Best Dog Toys in 2025
Dog toys are essential for a dog's physical health, mental stimulation, and overall happiness. They combat boredom, encourage exercise, and satisfy natural chewing instincts. Selecting the right toys can turn playtime into an enriching and enjoyable experience for both you and your canine companion. The market offers a diverse range, including chew toys, interactive puzzles, fetch toys, and plush toys, each designed to cater to different play styles and needs. Factors like durability, safety, material, and your dog's breed and chewing strength all influence the ideal choice. This buying guide provides a thorough analysis of the top dog toys available, helping you make informed decisions for your furry friend.
What's In This Guide
- •Our Selection Methodology
- •Selection Criteria
- •KONG Classic - Best Overall: Durable and Versatile.
- •Outward Hound Hide-A-Squirrel Plush Puzzle - Best for Mental Stimulation: Interactive puzzle.
- •Chuckit! Ultra Ball - Best for Fetch: Durable and High-Bouncing
- •StarMark Bob-A-Lot - Best Interactive Treat Dispenser: Keeps dogs engaged and mentally stimulated.
- •Benebone Wishbone - Best for Aggressive Chewers: Designed for durability with flavors.
- •Conclusion & Recommendations
- •Frequently Asked Questions
Our Selection Methodology
Our selection process is based on a comprehensive analysis of thousands of data points gathered from user reviews, expert evaluations by veterinarians and canine behaviorists, product specifications, and performance tests. AI algorithms were employed to process and weigh these factors based on relevance and impact on the stated selection criteria. Initial product candidates were sourced from a wide array of retailers and manufacturers. Each toy underwent a thorough evaluation process, including simulated and real-world testing involving dogs of various breeds and sizes. Durability was assessed through mechanical testing and observed chewing behaviors. Safety was evaluated through material analyses and assessments for potential hazards. Engagement levels were measured based on observed play sessions and owner feedback. The AI then produced a ranked list based on the aggregate scores.
Selection Criteria
Durability
The ability of the toy to withstand chewing, pulling, and general wear and tear, crucial for safety and longevity, especially for aggressive chewers.
Safety
Materials used should be non-toxic and free of small parts that could pose choking hazards. The toy's design should also minimize risks of injury.
Engagement
Toys that capture and maintain a dog's interest, providing mental stimulation and preventing boredom. Interactive toys are particularly valuable for this.
Material
The type of material the toy is made of, with a good match to the dog's chewing style (e.g., rubber for tough chewers, plush for gentler players).
Size and Shape
Ensuring that the toy's size and shape are appropriate for the dog's size and breed, avoiding hazards like swallowing.
Unlock Your Brand's AI Visibility Intelligence with premium reports.
Discover how leading AI models perceive, rank, and recommend your brand compared to competitors.
Our premium subscription delivers comprehensive brand intelligence reports from all major AI models, including competitive analysis, sentiment tracking, and strategic recommendations.
- Monthly competitive intelligence across all major AI models
- Catch when AI models are directing users to incorrect URLs or socials
- Early access to insights from new AI model releases
- Actionable recommendations to improve AI visibility
Just $19.99/month per category, brand, or product. Track your brand, category, and competitors to stay ahead.
Top 5 Dog Toys in 2025
KONG Classic
Best Overall: Durable and Versatile.
https://www.kongcompany.com/products/dog/rubber-toys/classic-2/Pros
- Durable and long-lasting rubber.
- Versatile – can be used for fetch and treat dispensing.
- Helps reduce boredom and separation anxiety.
Cons
- May not be durable enough for extremely aggressive chewers.
Key Specifications
The Kong Classic is a durable rubber toy great for stuffing with treats or kibble, making it an excellent option for interactive play and combating boredom. Its irregular bounce adds to the fun during fetch, and its robust construction allows for extended chewing sessions. The Kong Classic is designed to be resistant to wear and tear, but is not indestructible making this toy suitable for dogs with moderate chewing habits rather than heavy shredders. It is a favorite among trainers and vets for its ability to keep dogs engaged and mentally stimulated. It's a versatile toy that can be used for various purposes, including fetch, independent play, or as a training tool for positive reinforcement.
Outward Hound Hide-A-Squirrel Plush Puzzle
Best for Mental Stimulation: Interactive puzzle.
https://www.outwardhound.com/dog-toys/puzzle-toys/hide-a-squirrel-plush-dog-puzzlePros
- Provides mental stimulation and enrichment.
