10 Best Dog Toys & Teething Chews for the Family Pet in 2024
Ana
We know your fur baby is basically your child. Along with getting them the best treats and providing them with tons of cuddles, you also should be providing them with physical exercise and mental stimulation. Both of these can be achieved by providing your pup with fun toys. We would rather you spend more time bonding with your dog than deciding on the best toy, so we created a list to help narrow your search. All of the toys on this list will prevent your dog from being bored and will provide them with physical exercise and challenge them intellectually. Whether it is a bone, ball or stuffed animal these toys will help your dog live a happier and healthier life.
In a Hurry? The test winner after 52 hrs of research
Multiple toys in one
The puzzle aspect keeps your dog entertained
The squirrels are squeaky
Available in multiple sizes
10 Best Dog Toys & Teething Chews Reviewed
1. Outward Hound Hide-A-Squirrel
Multiple toys in one
The puzzle aspect keeps your dog entertained
The squirrels are squeaky
Available in multiple sizes
Squirrels come apart at the seams
The Outward Hound Hide-a-Squirrel and Puzzle Plush can be utilized in several ways, which makes it an excellent value. Dogs can get bored with toys, but this one can do many different things, which will keep your dog’s attention.
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Outward Hound Hide-a-Squirrel and Puzzle Plush will entertain your dog in multiple ways. You can hide the squirrels in the trunk, and your dog will enjoy sniffing them out. The squirrels themselves are squeaky toys and are fun on their own.
Physical Development
Outward Hound Hide-a-Squirrel and Puzzle Plush provide your dog with intellectual stimulation through the puzzle element. Hiding the squirrels in the trunk give your dog work, which many dogs need to stay mentally healthy and well behaved. The squirrels themselves are squeaky, which appeals to your dog’s hunting sensibility. They may also see the squirrels as a cuddly new friend.
Compatability
Let your dog play with them or toss the squirrels to your dog for a game of catch. This sturdy toy set will keep your dog’s attention for hours.
2. Chuckit! Ultra Ball
SturdyNon-toxic
Easily cleaned
Available in multiple sizes
High bounce
Color fades with use
Dogs love to play and need exercise, and the Chuckit! Ultra Ball provides both. They are sturdier than tennis balls and hold up well under intense use. Their bounciness makes them a fun addition to your dog’s toy box.
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The Chuckit! Ultra Ball is a sturdy version of a classic toy. Made of bouncy rubber, the Chuckit! Ultra Ball is the perfect choice for a game of catch with your dog. It’s non-toxic, so it won’t hurt your pup, and it’s easily cleaned for those times when the ball ends up in the mud.
Physical Development
The Ultra Ball can be used to provide your dog with much-needed exercise, which is vital for your dog’s health and wellbeing. The balls themselves are brightly colored, which keeps your dog’s attention. Since they’re non-toxic, they can be chewed on under supervision. They have a high bounce, which can add variety to your game of catch. The rubber surface can be cleaned and sanitized so your dog stays healthy.
Compatability
The Chuckit! Ultra Ball comes in three sizes, so you find the perfect one for your dog breed. It’s also sturdy, giving you and your dog hours of playtime.
3. ZippyPaws Burrow Squeaky
Set of three red bird dog toys
Each bird has a squeaker inside
Construction from dog-friendly materials
Great replacement for busy borrow logs
Alleviates boredom with busy play time
Only suited for small dogs, mini-sized birds
The fabric is not moisture proof, stays damp for long periods of time
These little birds are great for keeping a small dog busy. With three of them being in the set, they are able to see one and play with it then see the next and get excited and start playing with that one. It is really fun to see their excitement once they realize there are several of the same toys.
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When your dog needs both mental and physical stimulation, packs of toys like this one are ideal. Each set includes three stuffed bird toys. Inside each of the bird toys, there is a squeaker. The sizes of these birds are rather small and are best suited from smaller dogs. They are made from a fabric material that is dog-friendly and well-sewn to help prevent your dog from ripping them apart. This set of birds can also be used with a burrow log
Physical Development
There is nothing worse than a hard-to-deal-with, fidgety and anxious dog. Providing them with toys that keep them busy and mentally stimulated is a great way to prevent this. It gives them a way to work out their nervous energy making them a lot easier to handle and more obedient.
