The 19 best dog toys in 2024, tested with real pups

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Dogs need more than food, water, and walks to thrive. Regular playtime is also important for keeping your dog healthy and happy. The best dog toys provide both physical and mental stimulation, which is known as enrichment. Fetch is an example of physical play, for example, and sniffing out hidden treats is a form of mental stimulation.

For this guide, we tested dozens of toys, from chew toys to puzzles and everything in between, to keep dogs from getting bored. We also spoke with a dog trainer and a veterinary behaviorist about toy safety, how dogs play, and what toys they may like. The Kong Classic is our top pick because it's durable, can be played with in many ways, and comes in a wide range of sizes.

Learn more about how Insider Reviews tests and researches pet products.

Our top picks for the best dog toys

Best overall: Kong Classic - See at Chewy

Best easy puzzle: Outward Hound Hide N' Slide - See at Chewy

Best hard puzzle: Outward Hound Casino - See at Chewy

Best chew toy: Petsages Calming Dog Chew - See at Chewy

Best for aggressive chewers: Goughnuts .75 Black Ring Pro 50 - See at Amazon

Best for puppies: West Paw Zogoflex Toppl - See at Chewy

Best for small dogs: GoDog Dinos Bruto Plush Toy - See at Amazon

Best for large dogs: Jolly Pets Teaser Ball - See at Chewy

Best interactive: Outward Hound Hide-A-Squirrel - See at Chewy

Best for chase: Outward Hound Tail Teaser - See at Chewy

Best treat ball: Starmark Treat Dispensing Chew Ball - See at Chewy

Best squeaky ball: Hartz Dura Play Ball - See at Chewy

Best crinkle: Playology Crinkle Disc - See at Chewy

Best plush: Kong Cozie Marvin the Moose - See at Chewy

Best for fetch: Chuckit! Sport Launcher - See at Chewy

Best disc: Kong Flyer - See at Chewy

Best tug toy: Kong Wubba - See at Chewy

Best treat dispenser: Kong Wobbler - See at Chewy

Best subscription: PupJoy - See at PupJoy

Best overall

The Kong Classic is a time-tested favorite among our editors and writers. This toy is a classic for a reason: It's tough enough to withstand frequent chewing, works well as a toss toy, and is the perfect vessel for the best dog foods and best dog treats.

"You can make them more difficult for the dog or have them last longer by varying what you stuff them with," says Dr. Leslie Sinn, a veterinary behaviorist and certified professional dog trainer. We've also put stuffed Kong toys in the freezer to up the challenge for our dogs.

The toy is available in various sizes to suit different breeds. And if the toy's rubber isn't the right density for your dog, Kong offers the same design for various chew strengths, including the Puppy, Extreme, and Senior toys. But don't expect your dog to stay entranced by even the best dog toy forever. "Different toys offer various stimulation for your dog, and one day they'll want to play with one or two specific toys and switch to something else in a few days," Burgess says.

Read our full Kong Classic review.

Best easy puzzle

It's a good idea to introduce your dog to puzzle toys slowly. "The idea is brain exercise, not for your dog to become frustrated because it can't get to the goodies," Burgess says.

Outward Hound's Hide N' Slide is an excellent option for introducing your dog to the best dog puzzle toys. The board features six hidden compartments where you can stash treats or kibble. Your dog must fiddle with various knobs and lids to reveal the tasty nibbles underneath. And you don't have to worry about your pup swallowing or choking on puzzle pieces since they're all attached to the board.

Best hard puzzle

Sinn says that puzzle toys help fill your dog's time budget with something active. "They serve an enrichment purpose, providing more variety in the dog's life," she says. The Outward Hound Casino is one of the best dog toys if your pup has mastered entry-level puzzles.

Stash treats inside the drawers, which will only be released when your dog twists the bones on top of the board. While some dogs might get the hang of the Casino immediately, you can unlock the bone-shaped pegs to make retrieving treats easier. Like our easy puzzle pick, there are no loose pieces, and it's easy to clean.

Read our full Outward Hound dog puzzles review.

Best chew toy

Our canine testers loved these faux-stick toys thanks to their wood-like texture. The set includes two toys made with real wood and hemp that come without the mess and safety hazards common with sticks from trees, which can embed in the mouth, throat, or intestinal tract if ingested, Sinn says. The chew has the same look and texture as real wood and features a blend of natural wood fiber and synthetic materials. The brand also has a handy chart to help you figure out when to replace the sticks.

