Best Dog Toys
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Finding the Best Dog Toy
There are so many dog toys on the market, so it can be overwhelming to know where to start. Don't worry — we've spent hours reading hundreds of reviews and consulting dog experts so you can purchase the best toy for your pet.
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Best Plush Dog Toys

Plush dog toys are the perfect canine companion and are loved by almost all dogs.

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Our Top Pick
Chewy
Outward Hound HedgehogZ Squeaky Plush Dog Toy, Small
What Dogs Love:

The squeaker inside makes it fun to mouth, plus it's soft enough to snuggle with.

What Humans Love:

This toy doesn't cost much, but it's surprisingly durable.

What You'll Love:
  • Reasonably Priced
  • Durable
  • Minimal Seams
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More Info
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What Dogs Love:

The squeaker inside makes it fun to mouth, plus it's soft enough to snuggle with.

What Humans Love:

This toy doesn't cost much, but it's surprisingly durable.

    What You'll Love:
  • Reasonably Priced
  • Durable
  • Minimal Seams
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Our Budget Pick
Amazon
Multipet Gumby Plush Dog Toy (9 inch)
What Dogs Love:

The plush material is extra soft and the squeaker inside makes this toy even more appealing.

What Humans Love:

Proof that you don't need to spend a lot on a quality plush toy.

What You'll Love:
  • Measures 9 inches long
  • Low price
  • Nostalgic design
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Our Budget Pick
More Info
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What Dogs Love:

The plush material is extra soft and the squeaker inside makes this toy even more appealing.

What Humans Love:

Proof that you don't need to spend a lot on a quality plush toy.

    What You'll Love:
  • Measures 9 inches long
  • Low price
  • Nostalgic design
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Our Most-Durable Pick
Chewy
KONG Floppy Knots Dog Toy, Fox, Medium/Large
What Dogs Love:

Knotted ropes and squeakers inside the toy provide interesting textures and sounds to keep dogs entertained.

What Humans Love:

Minimal stuffing leads to less mess, and this rope-filled plush toy is adept at standing up to hours of play.

What You'll Love:
  • Unique
  • Sturdy
  • cute
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Our Most-Durable Pick
More Info
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What Dogs Love:

Knotted ropes and squeakers inside the toy provide interesting textures and sounds to keep dogs entertained.

What Humans Love:

Minimal stuffing leads to less mess, and this rope-filled plush toy is adept at standing up to hours of play.

    What You'll Love:
  • Unique
  • Sturdy
  • cute
The Bottom Line on Plush Dog Toys

Most dogs love plush dog toys, but they aren’t ideal for heavy chewers who can rip through them in seconds. If your dogs tend to destroy these types of toys, you may find that features such as hidden seams and rip-stop fabric keeps their plushies in one piece for longer. It’s important not to choose too-small plush toys for your dogs, since a small toy can be dangerous for a large dog. Too-large plush toys are less of an issue, but they shouldn’t be too large for your dog to pick up and carry around. You can learn more and see our other favorite options in our full guide to the best plush dog toys.

The Bottom Line on Plush Dog Toys

Most dogs love plush dog toys, but they aren’t ideal for heavy chewers who can rip through them in seconds. If your dogs tend to destroy these types of toys, you may find that features such as hidden seams and rip-stop fabric keeps their plushies in one piece for longer. It’s important not to choose too-small plush toys for your dogs, since a small toy can be dangerous for a large dog. Too-large plush toys are less of an issue, but they shouldn’t be too large for your dog to pick up and carry around. You can learn more and see our other favorite options in our full guide to the best plush dog toys.

Best Dog Chew Toys

Dog chew toys satisfy their natural instinct to chew, keeps them mentally and physically stimulated, and improves their dental health.

Our Top Pick
Chewy
KONG Classic Dog Toy, Large
What Dogs Love:

Extremely fun to play with thanks to its unpredictable roll and bounce, plus it feels fairly soft to chew on.

What Humans Love:

Although dogs can safely chomp on the tough rubber, it's more than just a chew toy; you can also throw it for your dog and stuff it with treats.

What You'll Love:
  • tough
  • range of sizes
  • stuffable
Our Top Pick
More Info
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What Dogs Love:

Extremely fun to play with thanks to its unpredictable roll and bounce, plus it feels fairly soft to chew on.

What Humans Love:

Although dogs can safely chomp on the tough rubber, it's more than just a chew toy; you can also throw it for your dog and stuff it with treats.

