Chewing and playing are natural canine behaviours, and although some dogs will chew or play more than others, dog toys are essential items to keep your pal physically and mentally healthy - and happy, too! In fact, behavioural issues can develop when dogs aren't able to exhibit their natural instincts through play.
With so many interactive, squeaky and chew toys available these days from snuffle mats and puzzles to fitness trainers, dog and puppy owners are spoilt for choice! That's why we've put together this buying guide alongside our top ten favourite items from Amazon and Argos to pamper your pooch whilst getting in some extra bonding time, too. Moreover, we have partnered with veterinarian Natalia Ramírez for reviewing and fact-checking the article to deliver you the best information.
Quick List - Top Dog Toys
Natalia is a veterinarian with 10 years of experience, specialising in topics related to responsible pet ownership, preventive animal health and nutrition issues that she is currently deepening in her master's studies. She also helps new pet parents by delivering all the necessary information from their arrival at home to different stages of their life.
A recommendation service that carefully researches each product and consults with experts across many disciplines. We are constantly creating new content to provide the best shopping experience from choosing ‘cosmetics’ to ‘food and drink’, ‘home appliances’ to ‘kids and baby’ products, reaching users all across the United Kingdom.
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Table of Contents
Natalia is a veterinarian with 10 years of experience, specialising in topics related to responsible pet ownership, preventive animal health and nutrition issues that she is currently deepening in her master's studies.
She also helps new pet parents by delivering all the necessary information from their arrival at home to different stages of their life.
Both the age and size of your dog are important considerations when buying a dog toy. Our dogs need toys that help them in their development, growth and entertainment. Another point to consider is your pet's abilities. Artificial bones made of hard nylon, chew toys made of hard rubber, and thick knots of rope usually won't be suitable for developing puppies.
For smaller breeds, you will need to make sure to choose toys that are light and compact enough for them to carry around and play with, but not small enough to ingest. For larger dogs, go for toys that are advertised as being durable and hard-wearing, especially if your dog has a more powerful jaw.
To make safe choices when it comes to choosing a dog toy, you'll want to think about the materials the toy is made from. Although seen as a classic dog chew toy, rawhide bones and other edible chews can pose a choking risk as large pieces can get stuck in the digestive tract.
Luckily, there are lots of much safer options out there these days! Natural TPE and TPR rubber are excellent alternatives which are durable and non-toxic with a texture that's loved by dogs. Cotton is the best material for rope toys as it is safe and natural for your dog to put in their mouth, and it's kind to the environment too.
Soft, plush toys are often made from synthetic materials such as polyester, which is affordable, hardwearing and cosy to snuggle up to. For squeaky toys, latex is a popular material and as long as your dog doesn't have a latex allergy, it is a safe choice. Latex is a natural rubber which is non-toxic, and the soft material also makes it perfect for teething puppies.
To keep your pet safe on the road, check out our 10 best dog car seats
Squeaky toys come in all shapes and sizes and are typically made from vinyl, rubber or plastic. The durability does vary, but generally, it's best to choose a squeaky toy according to your dog's chewing habits. Toys with squeakers are ideally suited to smaller dogs and those with a more gentle bite.
Although the squeaking sound can be annoying to us, to your dog it resembles the sound of potential prey and activates their hunting instinct. This is why some dogs will relentlessly chew their squeaky toy until they manage to get the squeaker out and "kill" their prey!
For this reason, this type of toy may not suit aggressive chewers, and bigger dogs may need supervision to avoid destroying the toy and ingesting any small parts.
If you have a high-energy dog that loves to play fetch, have a tug of war or simply chew everything they can get their paws on, choose a toy that is durable whilst keeping them active. For especially heavy chewers, go for anything advertised as extremely durable or "indestructible" for best results.
Whether you opt for the classic stick type of toy, a fitness hoop or a Nerf tennis ball blaster will depend on your dog's preference, but they all provide an opportunity for bonding that is beneficial to your dog's emotional health.
Most dogs love to have their own blanket and teddy, and these items are essential if a new puppy has joined your family. A soft and warm comfort blanket can relieve anxiety and help your puppy to sleep, while teddies can provide a similar comfort to littermates if your dog is the only pet in the household.
