15 Best Dog Toys That Are Fun for Every Type of Pup

 We updated this article in August 2022 to add more information based on further research and testing done by the Good Housekeeping Institute and an interview with a veterinarian. We removed out-of-stock and outdated items to help streamline your search and replaced them with staff-tested favorites.

Pet owners know that buying a new dog toy is risky business: If it's too complicated, they'll lose interest and if it's not durable enough, they'll shred it to pieces. Still, engaging dog toys are essential for challenging your pup and keeping them busy. It's important you make the right pick. Whether you've got a smarter than average pooch that needs a puzzle toy to keep them from shredding your slippers, a pup with stinky breath that needs an oral hygiene toy to accompany their doggy toothpaste or a good boy who just wants a cuddly friend to keep him company while he naps. It's especially important when it comes to pets with more developed brains, says Megan Conrad, MBBS, a veterinarian at Hello Ralphie and associate vet at WellHaven Pet Health. Keeping them active with the right toys can help avoid that dreaded boredom that leads to destruction.

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The Good Housekeeping Institute regularly tests pet products to bring you the best picks that will keep you, your pets and your home happy. To find the best dog toys, our product experts sorted through top pet brands, countless five-star reviews, staff-tested favorites and vet recommendations to find the best of the best.

Our top picks:

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Keep reading to learn more about how we chose the best toys and why it's so important to get your pet the right one. Here are the best dog toys of 2022, according to vets and our testers. And don't worry if you're a multi-pet household — we've got your feline friends covered too with our guide to the best cat toys.

1
BEST OVERALL DOG TOY
KONG
Classic Dog Toy
KONG
$14 AT CHEWY

  • Made of durable rubber
  • Dispenses treats

  • Can be taken apart by the strongest chewers

This popular, nearly indestructible chew toy is a classic for a reason: it's safe, it's durable and it's fun. Fill the inside with treats or peanut butter to keep your dog occupied for hours. A personal favorite of Dr. Conrad who recommends them for all pets, including those that are exceptionally strong chewers, Kong toys are made from durable rubber that can withstand almost anything. Plus, the treat dispensing keeps your dog entertained and away from chewing on your shoes. It comes in six different sizes so you'll be sure to find the right fit for your pup no matter their size.

2
BEST PUZZLE DOG TOY
STARMARK
Treat Dispensing Bob-a-Lot
STARMARK
NOW 10% OFF
$13 AT AMAZON

  • Can adjust difficultly
  • Dispenses treats

  • Adjustable hole doesn't always stay where you put it

For that smarter-than-average pup, a dog puzzle toy will help keep them occupied and challenge their impressive intellect. Our testers particularly love this one that does a great job of keeping their dogs engaged. This toy dispenses treats only if the pup manages to bob it around just right for one to fall out of the small hole. You're able to adjust the difficulty levels to really give your dog a challenge. You can fit an entire meal in the chamber making it great for fast eaters that need something to slow them down.

3
BEST HIGH-ENERGY DOG TOY
DEWONCH
Interactive Flirt Pole Toy
DEWONCH
NOW 19% OFF
$29 AT AMAZON

  • Can use to play tug or chase
  • Durable, non-slip handle and stick

  • Pole is fairly heavy

If you've got a little ball of energy in the shape of a dog, this interactive flirt pole might help you burn some of their excess zoomies. One tester says it's particularly great for tiring out a puppy who has way too much energy for you to keep up with. Your pet will love chasing the multicolor braided fleece tail or playing tug once they've caught it. According to the brand, the nylon cord can withstand 15 tons of pulling force, so don't worry about it snapping under pressure.

4
BEST DOG TOY BALL
CHUCKIT!
Ultra Ball
CHUCKIT!
NOW 63% OFF
$5 AT AMAZON

  • Lightweight design makes it easy to throw
  • Colorful and easy to spot

  • Color can fade over time

Looking for something that can withstand hours of fetch? This Ultra Ball by ChuckIt! will keep Fido entertained without tiring your arm out too much thanks to its lightweight design. "My dog loves playing fetch with this colorful ball that’s always easy to spot in any terrain," says Olivia Lipski, Good Housekeeping Institute's Media & Tech Reviews Analyst. "It’s super bouncy, fun and lightweight to throw and has survived well over a year." Available in a variety of sizes for pets of all shapes and breeds, this toy will be a hit amongst your furry friends. Plus, "unlike a tennis ball, it’s very easy to clean or wipe down,” says Lipski.

5
BEST MULTI-USE DOG TOY
FRISCO
Birthday Balloon Dog Toy
FRISCO
NOW 25% OFF
$7 AT CHEWY

  • Great for more than one dog
  • Many different ways to play

  • Not suitable for heavy chewers

It's your pooch's birthday every day with this standout toy. "This toy crinkles, squeaks and has a rope to chew on. My dog is so obsessed he has three of them," says one of our testers. Plus, if you've got multiple dogs at home, they can use it together to play tug. It's soft and cuddly enough for pets that prefer a plush toy while still having enough extra details to keep them entertained with various sounds and textures. Keep in mind that if you have a heavy chewer, it's best to keep away from anything plush since they can rip it apart and ingest the materials.