"It's fine for a dog to chew and for toys to fall apart, as long as they're not ingesting those pieces," Sinn says. That's why it's essential to supervise your pet even with the best chew toys for dogs, especially when introducing new ones.

Best for aggressive chewers

Chewing becomes an issue when dogs start to gnaw on things they shouldn't. "If you don't provide your aggressive chewer with enough toys, they will find their own toys," says Burgess — aka your stuff. In general, though, satisfying an eager chewer is a simple fix. Burgess recommends plenty of exercise and a variety of toys in all shapes, sizes, and textures, which we cover in our guide to the best dog toys for aggressive chewers.

An ultra-durable option is the Goughnuts .75 Black Ring Pro 50. Designed for aggressive chewers, the sturdy, natural rubber ring features a red underlayer that lets you know when it's time to replace it. After multiple chew sessions, if you spot the color red, it's time for a replacement.

Our testers liked the chunky bouncy rubber ring and barely put a scratch in it after an entire week of chewing. However, it's not ideal for tossing because it's a bit heavy. This particular toy is suitable for dogs between 10 and 40 pounds. The brand also sells versions for medium and soft chewers.

Best for puppies

When it comes to the best puppy toys, Burgess recommends picking toys based on your pup's current weight, not their prospective adult weight. The West Paw Zogoflex Toppl is appropriate for a puppy's smaller size. The wobbly toy is made of a plastic composite that is BPA-free and very durable material despite being bouncy, buoyant, and stretchy.

You can fill it with the best dog treats or one of the best puppy foods, and it's dishwasher-safe, making it easy to sanitize. And it's not just for puppies — it's available in three sizes, which you can interlock together for even more interactivity.

Best for small dogs

Avoiding toys that are too small is a given for big dogs, but sizing is just as important for smaller breeds when shopping for the best dog toys. According to Sinn, dogs should be able to manipulate toys with the equipment they have. She gives the example of a pug who might struggle to extract kibble from a narrow treat dispenser toy because of its short, narrow snout. And the same goes for any toy. If a smaller dog can't fit a plush or chew toy into its mouth, it may lose interest.

The smaller-sized Bruto Plush Toy is an excellent plush toy for extra-small breeds. It held up against our pint-sized Yorkie tester's love of thrashing. Even small dogs can be aggressive chewers, but this toy's double-stitched, reinforced seams protect it from destruction. Underneath the soft outer layer, a durable layer keeps teeth from sinking in and tearing the toy apart to get to the squeaker.

Best for large dogs

Sinn explains that it's important to choose toys big enough that you don't have to worry about your dog swallowing them whole. The Jolly Pets Teaser Ball fits the bill. The 8- and 10-inch balls are suitable for breeds weighing 60 pounds or more.

The high-density polyethylene ball resists damage from heavy chewing but is still lightweight enough for interactive play. While our labrador tester turned her nose up at the extra-large toy, our Belgian Malinois tester couldn't get enough of the ball-inside-a-ball design. He enjoyed hours of entertainment with peanut butter spread on the interior ball. In the summer, you can even toss the ball into the pool for aquatic fun.

Best interactive

This puzzle toy might be your dog's new favorite if they love to gut stuffed toys. The plush Hide-a-Squirrel toy comes stuffed with squeaky squirrels that your dog can pull out or chew on, depending on their play preferences. Double-stitched seams ensure the parts don't easily rip apart, and the whole thing is machine washable. It's also available in four sizes.

"Dogs that are used to interacting with people and their environment are more likely to interact with puzzles," Sinn says. For example, working breeds, like shepherds and retrievers, might take to puzzle toys more quickly than others. Personality plays a role, too, Sinn says. It's important to match the puzzle toy to the dog's level of learning. Starting them off with something too complex may lead to frustration. The Hide-a-Squirrel toy is engaging but not overly complicated, making it a good entry-level toy for dogs needing mental stimulation.

Best for chase

Discovering the best dog toys that excite your pup can be tricky and expensive. The Outward Hound Tail Teaser is an affordable, interactive toy resembling a traditional cat wand. The teaser toy activates your dog's prey drive, so if your pup is keen on chasing squirrels, a toy like this might be a new favorite, Burgess says.

You can use it indoors or outside, but make sure you have plenty of room to ramp up your dog's energy levels safely. Some people also use this toy as a training aid to practice impulse control. It comes with two plush squeaker toys that mimic prey. Because the attachable plushies are small and delicate, it's a good idea to keep this toy for human-pup play sessions.

