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Dogs need more than food, water, and walks to thrive. Regular playtime is also important for keeping your dog healthy and happy. The best dog toys provide both physical and mental stimulation, which is known as enrichment. Fetch is an example of physical play, for example, and sniffing out hidden treats is a form of mental stimulation. dog toy manufacturers
For this guide, we tested dozens of toys to keep dogs from getting bored, from chew toys to puzzles and everything in between. We also spoke with a dog trainer and a veterinary behaviorist about toy safety, how dogs play, and what toys they may like. The Kong Classic is our top pick because it's durable, can be played with in many ways, and comes in a wide range of sizes.
Learn more about how Insider Reviews tests and researches pet products.
Best overall: Kong Classic - See at Chewy The Kong Classic is a versatile rubber toy that keeps dogs busy and staves off boredom.
Best easy puzzle: Outward Hound Hide N' Slide - See at Chewy The Hide N' Slide is just challenging enough for puzzle newbies.
Best hard puzzle: Outward Hound Casino - See at Chewy The Casino adds an additional layer of challenge for seasoned puzzle pros.
Best chew toy: Petsages Calming Dog Chew - See at Chewy With their wood-like texture, these chews are a safe alternative to actual sticks and bones.
Best for aggressive chewers: Goughnuts .75 Black Ring Pro 50 - See at Amazon This is one of the toughest toys, making it perfect for dogs with powerful jaws who love to chew.
Best for puppies: West Paw Zogoflex Toppl - See at Chewy The Toppl is a safe, durable treat-dispensing toy that keeps puppies busy.
Best for small dogs: GoDog Dinos Bruto Plush Toy - See at Amazon The GoDog Dinos Bruto Plush Toy is a cute, durable plush toy made for small muzzles.
Best for large dogs: Jolly Pets Teaser Ball - See at Chewy This toy has a unique ball-inside-ball design that allows it to roll around erratically, attracting the attention of curious dogs.
Best interactive: Outward Hound Hide-A-Squirrel - See at Chewy The Hide-A-Squirrel is a plush puzzle toy that offers mental stimulation for dogs.
Best for chase: Outward Hound Tail Teaser - See at Chewy This interactive teaser toy is good for training and energy-filled play sessions.
Best treat ball: Starmark Treat Dispensing Chew Ball - See at Chewy Whether you stuff it with treats or regular kibble, this ball is a mentally and physically enriching toy.
Best squeaky ball: Hartz Dura Play Ball - See at Chewy The Dura Play Ball is an enticing, inexpensive toy for playful pups.
Best crinkle: Playology Crinkle Disc - See at Chewy This peanut-butter-scented disc is excellent for dogs that love toys that make noise.
Best plush: Kong Cozie Marvin the Moose - See at Chewy Marvin the Moose is a cute, cozy plushie ideal for dogs that prefer softer toys.
Best for fetch: Chuckit! Sport Launcher - See at Chewy The Chuckit! Sport Launcher is a handy fetch toy for maximizing fun and keeping dirt and slobber off your hands.
Best disc: Kong Flyer - See at Chewy The Kong Flyer is a soft, flexible alternative to a hard disc for playing fetch.
Best rope tug toy: Frisco Flat Rope Squeaky Toy - See at Chewy With multiple squeakers, this is a unique spin on traditional rope toys.
Best treat dispenser: Kong Wobbler - See at Chewy The Wobbler is a simple bobbing food dispenser that's easy to fill and clean.
Best subscription: BarkBox - See at BarkBox BarkBox is a monthly subscription service that delivers curated dog toys and treats right to your front door.
Pros: Multipurpose, durable rubber, dishwasher and freezer safe
This toy is a classic for a reason: It's tough enough to withstand frequent chewing, works well as a toss toy, and is the perfect vessel for the best dog foods and best dog treats. "You can make them more difficult for the dog or have them last longer by varying what you stuff them with," says Dr. Leslie Sinn, a veterinary behaviorist and certified professional dog trainer. We've also put stuffed Kong toys in the freezer to up the challenge for our dogs.
