We all love spoiling our pups. Even if you swear you won’t spend too much money on toys, it’s hard to make it out of the pet store without several of them. From rope toys for tug of war to squeaky toys that you might regret buying after a few too many squeaks or more rugged options made with durable materials for super shredders, it’s important to provide your dog with plenty of toys to keep them entertained.
There are so many options out there, which makes finding the best toys a tall order for pet parents. You’ll need to consider whether a toy can handle your teething puppy or wild Malamute, or if it’ll wind up shredded (like the packaging) after a few hours of play. Some dogs will play gently with a stuffed toy, while others need chew toys that can stand up to harsher handling. There are also kong toys and interactive toys that can help keep your dog occupied during the day while you’re at work.
To help you find the best dog toys, we consulted with current and former CNET staff members who are passionate pet owners. They have put together a definitive list of their dogs’ all-time favorite toys. Finding durable toys that can withstand relentless chewing and spirited play is crucial, and these selections have unequivocally proven their value. Notably, the Chuckit is the most popular plaything on the list.
Of course, not every dog is the same and they each have their own preferences and play styles — which is why we’ve included a diverse list of toys that are sure to entice your dog. Check out our top picks for the best dog toys, guaranteed to have your dog’s tails wagging with excitement.
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Best dog toys
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To be honest, we get a lot of mileage out of gross old tennis balls that Molly finds in the gutter, but the ChuckIt Ultra Balls do much better at withstanding her efforts to rip them to shreds. They also are slobberproof, don’t pick up as much mud in the first place and are easy to wash. The only downside is they tend to disappear at dog parks. –Stephen Shankland
If you have an active dog who likes to chase balls (like my Lab), then the ChuckIt is a must have for your games of fetch. You never have to bend down to pick up or touch a slobbery ball. This piece of inexpensive molded plastic picks up the ball for you and allows you to “throw” it over and over again with a flick of your wrist. –-Connie Guglielmo
My pup will play fetch until the cows come home, so this launcher makes it much easier to tolerate long sessions. Not only is it great for those of us with below average throwing skills, but it also means less bending down to grab the ball. Every time I reach for the Chuckit Launcher, my puppy is beyond excited! –-Lexy Savvides
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When you have a dog that demands near-constant attention, you’ll do anything to keep them busy for a few minutes. I use this puzzle toy for just that. There are three swiveling trays where you can conceal treats, making your dog work for their reward. My pup has to use his snout to spin the trays to reveal the compartments, and I have to hope it keeps his brain sharp because he has to problem-solve to get all of the treats. I have the level two (intermediate) version and I would buy it again in a heartbeat. –-Sarah Mitroff
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This toy is durable and covers all of the things that can keep a dog entertained forever. Inside is a rope and a few squeakers to gain and keep their attention, and it usually ends up being the toy my dog cuddles with. –-Theodore Liggians
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Banjo gets anxious when he’s left alone, but like most Labs, he’s very food-driven. Mochi, our little guy, is just an extreme chewer. If he doesn’t have something to chew on, he’ll start nibbling holes in our living room rug. So when I know I’m going to be away for a couple of hours, I pull out the Kongs. I stuff them with mozzarella or peanut butter (or both), and my two doggos stay happy and occupied the whole time I’m away. –-Desiree DeNunzio
My dog is a beast when it comes to toys and has ruined nearly every single toy that we’ve given her within a day or two. That was until we met the Kong Extreme dog toy line, which has worked perfectly for her and keeps her entertained. We can use it as a reward by filling it with peanut butter when she’s been good for the day. There are a few different shapes and sizes of it, and she seems to enjoy them all! –-Jared DiPane
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Most plush toys are no match for my dog, Junebug, who tears them to shreds within minutes. This Fluff and Tuff ball takes her weeks to even get a thread loose. Consequently, she is obsessed with it and carries it with her everywhere (even though it’s way too big for her little body — an adorable bonus). She stays loyal to it even after it’s nothing but a sad, shredded, hollowed-out shell. Eventually, I throw it out and buy her a new one and the cycle starts again. She’s on her third beach ball in about a year! Well worth the money. –-Kim Wong-Shing
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My dog loves two things (besides her humans): food and toys. This puzzle blends both for endless fun. I received this dog treat puzzle as a gift, after months of rolling up towels and old T-shirts to make mentally stimulating toys for my chihuahua mix. Now, I use it whenever I don’t have a chance to take my pooch on her long evening walk.
All the moving plastic parts make it look complex, but it’s actually simple to set up. Just hide your choice of treats or kibble in the hidden cubbies, cover it with the plastic door, push the slider over to keep the door shut and that’s it. I found it to be a great indoor option for my dog to burn some energy and test her brain, too. –-Alexandra Garrett
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My pup Alistair has been crazy about his Dogobie flying disc for as long as we’ve had him, which is about 14 years. A disc made of flexible silicone, it’s pretty much indestructible and as easy for me to toss as it is for him to retrieve, and it’s easy to find in the brush after an errant throw, thanks to its neon colors. Alistair is getting on in years, but he still gets excited any time he sees his Dogobie come out to play. If he’d only bring it back with as much enthusiasm as when he chases it. –-Jim Hoffman
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What kind of toys do dogs love the most?
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