When you bring home a new dog, chances are you will already have purchased food bowls, a collar, food and other accessories, but you may not have considered dog toys. Dog toys are essential to a dog’s overall wellness because they help to keep them active and keep them from getting bored. If your dog doesn’t have any toys, chances are they will start to chew up things in your home- especially if they go through a chewing stage. This is why you need to look into some of the best dog toys for your furry friend.
Let’s start out by taking a look at the various different types of dog toys. They can pretty much be summed up into four different categories.
These include:
- chew toys
- activity toys
- reward toys
- comfort toys
The Different Types of Dog Toys
Chew Toys
Chew toys are excellent for dogs because they instinctively need to chew. Chewing has a lot of benefits for dogs.
For puppies, it can help them with alleviating stress, and it is also soothing on their gums and helps to loosen up their teeth for them to have room for permanent adult teeth. Adult dogs like to chew to maintain strong jaw muscles, and some breeds just do it to keep from being bored. Seniors will also do it to help with boredom, and it also helps them to reduce the risk of dental issues in their old age. To ensure that your pet chews on something acceptable, it is important to get them chew toys. Without these toys, you may find that your shoes and other household items are being chewed up. This is never a pleasant experience.
Activity Toys
Activity toys are great for dogs that have been domesticated because they help them to stay active. This helps them to keep their muscles strong and healthy, and also helps them mentally. It will also give them regular interaction, and these toys can be used to reward them for good behavior. There are so many different types of activity toys for you to choose from, such as balls, fetch toys and puzzle toys. If your dog is lacking in activities and needs something to get them up and going, or something to help them spend their time while you are away, definitely consider activity toys.
Reward Toys
Another great type of toy that you can get for your dog is the reward toy. Reward toys are great because they give your pup something that they can work for. There are toys that dispense treats and other rewards at intervals, or when your dog activates the release. This type of toy helps to deter from destructive behaviors, and also helps them to keep challenged, therefore really boosting them mentally.
Comfort Toys
Finally, we have comfort toys. This is the type of toy that not every single dog may need. There are, however, times that it can help to soothe them. They are usually soft and are good for just cuddling up with. They also have tough toys that can be carried around and chewed on, while still being soft and providing comfort for your pup. Think about these toys when you are going to be in stressful situations, such as during a car ride, or when you have people over at the house that are making too much noise. They are also great for dogs that spend the majority of the day home alone, as it helps to keep them from getting lonely and they have a ‘companion’ so to speak.
As you can see, there are many different types of toys that you can choose from. If you are looking to get your pup a toy, consider one of our personal favorites!
Our Picks for the Top 10 Best Dog Toys
#1 – Benebone Bacon Flavored Wishbone Chew
If you want your dog to have a toy that they can play with that will also be tasty for them, consider the Benebone Bacon Flavored Wishbone Chew. It is a chew toy with a patented curved wishbone design that makes it easy for them to grab onto with their jaws and bite down on. It will offer them a great chewing experience, keeping them from chewing on your belongings, like shoes and other stuff in your home.
It is made in the USA, and the Benebone LLC customer service really cares about their customers. So, if you have a problem with it, give them a call. Oh, and did we mention it tastes like bacon? What dog doesn’t love bacon?
#2 – ChuckIt! Ultra Balls
ChuckIt! Ultra Balls are great toys to consider if you want to keep your pet’s optimal health in mind. It is designed with the highest safety standards and made in the USA. This brand name has been trusted for decades for durability and safety. The ball is perfect for fetching, and it is all durable, made up of a high bounce rubber that is all natural.It is great for the pool, easy to clean, and works well with the launchers that are sold separately. You can get them in sizes small, medium, large, xlarge, and xxlarge depending on the size of your dog. Remember, safety first when it comes to choosing the size.
#3 – Outward Hound Hide a Squirrel
If your dog loves a challenge and loves to play, consider the Outward Hound Hide a Squirrel squeak toy. You can choose from holiday and non holiday styles, and various sizes for your dog’s needs, from junior to ginormous.
It comes with three plush squeaky squirrels and a plush durable tree trunk. It has a hide and seek play pattern that your dog is sure to enjoy. Not to mention, this toy is super cute!