6
BEST DOG TOY FOR LARGE DOGS
ETHICAL PETS
"S" Dog Bone
SPOT
$18 AT AMAZON

  • Can hide treats in hollow center
  • Floats in water

  • Can cause tooth damage or injury if ingested

This super-tough bone is made of thermoplastic, which fuses together the plastic and rubber elements — in other words, it's going to be pretty tough for your pup to chew through it. It even floats in water so you can bring their favorite toy to the pool or beach. Plus, there's a hollow center to this bone which is great for hiding treats and keeping your pooch entertained. While this toy is designed to withstand even the roughest, toughest chewers, the hard materials can cause tooth damage or injuries if ingested, so always keep an eye on your dog while they're playing.

7
BEST DOG TOY WITH ADJUSTABLE DIFFICULTY
NINA OTTOSSON BY OUTWARD HOUND
Twister Interactive Dog Toy
NINA OTTOSSON BY OUTWARD HOUND
$22 AT CHEWY

  • Fits an entire cup of food
  • Easy-to-adjust difficulty levels

  • Not for strong chewers

One of the best ways to engage your dog for more than a few minutes is with a challenging puzzle toy. This one allows you to lock some of its compartments to increase the difficulty level for pups that need something a little more challenging. Simply use the white plastic blocks on the outside of the toy to adjust the difficulty levels. Store small treats in each compartment to create a great incentive for your pup to use their brain. Plus, it holds an entire cup of food if you have a quick eater that needs to slow down.

8
BEST DOG TOY FOR PUPPIES
NYLABONE
Teething Rings Chew Toy
NYLABONE
NOW 34% OFF
$8 AT AMAZON

  • Withstands tough chewers
  • Ridges help clean teeth

  • Can cause tooth damage or injury if ingested

A teething puppy is sometimes a destructive puppy, so make sure your growing pup has plenty of toys to chew on to keep them happy. These teething rings have bumps to soothe angry gums and promote good oral health. The bacon flavor is just the cherry on top of a toy that your pup will never want to put down. While we chose this product because of its heavy-duty materials and ability to withstand those tiny, sharp puppy teeth, keep an eye on your pet while they play with this because the hard nylon can cause tooth damage or injuries if ingested.

9
BEST PLUSH DOG TOY
P.L.A.Y. PET LIFESTYLE & YOU
Taco Squeaky Plush Dog Toy
P.L.A.Y. PET LIFESTYLE AND YOU
$14 AT CHEWY

  • Machine washable
  • Comes in a variety of food-shaped designs

  • Not for strong chewers

If your pup can't stop begging for your tacos, give them this plush toy instead. The brand offers a variety of other food-shaped toys if you want to indulge in all of your pet's people food fantasies (without the upset tummy). Not only does it look tasty enough to eat, or chew, but it has a double-layer exterior and double-stitched edges to stand up against those sharp teeth. Each part of the taco can be taken apart and put back together thanks to the fuzzy fasteners, and once it's looking a bit too slobbery, toss it in the washer and dryer for a pick-me-up. Plus it's soft and squishy so it does double duty as your pup's newest cuddle buddy.

10
BEST DOG TOY FOR SOLO PLAY
RUFFWEAR
Gnawt-a-Rock
RUFFWEAR
$25 AT AMAZON

  • Dispenses treats
  • Durable rubber great for chewers

  • Hole is a bit big for smaller kibble

Similar to Kong toys, this geometric rubber rock-shaped toy dispenses small treats or kibble while your pup plays. We love that it's available in a few different bright color options and keeps your pet from devouring their treats the second you put them down. If you're planning on leaving the house for long periods of time and don't want to leave a bored pup alone, this toy is a great option to keep them active. "Rubber toys filled with peanut butter or snacks are great to give dogs when unsupervised as they're particularly durable," Dr. Conrad says. "However, always observe your dog chewing on them first before graduating to being unsupervised."

11
BEST INDESTRUCTIBLE DOG TOY BONE
BENEBONE
Wishbone Chew Toy
BENEBONE
$13 AT AMAZON

  • Available in a variety of flavors and sizes
  • Withstands even the toughest of chewers

  • Can cause tooth damage or injury if ingested

The Benebone Wishbone is flavored with real bacon and made with hard nylon to stand up to the toughest of chewers. Pick from a variety of sizes and flavors to find the perfect bone for your pup. "Benebone Wishbones are the best bones," says one of our testers, who adores this toy almost as much as her dog does. While we included this product because of its extensive following and ability to withstand even the toughest chewers, don't let your pet chew on this unsupervised since hard materials like nylon can cause tooth damage or injuries if ingested.

12
BEST INTERACTIVE DOG TOY
PET ZONE
IQ Treat Dispenser Ball Toy
PET ZONE
$10 AT CHEWY

  • Easy to disassemble clean
  • Adjustable difficulty

  • Can roll away under furniture

Test your furry friend's IQ with this challenging treat dispenser ball that makes them work for their snacks. Fill this ball with their favorite treats and watch to your pup's delight as they fall out while they nose the ball across the room. Adjust the difficulty as your pet learns the ropes and simply disassemble the ball after playtime and wash in warm soapy water to keep it clean. A favorite of one of our testers, this toy keeps their active pup busy for a very long time and "allows them to think and problem solve." It's also great to help fast eaters slow down.