Read our full Outward Hound Tail Teaser review.

Best treat ball

Did you know that treat balls are considered easy dog puzzle toys? Sinn says these simple toys are an excellent place to start before introducing your dog to more complex stuff. The budget-friendly Starmark Treat Dispensing Ball is a physically and mentally stimulating way to feed or treat your dog.

Filling this treat ball takes a little time, but it will keep your dog busy even longer. They'll need to roll it around to get treats or kibble to fall out. The dishwasher-safe toy is made of durable latex and phthalate-free plastic that also makes it bouncy and able to float in water.

Best squeaky ball

The Dura Play Ball is one of the best dog toys for playing fetch, but our canine testers also enjoyed chewing on it for lengths of time. The soft ball is made of latex foam, offering durability without sacrificing flexibility. Our dog testers initially sought out this ball because of its enticing bacon-like scent but kept returning to it because it squeaks and has an unpredictable bouncing action.

Dogs are likely attracted to squeaky toys because they mimic other animals, including prey or playmates. "Dogs really enjoy the hunt and chase or the pounce," Sinn says. Just be careful to avoid these toys with dogs likely to ingest squeakers.

Best crinkle

If you're looking for a quiet toy, there are quite a few silent squeaker toys on the market. However, our dog testers didn't respond to toys with ultrasonic squeakers. Sinn says there's no way for us to know if dogs can hear these squeakers. If your dog responds, that's great. But if not, opt for a different quiet toy.

Our testers were far more interested in this peanut butter-scented disc that's great for solo chewing and fetch. According to the manufacturer, as your dog chews, the toy releases scent particles to encourage continued play. Our dogs loved the soft, corduroy texture and the toy's crinkly sound. If your dog has ever gotten excited about a water bottle stuffed in a sock, they might enjoy this toy.

Best plush

Sinn points out that some dogs, her Border Collie included, prefer soft toys with a plush texture. "I think that just like with us, there's a lot of personal preference and individual variation," she says.

Whether your dog enjoys tearing apart soft plush toys, cuddling them, or chewing on them, durability is important. Of all the plush toys we tested, our tester dogs interacted the most with the Marvin the Moose stuffy. The extra-large moose was the perfect size for our larger breed testers, but the toy is also available in small and medium versions. The squeaking toy features an extra layer for protection against chewing.

Best for fetch

Fetch helps dogs burn off excess energy and encourages bonding. But throwing a ball over and over again can get tiring pretty quickly. The Chuckit! Sport Launcher minimizes stress on your throwing arm so you can throw farther and longer. The launcher's grippy grabber end allows you to pick up stray balls without getting grime on your hands, and its long arm gives you plenty of momentum for long tosses. It's also available in multiple sizes for balls of different diameters.

If you're teaching your dog to fetch, Burgess recommends cutting a slit in the ball and stuffing a treat inside. "When they bring it back to you, squeeze the tennis ball so the treat falls out," she says. Eventually, your dog will get the message that bringing the ball back earns them treats.

Best disc

Buying toys from well-known brands is one way to keep your pet safe, Sinn says. There's no regulatory safety board for dog toys, so opting for toys from reputable, reliable companies is a good idea. According to Sinn, longstanding brands like Kong tend to have stronger quality control measures in place.

This Kong Flyer is a durable rubber disc great for playing fetch and getting your dog to exercise. The soft, flexible material won't tear easily but is gentle on a dog's gums and teeth. It's available in two sizes: small (7 by 7 inches), suitable for extra small and small breeds, and large (9 by 9 inches), ideal for large and giant breeds.

Best tug toy

Many dogs, including our furry testers, enjoy a good game of tug. As with any toy, Sinn says it's a good idea to make sure you're around when introducing a tug toy to ensure it's safe to use and that pieces don't break off.

That's why we love this toy. Its tough nylon weave means it's less likely to fray and fall apart, and the unique design with a ball incorporated makes playtime more enjoyable.

Best treat dispenser

While automatic, remote treat dispensers are fun for dogs, Sinn cautions that large breed dogs may be able to knock them over, break them, or pop them open. "Make sure that whatever you choose is sturdy enough to put up with the dog that you've got in front of you," she says.

The Kong Wobbler is made of strong plastic polymer and is sturdy enough to keep your dog busy while you're away. The top screws on and off, so it's easy to fill with treats and clean after use. It's also available in two sizes so small and big dogs can enjoy the fun. You can also use the Wobbler with a fast-eating dog who scarfs down their food too quickly by filling it with kibble. Because the toy is plastic, it's a poor choice for aggressive chewers.

