The best dog toy review

Every dog needs dog toys at some point in their lives, but how do you find the best dog toy for your pooch? Some dogs only chew on toys when they are puppies and they require the oral fixation to help with teething. Other dogs chew toys and play fetch until they are well into their senior years. Depending on your dog’s age, size, and toy preference, there are thousands of different dog toys on the market for you to choose from.

* Scroll down to watch my detailed and honest video review of the best toy for dogs.

I chose Starmark’s Bob-A-Lot dog toy as my number one pick (read my review below on why).

It is a well-made, treat dispensing toy that will provide your dog with hours of entertainment. It can be modified to be more or less challenging depending on the skill of the dog. The Bob-A-Lot is a performance driven toy that will get your pet up and moving, providing him with a better quality of life.

Compare TOP 10 Best Toys for Dogs (reviewed below):

The opening at the bottom can be adjusted to cater to the size of the treats that you have or you can use it to make the game more challenging. If you make the opening smaller each time your pet uses the Bob-A-Lot, it becomes harder to get the dog treats out each time. Only the best dog toy will hold a dog’s interest for long of periods of time, and this one certainly does just that. We usually put about 20 training treats in the Bob-A-Lot, and it takes our two dogs about 30 minutes to empty it.

If we give our puppy a chew toy to help with her teething, it works well, but she usually just lies on the floor and chews on it. As I mentioned, it’s hard to get our older dog interested in anything.

We live in Maine, so often times the weather is too cold for our pets to go outside and exercise for long periods, but this winter we won’t have trouble finding something for them to do. The Starmark Bob-A-Lot allows our pets to exercise inside without getting wild and tearing the house apart. It’s great for hot, muggy summer days, cold winter days, and rainy afternoons as well.

The Bob-A-Lot from Starmark is my pick as the best dog toy and it’s definitely a great toy for pets if you’re interested in a treat dispenser, but that might not be all that your dog needs. Many dogs enjoy the mental stimulation of a more challenging interactive dog toy. That’s what they’ll get with the Activity Chess Dog Toy from Trixie. Talk about a challenge! It will take your pup a long time to get used to this game, and if you alternate it with a couple of other interactive toys, I’m sure this chess game would never get boring for Fido.

The cones and sliders on the Activity Chess Dog Toy must be manipulated in the correct way in order for your dog to reveal his treat. Although it sits on the floor, this second best dog toy is equipped with rubber feet so it doesn’t slide around while your canine is using it.

I would certainly say this is one of the more challenging interactive dog toys on the market.

Along with the doggy toy, you’ll also receive an instructional booklet in the package that will help you train your dog to use the toy and show you how to increase the challenge as he begins to understand how to manipulate the obstacles. You’ll simply start out by only hiding a couple of treats, and slowly you’ll continue adding more obstacles and more treats as your dog begins to learn how to play.

Activity Chess Dog Toy is definitely one of the best dog toys for occupying your dog while you’re unable to play with him or when you’re not at home. It consists of four cones and a number of various small holes and draws that you can hide treats in. Your pet will need to remove the cones and slide the sliders to receive his reward. It also comes with a one year warranty, which is a nice added benefit.

Best alternatives to our top pick

The best dog toy for Squeaking

Dogs are natural hunters and the squeaking of a dog toy fosters a dog’s natural instinct to hunt. The squeaking noise mimics the sounds made by pray as a dog attacks them. It may sound animalistic, but isn’t that what your pet is? Just because we’ve domesticated dogs doesn’t mean all of their natural instincts are gone.

If your pet enjoys squeaker toys, the Skinneeez Fox from Ethical Plush is the best dog toy with a squeaker on the market, in my personal opinion. One of my pet peeves about dog squeaker toys is that they are usually stuffed, and stuffing makes a huge mess. I’m sure I’m not alone with those feelings. The great thing about the Skinneeez Fox is that it is a plush toy, but it is stuffing-free!

Your dog can enjoy the feel of the plush toy and the fun of a squeaker, but there is nothing for him to pull out and strew around the house. Dogs love to shake toys around and flip them through the air. This toy is perfect for that. It’s light-weight and 24-inches long, making it ideal for flip-flopping fun. Many consumers also commented on how durable this toy is.

Video: Best KONG Classic Dog Toy Review. The PetMan Shows You How To Stuff It Properly.

