break in ways that won’t hurt your dogs. Soft toys that can be torn apart are generally thought of as safe, for example, but they can be problematic if they are choking hazards or they are full of micro-beads. Likewise, even something as durable as a frisbee can be dangerous because it tends to shatter in ways that can cut up your dog’s mouth. If you’re looking for a safe toy, try to make sure that you find something that’s not only not going to hurt your pup when it works correctly but that won’t hurt your dog when something goes wrong. 

Dog Toy Buying Guide

One of the toughest parts of shopping for the best dog toys is dealing with the hugely glutted market – but we’re here to help. There are so many dog toys out there that you can buy them pretty much anywhere but you can rarely be sure of the quality of a new toy. If you are looking for the perfect new dog toy, though, you need to find something that’s going to be the best fit for your individual dog. Below are the factors at which you should look to figure out if a dog toy is right for your pup. 

Size

Size is always the best place to start with dog toys. If a toy is too big, your dog isn’t actually going to be able to play with it. It could be a lovely decoration that your dog can lay on, but it’s not going to be something that will help entertain your dog. A product that’s too small, though, can tend to be much more dangerous. Remember, a product that’s too small can actually be a swallowing hazard, so make sure that you choose toys that tend to err on the side of being larger. This is obviously a factor that’s going to vary by your dog’s age and breed so make sure that you check the size of toys you by as your dog continues to grow. 

Durability

How long is this product going to last? That’s actually a question that’s going to vary by dog, but you can usually look at a toy and determine if it’s actually durable. A cute stuffed animal might seem like a fun thing to buy for some dog owners but it’s just not going to last very long if you give it to a dog that tends to be a little rougher – you’d be better off with a chew toy. You need to be able to tell if the product you buy is one that will last for years or if it’s barely going to last long enough for your dog to play with it once. 

Note that durability also means thinking about what happens when the product breaks. You want to ensure that the toy breaks in a way that’s not going to hurt your dog. If the worst thing that happens is that you have to throw the product away, you don’t need to worry. If it’s going to become a swallowing hazard or if it might shatter in a way that hurts your dog, though, it may be time to look for something that’s a little more durable. 

Function

What does the toy do? This might seem like a silly question, of course – a toy is something with which your dog plays. The reality, though, is that every dog toy serves a specific function. You need to know if the product is going to be one that your dog can play rough with (like a chew toy) to have fun in their playpen, that he or she will fetch, or that he or she will use to cuddle at night. You’ll even want to think about whether your toy is one that’s going to need your involvement or if it is a toy that your dog can play with by himself or herself. 

Note that it’s also a best to look at a toy to see if its design actually matches its function. If you’re picking up something that you are planning to throw around with your dog, for example, you’ll want to make sure that your dog isn’t able to swallow the toy and that the design isn’t going to hurt your dog’s mouth. Taking a moment to really look at the functionality of a toy will give you the best chance to figure out if buying it is worth your money. 

Composition

What’s the toy made of? That’s an important question, especially if your dog has any allergies. The vast majority of dog toys are very clear on their construction because they want dog owners to feel like they’ve got at least a rough idea of how the toy will interact with their dog’s bodies. As an example, virtually every dog toy on the market will clearly state that they are non-toxic so dog owners can feel safe letting their dogs handle the toys when they are playing. 

The composition also factors in when you’re thinking about whether or not a toy is among the best fits for your home. Those who hate to clean up messes might want to avoid those toys that are filled with fluff, for example, while those who have dogs who tend to shatter toys are going to want to avoid anything made of hard plastic. The composition of the toy’s materials is going to go a long way to help you figure out not only if it is appropriate for your dog, but if it is appropriate for your home. 

Extra Features

Finally, it’s a best to look into the extra features that your potential dog toy might bring on board. Some of the toys you choose might not just be for play, so make sure that you vet these toys for their extra features at the same time. One of the best examples of this is the classic-style KONG toy – a toy that’s not only meant for play, but that’s meant to be filled up with treats. If you feel like your dog is never going to be able to access the area in which the treatment is found, this extra feature won’t mean all that much to you.

As a rule, extra features should be considered only when you’re looking for a specific purpose. Otherwise, they’re a nice add-on that will simply help you to decide between two virtually identical toys. For most, it’s a best to separate this factor completely when you’re just looking for a toy that’s used for daily play. Failure to do so will get you a great single-feature toy that might not be much fun when it’s not being used for its intended purpose.