By David | Updated: July 2025
Toys aren’t just fun—they’re essential for your dog’s health, behavior, and happiness.
Whether you have a tiny Chihuahua or a big goofy Labrador, choosing the right toys can dramatically improve your dog’s quality of life. From chew toys to brain puzzles, every pup has a favorite—so how do you find the one?
Let’s dive deep into how you can choose the best dog toys based on size, breed, personality, safety, and more. 🧸🐕
🧠 Why Toys Matter More Than You Think
Toys do more than entertain. They help with:
- 🦷 Dental Health: Chewing helps reduce tartar buildup
- 🧩 Mental Stimulation: Prevents boredom and related destructive behavior
- 💪 Physical Exercise: Encourages active play, especially for high-energy breeds
- 🐕 Bonding: Great tools for human-dog interaction and training
According to a 2023 study from the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior, dogs that engage with toys daily show 43% less anxiety-related behavior than those who don’t.
🐶 Step 1: Know Your Dog’s Personality Type
Understanding your dog’s instincts and play style is the foundation of good toy selection.
🧨 The Destroyer
Loves ripping toys apart in minutes. Needs indestructible toys.
🦴 Try: Kong Extreme, Goughnuts Ring, West Paw Zogoflex
🎾 The Chaser
Obsessed with balls and anything that moves.
🏀 Try: Chuckit! Ultra Ball, iFetch Automatic Ball Launcher
🧸 The Cuddler
Gentle pups that carry plushies like babies.
🐻 Try: ZippyPaws Squeaky Toys, Snuggle Puppy
🤓 The Thinker
Highly intelligent and gets bored easily.
🧠 Try: Nina Ottosson Puzzle Games, Outward Hound Hide-A-Squirrel
📐 Step 2: Choose the Right Size
Size matters—not just for comfort but for safety.
| Dog Size | Recommended Toy Size |
|---|---|
| Small (up to 20 lbs) | Small plush, balls < 2” diameter |
| Medium (20–50 lbs) | Mid-size ropes, chew bones |
| Large (50+ lbs) | Large tuggers, extreme chews |
A toy that’s too small = choking hazard
A toy that’s too big = no interest at all
🧵 Step 3: Pick the Right Material
Different materials suit different dogs:
- Rubber: Durable and safe for power chewers (e.g., KONG)
- Rope: Great for tug games, but supervise to avoid fraying
- Plush: Ideal for cuddlers—but not safe for heavy chewers
- Vinyl/Squeaky: Fun but often contains small parts—watch carefully!
- Interactive Plastic/Composite: Best for puzzle and food-dispensing toys
✅ Always look for BPA-free, non-toxic, pet-safe labels
🧩 Step 4: Engagement Level – Keep Their Brain Busy
Bored dogs = destructive dogs. Choose toys that stimulate your pup:
🧠 Puzzle Toys
- Force your dog to solve to get a reward
- Improve problem-solving and focus
Top pick: Nina Ottosson Dog Brick Puzzle
🍪 Treat-Dispensing Toys
- Keeps your dog busy and satisfies natural foraging instincts
Try: Kong Stuff-a-Ball or Pet Zone IQ Ball
🎾 Fetch Toys
- Great for outdoor dogs or athletic breeds like Border Collies or Retrievers
ChuckIt! Ball Launcher is a classic for a reason
🔍 Step 5: Safety First — Non-Negotiable
Dogs will chew, lick, rip, and swallow. Toy safety is critical.
Safety Tips:
- ✅ Avoid toys with glued-on parts or beads
- ✅ Always supervise first-time play
- ✅ Replace damaged toys immediately
- ✅ Check reviews from pet parents—trust experience
“Squeakers are fun—until they’re inside your dog’s stomach.” – Dr. Emma Walker, DVM
💸 Step 6: Set a Toy Budget (But Be Smart!)
Toys can add up quickly, especially if your pup is a toy assassin.
Money-Saving Tips:
- 🔄 Rotate toys weekly to keep things fresh
- 🛒 Buy bundles or multipacks for variety
- ✂️ DIY Toys: Old sock + tennis ball = instant hit (just supervise!)
- 📦 Subscribe to monthly toy boxes (e.g., BarkBox) if budget allows
Cheap doesn’t mean unsafe—but always research before you buy.
🔁 Step 7: Trial, Error & Toy Rotation
Even the best-reviewed toy might flop with your pup. That’s okay!
- Give each toy a few days
- Try different types (chew, puzzle, fetch)
- Rotate every 5–7 days to maintain excitement
- Store old favorites and reintroduce them later—it feels new!
🛒 Expert Picks: Best Dog Toys by Category
| Category | Top Pick | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Best for Chewers | Kong Extreme | Indestructible + treat-fillable |
| Best for Thinkers | Nina Ottosson Puzzle | Adjustable difficulty, non-toxic materials |
| Best for Fetch | Chuckit! Ultra Ball | Bounces high, lasts long, easy to clean |
| Best Plush | ZippyPaws Squeaky Friends | Satisfying squeak without stuffing mess |
| Best All-Around | Snuffle Mat (Lickimat or Paw5 Wooly Mat) | Combines scent work + foraging + calm behavior |
📚 Related Reading
- 🔗 Homemade Dental Dog Treats That Actually Work
- 🔗 How to Stop Destructive Chewing in Dogs
- 🔗 Best Brain Games to Tire Out Your Dog Indoors
🙋♀️ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What toys are safest for puppies?
A: Soft, small, non-toxic toys without hard plastic. Avoid rope or squeaky toys until they’re older.
Q: How do I clean my dog’s toys?
A: Use warm soapy water or dishwasher (if rubber). Plush toys can go in the washing machine (gentle cycle).
Q: Can toys really reduce separation anxiety?
A: Yes! Interactive toys and snuffle mats can help reduce stress and keep dogs distracted when alone.
Q: How many toys should my dog have?
A: Quality over quantity. 5–7 rotating toys of different types are usually enough.
🎯 Final Thoughts: Don’t Just Buy—Choose Wisely
Picking the best toys isn’t just about price or cuteness—it’s about safety, engagement, and bonding.
✅ Know your dog
✅ Choose wisely
✅ Rotate often
✅ Monitor for safety
Your dog doesn’t need a mountain of toys—just a few perfectly matched ones that spark joy, burn energy, and build trust.
🐶 Your dog deserves more than boredom. Let toys unlock their full potential.