Common Eye Problems in Dogs and How to Treat Them
The 10 Best Dog Toys For Aggressive Chewers In 2025, Tested With Real Pups
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Some dogs like to gnaw more than others and go through toys pretty quickly. If your dog is a super chewer, we recommend giving them the best dog toys for aggressive chewers. There's no such thing as an indestructible dog toy, but the most durable toys will hold up longer than many options.
We spoke to veterinarians and dog trainers about dogs who are tough chewers, then researched and tested dozens of toys to make our recommendations. Our top pick is the Kong Extreme Tires toy, an extra tough rubber toy that our tester dogs chose to gnaw on time and again. Experts say fabric toys also have their place among tough chew toys. Our top stuffed toy pick, Kong Cozie Marvin the Moose, has two layers of durable fabric and minimal stuffing for less mess.
Whatever chew toy you give your dog, it's important to supervise them. Being aware of your dog's tendencies is key, says Dr. Kelly Ballantyne, a veterinary behaviorist at Insight Animal Behavior Services. Some dogs gobble up whatever they destroy, a dangerous habit that may result in serious medical emergencies due to intestinal blockage.
Read more about how Business Insider Reviews tests and researches pet products.
Our top picks for the best dog toys for aggressive chewersBest overall: Kong Extreme Tires - See at Chewy
Best plush: Kong Cozie Marvin the Moose - See at Chewy
Best chew: Petstages Dogwood Calming Chew - See at Chewy
Best interactive: Fable The Puffin Game - See at Chewy
Best ball: Chew King Supreme Rubber Ball - See at Amazon
Best bone: Spot Bam-Bones Plus - See at Chewy
Best for treats: Kong Extreme - See at Chewy
Best for tug: Kong Wubba - See at Chewy
Best rope: Pacific Pups Rescue 6-Knot Knotted Rope Toy - See at Chewy
Best subscription box: Bullymake - See at Bullymake
Best overall Kong Extreme TiresThe Kong Extreme Tires toy appeals to dogs in so many ways, whether they use it just for chewing or you fill it with food like peanut butter for an extra tasty treat.
Durability is vital when choosing the best dog toys for aggressive chewers, says Ivan Petersel, a professional dog trainer and founder of Dog Wizardry. Strong jaws can easily rip through materials like fabric, but a toy that's too hard can damage your dog's teeth. The Kong Extreme Tires toy is made of tough natural rubber that's still gentle on a dog's teeth and gums.
Sarah Saril, an Insider Reviews editor, says the Kong Extreme Tires satisfies the dog toy trifecta: It is interesting to her dogs, durable, and fillable with treats. "They gravitate to the interesting shape and little nooks and crannies of this one, even when not filled," she says. "Its shape also bounces well when thrown."
Sarah Saril/Business InsiderNo toy is completely chew-proof, but Saril couldn't even damage the Extreme Tires toy with a knife. It comes in two sizes, small for dogs up to 35 pounds and medium/large for dogs up to 65 pounds.
Best plush Kong Cozie Marvin the MooseThis cute, cuddly plush toy comes in three sizes and has minimal stuffing, making it an excellent pick for super chewers who love to rip and shred.
Like humans, dogs have individual preferences when it comes to texture. Some dogs prefer plush stuffed toys, whether to chew on, snuggle, or sink their teeth into them. Puppies, in particular, are often attracted to soft, plush toys, Petersel says.
If your super chewer is obsessed with stuffed toys, we recommend Marvin the Moose. The cuddly stuffed animal has an interior squeaker for more stimulating play. It has an extra layer of tough material and contains less filling than typical stuffed toys, so there's less mess to clean up when your dog eventually rips it to shreds.
Rachael Schultz/Business InsiderInsider Reviews freelance reporter Rachael Schultz introduced Marvin the Moose to her super chewer pup Croc who couldn't destroy it. "The material doesn't shed when she chews," she says. "She likes to carry this toy around and then gnash on him all over. I can tell she finds it a comfort toy — she likes to lay with it too." Not only has the toy survived Croc's powerful chewing, it held up when Schultz ran it through the washer, and she couldn't even pierce it with scissors.