The Skinneeez Fox is the ideal choice for dogs that love to chew on plush toys. There are squeakers in the fox’s head and tail, and many pet owners who purchased this toy said it was great for playing tug. I like the idea of no stuffing, because it makes it much easier to wash these toys. I’ve washed plush toys before, but they’ve exploded in the washer. One small tear in the seam and they come all apart. This toy has no stuffing, and it is machine washable. Just throw it in the wash when it starts to get dirty or stinky, and you’re all set.

The best dog toy for Tugging

Tug-of-war is a favorite pastime for many dogs, but not all dog toys are built for the stress that tugging will put on them. The Mammoth Flossy Chews 3-Knot Rope is a tug toy for dogs that is virtually indestructible. It will take hours and hours of abuse from the strongest tuggers and can also hold up to aggressive chewers.

The medium size rope is only about an inch thick, so this toy is suitable for almost any size dog. That’s great if you have a medium or large breed puppy, because you can purchase this toy for him to chew on while he’s teething, and you’ll still be able to use it as a tug toy years later. You could also purchase the small size if you have a small breed or the large size if you have an extra-large dog like a Newfoundland.

An added bonus of this dog toy is that the premium cotton-blend rope fibers will floss your dog’s teeth as he chews and plays with it.

Video: ChuckIt! Ball Launcher - Review of the best dog fetch toy ever made!

When playing tug with your dog has he ever accidentally gotten your fingers when he’s readjusting his grip? That won’t happen with this pull toy. It’s 25 inches long, so your dog will have plenty of room on one side and you will be able to keep your hand safely on the other side without having to worry that your fingers will get bit.

The Mammoth Flossy Chews 3-Knot Rope is ideal for tugging, but you can also use it for other games as well. It’s lightweight, making it great for a fun game of fetch, and it can withstand aggressive chewing as well. The knots of the medium sized rope toy are about 3 inches in diameter, so they are perfect for gnawing on in between rounds of tug.

The best dog toy for Aggressive Chewers

It’s no surprise that the KONG Extrememakes the list of the best dog toys. These puppy toys are known for their durability. Trust me, I looked high and low for the best dog toy that would compare with the KONG’s toughness, but it can’t be beat. Although some consumers did mention that extremely aggressive chewers can eventually tear through the rubber material that these toys are made of, it rarely happens.

Usually, if a dog does chew through a KONG Extreme, the owner is at fault. There are different sizes of KONGs and there are also KONG Classic toys, which aren’t made for aggressive chewers. Make sure to purchase the right KONG for your dog if you feel this would be a good choice for him.

If your dog is an aggressive chewer, you want to be sure to purchase the black KONG Extreme and not the red KONG Classic.

These KONG toys aren’t the best dog toys just because of their durability. Like the KONG Classic, these dog toys can be stuffed with peanut butter or treats to provide your dog with hours of fun while you’re away from home. They help reduce boredom and separation anxiety. Many pet owners mentioned that they would fill the KONG with peanut butter (or any soft treat) and freeze it overnight. Then it would take their pup even longer to get the treat out the next day.

The unique shape also provides an unpredictable bounce if you want to use this toy for a game of fetch. Another thing that I like about the KONG Extreme, and all KONG toys, is that they are made with natural rubber in the United States. These are one of the most popular dog toys on the planet, and they are often recommended by veterinarians, dog trainers, and other canine professionals.

Table of Contents

1. What you should know before buying
2. What do I know about dog toys
3. How dog toys can improve my dog’s health
4. Who should pet parents buy dog toys
5. How I chose these dog toys
6. How I researched and evaluated each brand of toy
7. My number one pick
8. Flaws but not deal breakers
9. My runner-up pick
10. If my other picks aren’t available
11. What to look forward to
12. Wrapping it up
13. Full list of ten best dog toys

What you should know before buying the best dog toy

As I briefly mentioned earlier, before you buy a toy for your dog you have many things to consider. Your dog’s size, age, activity level, and personal preferences will all play a factor in finding the best dog toys for him. Does your dog like to chew, fetch, tug, or all of the above? Does he need to get more exercise? Is he motivated by toys or treats? How is his dental health? What size is he now and what size will he be when he is full grown?