Dogs can also treat comfort toys as "prey" and begin to chew or shake it, especially if it is the size of natural prey such as a mouse or rabbit. These behaviours are part of your dog's instincts and if your dog likes to attack their stuffed animal, make sure this play is supervised to prevent them from breaking or ingesting parts of the toy.
As the market grows, puzzle toys have developed into great assets to your dog's mental stimulation. Some of the best products on the market right now are puzzle toys and snuffle mats.
By exercising their mind and keeping them entertained, puzzle toys help to redirect destructive behaviours and teach your dog problem-solving skills. They usually consist of hidden compartments, so treats can be hidden inside which your dog then has to work out how to access.
With snuffle mats, the treats are hidden within the folds of the fabric mat instead, which helps to train your dog's sense of smell and encourage natural foraging skills. They can help relieve stress, burn excess energy and keep your dog occupied, plus, they're beneficial to canine mental and physical health and can also be used at mealtimes as a slow feeding bowl.
Do you need some dog treats to put in your pooches new toy?
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Petface 5 a Day Dog Toy | ![]() | Cute Fruit and Veg Themed Toys Made From Non-toxic, Dog-Friendly Materials | |
2 | AWOOF Snuffle Mat | ![]() | Interactive Snuffle Mat That Encourages Natural Foraging Skills | |
3 | Petface Puppy Bundle | ![]() | The Perfect Toy Starter Pack for New Puppies | |
4 | Puller Dog Fitness Tool | ![]() | A Set of Fun Daily Fitness Workouts for Your Dog | |
5 | Nina Ottoson Smart Dog Toy | ![]() | Challenge Your Dog to Discover Treats Through Problem Solving | |
6 | Beco Pets Ball on Rope Dog Toy | ![]() | A Classic Tug of War Toy Made From Natural Rubber and 100% Recycled Cotton Rope | |
7 | Petstages Orka Stick | ![]() | Durable Rubber Dog Toy That Can Stand Up to Tough Chewing | |
8 | ZIKKTA Dog Toy for Aggressive Chewers | ![]() | An "Indestructable" Squeaky Toy That Doubles up as a Dog Toothbrush | |
9 | Nerf Dog Tennis Ball Blaster Dog Toy | ![]() | Nerf Gun Ball Launcher That’s Fun for You and Great Exercise for Your Dog | |
10 | Nature's Buddy Natural Dog Toy Bundle | ![]() | Interactive and Durable Chew Toys for Teeth Training |
We were initially drawn to the 5 a Day dog toy set because of its irresistible cuteness, but its high quality and functionality made it a must-have for the list! Petface are one of the best for creative dog toys, and your dog will love the range of different textures and effects each toy in the pack has.
The grape and apple are perfect for playing fetch in the park, with a little stalk for you to hold onto to avoid the dreaded slobber! The soft, furry carrot makes an adorable snuggle partner, especially for puppies. Made from non-toxic materials that are soft on your dog's mouth, the toys are also totally squeak-tastic. A big hit with dogs of all ages and sizes.
Whether you're new to the snuffle mat or already swear by them, we're sure your dog will love this one from AWOOF. More than just an interactive game to quell boredom, this snuffle mat helps to train your dog's sense of smell, relieve stress and release excess energy!
Hide food, treats or small toys within the snuffle mat for your dog to use as a sniffing pad or a slow-feed bowl. Studies have shown that using a snuffle mat can be beneficial to your dog's mental and physical health and encourages natural foraging skills. Made from felt cloth, this mat is environmentally friendly, machine washable and dryer safe.
This adorable puppy bundle by Petface has got to be one of the sweetest dog toy packs we've come across! Including a soft comforter blanket, a cord puppy teddy and four fun multicoloured toys, it's bound to help them settle into their new home.
The polar fleece comforter blanket and cord puppy teddy have a lovely grey and red colour scheme which looks great with the multicoloured toys. With lots of interesting textures for chewing and playing with, it's hard to say who will love it more – you or your pup!
