Best Dog Toys – Types of Toys for Dogs That Keep Tails Wagging!
If you're a dog owner, you know the drill: a contented dog is an active dog. But with all the options available for dog toys chew toys, squeaky toys, interactive puzzle toys it can be daunting trying to choose the good ones.
In this guide, we’ll break down the best types of dog toys, their benefits, and what kind of dog they're ideal for. Whether you’ve got a teething puppy or a high-energy retriever, there’s something in here for every good boy and girl.
ALSO READ: The Complete Pet Nutrition Guide: Keep Your Dog or Cat Healthy and Happy
Why Dog Toys Matter
Dog toys are more than just fun they're essential for your pet’s physical and mental well-being. Here’s why:
Prevent boredom and reduce anxiety
Stimulate exercise and activity
Assist in dental health by removing plaque
Relieve teething pain in puppies
Support training and behavior control
Best Dog Toys
1. Chew Toys – Teething & Dental Health Superstars
Best for: Puppies, aggressive chewers, worried dogs
Materials: Rubber, nylon, rope, rawhide-free edible
Key Benefits:
Gratify natural chewing instinct
Relieve teething pain
Clean teeth and gums
Popular Picks:
KONG Classic – Fill it with peanut butter or treats for extended play.
Nylabone DuraChew – Long-lasting and tough.
Benebone Wishbone – Tastes like real bacon and is irresistible for chewing.
Pro Tip: Always supervise your dog with chew toys, particularly if they are aggressive chewers.
2. Interactive Puzzle Toys – Mental Stimulation
Best for: Smart breeds, bored dogs, indoor play
Materials: Plastic, rubber, wood
Key Benefits:
Stimulate mental abilities
Deter bad behavior
Foster problem-solving
Popular Picks:
Outward Hound Hide-A-Squirrel – Stuffed puzzle with concealed toys.
Nina Ottosson Dog Brick Puzzle – Easy-to-use interactive toy.
Snuffle Mats – Conceal treats and have your dog sniff out.
Pro Tip: Switch puzzle toys to keep them interesting and new.
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3. Fetch Toys – Active Play & Exercise
Ideal for: High-energy dogs, outdoor breeds
Materials: Rubber, plastic, foam
Major Benefits:
Enhance agility and endurance
Enhance the human-pet bond
Safe method of expelling energy
Popular Models:
Chuckit! Ultra Ball – More bouncy and resilient than a standard tennis ball.
KONG Flyer – Durable yet soft flying disc.
Hyper Pet K9 Kannon – Tennis ball launcher for distance fetch.
Pro Tip: Steer clear of standard tennis balls they can grind down your dog's teeth in the long run.
4. Plush Toys – Comfort & Companionship
Best for: Mild dogs, puppies, tiny breeds
Materials: Gently padded fabric, fleece, stuffing (or no-stuff varieties)
Key Benefits:
Offer comfort and emotional support
Soft play for more laid-back dogs
Ideal for cuddling and snooze time
Popular Picks:
ZippyPaws Skinny Peltz – Squeaky, no-stuff plush fun.
Frisco Plush Squeaky Toys – Economical and cute designs.
SmartPetLove Snuggle Puppy – Includes a heat pack and heartbeat simulator.
Pro Tip: Plush toys are not suitable for heavy chewers they'll ruin them in no time.
5. Squeaky Toys – Instant Excitement
Best for: Playful dogs, attention-seekers, curious pups
Materials: Rubber, vinyl, plush
Key Benefits:
Trigger natural prey drive
Ideal for solo play
Bring excitement to fetch or tug
Popular Picks:
JW Pet Megalast Ball – Squeaky and durable.
goDog Dinos – Improved for increased durability.
Outward Hound Invincibles – They still squeak even after they get punctured!
Pro Tip: For the excessively excited pup over squeaky noises, restrict play to prevent overstimulation.
6. Tug Toys – Bonding & Strength Building
Best for: Medium-sized to large dog, family play
Materials: Rope, rubber
Key Benefits:
Fosters interactive play
Develops strength and jaw power
Assists in teaching control and commands
Popular Picks:
Mammoth Flossy Chews – Long-lasting rope toy that also cleans teeth.
Goughnuts Tug MaXX – Chew-proof, tug-strong tug toy.
KONG Tug Toy – Natural rubber made for heavy tuggers.
Pro Tip: Enforce "drop it" and "leave it" early so tug play remains fun and controlled.
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How to Choose the Right Dog Toy
Not every toy fits every dog. Here’s how to narrow down your options:
| Dog Trait | Toy Type |
|---|---|
| Heavy Chewer | Rubber or nylon chew toys |
| High Energy | Fetch or tug toys |
| Easily Bored | Puzzle or treat-dispensing toys |
| Gentle or Shy | Plush or comfort toys |
| Small Breed | Lightweight squeaky toys |
Checklist to keep in mind:
Breed and size of dog
Play type (cuddler, fetcher, chewer)
Safety of the material (BPA-free, non-toxic)
Balance of softness and durability
Age-Specific Toy Recommendations
| Dog's Age | Recommended Toys |
|---|---|
| Puppies | Teething rings, soft plush, snuffle mats |
| Adults (1–7 yrs) | Fetch toys, puzzle toys, tug ropes |
| Seniors (7+ yrs) | Soft squeaky toys, comfort plush |
Dog Toy Safety Tips
Always supervise your dog during play
Choose size-appropriate toys
Avoid sharp, broken, or detachable small parts
Replace worn-out or damaged toys
Opt for BPA-free and non-toxic materials
Final Thoughts
As someone who’s been writing pet content for over 5 years, I’ve seen trends come and go but one thing remains constant: dogs need toys as much as they need love and walks.
Whether you’re looking to ease your pup’s anxiety, tire them out before bedtime, or simply bring more tail-wagging joy into their life, investing in the right toys can make all the difference.
Try mixing 2–3 types of toys for a balanced play routine and watch your dog thrive physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is there to look for in a safe toy for a dog?
The toys shall suit the dog's size, chew temperament, and play style. A toy should be fairly heavy-duty for the dog to chew on, like a rubber toy made from natural rubber or hard rubber, and it should not have small detachable parts that might cause choking. Always supervise your dog with a new toy and check it often for damage.
Q2. What kind of materials should be avoided for dog toys?
Avoid cheap plastics containing toxic dyes or materials that may splinter such as some woods and hard plastics. Avoid anything with small bits of something like buttons or ribbons that a dog can casually chew off and choke on.
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Q3. Are squeaky toys good for dogs?
Depending on supervision, squeaky toys can be fine. Many dogs get obsessed with finding and destroying the squeaker and swallowing it, which results in intestinal blockage. Always keep an eye on your dog playing with squeaky toys and take them away if he starts to tear the toy apart.
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Q4. When ought I to replace my dog's toys?
Keep an eye out for signs of wear and tear on a dog's toys. Worn toys with their edges finished, broken parts, or holes in them should be replaced. Never give a damaged toy to a growling baby. Rotate toys every couple of weeks to keep an interest in dogs and to increase the life of the toy.
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