Top toys to keep your pup stimulated
Published Jul 25, 2024 • Last updated 31 minutes ago • 7 minute read
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Shopping for dog toys can get overwhelming due to the abundance of brands and varieties of products on the market (we love PetSmart and Amazon for that reason).
While some feel buying toys can spoil your dog (perhaps it can) toys also stimulate and entertain our pups which can help keep them happy, lively, engaged and in optimum health.
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Whether you have a small Boston Terrier or a large Bernese Mountain Dog, choosing the right toy can significantly improve their playtime, ensuring they stay properly stimulated, satisfied and happy.
Summary of the best dog toys for small, medium and large breeds
Best toys for large breeds:
Best toys for medium breeds:
Best toys for small breeds:
The best toys for large dog breeds
Chuckit! Kick Fetch Ball Dog Toy
Why you’ll love it:
- Durable for strong chewers
- Large enough that it will not be a choking hazard
- Floats in water
- Light enoughto kick while playing fetch with your dog
What it includes: One ball (Dimensions: 7.75″L x 7.75″W x 7.9″H)|
Price: $40
Where to buy: PetSmart | Amazon
The Chuckit! Kick Fetch ball is one of the best dog toys for large dogs because of its durability and size.
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Owners with large-breed dogs need to be careful with toy sizes because due to choking risks. This can lead to a dangerous situation and a large vet bill.
My dog has had this ball for years and it has held up quite well. We take this to the lakes because it can float or we throw it around in a safe, open area for my boy to play catch.
A bonus is this ball does not squeak —we are big fans of silent toys in our household. It is on the expensive side but it is worth it for how durable it is.
Nerf Dog Elite Tire Flyer Dog Toy
Why you’ll love it:
- Light and easy to throw
- Durable
- Easy to clean
- Can tire out your dog quickly
What it includes: One disk (Dimensions: 10 in)
Price: $13
Where to buy: Amazon
The Nerf Dog Elite Tire Flyer is perfect for large-breed dogs who love to fetch. The toy is designed to last, is durable for chewing and is easy to throw.
Playing fetch is a workout that keeps your dog physically fit and mentally sharp. It’s also a great way to bond with your dog while tiring them out.
Whether you’re at the park, backyard, or beach, this toy brings the fun for quality time with your best pal. I will say this a few times, watch your dog if they are chewing so they don’t choke!
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Kong Classic X-Large Dog Toy
Why you’ll love it:
- Durable and will last years
- Large enough that it will not be a choking hazard
- Helps keep your dog distracted and content
- Can be used as a bouncy ball as well after treats are gone
What it includes: One toy (Dimensions: Multiple sizes)
Price: $27
Where to buy: PetSmart | Amazon
This Kong toy is truly iconic. Most people with dogs have this toy for multiple reasons. First, they last forever. I bought a Kong for my boy when he was a puppy and I made sure to purchase it larger so it could still be a safe size as he grew up. After three years he still enjoys it often.
Tip: Put peanut butter inside of the Kong, freeze it and watch your pup enjoy licking it even longer.
The best toys for medium dog breeds
Joyhound Tug Suction Dog Toy
Why you’ll love it:
- Sturdy and strong enough for medium-sized dogs
- Motivates independent play
- Great for tug-of-war
- Easy to secure on a wall or floor and does not leave a mark
What it includes: One toy (Dimensions: 17 in)
Price: $17
Where to buy: PetSmart
The Joyhound Tug Suction Dog Toy is a great option for medium-sized dogs who enjoy playing tug-of-war. It sticks securely to smooth surfaces, ensuring it stays in place without slipping and without needing constant interaction from you.
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The rope is sturdy and the suction is secure enough for medium-sized dogs’ strength, designed to withstand their pulling. It promotes active play and chewing, which supports dental health and strengthens jaws. Overall, it’s a reliable choice for medium-sized dogs who love interactive play and staying physically active.