13
BEST SQUEAKY DOG TOY
ORVIS
Animal Squeaky Toys
ORVIS
$26 AT ORVIS

  • Available in a variety of animals
  • Internal reinforced seams and durable knotted limbs

  • On the pricer side

With squeakers in each arm and leg of these adorable animal friends, your pup will have the time of their life cuddling, chewing and playing with their new BFF. One of our testers says, "Toys often fall in and out of favor with [our pup], but these ones have always maintained number one in his heart. The duck is an especially big hit in our house." Internally reinforced seams, knotted limbs and the brand's original durable Tuffut Technology make these great for chewers who can't manage to keep the stuffing inside other plush toys.

14
BEST DOG TOY FOR GOOD BREATH
HARTZ
Chew 'n Clean Dental Duo
HARTZ
$14 AT AMAZON

  • Removes tartar and cleans teeth
  • Bacon flavored

  • Not for heavy chewers

Keep that doggy breath fresh and clean with these dental toys. According to the brand, these bacon-flavored treats help remove tartar and keep teeth clean while also helping reduce the formation of new tartar. Pick from one of the many different sizes perfect for pups of all types and breeds. Keep in mind that these toys are only for mild to moderate chewers — they're not made for heavy-duty chomping. Be sure to get the correct size for your fur baby to keep them safe. One tester's pups were so in love with these toys they would steal each other's right from under their noses and spend hours chewing on them.

15
BEST DOG TOY FOR AGGRESSIVE CHEWERS
KONG
Jumbler Ball
KONG
$19 AT AMAZON

  • Has easy to hold handles
  • Available in multiple different shapes, sizes and colors

  • Area around squeaker is a bit weak

If you've got a heavy chewer that likes to make a mess of plush toys, something a little hardier like this jumbler ball might be a good choice. Not only does the tumbling tennis ball inside make for hours of fun interactive play, but the squeaker is great for encouraging their prey instincts. The handles make it easy for your pup to pick it up, or for you to get a good grip and play a game of fetch. "[My dog] is a big chewer so soft/plush toys are toast in 5 minutes or less," says one of our testers. "This Kong Jumbler ball (it has a tennis ball inside the larger plastic ball) is indestructible and entertains him."

How we choose the best dog toys
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The Good Housekeeping Institute reviews a variety of pet products from cooling dog beds to keep your pet from overheating in warm weather to dog carriers that let you bring your pooch everywhere you go. Our experts scoured top-rated picks and reviews to ensure we only suggest the best pet toys to our readers and their furry friends. We also looked to our team for their favorite staff-tested picks. We consider safety, scent, texture, efficacy, durability and more when choosing which toys to include. We spoke with a veterinarian about which materials are safe for your dog, why toys are important for pets and even which style is safest for them to play with unsupervised. These picks are made up of our product pro's favorites and popular brands with rave reviews from real pet parents and vets.

Why are dog toys important?
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Dog toys are more than just a way for your pet to pass the time. They're one of the best ways to help develop your dog's mind and make them think. Giving your pet a toy is like sending them to a fun version of doggy school.

"Play is a very natural behavior and in addition, many toys mimic the sounds of prey (like a squeaker)," says Megan Conrad, MBBS, a veterinarian at Hello Ralphie and associate vet at WellHaven Pet Health. "Play also enhances motor skills and improves mental wellbeing. Dogs are meant to move and engage in activities and toys can enhance this experience," she explains. Just like you'd want your children to play with building blocks and read books, providing your pup with ropes for tugging, balls for chasing and squeakers for prey imitation makes your dogs put on their thinking cap.

If you've got a particularly smart or rowdy dog, that energy may manifest as misbehavior if they're not properly challenged or engaged by their toys. You wouldn't give a second-grade math problem to a high schooler, and certain pets need more challenging toys to keep them from finding other ways to entertain themselves and occupy their brainpower. "Toys are especially useful for dogs with more developed brains such as border collies and Australian shepherds who may bore easily and need mental exercise," says Conrad.

"Fix Any Bad Dog Behavior in Minutes With The Most Powerful Dog Training Technique Ever"

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Why trust Good Housekeeping?
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For decades, the Good Housekeeping Institute has been providing expert reviews and advice on everything a pet parent needs, including dog toys. Hearst's Director of Commerce Lindsey Murray previously worked with Good Housekeeping to cover product reviews. She vetted several of the picks above.

Parenting & Pets Reviews Analyst Jamie Spain updated this guide to reflect the latest and greatest pet toys tested by our team. She brings years of product review experience to GH, previously working in the parenting and pets sphere at People. Jamie also interviewed veterinarian expert Megan Conrad, MBBS, a veterinarian at Hello Ralphie and associate vet at WellHaven Pet Health.

"Fix Any Bad Dog Behavior in Minutes With The Most Powerful Dog Training Technique Ever"

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