Best chewWhile durability is an important concern for aggressive chewers, Ballantyne cautions against offering things like antlers or bones. "There's a really high risk of them breaking their teeth on those, especially if they're a really aggressive chewer," she says. Real wood sticks also pose a risk and can get stuck between a dog's teeth or the roof of their mouth, sometimes even damaging the intestinal tract, she adds.
However, your dog might find the next best thing with Petstages Dogwood Calming Chews. Made with composite hemp and wood, they're a safe alternative to branches and sticks that can splinter. Plus, these toys float, which is great for dogs who love water play.
Christy Caplan/Busines InsiderInsider Reviews freelance reporter Christy Caplan gives these chews to her stick-loving basset hound, Herschel. While real sticks will always be his first choice, she says he loves the Dogwood Calming Chews. They are soft enough for safe chewing and made of natural wood, so you will see immediate wear and tear but without dangerous splinters and pieces. For the most aggressive chewers like Herschel, you can expect a stick to last five to six chew sessions.
Best interactive Fable The Puffin GameFable's The Game is a super durable food-dispensing toy with an adjustable difficulty level.
"Puzzle toys are beneficial for the dogs who like them because they satisfy the innate need to work, have purpose, and solve problems," says Patrick Flynn, a professional dog trainer and founder of Patrick's Pet Care. He adds that puzzle toys can also help slow down eaters who scarf down their food too quickly.
The Puffin Game provides all these benefits, making it one of the best dog puzzle toys overall. It is oval-shaped but with a tapered top. Unscrew the top and bottom pieces and fill it with up to 1.5 cups of dry food or treats. The toy's weighted base keeps it upright while lending itself to a bobbing movement.
Lisa Sabatini/Business InsiderLisa Sabatini, Insider Reviews senior pets editor, sometimes feeds her dog Homer with The Puffin Game. He occasionally bites at it but hasn't damaged it. She also likes the less expensive Kong Wobbler, but Homer has gnawed at the toy's plastic exterior, leaving scrapes that collect grime and are difficult to clean. While Puffin The Game is the most durable treat dispenser we've tested, it's still important to supervise super chewers with this toy because it has separate interior components.
Best ballMany dogs can't resist chasing balls, and the Chew King Supreme is a tough one that stands up to strong jaws. It held up to indoor and outdoor play, and the rubber was impenetrable. Saril says the ball has great bounce and great throw ability. "Since it's a little weighty though, you'll wanna be careful not to hit your pups when throwing," she says.
Sarah Saril/Business InsiderThe textured rubber makes it easy for both humans and dogs to grip. Saril likes that it didn't get slippery during play. "My fetch-loving dogs engage with it very well, and my dog that likes to chew at seams and tear toys enjoys trying to nibble off the texture," Saril says.
Even better, it comes in three sizes, ranging from 2.5 inches to 4 inches in diameter. Ballantyne points out that when you give a large breed dog a small toy, there's a risk that they may swallow it.
Best bone Spot Bam-Bones PlusThis bone is uniquely shaped and has different textures to keep dogs interested.
The Spot Bam-Bones is made of nylon and bamboo, a safe choice for dogs who love to chew. The toy's T-shaped ridged design and flavor are also extra enticing. "I've been trying to determine why he likes this chew so much," Caplan says of her dog Herschel. "The ridges must be a nice chewing texture. He does love everything chicken so perhaps it's the flavor of this chew." It's also available in peanut butter and beef flavors.
Christy Caplan/Business InsiderWhile hard nylon-only toys tend to be the sturdiest of the bunch, Quest says you should always be able to indent a toy with your fingernail. That's why we chose the Bam-Bones with its softer texture. Keep in mind that this means it will also wear down faster.
Best for treats Kong ExtremeThis super-chewer version of the Kong Classic has plenty of room for treats like peanut butter and yogurt.
Pet experts frequently recommend toys from Kong, a brand that makes some of the toughest chew toys for dogs. The Extreme has the same design as the Kong Classic many people know and love but with a souped-up, heavy-duty rubber made to withstand the toughest chewers.
The bobble-shaped toy is also a great introductory food puzzle that dogs can enjoy chewing long after emptying it of treats. You can fill it with peanut butter, the best dog treats, kibble, or the brand's Easy Treats. Saril's dogs engage with the Kong whenever it's filled with treats, but she says it's not the best option for other play. Its large size and unusual shape makes it difficult for a dog to hold onto for regular old chewing. For that, we recommend our best overall pick, the Kong Extreme Tires.
