Best dog toys

Best dog toys
(Image credit: @Mathew Coulton on Unsplash)

Just like a human child, a fur baby likes to play a lot. And it can be tiring when your dog’s energy level outlasts your own. A good dog toy will let them keep playing when you’re ready for a break. Here are some of the best dog toys from basic balls for playing fetch or interactive toys that challenge your dog’s thinking skills. 

Best overall

(Image credit: Amazon)

Chuckit! Ultra ball

The ultimate, and simplistic dog toy

The Chuckit! Balls look like a traditional tennis ball, but it has grooves in just the right places that make it easier for dogs to grab and for you to keep a hold of while playing fetch. These balls are about the same size as a tennis ball, too, so they will fit in most automatic dog ball launchers. They are extra bouncy and float in water. Plus they come in bright colors that make it easier to spot from far away. 

Best ball launcher

ifetch-interactive-dog-ball-launcher

(Image credit: Amazon)

iFetch interactive ball launcher

Relax while your dog plays

The iFetch Interactive Ball Launcher tosses tennis ball-sized balls 10, 25, or 40 feet. It works with dogs of all sizes and can be used both inside and outside. You can feed the balls included balls to the launcher, or teach your dog to do it themselves so they can stay entertained while you work or watch on the sidelines. It runs on power from an internal rechargeable battery, so there is no need to plug it in while playing with it. 

Best for puppies

(Image credit: Amazon)

Outward Hound Hide-A-Squirrel plush toy

Puppy problem solving

This dog toy is like a puzzle that teaches your dog problem solving while keeping him entertained. You hide the squeaky squire inside and let your puppy have fun figuring out where it is and how to get it out. Because it is a plush toy, it won’t damage your puppy’s teeth or gums while allowing him to fulfill the natural instinct to chew. 

Best chew toy

(Image credit: Amazon)

Starmark Everlasting Treat BentoBall toy

Long-lasting treat and toy

This bento ball is both a treat and a toy. The rubber outer shell has enough give to let your dog get to the inner treat. However, both are very durable, so you can expect it to last several days before the snack needs to be replaced. The rubber part of this dog toy is non-toxic, so it’s safe for your dog to play with. 

Best for big dogs

(Image credit: Amazon)

Jolly Pets Romp-n-Roll rope and ball dog toy

For roughhousing play

This ball and rope toy is fun to use for playing fetch or tug-of-war with your dog. The ball is larger than most, so it’s best for large dogs that like to keep a firm grip as they play. It can be chewed, shaken, dropped, or chugged or a variety of entertainment with a single dog toy. It comes in several sizes, so there is an option for small dogs, too. 

Best smart toy

(Image credit: Amazon)

Wobble Wag Giggle ball

Fun for dogs of all sizes and ages

This ball has a hidden compartment in the middle that holds a fun noisemaker that sounds whenever the ball is rolled, dropped, or tossed. This helps keep your dog interested in the toy even if you’re not playing along. The ball has several notches on it so it’s easier for your dog to grab ahold of it, though these aren’t deep enough that your dog will puncture or get into the noisemaker compartment. 

 The final bark on dog toys

The best dog toys keep your doggie entertained for a long time, promote cognitive development, and work both with and without you playing along. We love the iFetch interactive ball launcher because it encourages exercise, works for dogs of all sizes, and keeps dogs entertained when they’re alone. It can also be adjusted for both indoor and outdoor play. While the iFetch comes with three tennis balls, check out the ChuckIt! Ultra Ball. It will work with most automatic ball launchers but is also great on its own for playing fetch or for chewing. Its deep grooves make it easier for dogs to keep control of.

For puppies, check out the Outward Hound Hide-A-Squirrel plush toy. It stimulates critical thinking skills while also providing a fun, interactive dog toy. And if your dog is a chewer, the plushness of the toy won’t damage their teeth.

Why trust us?

At TheRadar, we recommend the best products to enhance your life. As expert curators, we handpick products based on quality and usefulness to positively impact your day-to-day, from cart to doorstep. We take our responsibility seriously — testing products, reading reviews, and sourcing knowledgeable outlets to ensure our selections are worthy of your time and money. We deliver detailed product overviews, balancing objective information with subjective opinions, so making the best choice for your home and lifestyle is as easy as possible.

Nikki Johnston
Special Projects Writer

Nikki writes for multiple Future Publishing brands covering topics from antivirus to kitchen appliances to SAS. She has over 15 years of research and writing experience, including eight years of testing and reviewing consumer products. Nikki earned bachelor’s degrees in both English and Political Science with a focus on empirical research. In her spare time, Nikki serves as a member of several school councils and volunteers for a local arts board.