Nylabone CreativePlay Eggi Dog Toy
Why you’ll love it:
- Unique
- Motivates independent play
- Keeps your dog guessing where it will go so helps with mental stimulation
- Cute packaging
What it includes: One toy (Dimensions: 7.25 in x 6 in x 3.5 in)
Price: $12
Where to buy: Amazon
The Nylabone Creative Play Eggi is a unique toy that my dog loves.
My dog received this as a gift and at first, I did not get it. I thought, “why isn’t it shaped like a ball?” I quickly learned that the egg shape makes the toy bounce in different directions which helps with mental stimulation.
Another great thing about this toy is with supervision, your dog can chew it and it’s textured for a gum massage and some teeth-cleaning action. Just make sure you watch your dog the whole time so they don’t choke.
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Whether we’re playing indoors or outside, this toy keeps my dog entertained.
Guru Crunch & Squeak Dog Toy
Why you’ll love it:
- Satisfying for your dog to chew with the different sounds
- Easy to fetch
- Unique in that it has a crunch sound effect side and a squeak sound effect on either side
- Colourful so it sticks out and is easy to find outside
What it includes: Two balls (Dimensions: 2.75 in)
Price: $13
Where to buy: PetSmart
The Guru Crunch and Squeak Dog Toy is the one exception in our household that my dog can have that makes a sound. Usually, I try to ban these toys because they drive me up a wall. This one is different because it has two sounds on either side: a crunch sound and a squeak. Luckily, both sounds are not that loud.
I like that the bright colours of the ball are easy to see outside when we are playing fetch, making it easy to find at all times. With two balls included, it’s great value for money. .
The best toys for small dog breeds
Nina Ottosson Outward Hound Dog Brick Treat Dispensing Dog Toy
Why you’ll love it:
- Great for brain stimulation
- Prevents boredom
- Easy to put treats inside
- Challenging enough for small dogs
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What it includes: One game and four removable bones
Price: $30
Where to buy: PetSmart | Amazon
This is more than just a toy; it’s a fun brain workout for your small dog!
This interactive toy is designed with sliding puzzle pieces and hidden compartments that challenge your dog to figure out how to get to the treats out.
Overall, the Nina Ottosson Outward Hound Dog Brick Treat Dispensing Dog Toy is a winner. It keeps my dog’s mind sharp. If your dog enjoys a good puzzle and treats, this toy is worth trying out.
One downfall is that your dog could choke on the pieces if left unattended, so make sure you watch your dog while they are playing.
Kong Lick Mat Treat with Ridges and Grooves
Why you’ll love it:
- Easy to use
- Licking can help reduce dog’s anxiety and
- Durable and long-lasting
- Affordable compared to other toys
What it includes: One lick mat (Dimensions: 1.5 in x 7 in x 4.5 in)
Price: $12
Where to buy: PetSmart | Amazon
This toy is for the treat lovers; which most dogs are. The Kong Licks Mat Treat with Ridges and Grooves is a game changer to keep your dog stimulated and distracted if you ever need to cut their nails or bathe them. Just spread a bit of peanut butter, yogurt or cheez wiz on the mat and your dog will be happily disctracted for a while, especially with smaller breeds.
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It is made of tough rubber with lots of little ridges and grooves, which makes licking the treat off take longer. Also, licking helps dogs relieve stress and can help eliminate anxiety. Some larger dogs might get confused and wonder if the mat itself is a treat —another reason why we recommend this for small dogs (larger dogs could swallow the mat).
West Paw Zogoflex Toppl Dog Toy
Why you’ll love it:
- A fun challenge for your dog
- Durable
- Dishwasher safe, so easy to wash
- Made with zero waste material
What it includes: One toy (Dimensions: 3 in)
Price: $26
Where to buy: PetSmart | Amazon
The West Paw Zogoflex Toppl keeps my dog engaged and mentally sharp. I love that it helps with cognitive stimulation, which is as important as physical exercise.
I also appreciate that this is made with zero waste material, as you never know how many toys end up in the landfill.
This toy is great for small dogs who enjoy a good puzzle and a tasty reward for all of their hard work.
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