Sarah Saril/Business InsiderWhen opting for a food toy like a Kong, Petersel says you'll want to be sure the toy is the appropriate size. Make sure the biggest part of the toy can't make it to the back of your dog's mouth. Kong brand has a handy sizing chart to help you choose the right size for your dog.
Best tug toy Kong WubbaThe Kong Wubba isn't for constant gnawing, but its ballistic nylon exterior is tough enough for playing tug with a super chewer.
The Wubba isn't a chew toy, but it's a super tough toy for games of tug. It also works well for fetch. The Wubba comprises two balls wrapped in durable ballistic nylon with reinforced stitching for added longevity. One of the balls squeaks, and the other has plenty of bounce. Strips of nylon extend from the bottom.
"We're obsessed with this toy!" Schultz says. The fabric strips are ideal for human holding and gripping during tug, and the weight of the balls makes it easy to throw. Schultz's dog Croc also likes to play with the Wubba solo, grabbing the strips and flailing the toy around or chomping away at the top.
Rachael Schultz/Business InsiderBy paying attention to what your dog likes, whether a game of tug or fetch, you can find the right toys to keep them busy and happy, Flynn says. Ultimately, that might mean caring a bit less about whether a toy lasts for months on end. Still, this toy is very durable. "After four weeks with the level of aggressive she plays with this thing (tug, flailing, chewing), any other toy would be way closer to the garbage bin," Schultz says.
Best ropeThe Pacific Pups Rescue Knotted Rope Toy is great for interactive play, and the 42-inch long-size XXL rope is ideal for large dogs and multi-dog play. Saril says the knots are tight and much firmer than other ropes, but it has more give than our runner-up: the Mammoth Cottonblend 3 Knot Dog Rope.
One of her dogs damaged the fibers a bit, but Saril says that may be less of a problem than with other ropes because there are more knots holding it together. If you're looking for a smaller rope, Pacific Pups also makes a 23.5-inch rope, and Mammoth ropes come in a range of smaller sizes.
Sarah Saril/Business InsiderAs with any rope and fabric toy, make sure to closely supervise your aggressive chewer to ensure they're not ingesting any fibers while playing. If you spot your dog munching on rope pieces, Ballantyne recommends making a trade instead of taking the toy away outright. "A lot of dogs will develop resource guarding because things keep getting taken away from them," she says. "A really easy way to prevent this from happening is to make sure they trade up for something like a treat."
Best subscription box Bullymake SubscriptionTough chewers will meet their match with this box that features the sturdiest toys around.
One way to maintain a steady supply of the best dog toys for aggressive chewers is to sign up for a subscription box. The Bullymake box is specifically for dogs who tend to destroy everything as soon as they get their jaws on it.
Sophia Carlisle/Business InsiderEach monthly box includes two to three toys and three packages of treats. Examples of toys that might show up at your doorstep include chew, puzzle, and tug toys made from strong materials like nylon, rubber, and rope.
Read more about Bullymake in our guide to the best dog subscription boxes.
What to look for in dog toys for aggressive chewersWhen you're shopping for the best dog toys for aggressive chewers, here's what our experts say to keep in mind:
Safety: Above all, a quality toy should be safe. When it comes to the best dog toys for chewing, Quest says you should be able to make an indentation in its material if you press it with your fingernail. If the toy doesn't indent, it's probably too hard and could damage your dog's teeth. Ballantyne recommends toys made of dense rubber for super chewers, but remember that almost anything can break into tiny, potentially ingestible pieces.
Durability: The toughest chew toys should withstand the strength of an aggressive chewer's jaws. However, Flynn says indulging your dog's penchant for ripping apart toys is also OK if you provide direct supervision.
Size: You'll want to look at a toy's sizing guidelines to ensure it's the appropriate size for your dog. If a toy is too small, your dog is at risk of swallowing it, which could create an intestinal blockage and be fatal. If you're unsure a toy is the right size for your dog, your vet can provide guidance.