Best subscription

If you don't have time to shop for dog toys and treats or simply want to surprise your dog every month, PupJoy is a service that has you covered. A PupJoy subscription includes a monthly delivery of size-appropriate dog toys and treats, including options for heavy chewers. Boxes may come with stuffed toys, tug toys, rubber chews, balls, and puzzles.

Even better, you can choose a pre-built box or customize your own, and shopping is free throughout the continental US.

Read our guide to the best dog subscription boxes for more options.

What to look for in dog toys

When shopping for dog toys, here's what our experts say to keep in mind:

Safety: Avoid toys with pieces that might break off easily and be ingested, especially if your dog is prone to eating toy parts. In general, Sinn says it's best to go with toys from reputable brands since they usually have better quality control than other brands. But ultimately, no regulatory body oversees dog toy safety, Sinn says.

Durability and materials: Many dogs like to destroy things. But while no toy is truly indestructible, they should hold up to some wear and tear. Toys made of rubber are stars in terms of durability. But for dogs that like softer materials, look for multi-layered fabrics with reinforced seams.

Size: This is both a safety and engagement consideration. A toy that's too small can be a choking hazard. One that's too big might be hard for a dog to interact with, leaving them uninterested.

Your dog's preferences: Our experts were adamant that the best toy is the one your dog is interested in. And that can vary depending on your pup's personality. Some dogs like to rip stuffed toys to shreds, while others prefer long gnawing sessions. Sinn says you can get a sense of what your dog likes by introducing them to various toys. Watching them play might also clue you into their preferences.

Enrichment: Play is a form of enrichment that can help satisfy your dog's natural instincts. Burgess says toys offer physical and mental enrichment, both of which are important to your pup's overall health and well-being. "Different toys offer various stimulation for your dog," she says. For example, puzzle toys offer great mental stimulation, while tug and fetch toys encourage human-dog interaction.

How we tested the best dog toys

Before testing the dog toys in this guide, we came up with multiple categories and looked at more than a hundred toys. We then selected at least two toys to test for every category. At least one dog and their guardian tested each of our recommendations. Our human testers evaluated the toys according to the following criteria:

Safety and durability: We immediately eliminated toys with small parts that easily fell off and looked for reinforced designs that would hold up to frequent play sessions.

Sizing: We tested toys with dogs of the appropriate size based on the advertised toy dimensions.

Interest: If our canine testers didn't pay attention to a toy, we noted it. However, since dogs have different preferences, we took design and function into close consideration to evaluate each toy's enrichment potential.

Ultimately, our picks are based on our team of writers and editors — and their pups — having a great time with their toys. We tested new toys with dogs of different breeds, ages, and sizes for several weeks, and some of our top picks we've actually had in our rotation for years. Here's a quick snapshot of some of our dog testers: Crocodile, a pitbull mix; Dallas, a Belgian Malinois; Kumu, a Yorkshire Terrier; Herschel, a basset hound puppy; Homer, a beagle-basset hound mix; Rosalie, a labrador and Malinois mix; and Zoe, a black Labrador retriever.

Dog toys FAQs

What toys make dogs happy?

It can take some time to figure out what toys make your dog the happiest. Burgess recommends asking friends and family with dogs about their pets' preferences and starting from there. Offer your dogs various options — including puzzle toys, balls, plushies, and treat dispensers — to find out what they like best.

What kind of toy is best for my dog?

"Some patience and trial and error may be needed to determine what toys your dog enjoys playing with," Burgess says. "Your shoes and other personal belongings will thank you if you determine early what toys your dog likes the most." And remember that what works for one dog may not interest another. Try different toys and textures to see what piques your dog's curiosity.

Is there a dog toy my dog can't destroy?

The best dog toys are more durable than others. For example, Kong and West Paw brand toys can withstand quite a bit of chewing in our experience. But while indestructible toys may be easier on your wallet, they might not necessarily interest your pup. For many dogs, destroying a toy is the fun part, and that's OK. Just make sure to supervise them while they have at it, especially when giving them a toy for the first time, Sinn says.

What toy keeps a dog busy?

It depends on the dog. But to get more mileage out of toys, Burgess recommends rotating them once a week, making three to five available at a time. "Human children get bored with the same toys, and it's the same with dogs," she says. You'll want to swap out toys to help hold your dog's interest. "When dogs don't see their toys for a while, they forget they have them," says Burgess.