The toy is available in various sizes to suit different breeds. And if the toy's rubber isn't the right density for your dog, Kong offers the same design for various chew strengths, including the Puppy, Extreme, and Senior toys. But don't expect your dog to stay entranced by even the best dog toy forever. "Different toys offer various stimulation for your dog, and one day they'll want to play with one or two specific toys and switch to something else in a few days," says Burgess.
Read our full review of the Kong Classic.
Pros: Good for dogs of all sizes, durable, easy to clean
Cons: May be too easy for some dogs
It's a good idea to introduce your dog to puzzle toys slowly. "The idea is brain exercise, not for your dog to become frustrated because it can't get to the goodies," says Burgess.
Outward Hound's Hide N' Slide is an excellent option for introducing your dog to the best dog puzzle toys. The board features six hidden compartments where you can stash treats or kibble. Your dog must fiddle with various knobs and lids to reveal the tasty nibbles underneath. And you don't have to worry about your pup swallowing or choking on puzzle pieces since they're all attached to the board.
Pros: Easy to clean, durable, suitable for dogs of all sizes
Cons: Not ideal for beginners
Sinn says that puzzle toys help fill your dog's time budget with something active. "They serve an enrichment purpose, providing more variety in the dog's life," she says. The Outward Hound Casino is one of the best dog toys if your pup has mastered entry-level puzzles.
Stash treats inside the drawers, which will only be released when your dog twists the bones on top of the board. While some dogs might get the hang of the Casino immediately, you can unlock the bone-shaped pegs to make retrieving treats easier. Like our easy puzzle pick, there are no loose pieces, and it's easy to clean.
Read our full review of Outward Hound dog puzzles.
Pros: Similar taste and texture to real wood, floats in water, available in two sizes
Cons: Small pieces may break off over time
Our canine testers loved these faux-stick toys thanks to their wood-like texture. The set includes two toys made with real wood and hemp that come without the mess and safety hazards common with sticks from trees, which can embed in the mouth, throat, or intestinal tract if ingested, says Sinn. The chew has the same look and texture as real wood and features a blend of natural wood fiber and synthetic materials. The brand also has a handy chart to help you figure out when to replace the sticks.
"It's fine for a dog to chew and for toys to fall apart, as long as they're not ingesting those pieces," says Sinn. That's why it's essential to supervise your pet even with the best chew toys for dogs, especially when introducing new ones.
Pros: Very durable, handy indicator to let you know when to toss it, easy to clean
Cons: Not suitable for soft and medium chewers, strong rubber scent, heavy
Chewing becomes an issue when dogs start to gnaw on things they shouldn't. "If you don't provide your aggressive chewer with enough toys, they will find their own toys," says Burgess — aka your stuff. In general, though, satisfying an eager chewer is a simple fix. Burgess recommends plenty of exercise and a variety of toys in all shapes, sizes, and textures, which we cover in our guide to the best dog toys for aggressive chewers.
An ultra-durable option is the Goughnuts .75 Black Ring Pro 50. Designed for aggressive chewers, the sturdy, natural rubber ring features a red underlayer that lets you know when it's time to replace it. After multiple chew sessions, if you spot the color red, it's time for a replacement.
Our testers liked the chunky bouncy rubber ring and barely put a scratch in it after an entire week of chewing. However, it's not ideal for tossing because it's a bit heavy. This particular toy is suitable for dogs between 10 and 40 pounds. The brand also sells versions for medium and soft chewers.
Pros: Easy to clean, compatible with different treat shapes and sizes, freezable
When it comes to the best puppy toys, Burgess recommends picking toys based on your pup's current weight, not their prospective adult weight. The West Paw Zogoflex Toppl is appropriate for a puppy's smaller size. The wobbly toy is made of a plastic composite that is BPA-free and very durable material despite being bouncy, buoyant, and stretchy.
You can fill it with treats or the best puppy food, and it's dishwasher-safe, making it easy to sanitize. And it's not just for puppies — it's available in three sizes, which you can interlock together for even more interactivity.
