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If there's one thing we can all agree on, it's that dogs make the world a better place—despite their lack of opposable thumbs and inability to sleep in. Though they're mostly little angels, bored and understimulated dogs can quickly turn into tiny gremlins that terrorize the house and eat your new sneakers. While their puppy eyes charm you, the teeth marks on your belongings don't. This is why it is important to provide your furry friend with toys to keep them entertained and to help with teething when they're a puppy. Whether your pup loves to chew, fetch, or play tug-of-war, we've got the toy for them. From classic rubber balls to newfangled interactive games, you'll find something your pooch will love. So, if you've been hunting for good toys for dogs, check out our top picks for the best dog toys of 2023.
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The Best Dog Toys - Our Top Picks
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- Best Overall Dog Toy: Benebone Wishbone Durable Dog Chew Toy
- Best Dog Toy for Heavy Chewers: KONG Extreme Dog Toy
- Best Dog Ball: Jolly Pets Tug-N-Toss Dog Toy Ball with Handle
- Best Dog Toy for Mental Stimulation: Outward Hound Hide-A-Squirrel Puzzle Dog Toy
- Best Interactive Dog Toy: Wobble Wag Giggle Ball Interactive Dog Toy
- Best Dog Toy for Small Dogs: HOLYSTEED Squeaky Dog Toys for Small Dogs
- Best Dog Toy for Large Dogs: Fuufome Plush Dog Toy
- Best Squeaky Dog Toy: Haute Diggity Dog Starbarks Coffee Collection
- Best Plush Dog Toy: KONG Medium/Large Wild Knot Bears
- Best Silent Dog Toy: Hear Doggy Silent Squeaker Dog Toy
Best Overall - Benebone Wishbone Durable Dog Chew Toy
SPECS
- Type: Chew toy
- Size recommendations: XS, S, M, L, XL
- Material: Nylon
- Durability: Heavy
Do you have a pup who loves to chew? Then you need a Benebone Wishbone Durable Dog Chew Toy. This tough toy is made to last, with a curved design that's easy for pups to grab and get a good chew going. It's also mess-free—unlike real bones, there's no need to worry about splinters or sharp edges. We like that it comes in three delicious flavors—bacon, chicken, and peanut—so your pup can enjoy hours of chewing fun. Plus, it's made in the USA from high-quality materials. The Benebone Wishbone Durable Dog Chew Toy is our top pick for the best overall dog toy because of its durability, real flavors, and safety.
What We Like
- Real flavors used to make the toy
- Highly durable
- Easy to pick up and hold
What We Don't Like
- Only 3 flavors available
- Not good for interactive play
BUY: Benebone Wishbone Durable Dog Chew Toy
Best Dog Toy for Heavy Chewers - KONG Extreme Dog Toy
SPECS
- Type: Chew toy
- Size recommendations: S, M, L, XL, XXL
- Material: Rubber
- Durability: Heavy
When it comes to keeping your dog happy and healthy, playtime is key. Not only is play a great way for dogs to get the exercise they need, but it also helps with their mental development, emotions, and behavior. That's where the KONG Extreme rubber toy shines. This treat-dispensing puzzle toy is specifically designed to encourage healthy play and satisfy your dog's instinctual needs. The unpredictable bounce of the KONG Extreme will keep your furry friend entertained during games of fetch, while the durable design is fantastic for power chewers. And if that wasn't enough, the KONG Extreme is also stuffable with treats like kibble, peanut butter, or other dog-friendly snacks. Finally, the Kong Extreme is dishwasher-safe and recommended by vets.
What We Like
- You can stuff treats inside for more stimulation
- It's bouncy
- It's extremely durable
What We Don't Like
- Only 1 color available
- Not flavored
BUY: KONG Extreme Dog Toy
Best Dog Ball - Jolly Pets Tug-N-Toss Dog Toy Ball with Handle
SPECS
- Type: Ball
- Size recommendations: S, M, L, XL
- Material: N/A
- Durability: Heavy
The Tug-N-Toss Jolly Ball is a versatile toy that provides endless fun for dogs of all sizes. Made in the USA from durable, non-toxic material, the ball is designed to withstand vigorous play. The integrated handle makes it easy to carry, fetch, and tug, while the puncture-resistant design ensures that it will maintain its shape no matter how rough your pup plays. Plus, the ball floats, making it the ideal toy for a day at the beach or lake.
With six different colors to choose from, the Tug-N-Toss Jolly Ball is sure to become your pup's new favorite toy. The safe, durable materials, integrated handles, and floating design make the Tug-N-Toss our top pick for the best dog ball.