If your dog likes to chew, you’ll have to purchase a more durable toy that won’t easily be destroyed by his strong jaws. It would be much better if you spent a little more money on a durable dog toy now than continued to invest in cheaper toys that your dog is constantly shredding. Think about it. If you spend $3 on cheap plush toys and your pet shreds them in a matter of days, a $20 durable dog toy would pay for itself in less than 2 months.

Think about what your dog enjoys. Is he one of those dogs that just enjoys carrying a toy around with him everywhere like a security blanket? Does he want to fetch? Maybe he’s one that loves to tug? You should make your dog toy selection based on what your dog’s personal interests are. If your dog likes to play many different games you don’t necessarily have to buy a lot of different toys. Just make wise choices and select toys (like a rope toy) that can be thrown, tugged, and chewed.

If you make wise choices in the products that you purchase for your dog they will enrich his life in many ways. They may get your couch potato up and moving or give your pet with separation anxiety something to do to keep his mind occupied during the day while you’re gone. Don’t focus on the cost of the toy. I know we’re all on a budget, but a wise purchase will save you money in the long run and add to your Fido’s quality of life. Trust me, it will be worth it!

What do I know about dog toys

Honestly, not a whole lot. I’m a freelance writer, not a dog toy expert. However, I have been a dog owner for my entire life and I’ve raised many different types of dogs. We’ve adopted puppies who chewed on everything in our home and older dogs that didn’t much care for any dog toys. We’ve bought treat dispensing toys, hard rubber chew toys, plush dog toys, and puzzle toys.

I may not be a dog toy expert, but I certainly have a lot of experience. Not to mention, my career as a freelance writer has made me an expert on completing copious amounts of research and finding reliable sources. The information in this article has been compiled from consumers, manufacturers, and product reviews done by trusted sources.

How dog toys can improve my dog’s health

You may not think so, but yes, they absolutely can. Many dog toys use your pet’s natural chewing action to clean the plaque and tartar off his teeth. Poor oral health in canines can lead to many other health issues. Jan Bellows, DVM, of Hometown Animal Hospital and Dental Clinic in Weston, Florida says:

“The toxins from periodontal disease are absorbed into the dog’s blood stream. As the kidneys, liver, and brain filter blood, small infections occur causing permanent and at times fatal organ damage. After periodontal disease is treated, and the owners give proper home care, most dogs respond wonderfully due to the decreased pain and infection.”

Many pet parents do not brush their dog’s teeth regularly, and although chew toys are not a substitute for proper dental care, they can help keep the plaque and tartar buildup off your pet’s teeth in between brushings and cleanings. Healthy teeth and gums will lead to better overall health, so yes although it doesn’t seem possible, chew toys actually can improve your dog’s health.

Who should pet parents buy dog toys

Every pet owner should purchase dog toys. If you have a puppy, toys can be beneficial while he is teething. Instead of trying to chew on everything in your house, he will be able to chew the assortment of toys that you purchase for him. If your dog is an adult you can still use toys to entertain him and give him something to do while you’re out of the house. You can play games with him like tug and fetch, which will foster the bond that the two of you have.

Nobody likes to be bored, and your dog is no exception. The best dog toys on the market will stimulate your dog’s brain and get him up and moving. Whether your dog is an aggressive chewer, likes to play fetch, or enjoys using his mind to manipulate toys and find treats, there is a dog toy on the market that will provide exactly what he needs.

Dog toys are quite possibly the most versatile pet product that you’ll ever buy for your dog. They can be used in so many situations and will benefit your dog in many ways. If you make wise choices, you’ll be able to purchase toys for your pet that will last for years.

How I chose these dog toys

I won’t lie, it wasn’t easy. Walk into any pet store or do a quick Google search for dog toys and you’ll realize pretty quickly that there are thousands of options to choose from. The first step was to get rid of all the low-quality poorly made toys that broke or ripped within minutes. I also weeded out the toys that weren’t safe. Still, there were hundreds left to choose from.

The only way to figure out which toys were the best dog toys was to break them into categories. I wanted to find toys for all different types of dogs. I needed to find the best toys for chewers, tuggers, and fetchers. In some cases, these things overlapped, but in many cases there were certain toys that stood out as the best in one certain category.

