Navigating the dog toy aisle can be confusing because your options are nearly endless. After choosing dozens of toys for your dog, you often end up with an uninterested dog and a pile of unused toys. Knowing a little bit about your options might help you make better choices, save you money, and keep your dog safer. So, what is the best toy for your dog?
How do you choose the best toy for your dog?
Below is a list of the different types of toys that you can give your dog. Make sure to familiarize yourself with them so you can choose the best one for your dog. If your dog is an aggressive chewer of toys, you may wish to look for more heavy-duty toys. Look for toys made with sturdier materials, double stitching, and without foam.
Ball Toys Top “The Best Toy For Your Dog” List
This classic toy is a must-have for every dog. Whether it is a rubber ball, tennis ball, squeaky ball, or even be a glow-in-the-dark ball, each ball bounces and feels different to your dog.
Just make sure that the ball is large enough for your dog to carry in his mouth but not small enough for him to accidentally swallow it. It is also not a good idea to leave tennis balls lying around for your dog to chew on, as some of its raw material may cause damage to your dog’s teeth.
For larger dogs or those with a more aggressive play attitude, look for toys made of hard, non-toxic, polyethylene plastic. Some of these toys come with a lifetime guarantee and are safer for these dogs.
Plush Toys
Most dogs love plush toys, but supervision is required when your dog plays with them. Dogs tend to rip apart plush toys, causing the poly-fill of the toy to spill out. This type of toy will not last long for dogs that are aggressive chewers. Some dogs are prone to swallowing the poly-fil, and this can cause serious problems.
Some of these toys make a squeaking sound and are very popular with some dogs. If you can find a plush toy with a heavy-duty liner than is very durable, it will provide added protection for your dog. Amazon has a wide range of these toys for all sizes of dogs. Click on the photo to check them out.
FYI, No obligation to purchase, but if you do I may or may not receive a small commission that does not add one penny to your purchase price.
Retrieval Toys
Aside from balls, dogs love playing fetch with recovery toys. The most popular toy for retrieving is a disc. A Frisbee, or another disc-shaped toy, is a bit more challenging than a ball since you can control its speed and direction. Playing fetch is a good exercise for your dog as it develops both his mental and physical health.
Squeaky Toys
Usually made of vinyl or rubber, the squeaky toy is another favorite of dogs. Since this is a type of chew toy, make sure that it is soft enough for your dog to chew on, but durable enough for it not to rip apart.
For aggressive chewers, it is better to buy one made out of thick rubber. Although this can be a little more expensive than toys made out of thinner vinyl, it is a safer choice.
Tug Toys
Make sure your dog has the right personality before you choose a tug or rope toy for him. These toys may cause aggression, especially if the play is unsupervised. This type of toy stimulates tremendous physical and mental exercise for your dog.
Remember not to pull the toy too hard as this may injure your dog’s jaw or teeth. Tug toys are easily worn out and need to be carefully examined periodically to check for wear and tear. Replace the fraying tug toys to ensure that they will not break in the middle of a game and cause injury.
Click on the photo below to check out the kinds of tug toys available to you at this site.
What Is The Best Toy For Your Dog When He Is A Giant?
Some dogs, just by virtue of their size alone, need specially made toys to keep them safe.
Drago loves his Kong toy, the only one durable enough for him to safely enjoy playing with it. Click on this photo to check it out. The site has other toys for giant dogs as well.
Food-Dispensing Toys
Some chew and squeaky toys can be stuffed with treats and kibble for your dog to enjoy. Just be sure to use healthy snacks to keep your dog not only active but healthy.
Floating Toys
Does your dog love swimming? Then you should get him floating toys! This type of toy is usually made of foam or rubber. This construction makes it easy for your dog to grab on to in the water. Make sure that the toy is not small enough for your dog to accidentally swallow it while playing.
So, what is the best toy for your dog??
A safe one that he enjoys! Toys stimulate the mind and help exercise the body. If your dog does not have a few toys with which to play, you may wish to pick up one for him.
Once you have great props for taking photos, you may want to read this. https://happymutt.org/terrific-tips-for-taking-photos-of-your-pup/
Photos courtesy of Pixabay (other than the massive Mastiff with his tough toy, which came from my album)
Sara Wilson
I am really enjoying your articles! Great advice and insight especially regarding scolding. Thank you!
Beverly Conway
Thanks for the reminder on tug toys. I worry about their teeth, I had forgotten about the jaw.