Compatability
The log is sold separately and allows a completely interactive experience when the birds are stuffed inside the log. When the dogs are playing with this set of birds, it is best that they are supervised. If you are looking for lots of fun for your dog without having to play with them, this set of birds are great squeaky toys for little dogs.
4. Benebone Real Flavor Wishbone
Real bacon flavor
Easy to hold
Sturdy
Appropriate for aggressive chewers
Requires supervision
The Benebone Flavored Wishbone Chew Toy has real bacon flavor, which will attract and entice your pup. This sturdy toy holds up well, even with the toughest of chewers.
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Benebone Flavored Wishbone Chew Toy is designed for optimum flavor. It’s infused with 100% real bacon flavor which appeals to your dog’s sense of smell.
Physical Development
The Benebone Flavored Wishbone Chew Toy provides your dog with a positive outlet for chewing. Chewing on this toy will help keep their teeth and gums clean. It also keeps them occupied, which is important for positive behavior. Keeping them positively occupied prevents boredom and acting out.
Compatability
This will keep your dog chewing on it for hours. It’s also designed for your dog to be able to hold easily. These chews are sturdy enough for aggressive chewers.
5. Washable Cotton Rope
Ropes are non-toxic and sturdy
Will clean teeth and relieve gum pain
Great for all breeds
Reduces destructive chewing
Some reviewers feel the ropes could be longer
Priced just under ten dollars we find this set to be highly affordable as it includes 5 non-toxic toys that are highly durable. The toys will provide hours of fun while also cleaning your dog’s teeth and relieve any gum pain.
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Encourage your dog to chew on things other than your furniture or shoes with this bundle of dog toys. This bundle includes four different rope toys and one ball. All of the toys are made of a non-toxic tight multi-colored cotton rope. The ropes vary in length making this a perfect set for all breeds.
Physical Development
Each piece can be thrown in the wash so you can easily allow your dog to enjoy these toys indoors or outdoors. The toys are lightweight, thus making it easy for your dog to pick them up and run around the yard.
Compatability
Not only will these chew toys provide hours of fun but they will also clean your dog's teeth and relieve any pain of inflamed gums in puppies who are teething. Using the ropes to play tug of war will strengthen the bond between you and your dog. The cotton material is wound tightly to ensure that these ropes survive several tug-of-war and sessions.
6. IQ Treat Ball
Slows your dog’s eating
Adjustable difficulty levels
Comes apart for cleaning
Can use with any dry treat
Can be loud on hard floors
Requires supervision
The OurPets IQ Treat Ball Interactive Food Dispensing Dog Toy gives your dog a challenge, keeping him mentally stimulated. It has adjustable difficulty levels so you can tailor it to your dog’s needs. It provides play and keeps your dog mentally sharp.
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The OurPets IQ Treat Ball Interactive Food Dispensing Dog Toy will make your dog work for his food, and that’s a good thing. If your dog gulps his food quickly or needs more stimulation, this toy will keep their attention. Put your dog’s kibble in the ball, then give them the ball to play with.
Physical Development
As the ball rolls, kibble spills out. You can adjust the difficulty level of the ball according to your dog’s needs. The ball comes apart for easy cleaning.
Compatability
Many dogs get bored if they’re not given “work,” and your dog will work to get his food with this toy. It provides mental stimulation for your pup as he works to get his food out of the ball. It also slows down eating if your dog gulps his food, assisting with good digestion. It also provides an opportunity to play for your pup.
7. Hyper Pet Flippy Flopper
Designed with a high durability & to be safe on your pups teeth
Provides your dog with exercise
Floats on water
Bright colors make them easy to spot
Some reviewers feel these frisbees are expensive
Spring, Summer, Fall, or winter these dog frisbees are great all year long!
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Playing frisbee with your pup will provide them with the mental stimulation they need to be social with other humans and animals. Not to mention their bond with you will grow stronger. The bright colors of the toys will make it easy for both you and your dog to spot them.
Physical Development
Chasing after the frisbee will keep your dog healthy as it allows them to get in plenty of exercises. Playing regularly will build up your dog’s strength and endurance. Your dog isn’t the only one who will benefit from playing with the flippy flopper. Throwing the frisbee will increase your fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. It’s easy to throw, thus people of all ages can play with their pets.
