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One of the many admirable things about dogs is that they're so easy to please. In a world that's filled with fancy toys and accessories, dogs often prefer the simple pleasures of a good ball. And by investing in one of the best dog balls, you can facilitate hours of fun and recreation for you and your four-legged buddy.
But with so many options to choose from, how can you tell which dog ball is your best bet? Here are a few recommendations from the ACTIVE Reviews Team.
The Best Dog Balls - Our Top Picks
- Best Overall Dog Ball: Chuckit! Ultra Ball 8 Pack with Bucket
- Most Durable Dog Ball: Chew King Fetch Balls
- Best Dog Ball for Chewers: Kong Extreme Ball
- Best Dog Soccer Ball: Soccer Ball with Grab Tabs
- Best Interactive Dog Ball: WeTest Premium Interactive Dog Ball
- Best Dog Tennis Ball: Kong Air Tennis Balls 12 Pack
- Most Versatile Dog Ball: Collar Harmless Floaty Fetch Ball
- Best Rubber Dog Ball: Chuck It Recycled Remmy
- Best Puzzle Dog Ball: Outward Hound Treat Tumble Toy
- Best Budget Dog Ball: Nerf Dog Rubber Ball Dog Toy
Why Trust Us?
ACTIVE.com's editorial team relies on the knowledge and experience of fitness and wellness experts including competitive athletes, coaches, physical therapists, nutritionists, and certified trainers. This helps us ensure the products we feature are of the highest standard. Collectively, the team has spent countless hours researching equipment, gear, and recovery tools in order to create the most accurate, authentic content for our readers. Customer satisfaction is also a key part of our review process, which is why we only feature products that are highly rated.
Best Overall - Chuckit! Ultra Ball 8 Pack with Bucket
SPECS
- Size recommendation: Medium
- Material: Rubber
Our pick for best-in-show is the Chuckit! Ultra Ball 8 Pack with Bucket. Available in a range of sizes, these rubber balls are both durable and lightweight, creating plenty of fun hours playing fetch with your little pal. A textured surface makes this ball easy for your dog to grip and chew, while the storage bucket makes it easy to keep up with unused toys.
What We Like
- Value size
- Lightweight yet durable rubber
- Textured surface for better chewing
What We Don't Like
- Not the cheapest option
- Not as recommended for super-aggressive chewers
BUY: Chuckit! Ultra Ball 8 Pack with Bucket
Most Durable Dog Ball - Chew King Fetch Balls
SPECS
- Size recommendation: Medium
- Material: Rubber
The average dog ball gets a lot of wear and tear. The Chew King Fetch Ball is made to see lots of use and still hold up to aggressive chewing. Made with durable, non-toxic, no-smell rubber, these balls provide a long-lasting and well-priced option for pet playtime.
What We Like
- Reasonable price point
- Durable rubber
- Lightweight and easy to throw
What We Don't Like
- Not recommended for really big breeds
- They'll get a little grungy after a while
Best Dog Ball for Chewers - Kong Extreme Ball
SPECS
- Size recommendation: Medium/Large
- Material: Rubber
Some dogs love playing fetch, while others just want something they can sit and chew. For the latter, we recommend the Kong Extreme Ball. In addition to its robust design and its great bounce, this ball is durable, puncture-resistant, and well-suited even to the most aggressive chewers.
What We Like
- Durable
- Bouncy
- Puncture-resistant
What We Don't Like
- Slightly higher price point
- Not recommended for smaller breeds
Best Dog Soccer Ball - Soccer Ball with Grab Tabs
SPECS
- Size recommendation: Small/Medium
- Material: Premium PU
This Soccer Ball with Grab Tabs is just what you want if your dog prefers playing with softer balls, or if you want something you can kick around in your backyard. Made with premium synthetic materials, this ball is nice and bouncy, with tabs that make it easy for you to carry around (without getting your fingers drenched in drool).
What We Like
- Soft
- Bouncy
- Durable
What We Don't Like
- Not recommended for large breeds
- Not quite as chewing-friendly as rubber balls
BUY: Soccer Ball with Grab Tabs
Best Interactive Dog Ball - WeTest Premium Interactive Dog Ball
SPECS
- Size recommendation: Small
- Material: Rubber
Dog toys are meant to provide physical stimulation, but they can also provide your pet with a mental workout. The WeTest Premium Interactive Dog Ball is a puzzle ball, allowing you to place your dog's favorite treat inside then see if your pup can figure out how to release it. The soft and elastic rubber design enables safe, long-lasting fun.