Cons: Not ideal for super chewers
Avoiding toys that are too small is a given for big dogs, but sizing is just as important for smaller breeds when shopping for the best dog toys. According to Sinn, dogs should be able to manipulate toys with the equipment they have. She gives the example of a pug who might struggle to extract kibble from a narrow treat dispenser toy because of its short, narrow snout. And the same goes for any toy. If a smaller dog can't fit a plush or chew toy into its mouth, it may lose interest.
The smaller-sized Bruto Plush Toy is an excellent plush toy for extra-small breeds. It held up against our pint-sized Yorkie tester's love of thrashing. Even small dogs can be aggressive chewers, but this toy's double-stitched, reinforced seams protect it from destruction. Underneath the soft outer layer, a durable layer keeps teeth from sinking in and tearing the toy apart to get to the squeaker.
Pros: Great for solo play, floats in water, durable construction
Cons: Hard plastic might scratch floors
Sinn explains that it's important to choose toys big enough that you don't have to worry about your dog swallowing them whole. The Jolly Pets Teaser Ball fits the bill. The 8- and 10-inch balls are suitable for breeds weighing 60 pounds or more.
The high-density polyethylene ball resists damage from heavy chewing but is still lightweight enough for interactive play. While our labrador tester turned her nose up at the extra-large toy, our Belgian Malinois tester couldn't get enough of the ball-inside-a-ball design. He enjoyed hours of entertainment with peanut butter spread on the interior ball. In the summer, you can even toss the ball into the pool for aquatic fun.
Pros: Ideal for dogs who prefer softer textures, two toys in one, available in multiple sizes
This puzzle toy might be your dog's new favorite if they love to gut stuffed toys. The plush Hide-a-Squirrel toy comes stuffed with squeaky squirrels that your dog can pull out or chew on, depending on their play preferences. Double-stitched seams ensure the parts don't easily rip apart, and the whole thing is machine washable. It's also available in four sizes.
"Dogs that are used to interacting with people and their environment are more likely to interact with puzzles," says Sinn. For example, working breeds, like shepherds and retrievers, might take to puzzle toys more quickly than others. Personality plays a role, too, says Sinn. It's important to match the puzzle toy to the dog's level of learning. Starting them off with something too complex may lead to frustration. The Hide-a-Squirrel toy is engaging but not overly complicated, making it a good entry-level toy for dogs needing mental stimulation.
Pros: Offers both mental and physical stimulation, comes with extra plush toy
Cons: Requires larger space for play
Discovering the best dog toys that excite your pup can be tricky and expensive. The Outward Hound Tail Teaser is an affordable, interactive toy resembling a traditional cat wand. The teaser toy activates your dog's prey drive, so if your pup is keen on chasing squirrels, a toy like this might be a new favorite, says Burgess.
You can use it indoors or outside, but make sure you have plenty of room to ramp up your dog's energy levels safely. Some people also use this toy as a training aid to practice impulse control. It comes with two plush squeaker toys that mimic prey. Because the attachable plushies are small and delicate, it's a good idea to keep this toy for human-pup play sessions.
Read our full review of the Outward Hound Tail Teaser.
Pros: Durable, dishwasher safe, available in three sizes
Did you know that treat balls are considered easy dog puzzle toys? Sinn says these simple toys are an excellent place to start before introducing your dog to more complex stuff. The budget-friendly Starmark Treat Dispensing Ball is a physically and mentally stimulating way to feed or treat your dog.
Filling this treat ball takes a little time, but it will keep your dog busy even longer. They'll need to roll it around to get treats or kibble to fall out. The dishwasher-safe toy is made of durable latex and phthalate-free plastic that also makes it bouncy and able to float in water.
Pros: Soft yet durable, bacon-scented, available in three sizes
The Dura Play Ball is one of the best dog toys for playing fetch, but our canine testers also enjoyed chewing on it for lengths of time. The soft ball is made of latex foam, offering durability without sacrificing flexibility. Our dog testers initially sought out this ball because of its enticing bacon-like scent but kept returning to it because it squeaks and has an unpredictable bouncing action.