The toys that made this list of the best dog toys had to be made with quality materials, and they had to be safe for dogs. I was searching for toys that would keep a dog’s interest for longer than five minutes, and toys that would benefit the dog in multiple ways. I looked for toys that were good for dental health, got dogs to exercise and toys that challenged the canine mind.

These toys all stood out above the rest. Dogs love them and their humans were impressed too. Although these aren’t the cheapest dog toys on the market, they are well worth the price that you’ll pay. I knew when I started out to make this list that any toy that I selected would have to make pet parents as happy as it made their dogs.

How I researched and evaluated each brand of dog toys

My research was done primarily online through manufactures websites, consumer reviews, and articles and blogs from experts in the pet industry. Some of the research was hands on as I have used many of these toys myself. However, I still wanted to compare my personal opinion with that of experts and other pet parents.

The first thing I needed to find out was what makes a good dog toy. What were the experts looking for when evaluating dog toys? I knew the toys would need to fun, but what makes a dog go crazy for a toy? I know what makes a toy entertaining to a human, but what about to a dog? And what were the different aspects that I should be looking for when selecting toys for different ages of dogs? Obviously, senior dogs aren’t going to be entertained by the same things that puppies are.

Then I began the search for specific dog toys. I looked at the features of the toys, the materials that they were made with, the reputation of the company, and the price of the toys. Weeding out the poor quality toys cut the list in half. Once I had a solid list of dog toys I believed to be top-quality I went to the consumer reviews.

I wanted to know what dogs and their owners thought of these toys. I needed to know if dogs actually enjoyed playing with these toys. I mean, a chess game for dogs? Who would think that a dog would actually enjoy that, but the consumer response was great! Even though it didn’t look like an average toy that a lot of dogs would like, it was! Consumer reviews really made the difference and helped me narrow my selections down to the top 10.

My number one pick as the best dog toy

The Starmark Bob-A-Lot treat dispensing dog toy earned my top pick. It’s simple to use and has many benefits for dogs and their owners. This toy is also virtually indestructible. Our puppy has tried to chew the top of this countless times. First of all, because of the bobbing action she can’t get ahold of it very easily, and the hard plastic makes it impossible for her razor sharp puppy to bite into.

The bottom part of the toy, the purple section, is weighted allowing it to bob back and forth as your dog paws, nuzzles, and licks it. The Bob-A-Lot also has an anti-slip covering that keeps it from sliding across hard wood floors. Speaking of hard wood floors, we’ve tried it on both carpeting and hardwood, and it works on both. It does bob more smoothly on hardwood, but if you have carpet, don’t count the Bob-A-Lot out.

I also liked the fact that you can use a variety of treats with this toy. Some treat dispensing toys can only hold the custom treats made by the company that manufactures the toy. I think that is just a sneaky way for companies to force consumers to buy their products, and I do not like that at all. Starmark does make treats that will fit the Bob-A-Lot, but I found that any type of training treat works well. We also used some long jerky treats and cut them into small pieces. As you can see in the video, they worked just fine.

The Starmark Bob-A-Lot toy engages many of your dog’s senses. As he pushes the toy around, he will hear the treats moving around inside. He can also smell the treats through the small treat dispensing hole. Watching the toy bob around entices his natural instinct to chase moving objects, and the fact that treats will periodically fall out of the toy will engage his sense of taste.

This toy comes in two sizes so it can be used with any breed or size dog. It’s so easy to use that a child could fill it. You simply screw off the yellow cap and put the treats into the small hole in the top compartment. Then screw the cap on, slide the door of the treat dispensing hole open to your desired width, and set it on the floor. It’s also super easy to clean with just a little soap and hot water.

Flaws but not deal breakers

The only flaw that we’ve found with this toy so far is that it is made in China. We usually like to purchase products that are made in the United States, and local items are even better, but it’s obviously not something that contributes to the toys overall effectiveness.

Some consumers did note that because you cannot see inside the toy, they find it hard to clean. I run ours through the dishwasher and we’ve never had an issue. However, if you’re concerned about using soap, you could always dilute some vinegar with hot water, swish it around the inside, and make sure to rinse it well.

I suppose if your dog was really intelligent he may get bored with this toy, but there are only a few consumer reports saying that their dog didn’t enjoy it. No matter what product you’re looking for, you’ll always find a couple of consumers who have negative things to say. The overwhelming majority of pet parents that purchased this toy say that the unpredictable bobbing action keeps their dog entertained for long periods of time.

