We may earn a commission if you make a purchase through one of our links. The LA Times editorial staff was not involved in the creation of this content. Learn more

Fun For All Dogs: The Best Dog Toy

  1. ZENAPOKI Squeaky Dog Toys
  2. Freefa Freefa-1 Slow Feeder Dog Bowl Bloat Stop Dog Food Bowl Maze Interactive Puzzle Non Skid Feeder Dog To
  3. Bubbletastic Peanut Butter Scented Dog Bubbles 8 Ounce Bottle Dog Toy
  4. AMZpets Dog Toys
  5. Outward Hound Kyjen 41004 Paw Hide Treat Toy Dog Toys
  6. PetSafe Busy Buddy Tug-A-Jug Meal Dispensing Dog Toy
  7. Kong Wobbler - Toy and Treat Dispenser, for Dogs
  8. GoughNuts Black Tough Dog Toy
  9. Tuffy Mega Creature Large Octopus Dog Toy
  10. KONG Extreme Dog Toy
  11. Kyjen Invincibles Gecko 4 Squeak Dog Toy
  12. Nylabone Monster Bone Chew Toy
  13. KONG Extreme Dog Toy
  14. Kyjen Hide A Squirrel
  15. JW Pet Company Giggler Ball
  16. Starmark Academy Treat Dispensing Pickle Pocket
  17. PetQwerks Animal Sounds X-Tire Balls
  18. Buyer's Guide

We all love our dogs and finding the right dog toy for our canine pals can be a challenge.  They turn up their noses at something we think is cool and fun and instead roll with gleeful abandon on an invisible spot on the lawn. One of the best dog toy in 2022 around at learning tricks, obeying commands, and solving problems. There are toys for just about every dog, whether they are a chewer or a tugger, whether they would rather figure out a puzzle or just settle down with a tasty food treat or if they like to chase toys.

Not every toy is right for every dog; the indestructible could be destroyed in five minutes, the squeaky toy is ignored, the long lasting treat is swallowed in three bites, so it's important to figure out your dog's play style and plan accordingly.  And if the moment comes when the toy sits between you and your canine companion and your dog ends up just walking away, think about taking that toy to your local animal shelter.  Who knows, you might come back with another new friend.

The Best Dog Toys Models of 2022 in Detail

ZENAPOKI Squeaky Dog Toys - Best Dog Toy Overall

If your puppy likes to chew and rampage through stuff, then this 3-in-1 dog toy is just for him or her. Each toy comes in three layers – an outermost plush toy that comes either as a raccoon, pig, or squirrel, an identical inner plush toy that even though smaller is still challenging to tear through, and finally a squeaky ball at the core that’s the reward for your dog’s hard work. These 3-in-1 toys pose a worthy challenge for your dog’s teeth and are great for medium to large-sized pups. And you don’t have to worry about your pup choking on the torn pieces as the toys are designed to segment into very large chunks.

Freefa Freefa-1 Slow Feeder Dog Bowl Bloat Stop Dog Food Bowl Maze Interactive Puzzle Non Skid Feeder Dog To - Runner Up

What’s great about this food delivery toy is its flying saucer shape.  It’s not a ball that your dog can roll across the floor a few times and get his kibble.  Instead, he’ll have to flip it with his feet or nudge it to jiggle the treats out.  Because it’s made with a hard plastic, it can get pretty noisy when your dog sends it flying around the room and the kibble bounces around inside it.  But the good news is that he can play with it outside, too.  It comes in two sizes so no one’s left out.  The Dog Treat Maze is not made for chewing so make sure you’re around to keep an eye on the fun.

Bubbletastic Peanut Butter Scented Dog Bubbles 8 Ounce Bottle Dog Toy - Honorable Mention

Bacon.  Where would we be without it?  Bubbles.  What’s not to like?  Fill the bubble machine with the bacon bubble mix and let your dog run, jump and play in a non-stop world of heavenly bacon bubbles.  The bubble solution is non-toxic and non-tearing.  This is not a toy meant for rough play and may not work if it’s knocked over.  Who needs champagne bubbles when you can have bacon?

AMZpets Dog Toys - Also Consider

Do you have a teething dog that chews everything? Or a bored pup that takes out its frustration on your furniture? With the AMZpets toys, you can keep your dog occupied and entertained for hours. A package of this product contains 7 pieces of tug toys that are suitable for all dog breeds. These toys are brightly colored and sturdy enough to withstand the ferocious teeth of your precious canine.