What We Like
- It can be played with in a variety of ways
- It is highly durable
- Suitable for all dog breeds
What We Don't Like
- Not interactive
- No additional features like a squeaker
BUY: Jolly Pets Tug-N-Toss Dog Toy Ball with Handle
Best Dog Toy for Mental Stimulation - Outward Hound Hide-A-Squirrel Puzzle Dog Toy
SPECS
- Type: Plush toy
- Size recommendations: S, M, L, XL
- Material: Plush
- Durability: Light
The Outward Hound Hide-A-Squirrel dog puzzle is our top pick for the best dog toy for mental stimulation. This toy is a great way to keep your dog entertained and mentally stimulated while encouraging their natural instincts to hunt. Simply fill the tree trunk with six stuffed squeaky squirrels, throw it, and watch how your dog turns into a hunter. The best part? The stuffed plush texture is easy on the teeth, making it a brilliant choice for both puppies and adult dogs. It's available in sizes small to extra large, so you'll be able to find one large or small enough for your fluffy friend.
What We Like
- Mentally stimulating
- Great for smaller dogs to chew on
- The squirrel toys are replaceable
What We Don't Like
- Not very durable
- Not suitable for tugging or water play
BUY: Outward Hound Hide-A-Squirrel Puzzle Dog Toy
Best Interactive Dog Toy - Wobble Wag Giggle Ball Interactive Dog Toy
SPECS
- Type: Ball
- Size recommendations: S, M, L, XL, XXL
- Material: N/A
- Durability: Medium
If you're looking for a toy that will keep your dog entertained and engaged, the Wobble Wag Giggle Ball is it. This ball is great for dogs of all ages and sizes and with just the nudge of a nose, the ball starts wobbling and giggling, providing great interactive fun for your best friend. We like that it comes with four clutch pockets on the toy, making it easy for your dog to pick up during playtime, and the ball can be used indoors or outdoors. Whether your pup is playing fetch, rolling, or shaking, they will have a blast with the Wobble Wag Giggle Ball.
What We Like
- Giggle features make it enticing
- Easy to grab onto
- Suitable for rolling, playing fetch, and shaking
What We Don't Like
- Not great for chewing
- Not particularly durable
BUY: Wobble Wag Giggle Ball Interactive Dog Toy
Best Dog Toy for Small Dogs - HOLYSTEED Squeaky Dog Toys for Small Dogs
SPECS
- Type: Ball
- Size recommendations: S
- Material: Rubber latex
- Durability: Heavy
Hollysteed Small Dog Squeaky toys are a fantastic way to keep your pup entertained while also preventing boredom and destruction around the house. These toys are made of natural rubber latex, so they're non-toxic and safe for your furry friend. They're also BPA-free and lead-free, so they're completely safe for your pup to play with. The small size is ideal for dogs under 60 pounds and the smooth surface is easy to wipe clean. Plus, the built-in squeaker will keep your pup entertained for hours on end. And if you're not satisfied with the product, the toy comes with a lifetime replacement guarantee. The lifetime replacement guarantee, small size, and safe materials make the Hollysteed Small Dog Squeaky toys our pick for the best dog toy for small dogs.
What We Like
- Very durable
- Comes with a squeaker to entertain your dog
- Suitable for water play
What We Don't Like
- Not suitable for tugging
- May be too noisy
BUY: HOLYSTEED Squeaky Dog Toys for Small Dogs
Best Dog Toy for Large Dogs - Fuufome Plush Dog Toy
SPECS
- Type: Plush
- Size recommendations: S, M, L
- Material: Pineapple Cotton
- Durability: Medium
Do you have a large dog who loves plushies? Then they're going to adore the Fuufome Plush Dog Toy. This toy features a realistic cartoon design and a squeaker to keep your dog entertained for hours. Plus, the toy is made of soft and durable pineapple cotton for a sturdier plushie. The soft cotton material is also gentle on your dog's gums and mouth, making it a splendid choice for puppies who are teething. We like that the six extra-long legs make it great for team play, and the machine-washable construction means it's simple to keep clean. The one-year warranty is another bonus, giving owners peace of mind that their purchase is backed by a quality guarantee.