Compatability
The lightweight buoyant material gives each frisbee the ability to float in the water. Not to mention each one is highly durable and designed to withstand countless games of frisbee. Furthermore, the soft material is gentle and safe on their teeth. The nylon material can easily be wiped clean after a day spent playing frisbee. With your purchase, you will receive two frisbees of varying colors.
8. MultiPet Duckworth Duck Large 13
Bright color
Squeaks
Durable
Large size
Requires supervision
The Duckworth Large Duck Dog Toy is large and plush, making it perfect for snuggling. It’s also a great size for a catch, and the squeaker makes it even more appealing for your pup.
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The Duckworth Large Duck Dog Toy makes a cozy companion for your dog. The plush is the perfect size for just about any dog. It’s brightly colored and it squeaks, keeping your dog intrigued.
Physical Development
If your dog gets lonely, this toy is a great companion. It keeps your dog positively occupied and gives him a cuddly friend. It’s also great for a game of catch, with its bright colors and large size. This toy will help keep your dog busy for hours. It’s durable, so it will withstand your dog's loving attention.
Compatability
It’s durable, making it a long-lasting friend for your pup. It’s the perfect size for cuddling or for playing a game of catch.
9. KONG Extreme
Cleans teeth and soothes gums
Reduces separation anxiety and boredom
Available for all types of chewers
Allows owner to stuff toy with treats
Made in the USA
Some reviewers experienced their dog being able to easily chew through it
Young, old, big, or small, Kong has created a chew toy for the dog in your life.
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Provide your dog with a fun challenge and fill the inside of the kong with a treat. Providing your dog with a chew toy will reduce their levels of separation anxiety. Furthermore, it will also prevent them from being bored and will keep them from chewing your things.
Physical Development
Not only will this toy provide your dog with hours of fun, but it will also clean their teeth and soothe gums. The rubber material will satisfy determined chewers while the bounce encourages them to play. The unpredictable bounce makes every game of fetch entertaining for your pup.
Compatability
While this all black dog toy is for power chewers, Kong creates them for other types of chewers as well. The pink and blue ones are designed for beginning chewers, the purple is for aging chewers, and the red is for average chewers. Puppies are typically beginner chewers and Senior dogs typically love the purple toy for aging chewers. If you’re unsure what type of chewer your dog is, you can always look at the weight description for each toy. When in doubt, size up just to be safe. Not only is the rubber material durable but it is also easy to clean. If your dog decides to take it on an adventure outside, you can easily rinse it off when they are ready to have it back inside.
10. Nylabone Big Chew Bone
Variety of flavors
Designed for aggressive chewers
Cleans teeth
Keeps dog occupied
Needs to be regularly inspected for wear
Some dogs need a heavy-duty toy to stay occupied. The Nylabone Big Chew Durable Toy Bone for Large Breeds is perfect for aggressive chewers. Not only will your dog find the flavors enticing, but the toy will keep his teeth clean as well.
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Nylabone Big Chew Durable Toy Bone for Large Breeds will keep your big dog occupied for hours. It’s specifically designed for aggressive chewers with powerful jaws. It comes in three varieties.
Physical Development
In addition to keeping your dog occupied, it will also keep his teeth clean, which promotes good dental health.
Compatability
Good dental health is essential to your dog’s overall health. The Nylabone Big Chew Durable Toy Bone for Large Breeds keeps your dog’s teeth clean and healthy. Some dogs can be aggressive chewers, and this toy will keep that energy channeled in a positive, healthy way. Dogs need to be occupied, and this chew is sturdy enough to keep your dog occupied for hours.
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Educational Value
Mental stimulation is a vital need for your pup. Without mental stimulation, dogs can become withdrawn and destructive. Toys that provide mental stimulation for your pup need to be challenging for your dog without being so challenging that they frustrate your pup. Toys on this list that meet the need for mental stimulation are also adjustable, so you can tailor it to the needs of your pup. Some are also interactive, providing sounds that mimic the interaction your dog would receive from a person or from another animal. This keeps your dog from becoming bored with the toy.
Physical Development
Exercise is also essential to the health and well-being of your dog. Many of the toys on this list enhance play. Some provide durable enhancements to play, such as bouncy rubber balls or sticks. Balls and sticks can be used for games of catch or fetch. The balls and other rubber toys on this list are designed to be durable, lasting through multiple sessions of play and being chewed on by your dog. Ropes are also great tools for exercise. Ropes can be thrown for fetch or used for games of tug. The ropes on the list are durable and provide cleaning for your dog’s teeth and gums, which is important for your pup’s dental health.
