An NBC Select Pet Awards winner, this plush toy acts as a hide-and-seek puzzle and includes a stuffed lime, chip and avocado that you can hide inside a guacamole bowl. NBC Select social commerce editor Sadhana Daruvuri says her 3-year-old maltipoo Bandit loves this interactive toy, and takes about five minutes to get them all out of the bowl. “I think this toy brings me as much joy as it does to Bandit — it’s so cute to see him playing with his little lime and tortilla,” she says. “He enjoys playing with the pieces individually and also trying to get them out of the guacamole bowl, so it’s really more like three toys in one. He brings back parts of it to his bed to nibble on and squeak.”
Kong toys are famously strong and durable — in fact, they were initially designed in the 1970s for dogs with destructive chewing habits, according to the brand. The classic rubber Kong toy, which is another NBC Select Pet Award winner, is a favorite of Mark Forrest Patrick, owner of Tuxedo’s K9 Training Camp, Inc, who recommends stuffing the toy with dog-safe peanut butter, kibble or your dog’s favorite treats. “You can stuff and freeze them to make it a more difficult problem for the dog to solve,” says Khara Schuetzner, a certified professional dog trainer and owner of training facility The Doggie Spot. “They [help] slow my canines at mealtime, create problem-solving skills and teach the dog impulse control,” she says.
My 6-year-old havanese and bichon frise mix Bella loves her Kong Classic, which I fill with peanut butter-flavored biscuits specifically made for the toy. I’ll usually give this to her during stressful situations to keep her distracted, like when we board a flight — Bella works hard to get the treats out, and the wobble motion keeps her entertained for about 30 minutes.
A fun spin on your classic tennis ball and another NBC Select Pet Awards winner, this ball has a durable, textured surface and a thick rubber core that can withstand rougher play, according to NBC Select editors. It’s great for dogs of all sizes: it ranges from small to XXL, the larger of which has a diameter of about four inches (or slightly larger than a softball). I take this ball with me every time I go to the park with Bella, who loves that it’s slightly larger than most other toys she has (which she sees as a challenge, in my opinion). The ball also has ridges that make it easy for me to hold on to and throw. It has a lightweight design that lets it float on water, so you can take it to the pool or beach with your furry friend, too.
This chew toy comes recommended by Schuetzner for bigger dogs because it has minimal stuffing and a durable squeaker that’s difficult to remove. It won an NBC Select Pet Award due to its soft, textured material and built-in squeaky toy that encourages dogs to play, according to our editors. It also has chew-resistant lining and reinforced seams, making it more difficult to chew through and tear, according to the brand. NBC Select reporter Zoe Malin says her 11-year-old yellow lab Chance tends to rip stuffed toys apart, but wasn’t able to gnaw through this one, which ultimately discouraged him from trying to do so after the first attempt, she says. This toy comes in a variety of animal styles, as well as multiple sizes, including large and extra-large for bigger dogs.
This Multipet Loofa is Bella’s most prized possession, from what I’ve noticed — she’s had multiple versions throughout the years, including a birthday version and a limited-edition Halloween-themed Loofa (complete with a witch’s hat). Though it’s not the most durable toy out there (Bella will sometimes tear a seam over the course of a few months), it still holds up longer than most other plush dog toys. Plus, it has a loud squeaker and a long torso, which gives her something to hold on to.
The dog trainers I spoke to love Kong toys for all types of dogs because they’re durable and come in various sizes. The Kong Wubba, which is available in small, large and extra-large sizes, is good for both solo and interactive play, says Schuetzner. The toy has durable tassels for your dogs to chew, as well as squeaks to keep them engaged. And if your pup often shakes or tugs at their toys, the Wubba is made from a durable reinforced nylon to prevent ripping and tearing, according to the brand.
Similar to the Wubba, the Kong Floppy Knots toy has an internal knotted rope that gives dogs something to grip, says Schuetzner. It comes in a variety of colors and animal shapes, all with floppy, throw-friendly limbs. NBC Select editor Jordan Bowman says his 2-year-old mixed pointer Obi doesn’t fall in love with a toy until it’s completely destroyed — until he found this one.
“If he hears a squeaker he has to rip out all of the stuffing, find the squeaker and then he can enjoy himself. Most of his stuffed toys (if you can even call them that at this point) resemble half-eaten rags,” he says. “This is one of our favorites because it’s a bit tougher and can withstand his rough play style, which consists of gnawing and ripping apart his beloved toys.”