What We Like
- Soft and elastic
- Great puzzle ball
- Comes with a bell to place inside (or remove when it gets too annoying)
What We Don't Like
- Not recommended for large breeds
- Not the best option for rowdy play
BUY: WeTest Premium Interactive Dog Ball
Best Dog Tennis Ball - Kong Air Tennis Balls 12-Pack
SPECS
- Size recommendation: Small
- Material: Rubber
For maximum bounciness and truly kinetic games of fetch, consider the Kong Air Tennis Balls 12-Pack. These dog balls are well-designed for smaller animals with a lot of energy to burn off. Made of non-abrasive materials, they're plenty chewy, and also have built-in squeakers to encourage play.
What We Like
- Bouncy
- Chewy
- Value priced
What We Don't Like
- Not recommended for large breeds
- Can be a little too noisy
BUY: Kong Air Tennis Balls 12 Pack
Most Versatile Dog Ball - Collar Harmless Floaty Fetch Ball
SPECS
- Size recommendation: N/A
- Material: N/A
It floats. It comes with a cord. It's great for chewing. Truly, the Collar Harmless Floaty Fetch Ball can do it all. (Well, almost; we don't necessarily recommend it for bouncing.) A great, versatile option for dogs who require a lot of different play options.
What We Like
- Comes with a cord for use during play
- Floats
- Durable
- Modest price point
What We Don't Like
- Not as recommended for large breeds
- Not as recommended for bouncing around
BUY: Collar Harmless Floaty Fetch Ball
Best Rubber Dog Ball - Chuck It Recycled Remmy
SPECS
- Size recommendation: Medium
- Material: Recycled natural rubber
The Chuck It Recycled Remmy is an outstanding pick for a number of reasons: Not only is it bouncy, chewy, and durable, but it's also made from recycled natural rubber, making it a good eco-friendly option. It's easy to clean, too, which will be handy once this ball sees a few outdoor play sessions.
What We Like
- Recycled materials
- Bouncy, elastic feel
- Very inexpensive
- Easy to clean
What We Don't Like
- Not as recommended for large breeds
- Not as well-suited for aggressive chewing
Best Puzzle Dog Ball - Outward Hound Treat Tumble Toy
SPECS
- Size recommendation: N/A
- Material: N/A
The Outward Hound Treat Tumble Toy is a great option for dogs that require a little intellectual stimulation. Challenge them by placing a favorite treat inside this puzzle ball, then easily wipe the whole thing clean thanks to the wipeable surface.
What We Like
- Very inexpensive
- Easy to clean
- Great for offering physical and mental exercise
What We Don't Like
- Not as bouncy as other options
- Not as well-suited for aggressive chewing
BUY: Outward Hound Treat Tumble Toy
Best Budget Dog Ball - Nerf Dog Rubber Ball Dog Toy
SPECS
- Size recommendation: N/A
- Material: Rubber
Some dogs go through balls pretty quickly, meaning you'll want something inexpensive. Consider the Nerf Dog Rubber Ball Dog Toy, a quality ball available for under $10. It's also lightweight, weather-resistant, and great fun to throw.
What We Like
- Very inexpensive
- Easy to clean
- Lightweight
What We Don't Like
- Not as bouncy as other options
- Not as well-suited for aggressive chewing
BUY: Nerf Dog Rubber Ball Dog Toy
How to Choose the Best Dog Ball
In seeking the best dog ball, there are a few basic factors to keep top of mind.
Size Recommendation
First and foremost, you'll want to ensure a ball that's properly sized. Most dog balls come with recommendations regarding the type of dog they work with; for example, some balls are best suited for smaller breeds, others for larger animals.
Material
You can get dog balls made of foam and fabric, but understand that these balls will likely get torn up and shredded after just a few plays. For dogs who enjoy chewing, or who are a little more aggressive in their play, rubber balls tend to work better.
Durability
Finally, note that many dog balls are rated for a particular level of durability, making them appropriate for light, medium, or heavy chewers.
FAQs About Balls for Dogs
What kind of balls are best for dogs?
While there are plenty of great options on the market, and different dogs will have different preferences, our best overall pick is the ChuckIt! Ultra Ball.
What size ball is best for a dog?
It all depends on the size of your dog. You'll usually want a ball that's small enough for your dog to pick up and carry in their mouth, but not so small that they can fit the whole ball into their mouth at once, risking choking.
Are rubber balls better than tennis balls for dogs?
Both types of balls can be fine for dogs, though rubber balls are often a little better for chewing since they're more durable.
How do you tell if a ball is too small for a dog?
If the dog can fit the entire ball into its mouth, that means it's a potential choking hazard and is too small.
How long should a dog play fetch?
Though it depends on the breed, most dogs need somewhere between half an hour and two hours of exercise each day. Playing fetch is one great way to provide that exercise, though of course you can also take your dog for a walk or play with it in different ways.
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