  • Keeps your pet entertained
  • Greatly reduces stress and anxiety
  • Contains 7 pieces and conveniently packed in a carry bag
  • It May contain thin metal strands

Special Features:

  • The toys are nearly indestructible and would last for a long time
  • Helps to calm anxious dogs
  • The toys come in a convenient carry bag
  • Helps to soothe a teething or restless pup
  • Can be used to spend quality time and strengthen the bond with pets
  • Suitable for small, medium, and large breed dogs

Outward Hound Kyjen 41004 Paw Hide Treat Toy Dog Toys - Contender

For dogs who like balls with their food, the Kyjen Cross Slider might be the answer.  Fill the Hide-a-Treat ball with tasty treats and drop it in the Cross Slider.  Your dog has to get the ball out of the Cross Slider in order to get his treats.  What’s great about this toy is that you can increase the difficulty: leave all the exits open as your dog learns how to get the Hide-a-Treat ball out and then use the three enclosed doors to block exits.  And here’s the real bonus: tennis balls will fit in the Cross Slider!  Just place that favorite, slobbery tennis ball in the Cross Slider and let your dog figure it out.

PetSafe Busy Buddy Tug-A-Jug Meal Dispensing Dog Toy - Consider

The Busy Buddy Tug-a-Jug is another treat dispensing toy — with a twist: there’s a rope at the open end that blocks the treats from just falling out.  Not only does your dog have to work to get her treats from around the rope, he can also carry the Tug-a-Jug around easily.  The Busy Buddy Tug-a-Jug is available in three sizes, so your Chihuahua can enjoy it just as much as your Lab.  If your dog is a chewer and gets the rope off, you can put a ball inside the Tug-a-Jug to make it harder to get the treats out.

Kong Wobbler - Toy and Treat Dispenser, for Dogs - Best Interactive Dog Toy

The Kong Wobbler gets votes for being a quieter treat-dispensing toy.  Unscrew the base to fill the Wobbler with kibble or treats and let your dog chase it around as it spins, rolls and wobbles around the room.  The Kong Wobbler is a great alternative for apartment living hounds.  The Wobbler comes in Small, which holds about ½ cup of food and the Large which hold about a cup.

GoughNuts Black Tough Dog Toy - Best Tough Dog Toy

If you’re ever wondering if your dog’s toy has “had enough,” GoughNuts chew toys offer a visual clue that you should replace the toy: when the red inner core shows through, it’s time to get a new one. The GoughNuts Black is for extreme chewers and comes in different sizes. Doughnut shaped, it bounces! It rolls! It floats! Perfect for a dog who loves the outdoors. Although a bit pricier than other toys for monster chewers, the manufacturer guarantees that it will replace a damaged toy for the cost of shipping.

Tuffy Mega Creature Large Octopus Dog Toy - Best Tough Dog Toy

There’s nothing like a good game of tug, whether it’s you and your dog or a pair of dogs engaged in an epic battle of tug o’ war. Rated a 10 on the TuffScale, the Tuffy Mega Tug-Oval is designed for tough tuggers. Multiple layers of material, webbing and stitching add durability. It’s also machine washable and it floats. Tuffy Mega toys come in a variety of shapes and sizes including balls, rings and bones. These toys are designed for tough play and are not intended for your dog to chew.

KONG Extreme Dog Toy - Best Tough Dog Toy

Tougher than even the original Kong, this pyramid-shaped rubber toy has been the go-to toy for pet owners with powerful chewers. Dogs who love Kongs not only satisfy their desire to chew, but also help keep their teeth clean. Owners can add to their dog’s enjoyment and entertainment by filling the Kong with treats that the dog has to work to remove. Stuffing the Kong with peanut butter or yogurt and then freezing it before giving it to your dog extends the time it will take him to get all of his treats. The unpredictable bounce of the Kong when it’s thrown adds to the fun of a good game of “catch.”

