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As a dog owner, you're probably aware of how hard it can be to find the perfect toy. You want to find something that's fun, engaging, not too hard, and also durable enough that your pet won't shred it the instant they get their paws on it. When it comes to the ideal dog toy, there's no one-size-fits-all option. Some are for chewing, others are for fetching, some are puzzles, and others are made to comfort anxious pups.
To help you narrow down your choices, we researched the best dog toys available today. Take a look at our top picks below.
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If we had to pick just one, we'd go with the KONG Classic Dog Toy. The durable rubber and unique molded shape make for a fun, unpredictable bounce, but that's not all it does. This all-star pick is made for fetching, chewing, teething, digging, crate training—you name it. You can even stuff it with treats to give your pooch something to work for.
KONG recommends stuffing the toy, freezing it, and then presenting it to your dog for a four to six-hour challenge. It's dishwasher-safe, too, which makes for easy cleanup. To accommodate canines of all breeds, this toy comes in six sizes, ranging from 2.5 inches to 6 inches in length.
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If you've got a puppy at home, we recommend the Merino Binky Tug Toy from House Dogge. Made of 100 percent Merino wool and naturally dyed with eco-friendly and pet-safe colors, this pick is ideal for younger pups. The bone-shaped wool portion comes in a few colors, including orange, yellow, oatmeal gray, and charcoal. (House Dogge also has leather options).
The triple-twisted rope is made of 100-percent cotton without any glues. The Binky Tug toy comes in two sizes, 5 inches, which is recommended for smaller puppies, and 7 inches for larger breeds.
The best dog toy for chewers is the Bacon Flavor Wishbone from Benebone. This extra-tough ergonomic toy is made of durable nylon and real bacon. With a paw-friendly design and flavor grooves in each prong, it'll keep your pooch engaged and satisfied for hours, if not days. Besides fulfilling your pet's natural urge to chew, purchasing this product supports animal welfare, as Benebone donates a portion of its profits to dog charities.
If your dog's favorite pastime is fetch, they'll love the Chuckit! Ultra Ball. Made of buoyant rubber, this lightweight ball is easy to throw and delivers an impressive high-impact bounce. Though it's easy on your pet's jaw, the extra-tough Ultra Ball has a durable textured surface that resists chewing damage.
The bright orange color is easy to spot, even in tall grass. And since it floats, you can toss it into a lake or pool. For athletic breeds that love a challenge, you might consider getting the Chuckit! Ball Launcher too.
To stimulate your pet's brain and boost their problem-solving skills, try the Outward Hound Dog Smart. This interactive puzzle toy is not only engaging but also fun and rewarding. It has a round base and nine removable bone pieces. You can hide treats underneath the bones and then let your pup get to work trying to figure out where the yummy smell is coming from.
The bones can be placed flush with the base for a harder challenge or lifted slightly to make them easier to remove. Your dog will have to figure out how to nuzzle and paw the pieces out to access the treats.
There's nothing worse than bringing a new toy home only to have it completely destroyed within a few minutes by an enthusiastic pooch. With this in mind, the Ruff Dawg Dawg-Nut has an inscrutable design that even the most aggressive chewers can't ruin. This FDA-approved, BPA-free solid rubber donut is gentle on the teeth and springy enough that it won't hurt your pet's jaw.
Not only that, but the Dawg-Nut bounces, floats, and easily washes clean. And since it's weatherproof, you can take it anywhere, any time of year. This durable chew toy comes in two sizes. The regular size has a 3.5-inch diameter, and the extra-large is 4.5 inches.
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The best tugger option is the Max-Bone Large Rope Toy. It's made of eco-friendly poly cotton, which is twisted into a durable rope and then tied into an ultra-strong knot. Aside from playing tug-of-war with their owners, dogs love chasing and chewing this toy. It has an 8-inch handle and comes in olive green or orange.
The best dog toy for chewers is the Bacon Flavor Wishbone from Benebone. This extra-tough ergonomic toy is made of durable nylon and real bacon. With a paw-friendly design and flavor grooves in each prong, it'll keep your pooch engaged and satisfied for hours, if not days. Besides fulfilling your pet's natural urge to chew, purchasing this product supports animal welfare, as Benebone donates a portion of its profits to dog charities.
The Skinneeez Forest Series Fox is perfect for canines with a natural hunting instinct. It's soft like a plush toy but doesn't have any stuffing, which means it'll last longer and won't make a mess in your home. With a realistic animal appearance and a built-in squeaker, dogs love flipping and flopping the fox around. Unlike many plush pet toys, it's also machine-washable.
Overall, the best option is the KONG Classic Dog Toy on account of its exceedingly durable, multi-use design. That said, if you're looking for something more tuggable and interactive, the Max-Bone Large Rope Toy is an excellent choice.
Theresa Holland is a professional writer and dog lover with substantial experience writing about pets and animals. In addition to The Spruce, she writes for MyDomaine and Byrdie.
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