    What You'll Love:
  • tough
  • range of sizes
  • stuffable
Our Budget Pick
Amazon
Nylabone PRO Action dog Bone Dental Chew Toy, Small
What Dogs Love:

The bacon flavor makes this Nylabone even more irresistible to chew on.

What Humans Love:

Even heavy chewers won't be able to destroy this tough chew toy, plus its ridges help scrape of plaque and reduce tartar build-up.

What You'll Love:
  • Helps clean teeth
  • Highly durable
  • Reasonably priced
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What Dogs Love:

The bacon flavor makes this Nylabone even more irresistible to chew on.

What Humans Love:

Even heavy chewers won't be able to destroy this tough chew toy, plus its ridges help scrape of plaque and reduce tartar build-up.

    What You'll Love:
  • Helps clean teeth
  • Highly durable
  • Reasonably priced
Our Most-Durable Pick
Chewy
West Paw Zogoflex Large Tux Tough Treat Dispensing Dog Chew Toy, Aqua Blue
What Dogs Love:

Not only is it fun to chew and play with, but this toy can also dispense treats.

What Humans Love:

It's virtually indestructible and even suited to determined chewers.

What You'll Love:
  • BPA-free
  • dishwasher safe
  • USA-made
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What Dogs Love:

Not only is it fun to chew and play with, but this toy can also dispense treats.

What Humans Love:

It's virtually indestructible and even suited to determined chewers.

    What You'll Love:
  • BPA-free
  • dishwasher safe
  • USA-made
The Bottom Line on Dog Chew Toys

All dogs have a natural urge to chew. Providing your dog with chew toys can help avoid or redirect problem chewing, giving your dog an outlet to chew without sacrificing your belongings. Some chew toys are designed just for chewing and nothing else, but you can find others that double as treat dispensing toys or fetch toys to throw for your dog. We’ve written a full guide to dog chew toys, which you should check out if you want to learn more about our top three or see some additional options.

The Bottom Line on Dog Chew Toys

All dogs have a natural urge to chew. Providing your dog with chew toys can help avoid or redirect problem chewing, giving your dog an outlet to chew without sacrificing your belongings. Some chew toys are designed just for chewing and nothing else, but you can find others that double as treat dispensing toys or fetch toys to throw for your dog. We’ve written a full guide to dog chew toys, which you should check out if you want to learn more about our top three or see some additional options.

Best Interactive Dog Toys

Interactive dog toys distract our pups from boredom, sate their curiosity, and boost their mental and physical abilities.

Our Top Pick
Chewy
West Paw Zogoflex Bumi Dog Toy, Granny Smith, Large
What Dogs Love:

Getting the full attention of their humans while they play tug together with this rugged toy.

What Humans Love:

This is an extremely well-made and durable dog toy that should last for years to come.

What You'll Love:
  • Fun
  • Floatable
  • BPA-Free
More Info
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What Dogs Love:

Getting the full attention of their humans while they play tug together with this rugged toy.

What Humans Love:

This is an extremely well-made and durable dog toy that should last for years to come.

    What You'll Love:
  • Fun
  • Floatable
  • BPA-Free
Our Budget Pick
Amazon
ZippyPaws – Woodland Friends Burrow, Interactive Squeaky Hide and Seek Plush Dog Toy – Chipmunks ‘n Log
What Dogs Love:

It's fun to search for the plush animals inside the hive, log, or similar.

What Humans Love:

This is a great toy to engage your dog's brain and offer some mental stimulation.

What You'll Love:
  • Challenging
  • Amusing
  • Whimsical
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What Dogs Love:

It's fun to search for the plush animals inside the hive, log, or similar.

What Humans Love:

This is a great toy to engage your dog's brain and offer some mental stimulation.

    What You'll Love:
  • Challenging
  • Amusing
  • Whimsical
Our Most-Durable Pick
Chewy
GoughNuts TuG Dog Toy, Black, MaXX
What Dogs Love:

This is the ideal toy for long games of tug, which many dogs enjoy immensely.

What Humans Love:

Even dogs who are tough on their toys won't be able to destroy this one easily.

What You'll Love:
  • Nearly Indestructible
  • Entertaining
  • Easy to Clean
Our Most-Durable Pick
More Info
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What Dogs Love:

This is the ideal toy for long games of tug, which many dogs enjoy immensely.