My runner-up pick for the best dog toy

The Dog Activity Chess interactive dog toy was my second pick. It’s a great toy that will stimulate your dog’s brain and get him moving. I love this game because it caters to all dogs with its different levels. If your dog is new to interactive toys and games, he can still learn to manipulate this toy from Trixie. At the same time, it can be adapted for more experienced dogs as well to give them a challenge that they will enjoy.

You’ll get a booklet in the package if you purchase this toy that will explain how it works. The Activity Chess Dog Toy from Trixie has four levels. The first is the easiest and it builds in intensity from there. Level one only consists of your dog having to lift the cones straight up off the board to reveal a treat. In level two he’ll also have to move the sliders with his nose or paw.

Level three is where it starts to get fairly difficult. This is when you will stack a second row of sliders on top of the first row. Each row moves in opposite directions. In level four you’ll use the cones as stoppers between the sliders, making it very challenging for your pet to get to his treat. He’ll have to remove the cones and then slide both sets of sliders to earn his prize.

Dogs are playful and intelligent animals by nature, and this toy caters to those natural instincts. All the pieces of the Activity Chess game are dishwasher safe, so you don’t have to worry about drool and saliva building up in the holes. I also love that this comes with a one year warranty. I’m always skeptical about buying things with many parts, because if one part breaks the whole product won’t work. If you have any issues at all with this interactive dog toy in the first year, the warranty will cover it.

If my other dog toy picks aren’t available

These are some of the best dog toys on the market, but they are just the start of my list. If your dog likes to nuzzle around and find things, the Hide-A-Squirrel dog toy from Outward Hound will be perfect for him. Its name certainly gives it away. It is made of what resembles a small stuffed tree stump and there are three holes where stuffed squirrels are hiding.

Don’t worry, if he rips one – you can buy replacement squirrels in three packs. Each squirrel is equipped with a squeaker, which will entice most dogs to go searching. The Hide-A-Squirrel is available in multiple sizes. The junior, large, and jumbo sizes include three squirrels, and the ginormous size includes six of the furry little buggers.

Your dog can root around inside the toy to find the squirrels and then pull them out and chew on them.

I normally don’t like squirrels in my house, but this game would certainly be fun for our puppy to enjoy. She loves digging around to find hidden things, and I would probably stuff a couple of treats in the holes once in a while to entice her too. Pet parents said that this toy keeps their dogs interest for quite a while and the squirrels and tree trunk are very durable.

It’s not a great choice for aggressive chewers. However, the Hide-A-Squirrel toy is a great interactive toy that will give you the opportunity to play with your pet. He can keep pulling them out and you can continue to stuff them back in. Playing with your dog fosters the bond that the two of you have, and it is great for your dog’s emotional development.

If you’ve got an aggressive chewer or an avid tugger on your hands, the Romp-N-Roll Ball from Jolly Pets would be a great interactive toy to use with him. This toy floats too, so you could use it for fetch and water retrieval. This ball is one of the most durable dog toys on the market. It is designed to be tugged, thrown, kicked, launched, and carried by your pet.

This is really one of the best dog toys for an active dog. You can do almost anything with this ball- it is so versatile! The Romp-N-Roll Ball is made in the United States from a durable non-toxic Polyethylene plastic that is safe for you and your dog. It comes in three sizes: 4.5-inch, 6-inch, and 8-inch.

Dog owners of all different sizes, ages, and breeds of dogs love the Romp-N-Roll Ball. Consumers have said that the material, although very durable, is not hard. Many compared it to the rubber material of a KONG toy. Your dog can sink his teeth into it, but even if it gets punctured, it still floats! It is really hard to find a bad review of this toy.

If you’re interested in a tough toy that is eco-friendly, the Bumi Tug Toy from West Paw Design is what you want. It is made with West Paw’s patented Zogoflex technology. It is a buoyant material that is handcrafted in the United States, Certified Safe, and Guaranteed to Last. It’s also completely recyclable. In fact, if the company has any returned toys, defects in the factory or just the scrap material that is left over from cutting out the toys, they just melt it down and make more toys with it.