What We Like
- Multiple arms make it great for many dogs to play with it simultaneously
- Comes with a squeaker for extra entertainment
- Made with sturdy materials
What We Don't Like
- Not suitable for water play
- May be too noisy
Best Squeaky Dog Toy - Haute Diggity Dog Starbarks Coffee Collection
SPECS
- Type: Chew toy
- Size recommendations: S, M, L
- Material: Plush
- Durability: Light
If you're a dog parent and you're also a fan of Starbucks coffee, you're going to love the Haute Diggity Dog Collection. These squeaky, eye-catching parody plush toys come in 21 unique designs and make cute props to take pictures with and post on social media. Just grab your Starbucks and pose with your pup's Starbarks toy for a picture that's sure to light up your feed. But these toys aren't just cute, they're also durable and make great training tools. If you've got a puppy who likes to chew on everything in sight, this toy can help teach them not to destroy your valuables. And since it's made of plush material, it's also amazing for cuddling.
What We Like
- Great for chewing and training
- Variety of designs
- Unique designs
What We Don't Like
- Not durable
- Not suitable for tugging, shaking, or water play
BUY: Haute Diggity Dog Starbarks Coffee Collection
Best Plush Dog Toy - KONG Medium/Large Wild Knot Bears
SPECS
- Type: Plush
- Size recommendations: M, L
- Material: Plush
- Durability: Medium
The KONG Medium/Large Wild Knot Bear is a hit with dogs and their pet parents. It features a reinforced plush body that provides extra durability, while the knotted skeleton and squeaker entice play. Best of all, the wild knot bear has less stuffing, which means less mess to clean up, and it is covered by the KONG Satisfaction Guarantee. Durable on the inside with a soft and cuddly outside, the KONG Wild Knot Bear will be a hit with your four-legged friend. Plus, they come in a pack of three so you can rotate them to make your dog's toys last longer.
What We Like
- Sturdy enough for tugging, rolling, and shaking
- Great for large dog breeds
- Squeaker entices play
- Comes in a pack of 3
What We Don't Like
- Not suitable for small breeds
- Not suitable for water play
BUY: KONG Medium/Large Wild Knot Bears
Best Silent Dog Toy - Hear Doggy Silent Squeaker Dog Toy
SPECS
- Type: Plush
- Size recommendations: L
- Material: Plush
- Durability: Heavy
If you've ever been frustrated by your dog's incessant squeaky toy noise, then you'll love Hear Doggy Silent Squeaker toys. These toys are specially designed to emit a squeak that only your dog can hear, so you can enjoy peace and quiet while your furry friend plays. They are also stuffing-free and have reinforced seams and chew-resistant lining, making them ideal for dogs who tend to rip apart their toys. Plus, they come in many cute designs and are great for large-breed dogs. Finally, they're suitable for all age ranges, so even your puppy will enjoy this toy.
What We Like
- Squeaker is silent to human ears
- Comes in cute designs
- Stuffing-free for less mess
What We Don't Like
- Not suitable for water play
- Not flavored
BUY: Hear Doggy Silent Squeaker Dog Toy
What to Look for in a Dog Toy
Size Recommendation
The size of the toy is important because you don't want your dog to choke on the toy or destroy it too quickly. You want a size that's appropriate for your dog's breed and chewing habits. Generally, the toy manufacturer will show which size dogs their toys are appropriate for.
Durability
Different dogs have different chewing habits, so it's important to find a toy that can withstand your dog's chew level. If your dog is a heavy chewer, look for a toy that's made of durable materials like rubber or nylon. For smaller dogs, a plush toy might be the best option.
Type
There are all kinds of dog toys on the market, so it's important to find one that suits your pet's needs. If you're looking for a toy to keep your dog entertained, consider a puzzle toy or a treat dispensing toy. For dogs who like to chew, look for a durable rubber or nylon chew toy. And for dogs who like to cuddle, a soft plush toy is the way to go.
FAQs About Dog Toys
What kind of toys do dogs like best?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as every dog is different. Some dogs prefer balls while other dogs prefer chew toys or plush animals.
How often should you get new dog toys?
Again, this depends on your individual dog. If your dog destroys toys quickly, you may need to get them new toys more often. But if they are not as destructive, you can likely wait longer between purchases.
What are the safest dog toys?
The safest dog toys are those that are made of durable materials and are the appropriate size for your dog. Avoid toys with small parts that could be swallowed or choked on and avoid toys that could break easily and injure your dog.
How to Train Your Dog to Run With You | Best Hiking Gear for Dogs | Best Dog Harnesses | Best Dog Foods | Best Dog Leashes | Best Dog Balls | Best Dog Frisbees | Best Dog Backpacks | Best Dog Toys | Best Dog Beds | Best Dog Treadmills