Dog Toy - Analysis and Buying Guide - 2023
Dogs are naturally playful animals that love to run, chase, chew, and pull. Therefore, you need to buy a range of dog toys to keep your four-legged friend happy.
Your canine companion would be overwhelmed if he knew that there are thousands of dog toys to choose from. The choice may be a little easier for you, but it can still be difficult, especially if you're not sure what kind of toys your dog likes best. So how do you choose the right toy for your dog? This guide will help you!
If you want to buy your pup some tried and tested toys, check out our five favourites. Read on for our complete buying guide to the best dog toys for your furry friend.
Types of Dog Toys
A wide variety of options fall under the umbrella of dog toys. The first thing to do is decide what type of toy to buy for your dog. Once you've narrowed it down, it will be easier to choose the right product. These are the main types of dog toys.
- Stuffed Toys :
Most dogs love stuffed animals or stuffed animals. You'll find them in various degrees of durability, from those that chew gently to those that bite aggressively. Many of these toys contain squeaks or other noises.
- Chew Toys :
These are toys designed for dogs to chew on. They tend to be much more durable than stuffed toys. They can be made of rubber or plastics like nylon, and are often designed so that they can be chewed on without breaking off large chunks. They satisfy the natural urge to bite and are great for dogs that often chew on things they shouldn't.
- Puzzle Toys :
Whether your goal is to find treats, stuffed animals or any other reward, puzzle toys engage your dog's brain and are very helpful in combating boredom when your dog is home alone or needs more mental stimulation.
- Toss Toys :
You grab one end, your dog grabs the other—and you fight until there's only one winner. The vast majority of dogs love to play tug of war, so it's a great way to bond and have fun with your four-legged friend.
- Balls and the Like :
Balls, Frisbees and other projectiles are the perfect toys for dogs who love to search for objects or try to catch them out of the air. Just be prepared for your dog to want you to throw them over and over again.
Considerations for Selecting Dog Toys
- Durability
Some toys are durable enough to withstand the teeth of a 120-pound rottweiler, while others shed a slight mouth. If you live with a large dog or an aggressive chewer, you'll need to look into extra-strong dog toys.
No toy is completely indestructible, no matter what the package says, but some are much harder to destroy. Plush toys are generally the least durable option, but you can find some designed for more determined chewers, with features like hidden seams, double stitching, and ripstop material.
- Size
Choose dog toys that are an appropriate size for your four-legged friend. If you buy an extra-large toy for a small dog, he won't be able to pick it up, and if you buy a small toy for a large dog, it could be a choking hazard. That said, some small dogs do enjoy playing with large, plush toys.
- Security
Your dog's well-being should be of the utmost importance, so make sure you choose dog toys that are safe for your dog. First of all, only buy toys from a reputable manufacturer. Some cheap dog toys can be made from unsafe and toxic materials. It's not worth risking your dog's health for a few dollars.
As mentioned above, the chosen toy should be durable enough and the right size for your dog. If the toy is too small or if your dog can chew on a piece or component of the string, he could choke on it or swallow it and end up with an intestinal blockage.
- Sounds and Textures
The sound of your canine companion squeaking his toy for 20 minutes straight may make you want to push him down the garbage disposal, but it makes him happy. Dogs are attracted to toys that contain squeaks or other noises, and will often engage with these toys longer than toys that don't make noise.
For strong chewers, look for toys that contain puncture-proof squeaks that keep making noise even if your dog sticks a tooth through them. You'll also find that dogs like to chew on objects of different textures, whether it's crumpled paper, textured string, or ribbed rubber.
Tips
Think about your dog's needs and interests when selecting a toy. There's no point in buying a flimsy toy for an aggressive chewer or a ball for a dog who isn't interested in fetching it.
Consider giving away toys for times when your dog is alone. Toys that you can fill with treats that your dog must work to get out of are ideal for occupying your four-legged friend when you're not home, or if he needs the extra calories beyond his food.
Don't leave all of your dog's toys out at once. If your dog has access to all of her toys all the time, they can become part of the furniture and she won't enjoy playtime as much.
Only buy toys designed for dogs. You might find a cute stuffed animal made for humans that you think your dog will love, but it won't be designed with the dog's safety in mind.
Other Products We Consider
We had to pick just the top five dog toys for our top spots, but there were plenty more that we felt were close to making the grade. If your dog likes to catch and fetch, the Foodie Puppies Squawking Chicken Vinyl Rubber Squeeze Toy is an excellent choice. The streamlined shape makes it fly through the air with ease. It also floats in water and glows in the dark... what more could you ask for? If snapping teddies is more relevant to your dog's interests, try the ZippyPaws Skinny Peltz.
These durable, unstuffed stuffed animals are perfect for dogs who normally open stuffed animals and extract their stuffing in minutes. Dogs that like to chew will love the CreativeFox Pixie The Octopus Plush Soft Toys.
Made from durable nylon, this toy can withstand the most aggressive chewers and is much safer than giving your dog real animal bones. This chew is designed for large dogs, but you can also find smaller options. Finally, you can... don't go wrong with a KONG Classic. Toss it, roll it, bounce it, or fill it with treats—your canine companion can enjoy this toy in a variety of ways, alone or with a member of the human family.
FAQ
Que. Why do dogs need toys?
Ans. There are a number of reasons why all dogs need toys. Dogs enjoy playing with them — but they can also act as rewards, help relieve boredom, and provide mental and physical stimulation, helping to maintain their youthful spirit and keep them awake. Many toys encourage dogs to use natural canine behaviors such as chasing, sniffing, chewing, and retrieving.
Que. Should I buy toys that my dog can play with alone or that require human interaction?
Ans. While your dog should have some toys that he can play with on his own, like puzzle toys and chew toys, it's also great to have toys that you and your dog can play with together, like balls and toss toys. These are fun for both parties and help you bond with your four-legged friend.
Que. Can my dog play with his toys without supervision?
Ans. Most dog toy manufacturers are overly cautious and suggest that almost all dog toys should only be used when supervised. Use your judgment or the recommendations of the veterinarian. Plush toys are generally best used under supervision, for example, unless you're 100 percent sure your dog won't rip them apart and swallow the entrails. Durable chew toys, like the KONGS, are generally safe for unattended use.
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