Zogoflex is bendy, stretchy, and bouncy. This toy is fun to tug, throw, or chew. It’s soft, so it is easy on your pup’s teeth and gums, and it stretches without stretching out. These Bumi Tug Toys are really amazing. The company offers an entire line of Zogoflex toys, and they can all be thrown right in the dishwasher for easy cleaning.

This dog toy may look a little strange, but its innovative ‘S’ shape is specifically designed for comfort and convenience while throwing, chewing, or tugging. They are also BPA and Phthalate-free and FDA compliant. Bumi Tug Toys are available in bright, easy-to-spot colors making them perfect for play in the yard or the dog park. Your dog will be able to see them easily, and if he gets distracted you’ll be able to find them quickly in the tall grass as well.

Another product from Outward Hound, the Squeaker Mat Square, is available in four different characters including a hedgehog, a sheep, a pig, and a squirrel. If your dog likes squeakers he’ll be in heaven with this toy. There are four rows on these mats and each row contains four squeakers.

That’s a total of 16 squeaker dog toys in one toy!

The long, floppy bodies of the Outward Hound Squeaker Mat Square are fun for tugging, shaking, and dragging around. There is a small amount of stuffing in them, but not much. It’s mostly just a lot of durable seams, which hold each squeaker in its own square so they don’t get all bunched together.

Last, but certainly not least, is the Jim Hodges’ Dog Training Elk Antler Dog Chew. These dog chews are exactly what they sound like – naturally shed elk antlers. They are picked off the forest floor in the United States. They are actually hand-picked and hand-sorted for the best quality. I like the idea of these chews because they are not stinky like marrow bones or sticky and greasy like some rawhide chews.

Another huge benefit to these dog chews is that they last much longer than most traditional chews.

Elk Antlers are organic as well. Elk Antler Dog Chews are a great source of natural calcium, phosphorus, zinc, and magnesium. Their hard texture is also great for scraping plaque and tartar off your dog’s teeth. The only thing you should know about these chews are that it is very important that you select the right size for your dog. If you buy a size that is too small for your pet it may pose a choking hazard.

What to look forward to

With new technologies come new products. The pet industry is growing at an alarming rate, and there are sure to be new toys released regularly in the future. With new research being done every day, you can be sure that you will be seeing more toys catering to the natural instincts and individual needs of dogs.

Technology is also changing the dog product market. There are toys that make noise, shake, and light up to get your pet’s attention. Surely we’ll soon see toys that will benefit pets in more ways than we ever thought possible. Canine health is a growing concern for pet parents, so you can also be sure that we’ll be seeing more toys being created that will benefit our dog’s oral health, healthy brain development, and overall health and well-being.

Wrapping it up

Remember that price shouldn’t be your biggest deciding factor in which of the best dog toys to buy. You will end up saving money in the long run if you purchase a quality toy now and continue to use it throughout the life of your dog. Also keep in mind that your dog’s needs are as unique as he is, and you need to focus on those needs when selecting a toy for him.

Keep your dog’s safety in mind while you’re shopping as well. It would be wise to do some research online before heading to the store. Make sure the product you select is made with quality materials. that it is durable enough to stand up to your pet’s jaws, and that it is the proper size for him.

If you’ve got questions about which toy would be the most beneficial, speak with your veterinarian, a local dog trainer, or other canine professional in your area. You can even consult the well-trained staff at your local pet store. When in doubt, bring your dog to the pet store with you and let him pick out his own toys. Many pet stores allow leashed pets into their establishment, and who better to help you pick out a toy for your dog than your Fido himself?

Full list of ten best dog toys

1. StarMark Bob-A-Lot Interactive Pet Toy, Large
2. Trixie Chess Game, Level 3
3. Ethical Plush Skinneeez Fox 24-Inch Stuffingless Dog Toy
4. Flossy Chews Cottonblend Color 3-Knot Rope Tug, X-Large, 36-Inch
5. KONG Extreme Dog Toy, Large, Black
6. Outward Hound 31011 Hide-A-Squirrel Squeak Toy Dog Toys 4-Piece, Large, Brown
7. Romp-N-Roll Ball
8. West Paw Design Zogoflex Bumi Guaranteed Tough Tug-o-War Dog Play Toy, Large, Aqua
9. Kyjen PP01371 Squeaker Mat Squirrel 16-Squeaker Plush Squeak Toy Dog Toys, Small, Brown
10. Elk Antler Dog Chews Premium Grade A Quality