#4 – KONG Flyer Dog Toy
These days, we know just how dangerous regular style Frisbees can be for pups. The corners are hard plastic and it makes gripping down on them difficult. If your dog likes to run and jump for the Frisbee, then the KONG Flyer dog toy is a great toy for them. You can get it in small or large, single packs or two packs. It is made up of a durable natural rubber that is safe for your dog, and it is also safe for their teeth and gums.
This toy encourages healthy exercise and healthy play, and it helps to keep your dog active. Best of all, they are really affordable, and since they are so durable they will stand the test of time. It’s definitely a great investment.
#5 – StarMark Bob-A-Lot Interactive Pet Toy
For dogs that love interactive toys, the StarMark Bob-a-Lot interactive pet toy is a great choice. The StarMark brand is well known for their quality products that are performance driven and interactive. These toys have been tested for safety and health standards, and exceed all of the requirements.
You can fill the toy with small healthy treats, and as your dog learns how to interact with the toy he will be able to get it to dispense treats while he plays. It not only teaches them to keep their brains stimulated, but it also helps them to have to work for their food- which is something that they do naturally and instinctively.
#6 – iFetch
Some may say that the iFetch lets us pet owners be lazy, but we call it ingenious! That is especially true for the pup that likes to play fetch relentlessly. With the iFetch, your pup can play fetch for as long as he wants to! It stimulates your dog’s mind and challenges them to learn something new. It isn’t designed to take the place of traditional fetch between you and your dog, but rather helps to strengthen that bond.
It comes with mini tennis balls that are launched from the launcher. They bring it back, drop it into the top, and it launches again. It is sure to keep your pup active, even when you can’t be. While you may think it is pricey, it really is worth it if you think about the hours of fun that will be had by your dog.
#7 – goDog Checkers Fat Rooster With Chew Guard Toy
Let’s face it – dog’s LOVE to chew! With that in mind, many people find that they can’t keep a toy for longer than a few days before their dog has it shredded. This is why you need to look into toys like the goDog Checkers Fat Rooster with Chew Guard technology. It is double stitched at the seams, helping it to last longer, even with the toughest of chewers. It has one grunter, crinkle mylar, and two squeakers. With so much going on, your dog is sure to find hours of playtime with this toy.
You can get it in small or large sizes depending on your dog’s breed. Oh, and don’t forget, the rooster is adorable! They also have other styles, including a donkey, an elephant, a kangaroo and a pig (all of which are just as adorable as the rooster, we might add!)
#8 – ZippyPaws Zingy 3 Squeaker No Stuffing Toy
The ZippyPaws Zingy 3 Squeaker No Stuffing Toy is another great toy for those avid chewers. No one likes to come home to find the stuffing of their dog’s favorite toy (or their favorite décor pillow) strewn throughout the house. This is why this toy is so genius.
It doesn’t have the added stuffing, but it still has the three squeakers that are sure to keep your dog happy. It is suitable for dogs of all sizes, and the squeakers are secured inside of the toy for added safety.
#9 – OurPets Smarter Toys Interactive IQ Treat Ball
Here we have another great interactive toy that dispenses treats. OurPets Smarter Toys Interactive IQ Treat Ball is available in varied colors, and is durable enough to withstand the toughest of play. It will keep your dog going both physically and mentally. Simply fill it with your dog’s favorite healthy treats and adjust the level of difficulty as your dog figures it out.
It will keep them constantly learning. Your dog is sure to love the challenge, and the reward at the end! There are two different sizes for you to choose from, depending on your dog’s size and breed.
#10 – Flossy Chews Three Knot Rope Tug
What dog doesn’t love a friendly game of tug of war? With the Flossy Chews Three Knot Rope Tug, your dog will be able to play tug of war over and over again. It is made durably of a three knot cotton blend rope. The rope is not only designed to allow them to chew and play, but the fibers of the rope also floss their teeth as they tug and play with it.
That means that this toy is not only good for fun, but also great for oral health. Best of all, it is affordable and available in various different sizes for you to choose from.
As you can see, there are a lot of toys out there for you to choose from. These are just a few of our favorites. Has your dog tried out any of these toys? If so, share your experience below. If you have other toys that you recommend, share those as well!