Kyjen Invincibles Gecko 4 Squeak Dog Toy - Best Tough Dog Toy

Is your dog determined to de-squeak her toys? Does she capitalize on the slightest construction or design imperfection and shred her toy within minutes? Are you tired of picking up dead squeakers and soggy stuffing? The Extreme Seam Invincibles Blue Gecko 4 Squeak may be the answer. Made of extra-durable material and extra-durable seams, Invincibles are designed with squeakers that will continue to squeak even after being punctured. Invincibles are made without stuffing so even if your dog does find her way in, you won’t come home to a house covered with white fluff. Geckos and snakes come in different sizes, ranging from 2 squeaks to 6 squeaks, giving your dog plenty of squeaky fun.

Nylabone Monster Bone Chew Toy - Best Tough Dog Toy

Nylabones are another time-tested toy for tough dogs. Made of nylon and flavored (bacon seems to be a favorite), Nylabone Dura Chews also come in a variety of shapes and sizes as well as textures. Because these toys are designed for serious chewing by serious chewers, make sure you regularly check the toy for broken or sharp pieces that could injure your dog. Be aware that Nylabone also makes edible chew toys and softer chew toys that obviously won’t stand up to the punishment of a tough chewer.

KONG Extreme Dog Toy - Best Tough Dog Toy

Tougher than even the original Kong, this pyramid-shaped rubber toy has been the go-to toy for pet owners with powerful chewers. Dogs who love Kongs not only satisfy their desire to chew, but also help keep their teeth clean. Owners can add to their dog’s enjoyment and entertainment by filling the Kong with treats that the dog has to work to remove. Stuffing the Kong with peanut butter or yogurt and then freezing it before giving it to your dog extends the time it will take him to get all of his treats. The unpredictable bounce of the Kong when it’s thrown adds to the fun of a good game of “catch.”

Kyjen Hide A Squirrel - Best Distracting Dog Toy

For dogs who think that soft and squeaky is heaven, the Kyjen Hide-a-Squirrel toy is the way to get there. A tree stump filled with squeaky squirrels (well, they might actually be chipmunks) puts your dog's prey drive in gear by challenging him to pull them out and shake and squeak them. You can really pack the squirrels in making it harder for your dog to fish them out. And if your dog is known for his search and destroy behavior, you can also buy replacement squirrels. Hiding treats in the stump before stuffing the squirrels will increase your dog's interest.

JW Pet Company Giggler Ball - Best Distracting Dog Toy

If your dog likes to "chase and chew" his toys the JW Pet Company Giggler Ball may just be the toy for him! The Giggler Ball makes its funny "giggling" noise when your dog shakes or squeezes the ball. Many customers report that this ball is also pretty durable, so those power chewers in the house will have a tough time destroying it. And if your dog finds a way to tear the ball, you don't have to worry about him ingesting any batteries. The Giggler Ball comes in different sizes with the "regular" being a good fit for small or medium-sized dogs.

Starmark Academy Treat Dispensing Pickle Pocket - Best Distracting Dog Toy

This toy is great just because of its name! The Starmark Treat Dispensing Pickle Pocket is a versatile toy that you can stuff with Starmark Breath Freshening Mints or other treats like biscuits or even peanut butter. The Pickle Pocket is made of a soft, yet durable material, giving your dog some enjoyable chew tiime even after all the treats are gone. Its odd shape makes for a great game of fetch as the Pickle Pocket takes funny bounces. The Pickle Pocket also floats so if Harley is a water-loving boy, throw it in the lake!

PetQwerks Animal Sounds X-Tire Balls - Best Distracting Dog Toy

“What’s that noise?” If that’s your dog’s reaction to funny noises, then the PetQwerks Animal Sounds X-Tire Balls is for him. Made to roll and bounce, the X-Tire Balls come in two sizes and make the sounds of goats, coyotes and many more fun noises as your dog chases it and tosses it around. One downside reported by many owners is that there is no "off" switch, so if you don't want to hear your dog playing with it at the crack of dawn you will have to put it away. These toys are made of a harder plastic material and are not really suitable for serious chewing. As with all battery-operated toys, please monitor your dog's playtime to ensure that he doesn't ingest the batteries, especially if he's a chewer!

Buyer's Guide

A dog toy is a type of toy which is specifically designed for dogs to play with. Like every other toy, a dog toy helps keep the dog busy and diverts its attention away from other things. Dog toys are made of different types and textures ranging from balls, puppy toys and dolls, training aid, dog bones, etc.