Keep your dog fit and healthy with the Dog Fitness Tool for large dogs by Puller. Each pack includes two rings and a comic-book style guide of daily fitness workouts consisting of running, jumping and pulling. A daily workout of 20 minutes with the Puller is equivalent to 5 km of running – which is perfect for large, high-energy breeds.
As it's made from a soft yet durable material, it's safe for dogs teeth and jaws and has the ability to float in water. It's also lightweight enough for your dog to carry themselves, and they are sure to love training, playing and bonding with you. Lastly, it comes in 4 different sizes, according to the size of your pet.
Perfect for introducing your dog to puzzles and games, the Smart Dog Toy provides mental stimulation, exercising their mind and keeping them entertained! It's designed to challenge whilst teaching problem-solving skills and redirecting destructive behaviours – your dog will love trying to find the hidden rewards in the nine removable compartments.
Though it's made to look like wood, the Smart Dog Toy is actually made from a composite material that is more durable than real wood and has the benefits of both wood and plastic. This safe, entry-level toy can also be used to feed your dog dry kibble at mealtime, making feeding more fun!
A dog toy that's slightly more on the classic side, this Ball on Rope toy may look basic to humans but rest assured, it's a favourite in the dog world! There are three options of coloured ball – blue, green and pink – but particularly like the contrast of the blue one against the rope.
Sustainably harvested from the trunk of rubber trees, the ball is tough, durable and bouncy, while the rope is super-strong yet soft on your dog's mouth and is made from recycled cotton. Choose between small or large to best suit your dog's size, and get ready to take this toy along on all of your adventures together!
The Orka Stick by Petstages is made from hardwearing Orka TPE rubber, which has been designed to withstand aggressive chewing. The diamond-shaped raised textures massage your dog's gums while knotted rope ends help to remove plaque and tartar as they chew.
The Orka Stick's tubular shape is perfect for playing fetch with and is light and easy to carry with you. You'll also want to take it with you to the park or the beach as it floats in water. Non-toxic and totally safe for dogs, it's made from natural materials which make it a good choice for the environment too.
Created especially for larger breeds or aggressive chewers, this doy toy from VRTOP is about as close to being indestructible as you can get! It's made from very durable natural rubber which is safe and healthy for your dog, while the squeaking head will keep their attention for hours!
The bristles in the mouth of the crocodile are designed to clean the dog's teeth and tongue, with a raised rubber cleaner under the eyes to massage your dog's gums. The non-slip design allows your dog to hold the toy by their paws, brushing their teeth by themselves. Take note that this toy isn't suitable for small puppies or dogs with issues with very aggressive chewing.
Here we have a toy that isn't only fun for your dog, but for you too. This Tennis Ball Blaster by Nerf Dog, with high-powered blasting action, launches your dog's favourite tennis ball over 50 feet up in the air! Perfect for those days when your dog wants to play fetch but you'd prefer a rest
Easier still, when your dog brings the ball back, simply place the barrel on the tennis ball to pick it up hands-free. There are inbuilt safety features such as an internal mechanism and safety button, too, but sadly it does only come with one tennis ball which may soon need replacing,
Made from 100% natural non-toxic cotton and TPR rubber, these strong and safe dog toys are ideal for small breeds and puppies. Designed to clean your dog's teeth while they chew, these toys promote dental health and exercises their jaw at the same time.
The vibrant, colourful and fun toys in this bundle can even relieve your teething puppy's inflamed gums, helping to reduce plaque and prevent gum disease in the process. The pack also includes a treat ball as a means of keeping your dog mentally stimulated. Owners of heavy chewers will want to look elsewhere, though!
Our ranking has been compiled by the writing team at mybest UK via careful evaluation of the points made in the buying guide and thorough research of each product and comparing multiple verified customer reviews across the EC sites used.
No. 1: Petface|5 a Day Dog Toy
No. 2: AWOOF|Snuffle Mat
No. 3: Petface|Puppy Bundle
No. 4: Puller|Dog Fitness Tool
No. 5: Nina Ottoson|Smart Dog Toy
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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