What Humans Love:

Even dogs who are tough on their toys won't be able to destroy this one easily.

    What You'll Love:
  • Nearly Indestructible
  • Entertaining
  • Easy to Clean
The Bottom Line on Interactive Dog Toys

The term “interactive dog toy” can be confusing, as it can either refer to toys that your dog can interact with alone (such as puzzle toys) or toys that you and your dog can use to interact together (such as tug toys). Both are perfectly valid options, but it’s important to choose the right type for the situation. If you are looking for a dog toy that your canine companion can interact with while you aren’t home, make sure it’s safe for unsupervised use. You can learn more about these toys and see some further recommendations in our longer guide to the best interactive dog toys.

The Bottom Line on Interactive Dog Toys

The term “interactive dog toy” can be confusing, as it can either refer to toys that your dog can interact with alone (such as puzzle toys) or toys that you and your dog can use to interact together (such as tug toys). Both are perfectly valid options, but it’s important to choose the right type for the situation. If you are looking for a dog toy that your canine companion can interact with while you aren’t home, make sure it’s safe for unsupervised use. You can learn more about these toys and see some further recommendations in our longer guide to the best interactive dog toys.

Best Dog Rope Toys

If you need a new toy to give your dog, or you’re just searching for a way to stop destructive chewing, try a rope toy

Our Top Pick
Amazon
Friends Forever Chewers Play Dog Rope Toy for Medium Dogs & Puppy, Teething, Tug War – Tough Dog Toys Set 7-Piece Assortment, Blue
What Dogs Love:

There is a wide range of rope toys in this set, giving dogs plenty to choose from.

What Humans Love:

These rope toys feel sturdier than many similar options and are great for small and medium dogs.

What You'll Love:
  • Made from natural cotton fibers
  • Non-toxic
  • Seven-piece set
More Info
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What Dogs Love:

There is a wide range of rope toys in this set, giving dogs plenty to choose from.

What Humans Love:

These rope toys feel sturdier than many similar options and are great for small and medium dogs.

    What You'll Love:
  • Made from natural cotton fibers
  • Non-toxic
  • Seven-piece set
Our Budget Pick
Chewy
Mammoth Cottonblend 3 Knot Dog Rope Toy, Color Varies, X-Large
What Dogs Love:

Even the small sizes are relatively long so they're great for two dogs to play tug together or one dog to play with a human pal.

What Humans Love:

Designed to "floss" dogs teeth while they chew so may improve oral hygiene.

What You'll Love:
  • Affordable
  • Multi-Knot Design
  • Sturdy
More Info
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What Dogs Love:

Even the small sizes are relatively long so they're great for two dogs to play tug together or one dog to play with a human pal.

What Humans Love:

Designed to "floss" dogs teeth while they chew so may improve oral hygiene.

    What You'll Love:
  • Affordable
  • Multi-Knot Design
  • Sturdy
Our Most-Durable Pick
Chewy
Otterly Pets Assorted Medium to Large Rope Dog Toys, 5 count
What Dogs Love:

Some toys in this set are great for solo play, whereas others are great for play with humans or other dogs, so there are plenty of choices.

What Humans Love:

These rope toys are tougher than most, so you can expect them to last.

What You'll Love:
  • Versatile
  • Tough
  • Fun
More Info
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What Dogs Love:

Some toys in this set are great for solo play, whereas others are great for play with humans or other dogs, so there are plenty of choices.

What Humans Love:

These rope toys are tougher than most, so you can expect them to last.

    What You'll Love:
  • Versatile
  • Tough
  • Fun
The Bottom Line on Dog Rope Toys

Dog rope toys might be fairly basic but they’re great additions to your dog’s toy collection. You can buy them in a range of shapes and sizes, from long double-ended tug ropes to rope balls. Often they come in sets containing various types of dog rope toys. They aren’t designed to be chewed on extensively, as they can come apart, so always supervise your dog while playing with rope toys. Our favorites are durable enough to be relied on and made from safe, non-toxic materials. To see more dog rope toys and more extensive reviews, head to our full guide to dog rope toys.

The Bottom Line on Dog Rope Toys

Dog rope toys might be fairly basic but they’re great additions to your dog’s toy collection. You can buy them in a range of shapes and sizes, from long double-ended tug ropes to rope balls. Often they come in sets containing various types of dog rope toys. They aren’t designed to be chewed on extensively, as they can come apart, so always supervise your dog while playing with rope toys. Our favorites are durable enough to be relied on and made from safe, non-toxic materials. To see more dog rope toys and more extensive reviews, head to our full guide to dog rope toys.