Materials: Ballantyne recommends materials like rubber when purchasing toys for a super chewer. If you're looking for soft toys, extra-durable options typically have two layers of fabric and reinforced seams. Different dogs may appreciate different textures, so it can be beneficial to mix things up, Petersel says.
How we tested the best dog toys for aggressive chewersWhen putting together our picks for the toughest chew toys, we based our selections on a combination of testing and the advice of the veterinarians and professional dog trainers we interviewed. Not only have we watched our dogs interact with these toys over several weeks or even years, we have also put the toys through the wringer ourselves. We stomped on toys meant for tossing and rough play and attempted to puncture toys with kitchen utensils. During all of this, we observed whether any parts of the toy could pose safety issues.
Dog toys for aggressive chewers FAQs What is the best dog toy for a heavy chewer?The Kong Extreme line of toys is a good place to start if you're looking for the toughest chew toys for dogs. These durable rubber toys are for strong chewers and lengthy chew sessions. No toy is completely indestructible. However, our experts say rubber toys like those from Kong's Extreme line are typically very durable and safe for a dog's teeth and gums.
What material is best for aggressive chewers?Ballantyne says toys made of dense rubber are ideal for super chewers. However, she says some dogs get a kick out of ripping up plush toys. If that's the case, you'll need constant supervision while they tear it to shreds.
What do you give an aggressive chewer?It's essential to provide safe toys that don't pose a risk of ingestion or damage to teeth, but it's also crucial to satisfy your dog's personal preferences, Petersel says. If you give your dog a durable toy that it finds ultra-boring, it might opt to chew inappropriate items. The bottom line is that the perfect chew toy depends on your dog's personality, Ballantyne says. For example, if your dog loves to chew for long periods but tends to ingest pieces of whatever they're gnawing on, giving them an edible chew might be a safer alternative than synthetic toys.
Why does my dog aggressively chew toys?Inappropriate chewing might be due to boredom or anxiety, but your dog might just think it's fun. It's natural for dogs to chew things, but some dogs are more into chewing than others. Ultimately, aggressive chewing is only a problem if your dog is chewing on things they shouldn't, like furniture and shoes.
Steph Coelho
Freelance Writer
Lisa Sabatini
Senior Editor, Pets
Lisa Sabatini is a pet expert who has edited over 100 buying guides for dog, cat, and small animal products over the last four years at Business Insider. ExperienceLisa is the senior pets editor for the Reviews team at Business Insider. Her main focus is on providing readers with trustworthy product recommendations for their pets, from food to training accessories. Since joining the team in 2020, Lisa has also overseen the team's coverage of parenting and home products. As a freelance developmental editor and copyeditor for publisher Callisto, Lisa previously worked on dog training books for young readers. She began her journalism career at The Wall Street Journal and was also an editor at the parenting website Scary Mommy. Why you can trust LisaAt Business Insider, Lisa oversees all aspects of pet products coverage, from buying guide conception and planning through final edits and publication. She consults with veterinarians to ensure buying guides meet the highest standards for animal health and welfare. Alongside reporters, Lisa designs meticulous research and testing methodologies. For example, for Business Insider's guide to the best airline-approved cat carriers, two reporters tested 26 popular carriers. Not only were the carriers tested on walks, but reporters also dropped them from 10 feet (no cats were involved!) and smeared them with cat food to see which ones held up best. Lisa moderated the 2022 SXSW panel "Pet Tech and the Changing Pet-Owner Relationship." The panel included leaders in pet technology, nutrition, and health who discussed trends around how people care for their pets and how these trends have influenced the growing pet products market.Over the past decade, Lisa has adopted two untrained shelter dogs and has had the privilege of caring for them through their senior years. In this time, she's enjoyed bonding with them using positive rewards-based dog training.ExpertiseLisa has expertise in the following pet product categories:The 19 Best Dog Toys In 2024, Tested With Real Pups
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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.
For this guide, we tested dozens of toys, from chew toys to puzzles and everything in between, to keep dogs from getting bored. 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.