Dogs are likely attracted to squeaky toys because they mimic other animals, including prey or playmates. "Dogs really enjoy the hunt and chase or the pounce," says Sinn. Just be careful to avoid these toys with dogs likely to ingest squeakers.
Pros: Peanut butter-scented, soft exterior, easy to clean
If you're looking for a quiet toy, there are quite a few silent squeaker toys on the market. However, our dog testers didn't respond to toys with ultrasonic squeakers. Sinn says there's no way for us to know if dogs can hear these squeakers. If your dog responds, that's great. But if not, opt for a different quiet toy.
Our testers were far more interested in this peanut butter-scented disc that's great for solo chewing and fetch. According to the manufacturer, as your dog chews, the toy releases scent particles to encourage continued play. Our dogs loved the soft, corduroy texture and the toy's crinkly sound. If your dog has ever gotten excited about a water bottle stuffed in a sock, they might enjoy this toy.
Pros: Soft yet durable, squeaks, available in three sizes
Sinn points out that some dogs, her Border Collie included, prefer soft toys with a plush texture. "I think that just like with us, there's a lot of personal preference and individual variation," she says.
Whether your dog enjoys tearing apart soft plush toys, cuddling them, or chewing on them, durability is important. Of all the plush toys we tested, our tester dogs interacted the most with the Marvin the Moose stuffy. The extra-large moose was the perfect size for our larger breed testers, but the toy is also available in small and medium versions. The squeaking toy features an extra layer for protection against chewing.
Pros: Easy to use, works with standard-size tennis balls, easy to clean
Cons: Included ball isn't best quality
Fetch helps dogs burn off excess energy and encourages bonding. But throwing a ball over and over again can get tiring pretty quickly. The Chuckit! Sport Launcher minimizes stress on your throwing arm so you can throw farther and longer. The launcher's grippy grabber end allows you to pick up stray balls without getting grime on your hands, and its long arm gives you plenty of momentum for long tosses. It's also available in multiple sizes for balls of different diameters.
If you're teaching your dog to fetch, Burgess recommends cutting a slit in the ball and stuffing a treat inside. "When they bring it back to you, squeeze the tennis ball so the treat falls out," she says. Eventually, your dog will get the message that bringing the ball back earns them treats.
Pros: Great alternative to hard disc toys, durable, easy to wipe clean, available in two sizes
Buying toys from well-known brands is one way to keep your pet safe, says Sinn. There's no regulatory safety board for dog toys, so opting for toys from reputable, reliable companies is a good idea. According to Sin, longstanding brands like Kong tend to have stronger quality control measures in place.
This Kong Flyer is a durable rubber disc great for playing fetch and getting your dog to exercise. The soft, flexible material won't tear easily but is gentle on a dog's gums and teeth. It's available in two sizes: small (7 by 7 inches), suitable for extra small and small breeds, and large (9 by 9 inches), ideal for large and giant breeds.
Pros: Contains several squeakers, tight weave prevents unraveling
Cons: Too big for small dogs
Many dogs, including our furry testers, enjoy rope toys for their tugging action and chewy consistency. As with any toy, Sinn says it's a good idea to make sure you're around when introducing it to ensure it's safe to use and that pieces don't break off.
That's why we love this rope toy. The tight weave means it's less likely to fray and fall apart, and the internal squeakers make playtime more enjoyable. The long, flat toy is available in a single size that's 26 inches long and is appropriate for medium and large breeds.
Pros: Easy to clean and fill, dishwasher safe
Cons: Not ideal for super chewers
While automatic, remote treat dispensers are fun for dogs, Sinn cautions that large breed dogs may be able to knock them over, break them, or pop them open. "Make sure that whatever you choose is sturdy enough to put up with the dog that you've got in front of you," she says.
China Best Indestructible Plush Dog Toys The Kong Wobbler is made of strong plastic polymer and is sturdy enough to keep your dog busy while you're away. The top screws on and off, so it's easy to fill with treats and clean after use. It's also available in two sizes so small and big dogs can enjoy the fun. You can also use the Wobbler with a fast-eating dog who scarfs down their food too quickly by filling it with kibble. Because the toy is plastic, it's a poor choice for aggressive chewers.