This sloth-shaped squeaky toy is a favorite of NBC Select associate reporter Bianca Alvarez’s 8-year-old pitbull, Baylor. “She normally rips up every toy she gets, but the one that she takes care of and is so gentle with is this plush sloth,” says Alvarez. “Baylor loves cuddling with it when she’s relaxing or playing with my siblings. And of course, she loves to squeak it throughout the day.” The toy is available in two sizes: one for small to medium breeds and another for medium to large breeds.
Schuetzner likes hide and seek toys like Outward Hound’s Hide-A-Squirrel puzzle because she finds dogs love pulling multiple smaller toys out of them and playing with the squeaky ones. For this toy, you can fill the plush tree trunk with three stuffed squeaky squirrels and toss it, encouraging your dog’s hunting instincts to kick in. My dog, Bella, has the squirrel and the bee version of this toy, and they keep her entertained for several minutes as she works to get each small toy out — it’s great for when she’s bored around the house. It’s offered in four sizes: small, medium, large and extra-large (which includes six squirrels).
Keep your dog stimulated with this rubber rolling sphere that holds treats. To fill, simply unscrew the top and drop food inside. You can insert Woof’s premade Pupsicle Pops, available in beef or chicken flavors, or make your own treats using the brand’s DIY Treat Tray. The Pupsicle is also dishwasher-safe and has drool slots designed to minimize messes, according to the brand.
The hollow and mesh-like design of this Chuckit ball can help maintain airflow to your dog’s lungs while they’re running and playing fetch. Bandit is also a big fan of this toy: “[His] favorite kind of toy is a ball, but since he’s so small, it can be hard for him to run around with one in his mouth,” says Daruvuri. “I love that this one has spaces in between so he can breathe more easily while holding it and that it’s flexible and soft. Plus, because it’s lightweight, I can bounce it around my apartment without worrying about making too much noise.”
This toy is especially useful for small breed dogs with common breathing issues (called brachycephalic breeds), like French bulldogs, pugs and boxers, experts say. The ball is made from natural rubber, floats in water and can even be stuffed with treats thanks to its open design.
The Kong Gyro is great for puppies because it encourages paw and eye coordination with an instant food reward, says Patrick. The toy has a spinning orb at the center that helps the toy roll around freely and a durable plastic outer ring. It dispenses kibble and treats from a small opening. You can get this toy in both small and large sizes. While toys that you can fill with food are a daily enrichment opportunity for younger pups, experts recommend owners monitor portion sizes to ensure they’re not overeating.
This snuffle mat is a favorite of certified dog trainer Robert Haussmann, who recommends it to keep dogs mentally stimulated, even during meals. “Snuffle mats are thick shaggy pieces of fabric in which dry food can be tossed into and then sniffed out piece by piece by your dog,” he says. NBC Select commerce analytics manager Amanda Smith’s 3-year-old rat terrier, Mac, eats his dry dog food from this puzzle-like toy to keep him engaged as he eats and encourages him to slow down, she says. Similarly, Haussmann also recommends lick mats, which are flat silicone mats with textured surfaces that you can spread wet food items on. “The food gets stuck in the textured service and your dog has to lick it for a long time to clear it out,” he says.
This toy not only serves as a challenging, mentally stimulating game for your pup, but you can also use it to feed your dog their entire meal while slowing down fast eaters, says Schuetzner. Simply hide your dog’s favorite kibble or treats in any or all of the 24 compartments and encourage your pup to seek them out by pawing at the sliding tray. It requires an advanced skill level, reaching a number 3 on a scale from 1 (easy) to 4 (expert).
This teething pacifier is a durable nylon chew toy for puppies entering the teething stage. “The different grooves on the pacifier and ring massages your puppy’s gums,” says Schuetzner. Nylabone also offers teething rings and a dinosaur-shaped teething toy. Similarly, you can roll up a damp washcloth, freeze it and give it to your dog, which helps reduce biting and chewing associated with teething, says Benjamin Bennink, a certified dog trainer and owner of New York-based Good Doggy Saratoga.
Recommended for average chewers, I found that this Wild One toy set holds up to Bella’s constant chewing thanks to its durable natural rubber material — in fact, it’s lasted for over a year so far. It comes with three pieces: a triangle-shaped tug toy with a rope at the end, a uniquely-shaped hollow toy to stuff treats and spreads into, and a zig-zag-shaped toy that bounces unpredictably to help excite your dog. If you want something a little less tough on your dog’s teeth, the brand also makes plush toys that Bella also loves and l find both durable and cute.