Our top picks for the best dog toysBest overall: Kong Classic - See at Chewy
Best easy puzzle: Outward Hound Hide N' Slide - See at Chewy
Best hard puzzle: Outward Hound Casino - See at Chewy
Best chew toy: Petsages Calming Dog Chew - See at Chewy
Best for aggressive chewers: Goughnuts .75 Black Ring Pro 50 - See at Amazon
Best for puppies: West Paw Zogoflex Toppl - See at Chewy
Best for small dogs: GoDog Dinos Bruto Plush Toy - See at Amazon
Best for large dogs: Jolly Pets Teaser Ball - See at Chewy
Best interactive: Outward Hound Hide-A-Squirrel - See at Chewy
Best for chase: Outward Hound Tail Teaser - See at Chewy
Best treat ball: Starmark Treat Dispensing Chew Ball - See at Chewy
Best squeaky ball: Hartz Dura Play Ball - See at Chewy
Best crinkle: Playology Crinkle Disc - See at Chewy
Best plush: Kong Cozie Marvin the Moose - See at Chewy
Best for fetch: Chuckit! Sport Launcher - See at Chewy
Best disc: Kong Flyer - See at Chewy
Best tug toy: Kong Wubba - See at Chewy
Best treat dispenser: Kong Wobbler - See at Chewy
Best subscription: PupJoy - See at PupJoy
Best overall Kong Classic Dog ToyThe Kong Classic addresses a variety of dogs' needs: It is a durable chew and fetch toy plus a food dispenser.
What we likeThe Kong Classic is a time-tested favorite among our editors and writers. 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 Julie Burgess, a certified professional dog trainer and veterinary technician.
Read our full Kong Classic review.
Best easy puzzle What we likeIt'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," Burgess says.
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.
Best hard puzzle What we likeSinn 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 Outward Hound dog puzzles review.
Best chew toy What we likeOur 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, Sinn says. 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," Sinn says. That's why it's essential to supervise your pet even with the best chew toys for dogs, especially when introducing new ones.
Best for aggressive chewers What we likeChewing 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.
Best for puppies West Paw Zogoflex TopplThe soft yet durable Toppl can be stuffed full of food and treats for a long-lasting chew session.
What we likeWhen 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 the best dog treats or one of the best puppy foods, 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.
Best for small dogs What we likeAvoiding 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.
Best for large dogs Jolly Pets Teaser BallThis toy has a unique ball-inside-ball design that allows it to roll around erratically, attracting the attention of curious dogs.
What we likeSinn 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.
Best interactive What we likeThis 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," Sinn says. For example, working breeds, like shepherds and retrievers, might take to puzzle toys more quickly than others. Personality plays a role, too, Sinn says. 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.
Best for chase Outward Hound Tail TeaserMore than a glorified cat toy, Outward Hound's Tail Teaser Dog Flirt Pole Toy is an interactive teaser toy that is good for training and energy-filled play sessions.
What we likeDiscovering 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, Burgess says.
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 Outward Hound Tail Teaser review.
Best treat ball What we likeDid 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.
Best squeaky ball Hartz Dura Play BallThis bacon-scented ball is an enticing, inexpensive toy for playful pups and eager chewers.
What we likeThe 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," Sinn says. Just be careful to avoid these toys with dogs likely to ingest squeakers.
Best crinkle What we likeIf 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.
Best plush Kong Cozie Marvin the MooseThis cute, cuddly plush toy comes in three sizes and has minimal stuffing, making it an excellent pick for super chewers who love to rip and shred.
What we likeSinn 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.
Best for fetch What we likeFetch 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.
Best disc What we likeBuying toys from well-known brands is one way to keep your pet safe, Sinn says. There's no regulatory safety board for dog toys, so opting for toys from reputable, reliable companies is a good idea. According to Sinn, 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.
Best tug toy Kong WubbaThe Kong Wubba isn't for constant gnawing, but its ballistic nylon exterior is tough enough for playing tug with a super chewer.
What we likeMany dogs, including our furry testers, enjoy a good game of tug. As with any toy, Sinn says it's a good idea to make sure you're around when introducing a tug toy to ensure it's safe to use and that pieces don't break off.
That's why we love this toy. Its tough nylon weave means it's less likely to fray and fall apart, and the unique design with a ball incorporated makes playtime more enjoyable.
Best treat dispenser Kong WobblerThe Wobbler is a simple bobbing food dispenser that's easy to fill and clean.
What we like
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