Best Automatic Dog Ball Launchers

Ball launchers keep your canine companions entertained while stimulating their mind and body.

Our Top Pick
Chewy
iFetch Too Automatic Ball Launcher Dog Toy
What Dogs Love:

Provides hours of fun for dogs who love playing fetch, with the ability to launch balls either 10, 25, or 40 feet.

What Humans Love:

Owners of energetic dogs can get a little bit of peace since this automatic ball launcher does the hard work.

What You'll Love:
  • Cord Or Battery Options
  • Three Launch Modes
  • Indoor/Outdoor
More Info
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What Dogs Love:

Provides hours of fun for dogs who love playing fetch, with the ability to launch balls either 10, 25, or 40 feet.

What Humans Love:

Owners of energetic dogs can get a little bit of peace since this automatic ball launcher does the hard work.

    What You'll Love:
  • Cord Or Battery Options
  • Three Launch Modes
  • Indoor/Outdoor
Our Budget Pick
Amazon
Hyper Pet K9 Kannon K2 Dog Ball Launcher Interactive Dog Toys (Load & Launch Tennis Balls for Dogs to Fetch) [Best Dog Ball Launcher Toys for Large, Medium & Small Dogs], Full Size, Model: 50252EA
What Dogs Love:

This launcher makes playing fetch with a human companion even more fun, since it can launch balls further and doesn't get tired.

What Humans Love:

While it might not be completely automatic, this ball launcher still makes it easier to play fetch with your canine companion.

What You'll Love:
  • Low cost
  • Compatible with standard tennis balls
  • Easy to use
More Info
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What Dogs Love:

This launcher makes playing fetch with a human companion even more fun, since it can launch balls further and doesn't get tired.

What Humans Love:

While it might not be completely automatic, this ball launcher still makes it easier to play fetch with your canine companion.

    What You'll Love:
  • Low cost
  • Compatible with standard tennis balls
  • Easy to use
Our Most-Durable Pick
Amazon
IDOGMATE Small Dog Ball Launcher,Automatic Dog Ball Thrower for Mini Dog (Small Machine with 3 Balls)
What Dogs Love:

Thanks to the four distance settings, you can safely use this automatic dog ball launcher in some indoor spaces, as well as outdoors.

What Humans Love:

If you can teach your dogs to replace their balls in the top section, they can play alone for hours.

What You'll Love:
  • Available in small and large sizes
  • Remote control operated
  • Rugged design
More Info
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What Dogs Love:

Thanks to the four distance settings, you can safely use this automatic dog ball launcher in some indoor spaces, as well as outdoors.

What Humans Love:

If you can teach your dogs to replace their balls in the top section, they can play alone for hours.

    What You'll Love:
  • Available in small and large sizes
  • Remote control operated
  • Rugged design
The Bottom Line on Automatic Dog Ball Launchers

Automatic dog ball launchers can be hit-or-miss, so it’s important to choose carefully. You can rely on any of our top choices, since we’ve chosen the models with the best reviews from existing users. Make sure your chosen automatic ball launcher is of an appropriate size for your dog. Large launchers tend to use standard-sized tennis balls, whereas small launchers use mini tennis balls of between 1 and 2 inches across. Our full guide to automatic dog ball launchers includes our other favorite models, plus more in-depth reviews.

The Bottom Line on Automatic Dog Ball Launchers

Automatic dog ball launchers can be hit-or-miss, so it’s important to choose carefully. You can rely on any of our top choices, since we’ve chosen the models with the best reviews from existing users. Make sure your chosen automatic ball launcher is of an appropriate size for your dog. Large launchers tend to use standard-sized tennis balls, whereas small launchers use mini tennis balls of between 1 and 2 inches across. Our full guide to automatic dog ball launchers includes our other favorite models, plus more in-depth reviews.

Finding the Best Dog Toys

It can seem challenging to find the best dog toys for your canine companion, particularly if you're not sure which types of toys your dog might enjoy best. Luckily, we at the AKC have done all the research so you don't have to. Any one of our top dog toys would be excellent for your four-legged friend.

Expert Tips

It's important to clean or sanitize dog toys regularly. To make this task easier, look out for plush toys that you can wash in the washing machine and hard toys that you can clean in a dishwasher.

