Dogs need both physical and mental activity to stay happy. Toys are a simple way to keep dogs busy, give them exercise, and help stop unwanted behaviors like chewing on furniture or barking too much.
The right dog toy brings fun into your home. It can even help your pet relax when you’re not around.
Dog toys come in all shapes and sizes. Some are made for chewing, while others are perfect for fetch or tug-of-war.
Materials range from soft plush to tough rubber. Each has its own perks—some dogs love squeaky toys, while others need something that stands up to rough play or helps clean their teeth.
When picking out a toy, it’s important to think about material, durability, and size. Small toys can be a choking hazard for big dogs, while hard toys might be risky for puppies or dogs with sensitive teeth.
We checked out a wide range of dog toys, focusing on safety, how long they last, and whether dogs actually enjoy them.
Best Dog Toys
We’ve dug through reviews and tested a bunch to find the top toys for every kind of dog and play style. Here are sturdy, fun, and safe options that’ll keep your pet busy and happy.
Benebone Wishbone Bacon Chew
Pros
- Handles aggressive chewers with ease
- Real bacon flavor grabs dogs’ attention
- Curved design is easy for paws to grip
Cons
- Very hard—could damage weak teeth
- Edges can become sharp over time
- Not suitable for homes with peanut allergies
We noticed the bacon scent on this toy right away, and our dogs were quick to start chewing. The wishbone shape made it simple for them to hold on their own.
Several power chewers in our group managed to keep it going for weeks, which isn’t something we can say for most toys. Over time, it did start to show wear.
Once chewed down enough, some edges became sharp, so it’s important to check it often and replace as needed. The hardness means it’s best for dogs with healthy, strong teeth.
Anyone with a dog prone to dental issues should probably talk to their vet before giving this toy. While it doesn’t squeak or have bright colors, the flavor and scent hooked our dogs right away.
For us, it’s a solid option if you want to avoid mess but still entertain your strongest chewers. Those with food allergies should double-check the ingredients before trying this chew.
Multipet Lambchop Plush Dog Toy
Pros
- Extra soft and cuddly, perfect for gentle dogs
- Squeaks easily, which keeps most dogs entertained
- Nostalgic design is appealing to pet owners and dogs alike
Cons
- Not tough enough for power chewers
- Squeaker can become annoying if your dog loves it a bit too much
- Gets dirty quickly and needs regular cleaning
We find the Multipet Lambchop Plush Dog Toy to be a big hit with dogs that love soft, plush buddies. When we introduced it to our group, even picky pups were drawn to the familiar face and extra soft exterior.
The squeaker adds another layer of fun that kept our dogs coming back. This toy works best for dogs who like to hug, fetch, or carry soft toys, rather than rough chewers.
After a week of use, we noticed that heavy chewers could break the seams, so we recommend supervision, especially with excitable pets. Washing the Lambchop is simple, and the cute design makes it fit right into any home.
For gentle play and cuddling, we think this toy provides good value and a little bit of nostalgia for dog owners.
Benebone Chew Toy 4-Pack
Pros
- Holds up well to serious chewing
- Real flavors that dogs seem to love
- Four toys give us good value
Cons
- Some dogs might lose interest after a while
- Chewed ends can get sharp over time
- Not for dogs with nylon or protein allergies
We’ve tried a lot of chew toys and these Benebone chews are among the few that actually last for weeks. Even with active chewers in our pack, the toys haven’t broken or splintered.
The real bacon and fish flavors are a hit—our dogs sniff them out immediately and chew with focus. Getting four different shapes in this pack means we can see what keeps our dog’s attention the best.
We noticed the wishbone and fish bone shapes are especially popular. Having options also lets us swap out toys to keep things fresh.
After heavy chewing, some spots on these chews get rougher and sharp. We also have to watch for allergies, since the toys are made with real flavors like bacon and chicken mixed into the nylon.
Regular checks and switching out old toys help keep things safe. For dogs who chew through everything else, Benebone Chew Toy 4-Pack is a smart choice to try.
Fuufome Plush Squeaky Dog Toy
Pros
- Fun shape that encourages fetch and tug games
- Soft fabric that feels gentle in dogs’ mouths
- Squeaker keeps pets entertained longer
Cons
- Fabric and seams may not hold up to aggressive chewers
- Smaller than some owners expect
- Parts like eyes and tentacles are easy targets for chewing
We found the Fuufome Plush Squeaky Dog Toy to be lively and engaging for dogs that enjoy soft toys. The six floppy legs make it perfect for a game of tug-of-war.
The built-in squeaker adds even more excitement during playtime. Our pets seemed to love carrying it around and snuggling with its soft body after play.
Though the toy feels sturdy at first, it’s best suited for dogs that are gentle with their toys. Strong chewers will likely pull off parts or cause the seams to split in a short time.
The toy is machine washable, which makes cleaning up after energetic play simple. Repeated chewing on the fabric will eventually take its toll.
This toy’s cute look and comfortable feel make it appealing for most dogs, especially those who like to fetch and cuddle. It works well for small and medium breeds, but may be too small or not tough enough for bigger, strong-jawed dogs.
If you have a pup that’s gentle on their toys and needs a soft companion, this is worth considering.
Wobble Wag Giggle Ball
Pros
- Makes a fun sound that keeps most dogs interested
- No batteries required, so there’s nothing extra to buy or replace
- Easy for dogs to grab and carry because of the clutch pockets
Cons
- Some dogs may crack the ball if they play rough or herd it into hard things
- The noise can become overwhelming in small spaces or with very excited dogs
- Not all dogs react to the giggle sound
When we tried the Wobble Wag Giggle Ball, our dogs were instantly curious. The giggle noise got their attention, and they started batting it around right away.
The built-in clutch pockets made it simple for them to pick up and toss the ball. We’ve noticed this ball is especially good for dogs that love interactive play.
It rolls well indoors on hard floors and even better outside in the yard. The giggling sound doesn’t need batteries, so we didn’t have to worry about parts running out or breaking.
After some play sessions, we did see that a few of our stronger chewers could crack the ball if they got rough. The sound also gets intense if your dog plays with it for a long time in a small room, so we recommend keeping an eye on overstimulation.
Some dogs simply lost interest pretty fast, but most loved it and played for quite a while.
Buying Guide
When picking a dog toy, we always start with our dog’s size and chewing strength. If a toy’s too small or flimsy, it’s just not going to work—sometimes it’s even risky.
Material matters a lot. We make sure the toy’s made from safe, non-toxic stuff.
Rubber, rope, and tough plastic usually hold up. For gentler chewers, soft toys might be the way to go.
Dog toys all have their own thing going on. Some are for fetch, others for chewing, and a few just keep dogs busy. It really depends on what your dog’s into.
Here’s a quick reference table:
| Feature | What to Check |
|---|---|
| Size | Fit for our dog’s mouth |
| Material | Durable and non-toxic |
| Purpose | Chewing, fetching, or mental stimulation |
| Cleaning | Easy to wash or wipe off |
Cleaning is honestly something we think about, too. If a toy’s a pain to clean, it’s probably not worth it—dirty toys can cause health issues.
Safety is always at the top of our minds. We check for small parts or sharp edges, anything that might hurt our dogs.
Regularly looking over toys for damage just makes sense. It helps avoid any nasty surprises.
No toy is perfect for every dog. We try to match toys to our dog’s habits and quirks, hoping to find something safe and fun that actually lasts.