Compatibility
Toys were also included on this list based on how they meet the need for companionship. Dogs need companionship to stay mentally healthy. Plushies on this list are perfect companions for your dog, giving them a cuddly friend to carry and care for. They are also durable and easily cleaned, keeping them safe and healthy for your pup. If you need to be away from your dog or keep them crated at times, a plush can help keep them from feeling lonely and engaging in destructive behaviors.
Educational Value Physical Development Compatibility 
Toys also need to be easy for the owner to care for. Toys on this list can be taken apart for cleaning or washed as needed. Materials used are non-toxic and safe for use in your dog’s mouth. They are made from durable materials that can withstand washing and sterilization.
Most of all, the toys need to be fun for your dog. Though every dog is different, the toys on this list are designed to be enticing. Some are infused with flavor and scent, which attracts your dog. Other toys are squeaky, which appeals to their prey instinct. Other toys are bright and bouncy, making them fun and interactive. Toys are a great tool for bonding with your dog, and there are excellent choices on this list for any type of play your dog enjoys.
Dog toys meet a number of different needs for your dog. Different toys meet different needs, though, so each toy was evaluated according to the needs it meets for your dog, and how well it meets those needs. Interactive dog toys can provide mental stimulation, exercise, and companionship, as well as improve the dental health of your dog. Each toy on this list meets one of your dog’s toy needs, and several meet multiple needs for your dog.
Other Factors to Consider
Durability
Many dogs are chewers. Some can be aggressive chewers. Chew toys on the list were evaluated for durability. Many come in different sizes, so you can find the chew that’s most appropriate for the size and strength of your dog. Flavor and scent are what keep your dog interested in chewing, so the toys on the list are also infused with appealing scents, keeping your dog’s interest for hours. They also help clean your dog’s teeth and gums, improving your dog’s dental health. Chew toys do need to be regularly inspected for wear and replaced when they’ve gotten worn down.
Safety
Another important criterion is the safety of the toy. The health of our pets is important, and toys need to be safe for heavy use by your pup. These toys are durable and safe for your dog, but, as with any dog toy, should be used under owner supervision. Toys should also be inspected regularly to ensure they stay safe for heavy chewing or play. As toys wear down, they should be replaced.
Frequently Asked Questions
q: Which dog toys are the most durable?
The KONG Classic Dog Toy is known for its durable rubber plastic. The Nylabone Big Chew Durable Toy Bone for Large Breeds holds up well to aggressive chewing and treatment. The Chuckit! Ultra Ball is also a durable toy, perfect for hours of play. Ultimately, durability is determined by the habits of your dog. If your dog is an aggressive chewer, then look for heavy-duty chews that will stand the test of time.
q: Which toy will my dog enjoy?
Your dog’s needs and personality determine which toy he will enjoy. If your dog doesn’t have a companion dog, one of the cozy plush toys will help fill his need for companionship. If your dog needs a challenge, the Outward Hound Hide-A-Squirrel and or OurPets IQ Treat Ball Interactive Food Dispensing Dog Toy will provide mental stimulation.
q: Which toys are best for large dogs?
Nylabone Big Chew Durable Toy Bone for Large Breeds is also perfect for large dogs. Ultimately, larger toys and best for larger dogs, so if there are multiple size options, order the largest size available.
q: Which toys are best for small dogs?
The KONG Classic Dog Toy comes in various sizes, including one for small dogs. The Outward Hound Hide-A-Squirrel also comes in a size designed for small dogs. The KONG Squeaker Tennis Balls Dog Toy comes in small sizes that are suited for a small dog.
q: Which toys are easiest to clean?
The KONG Classic Dog Toy is made from smooth rubber that’s easy to clean. The plush toys can be machine washed on a gentle cycle. Chew toys, such as the Nylabone Chicken Bone Large Dog chew toy is not suitable for cleaning and will need to be replaced with wear.
Sources
- , Why Dogs Need Toys, Article
- , The toys dogs like best and why, Informative Article
- , Dog Toys and How to Use Them, Library/Informative Article
- , The Benefit of Chew Toys, Blog Article
- , Interactive Toys For Dogs, Informative Article