This Bob-A-Lot interactive toy has a dual-chamber design that dispenses treats or kibble as your dog plays with it. It also has adjustable openings at the top and bottom to help accommodate most types of dog food while letting you regulate the difficulty level, and its weighted anti-slip bottom makes it wobble to encourage play, according to the brand. Bella loves the small version of this toy, and often spends a while pawing at it to watch it move from side to side. The large version is designed for dogs under 40 pounds and can fit up to three cups of food, while the small version is made for dogs under 20 pounds and a little over one cup of food, according to the brand.
If your pup has a hard time coping with everyday stressors, this toy recreates the physical warmth and intimacy of another body, according to the brand. It has a battery-powered simulated heartbeat that you can switch on and off, and it includes a disposable heat pack that lasts up to 24 hours, according to Smart Pet Love. The heat pack starts warming up as soon as it’s removed from the outer packaging, so a microwave or electricity is not required. If your pup has separation anxiety, Schuetzner also recommends playing calming music specifically for canines, like “Through A Dog’s Ear.”
The Flirt Pole comes with a pre-attached “lure” at the end of a bungee cord that your pup can chase. It has a non-slip grip pole that you can move around, encouraging your dog to run, jump and change direction, according to the brand. “I love flirt poles — you can teach your dog to do a drop from it, tug with it, in addition to other obedience cues, and all while playing with your pup,” says Schuetzner. The toy comes in both a small size (with a 24-inch pole) and a large size (with a 36-inch pole).
If tug-of-war is your dog’s preferred game, this knotted rope toy is made from durable cotton and polyester yarns that can withstand more aggressive pulling, according to the brand. You can also toss it during a game of fetch or use it as a chew toy during solo play time. It comes in multiple sizes, from a mini 10-inch rope for dogs under 15 pounds to an extra-large 36-inch toy for dogs over 80 pounds.
Made from nylon, these long-lasting bones are designed for heavy chewing and are “durable enough for those chewers who need to reach the back molars,” says Schuetzner. The toy has a curved wishbone shape for a paw-friendly grip and it’s offered in three flavors: bacon, chicken and peanut butter. Benebone recommends checking with your veterinarian to determine if the bone is right for your dog’s teeth, and warns to keep an eye out for wear and tear over time. The brand also provides a visual guide for shoppers to know when to replace their bone.
There are plenty of toys out there for all kinds of dogs, whether they’re young puppies or large, aggressive chewers. Dogs usually have their own preferences when it comes to what they like to play with. “Take your pup to a local store and let them pick out their toy — it’s so much fun to see what your dog prefers,” says Schuetzner.
Choosing the right toy for your dog can depend on a few factors, including your dog’s size and their activity level. Below, experts share what to consider when shopping for one:
It’s important to buy toys suitable for your dog’s size. Large dogs, for example, should avoid small toys that they can swallow and potentially choke on. “If you’re getting a toy that they are going to be chewing on, you want to make sure that it’s not a toy that they can actually [fit] into their mouth and potentially swallow,” says Patrick. “I always tell people that if the dog can put it in their mouth and it sticks out the side of their mouth, then it is big enough.”
While they’re a popular toy for fetch, tennis balls are not a safe option for most dogs. Depending on the size of your dog, a tennis ball can become lodged in their throat and block their airway, experts say. Any pieces that are chewed off can also get stuck in your dog’s intestinal tract, so it’s important to take away the toy if it starts coming apart.
The material a dog toy is made of can present all new challenges. Always check labels to ensure toys don’t include dangerous fillings like nutshells and polystyrene beads, according to The Humane Society. Even the most common materials used to stuff dog toys, including polyester fiberfill, aren’t fully digestible (this can be a problem if your dog is known to destroy their toys and other possessions).
Interactive dog toys can create a fun game of sniffing and getting rewarded, says Schuetzner. When they hunt for kibble, for example, their mind is engaged and it allows for some mental exercise throughout the day, she says.
However, you should be careful about stuffing your dog’s typical biscuit treats in these toys: “I encourage my customers not to put a treat inside of a toy and either use their kibble soaked in some warm water or add blueberries or cantaloupe,” says Haussmann. “If your pet’s treats are inside and [they] get excited or stressed, they can choke on those treats.”
Below, dog trainers share their tips to ensure your dog stays safe while playing with their favorite toys:
At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
I’m an updates editor at NBC Select who covers a variety of pet essentials, including dog food, travel carriers, shampoos and beds. For this article, I spoke to four dog trainers about how to shop for the best toys for all ages and temperaments. I also compiled their recommendations for the best dog toys to consider, as well as NBC Select staff favorites.
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