Things to Know

It’s worth taking some time to consider which toy your dog will like best, but don’t let it overwhelm you. The majority of dog toys aren’t hugely expensive, so if your dog doesn’t love the one you choose, you won’t have wasted too much money (plus some manufacturers accept returns). Ideally, your dog should have a range of toys to satisfy different needs, such as treat-dispensing toys or puzzle toys for mental stimulation, and fetch toys for physical stimulation.

What to Look for in a Dog Toy

Some dogs are naturally more playful than others, but almost all dogs will enjoy playing with certain toys if you choose the right ones. Before buying, however, you should learn more about dog toys and what types of toys appeal to what sorts of dogs.

We have that information here to help you buy a safe and suitable toy for your canine companion.

Types of Dog Toys

The huge range of dog toys available is sometimes baffling, especially for first-time dog owners. Listed below are some of the most common types of dog toys, with additional information to help you make the right choice.

Plush Toys

Plush dog toys are usually stuffed, but you can find low- or no-stuffing options. Most also feature one or more squeakers. Many dogs like these toys because they simulate prey. However, they’re best for dogs with soft mouths who enjoy carrying toys around and gently mouthing them, but aren’t destructive with their toys. While reinforced, durable plush toys do exist, they won’t stand up to determined chewers. Always supervise a dog who likes to chew these toys because ingesting them can be dangerous.

Chew Toys

The vast majority of dogs can appreciate a chew toy, since dogs have a natural urge to chew. That said, some dogs, especially puppies, are more keen on chewing than others, and chew toys can redirect problem chewing. Common chew toy materials include rubber and nylon (such as Nylabone chews), but specially engineered, wood chew toys are becoming more popular.

Fetch Toys

Fetch toys encompass any toys designed to be thrown by a human and returned by a dog, mainly balls and flying discs. Active dogs generally love fetch toys and will play fetch with you until your arm gets too tired to go on. Be careful to use toys that are not so hard that they’ll damage your dog’s teeth.

Interactive Toys

Interactive toys are toys that your dog can interact with in a meaningful way. This includes, but isn’t limited to, puzzle toys and treat-dispensing toys. Interactive dog toys are perfect for intelligent dogs, particularly those who get bored and act out if they aren’t provided with ample mental stimulation. These toys also offer a fun way to provide treats during training sessions.

Tug Toys

If you want to play with your dog, a tug toy is a great option. Usually, you hold one end, your dog holds the other, and you tug it out until one of you wins, but two dogs can also play with a tug toy without a human. Tug is a game that you should initiate and manage, so it doesn’t lead to improper behavior. Make sure your dog will “drop” if told, and if he gets overstimulated end the game.

Size of Toys

It’s important to choose the correct size toy for your dog. If you choose a size that’s too large, it will be hard for your dog to carry and play with. Even worse is choosing a toy that’s too small, since it could pose a choking hazard. Some dog toy manufacturers list a recommended weight range for each size of toy, which is handy. If in doubt, choose a toy with a return policy, so you can send it back if it isn’t right.

Durability

Select a dog toy that’s durable enough for your dog, especially when dealing with strong, determined chewers. A toy may be the right size for your dog, but still not durable enough. Although no toy is truly indestructible, for a heavy chewer you should choose toys labeled “indestructible,” “tough,” or “durable.”

Safety

Choose dog toys that are the correct size and level of durability for your dog, and you’re already well on the way to having a safe dog toy. It’s also a good idea to buy a toy from a trusted brand that you know is free from toxic materials. Very cheap dog toys may be poorly made or contain materials that could be harmful to your dog, as can some of the most common toys such as tennis balls. To keep your dog safe, it’s always best to supervise play sessions.

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Frequently Asked Questions
What's the toughest dog toy?

If you're buying for a dog who can rip a toy to shreds in less time than in took you to take it out of the packaging, it's best to avoid plush toys. Stick to those made from the most heavy duty rubber or from hard materials, such as nylon.

Should dogs play with toys unsupervised?

This is a tough call because on one hand, you might want your dog to have some toys for entertainment when you're not home, but on the other hand, some toys can pose a choking hazard. You know your dog best, so use your discretion when allowing unsupervised play with toys.

What types of toys do dogs like best?

Dogs are individuals, so there's no simple answer to this. Active dogs often love balls and tug toys best, whereas inquisitive dogs may enjoy puzzle toys most of all. If you're unsure, pick a few different types of toys and see what your dog responds to.

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