Best Dog Toys [Updated in 2024] | Pupford

Looking for the best dog toys for your good boy or girl? Wondering what toy you can buy without having to replace a week later? Just in the mood to read about dog toys?

Whatever you’re looking for, we’ve got the answer.

We get a lot of questions about the different types of dog toys and which ones are the best from pup parents like you, so today we’re going to share those answers.

Before we get started, we want to get an idea of everyone's dog toy habits ⤵️

Different Types of Dog Toys

Before we get into what the best dog toys are, we want to touch a little bit on the different types of toys. Based on your dog’s breed, size, and personality, some types of toys will be better choices than others.

Related Reading: Are Laser Pointers Bad for Dogs?

Tug Toys

A rope tug toy is a great option for redirecting biting/chewing behaviors and mimicking your pup’s natural style of playing.

You just have to check these toys periodically to make sure rope pieces aren’t coming off so your dog doesn’t swallow them. You can also find more durable options, like a fire hose tug toy.

Plush Toys

Soft plush toys are gently on the mouth and absorb scents, so often your dog forms bonds with them.

While it’s super cute to watch them snuggle up with their stuffed friend, be sure to check regularly for tears and shreds.

Toys with Squeakers/Noise

Aside from eliciting the ever-popular head tilt, a squeaky/talking toy keeps your pup’s attention. Since they mimic the sounds of wild prey, they are a great choice for breeds that are hunters by nature.

Most dogs love squeaky toys!

Hard Toys

Toys like Nylabones are more durable options and are great for soothing sore gums during teething.

If your dog tends to destroy plush or soft toys, this might be a good option to try.

Some dogs even love wood chew toys.

Related Reading: 11 Ways to Clean Dog Teeth Without Brushing

Kongs

Kongs are a fan favorite because they are durable and their irregular shape and hollow opening make them a continuous source of unpredictable fun (especially when you use one of our favorite kong recipes).

Brain Engagement Toys

Some toys provide both physical and mental exercise for dogs.

We love dog puzzles, enrichment toys, snuffle mats, and lick mats for getting the brain going. And flirt poles are a rare type of toy that can provide both physical AND mental exercise at the same time! 🙌

Treat Dispensing Toys

These also provide great mental exercise and fight off your dog's boredom.

Just be sure to fill with low-calorie treats so you can maintain a healthy caloric intake for your dog.

Puppy Teething Toys

Ahh, the puppy teething phase is REAL and challenging! These ultra-durable toys are designed with textures and freezable materials that soothe sore gums and give your puppy a productive chewing experience, minimizing destructive teething.

Fetch Toys

For a dog that loves running and fetching, you can't go wrong with a good ball or frisbee! Be sure to try out a Chuck-It to save your arm if your pup loves to fetch.

Recap of Dog Toy Types

Depending on your dog’s needs, it’s best to have a mix of different types of toys.

Make sure they have at least one toy that engages their brain, one that provides comfort, and others that fit their play style and personality.

Best Dog Toys

There are a ton of great dog toys out there, so narrowing down the top was tough.

If we left out a toy that your dog loves, tell us in the comments section. We’d love to hear all about your pup’s favorites!

But for now, here are ten of our favorites (in no particular order):

The Classic Kong -- this is a tried and true favorite for many pups because of its durable rubber and erratic bounce that gives an element of surprise to playtime.

Outward Hound’s Hide-A-Squirrel Toy -- this toy combines the comfort of a plush toy with the fun of having to find the squirrels within the (plush) tree trunk! This toy comes in a variety of sizes so it’s suitable for all breeds.

Pupford Pure Focus Lick Mat -- entertain your pup and ease anxiety during grooming/bathing with a fun way to give them a treat and keep them busy.

OurPets IQ Treat Ball -- this simple treat dispensing toy is adjustable, so you can control how easy it is for your dog to get the treats out. It’s available in two sizes to keep dogs of all sizes busy for hours.

SmartPetLov Snuggle Puppy -- this toy is considered a behavioral aid toy, and it’s a must-have for anxious dogs! It’s soft, snuggly, and has a pulsing “heartbeat” that gives your dog the comforting sense of being with someone else.

Pupford Snuffle Mat -- another boredom buster! Watch your pup get some brain (and nose) exercise by searching for treats amidst an abundance of (machine washable) fabric folds.

PetSafe Pogo Plush Toy -- this toy is plush, but stuffing free. If your dog has a tendency to rip plush toys, this is a great way to make sure they don’t ingest any filling!

Trixie Mad Scientist Turn Around Interactive Toy -- this is an advanced puzzle toy, but it’s very well-reviewed. If your dog is new to puzzles, you can start with a simple homemade puzzle (here are more mental exercise ideas) and work your way up to this.

Pupford Tug Toy -- this multi-purpose toy helps redirect chewing and biting during training and play. What’s even better is its added value -- it’s sold as a bundle pack with a long lead and training treats.

Sodapup Enrichment Toys -- these toys are perfect for stuffing your dog's favorite spreads, treats, and sometimes chews. These are easy-to-use brain games that helps exercise your dog's mind and keep them busy!

Nylabone Play Toys -- this line of toys is very durable. There are options for playing in the water, on land, and everything in between. We personally love the Crazy Ball because, let’s face it, watching your dog chase around an unpredictable toy is entertaining for both the dogs AND the humans.

Fire Hose Tug Toy -- made from strong durable material that can withstand tug from even the strongest dogs, plus it has handles!

Important Note: We’re not responsible for any damage done to your credit card after reading this article 😉

We are, however, super interested in hearing about your dog’s experiences with any of the toys we mentioned, so be sure to share in the comments.

Safety & Dog Toys

While we love toys that keep our dogs busy, remember that dogs shouldn’t be left unsupervised with new toys or toys that can be easily torn or broken into pieces.

Be sure to keep an eye on your pup during independent play.

If you do need to leave your dog unattended, make sure to leave them with a dog chew, since that’s designed to be safely chewed for long periods of time.

Recap of Best Dog Toy Options

At the end of the dog day... the best dog toy really depends on your dog's preference!

So, try out a few different toys and see what your pup loves most.

Be sure to check out our Snuffle Mats & Pure Focus Lick Mats for some good brain toys for your pup!