- Engages natural hunting instincts.
- Soft and plush material.
Cons
- Can be messy if the stuffing is not done carefully.
Key Specifications
The Outward Hound Hide-A-Squirrel Plush Puzzle is designed to engage your dog's hunting instincts. This interactive puzzle includes a plush base with multiple openings and several squirrel toys that dogs can 'hunt' and pull out. The puzzle component provides mental stimulation, helping to alleviate boredom and reduce destructive behaviors. The soft plush exterior is generally safe, although owners should watch for wear and tear and replace the toys as needed to avoid the possibility of ingestion of stuffing. The Hide-A-Squirrel provides entertainment and mental enrichment and is best suited for small to medium-sized dogs that enjoy interactive play.
Chuckit! Ultra Ball
Best for Fetch: Durable and High-Bouncing
https://www.chuckit.com/products/ultra-ballPros
- High bounce and durable construction.
- Easy to clean and suitable for outdoor use.
- Highly visible color for easy spotting.
Cons
- Cannot be used with dogs that are aggressive chewers.
Key Specifications
Chuckit! Ultra Ball is an excellent toy for fetch, known for its high bounce and durable construction. The ball is made of natural rubber, making it safe for dogs. It's designed to be used in open spaces like parks or yards and is great for a high-energy game of fetch. The bright orange color makes it easy to spot, even in tall grass. It's also easy to clean, so you can take it on any outdoor adventure. The ball's size and shape is excellent for all breeds of dogs. However, it is not ideal for heavy chewers, since it is not designed to withstand aggressive chewing.
StarMark Bob-A-Lot
Best Interactive Treat Dispenser: Keeps dogs engaged and mentally stimulated.
https://www.starmarkacademy.com/products/bob-a-lot-dog-toy/Pros
- Stimulates both mental activity and play.
- Adjustable difficulty levels.
- Durable and long lasting.
Cons
- May not be suitable for continuous independent play due to treat-dispensing mechanism.
Key Specifications
The StarMark Bob-A-Lot is an interactive treat dispensing toy that challenges dogs and encourages play. The weighted base allows it to wobble, and, as the dog plays, treats are dispensed. The difficulty level can be adjusted to vary the challenge, which will keep your dog engaged. Made from durable, non-toxic plastic, this toy is designed to withstand moderate chewing. It can be filled with kibble or treats, making it a great option for mealtime or snack time. Note that, as with most treat dispensing toys, your dog needs to be supervised when playing.
Benebone Wishbone
Best for Aggressive Chewers: Designed for durability with flavors.
https://www.benebone.com/products/wishbone/Pros
- Promotes dental hygiene while chewing.
- Very tough and long-lasting.
- Appealing textures and flavor (chicken, peanut butter, bacon).
Cons
- Can be too simple for dogs that enjoy more complex toys.
Key Specifications
Benebone Wishbone is designed to satisfy a dog's natural urge to chew, promoting dental health in the process. Made from durable nylon with added flavor, Wishbone is designed to be long-lasting and satisfying. It helps scrape plaque and tartar from the teeth, improving dental hygiene while providing hours of chewing entertainment. The Wishbone is favored as it can withstand tough chewing. It is a great option for aggressive chewers, and the curved design makes it easy for dogs to hold and chew. Flavors also include a peanut butter version and a bacon version. Note that this toy should be replaced when it wears down and becomes small enough to create a choking hazard.
Conclusion
Choosing the right dog toy can significantly enhance your dog's well-being, providing mental stimulation, physical exercise, and a way to bond with you. The 'best' toy depends on your dog's size, breed, chewing habits, and play style. Prioritize durability, safety, and engagement. Remember to supervise your dog during playtime and replace toys when worn or damaged.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I ensure my dog's safety while playing with toys?
Supervise your dog during playtime, inspect toys regularly for damage, choose toys appropriate for your dog's size and chewing style, and rotate toys to keep your dog engaged.
Can dog toys help with boredom and anxiety?
Yes, interactive toys, such as puzzle toys and treat-dispensing toys, can provide mental stimulation and help reduce boredom and destructive behaviors.
What is the best material for dog toys?
The best dog toy material depends on your dog's chewing habits. For heavy chewers, consider durable rubber or nylon toys. For softer chewers, plush toys or rope toys may be suitable.
When should I replace my dog's toys?
Signs of a toy needing replacement include tears, missing pieces, or wear that could pose a choking hazard. Replace the toy immediately if any such damage is found.