The array of quality dog toys on display in our review of the best dog toys has probably left you in a dilemma of the best one to choose. This buying guide will help you to understand dog toys better and provide tips on buying dog toys.

What are the Types of Dog Toys?

Dog toys are restricted to some specific materials or objects like rope, bone, and stick in the past. However, dog toys now are vast in number and ubiquitous. In this guide, dog toys will be classified based on their purpose.

Training Toy

Dogs can be aroused to some functional activities both physically and mentally. This characteristic makes it easier for dogs that are toy-loving to be trained on certain skills and activities. You can train your dog to perform different tasks like sitting, running, catching, chewing, etc. In doing this, objects would have to be carefully selected because each object is meant for a specific purpose. Although some objects may be multifunctional, your dog’s choice and character now have to be considered. Objects like balls are good for puppies.

Comfort Dog Toy

Like humans, pets also have bouts of anxiety where they need to be comforted. Dogs often look to their owner or other items for comfort. They get attached to the things and people that lessen their anxiety and give pleasure. Your dog will hold on to the toy that gives it comfort. You should watch out for this to help you get toys that calm your dog’s anxiety. Plush toys are good examples of comfort toys.

Self-amusing Toy

If you are the type that does go out leaving your dog behind, this is the type of toy that suits your dog. Self-amusing toys are toys that keep your dog busy even in your absence. You do not necessarily have to be with your dog before it uses this toy. It keeps them busy and diverts their attention away from destructive activities. Proper attention should be given to the type of object you select for your dog to keep it self-engaged. Objects that can easily be swallowed should be avoided, also objects that can damage their dental system should be avoided.

Enrichment Toy

The dog enrichment toy is the type that improves and enhances the mental ability of your dog by engaging it in various activities built to challenge and exercise its brain. These activities pose a particular problem to your dog, expecting it to solve them and teaching them new skills in the process. This type of dog toy can also be suitable for you if you are the type that doesn’t stay home often because it keeps your dog busy in your absence.

What are the Things to Consider before Buying a Dog Toy?

Basically, the type of toy you should get for your dog depends on what you intend to achieve with the toy. However, there are some general things you need to consider before getting a dog toy. Below are some of the points to note.

Dog Size

When choosing a toy for your dog, it is important you put into consideration the size of your dog relative to the toy to be bought. It is advised not to buy objects that have beads or objects that are too small to be swallowed as this can cause an intestinal obstruction for your dog, which can lead to death if not properly managed. Since you want to keep your dog engaged, you need to get objects that are not too big for them to chew and carry. Flexible objects are recommended for smaller dogs, while hard ones are recommended for bigger dogs.

Age

The age of your puppy is important when choosing a dog toy. Puppies learn to interact and play with objects between 4 and 6 weeks. The dog is still very young at this stage, and the dog toy types play a vital role in its psychological development and overall well-being. Objects like balls are good for your puppy at this age, especially flexible ones that can also help in their teething process.

Dog Personality

The personality or the type of dog is very crucial when selecting a toy for your dog. Dogs have different personalities – some are calm and friendly, while others are aggressive. A cuddly toy will not excite a dog with high energy levels.

Safety

The last thing you would want is your dog to get choked when playing with toys. So this is why you must consider the safety of your dog when choosing a toy. Generally, small objects that can be swallowed should be avoided. Also, objects that can easily break into smaller parts should be ignored. Some objects consist of lead compounds; these should be avoided as well. Get your dog a toy, not an object that will harm it.

How much do Dog Toys Cost?

The cost of dog toys depends on different factors like size, type, and the particular object to be gotten. Generally, the price of dog toys is low and can easily be afforded by an average income earner that owns a dog. They usually cost between $5 to $15.

Dog Toys FAQs

Q: How do I get my dog to like new toys?
A: Dogs do not immediately fall in love with their new toys. Taking away other toys and leaving them with the new one helps to get them to like it.

Q: Should I leave dog toys out?
A: It depends on the toy. Comfort toys, for example, helps them feel comfortable. Other non-comfort toys may be taken away.

Q: When should I take away my dog toys?
A: Your dog toy should be discarded when they become ripped or broken.

bestcovery team.jpg
Our research team searches out the best of everything so that you can confidently pick the perfect products and services for your needs.
RELATED CONTENT
Go to top