Dogs bring so much joy into our lives, and keeping them happy and healthy is a top priority for many pet owners. One way to do this is by providing them with engaging and stimulating toys. With so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the best ones for your furry friend. To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of the 9 best dog toys of 2024, ranging from overall favorites to toys designed for specific needs and preferences.
- Kong Classic Dog Toy: Best Overall
- Chuckit! Ultra Ball: Best Budget
- Outward Hound Hide-A-Squirrel Puzzle Toy: Best Interactive Toy
- Nylabone Dura Chew Textured Ring: Best for Chewers
- ZippyPaws Skinny Peltz No Stuffing Squeaky Plush Dog Toy: Best Plush
- Chuckit! Ultra Ball Launcher: Best for Fetch
- KONG Cozie Marvin the Moose: Best Squeaky Toy
- West Paw Zogoflex Bumi Interactive Tug of War Durable Dog Toy: Best Silent Toy
- Best for Feeding
Kong Classic Dog Toy: Best Overall
The Kong Classic Dog Toy is a favorite among dog owners for its durability and versatility. This toy tops our list of the best dog toys of 2024. Made from natural rubber, this toy can withstand even the most aggressive chewers. The Kong Classic Dog Toy features a hollow center that you can fill with treats. This provides a rewarding challenge for dogs as they try to retrieve the goodies inside. The toy’s unpredictable bounce adds extra fun, making it perfect for games of fetch or solo play.
Price: $8.99- $14.99
What We Like:
- Durable rubber construction for long-lasting play
- You can fill the hollow center with treats or peanut butter
- Bounces unpredictably, keeping dogs entertained and engaged
Chuckit! Ultra Ball: Best Budget
For dog owners looking for an affordable yet durable toy, the Chuckit! Ultra Ball is an excellent choice. The ball is made from high-quality rubber and is designed for frequent use. Its bright colors make it easy to spot in grass or water, and its compatibility with Chuckit! Ball Launchers allows for longer throws, providing your dog with plenty of exercise and stimulation.
Price: $5.30-$8.90
What We Like:
- Durable rubber material stands up to rough play
- High-visibility colors make it easy to spot outdoors
- Compatible with Chuckit! Ball Launchers for added throwing distance
Outward Hound Hide-A-Squirrel Puzzle Toy: Best Interactive Toy
Interactive toys are a great way to keep your dog entertained and mentally stimulated, and the Outward Hound Hide-A-Squirrel Puzzle Toy does just that. This toy features a plush tree trunk with openings where you can hide squeaky squirrel toys. Dogs have to figure out how to remove the squirrels from the trunk, providing them with a rewarding challenge that keeps them engaged for hours. This toy provides lots of excitement and stimulation for your dog, which is one of the reasons why it makes our list of the best toys.
Price: $9.99-$21.99
What We Like:
- Provides mental stimulation as dogs try to retrieve the squeaky squirrels from the tree trunk
- Comes in various sizes to suit different breeds and ages
- Can help reduce boredom and anxiety in dogs
Nylabone Dura Chew Textured Ring: Best for Chewers
Chewing is a natural behavior for dogs, but it can be destructive if they don’t have the right toys. The Nylabone Dura Chew Textured Ring is specifically designed for heavy chewers. It features a durable nylon construction that can withstand even the most aggressive chewing. Its textured surface helps clean teeth and massage gums, promoting good dental health while satisfying your dog’s urge to chew.
Price: $7.95-$9.99
What We Like:
- Textured surface helps clean teeth and massage gums
- Made from durable nylon that stands up to heavy chewing
- Comes in various sizes to suit different breeds and chewing styles
ZippyPaws Skinny Peltz No Stuffing Squeaky Plush Dog Toy: Best Plush
Plush toys are a favorite among many dogs, and the ZippyPaws Skinny Peltz No Stuffing Squeaky Plush Dog Toy is one of the best options on the market. Dogs love to cuddle with this toy, which features a soft, plush design, and its no-stuffing construction means less mess if the toy gets torn. It also contains multiple squeakers, adding an extra element of fun that will keep your dog entertained for hours.
Price: $8.99-$14.99
What We Like:
- Soft, plush design makes it ideal for cuddling
- Without stuffing, the toy creates less mess if it gets torn
- Contains multiple squeakers for added entertainment
Chuckit! Ultra Ball Launcher: Best for Fetch
Playing fetch is a great way to exercise and bond with your dog, and the Chuckit! Ultra Ball Launcher makes it easier than ever. This launcher allows you to pick up the ball without having to bend down or touch it with your hands, keeping them clean and slobber-free. It also provides added throwing distance, allowing you to throw the ball further and give your dog a good workout.
Price: $7.95-$12.99
What We Like:
- Allows for hands-free ball pickup
- Provides added throwing distance for longer throws
- Compatible with Chuckit! Ultra Balls for durability
KONG Cozie Marvin the Moose: Best Squeaky Toy
If your dog loves the sound of squeaky toys, the KONG Cozie Marvin the Moose is a great option. This toy features a soft, plush design that dogs love to cuddle with, and it contains a squeaker that will keep them entertained for hours. Its durable construction can withstand rough play, making it a long-lasting addition to your dog’s toy collection.
Price: $7.99-$23.99
What We Like:
- Soft, plush design makes it ideal for cuddling
- Contains a squeaker for added entertainment
- Durable construction stands up to rough play
West Paw Zogoflex Bumi Interactive Tug of War Durable Dog Toy: Best Silent Toy
If you’re looking for a toy that won’t disturb your neighbors or housemates, the West Paw Zogoflex Bumi Interactive Tug of War Durable Dog Toy is a great choice. This toy is made from non-toxic, eco-friendly material that is safe for your dog to chew on. It can also be used for interactive tug-of-war games and your dog with an engaging way to play. Plus, it floats in water, making it perfect for trips to the beach or lake.
Price: $17.95
What We Like:
- Made from non-toxic, eco-friendly material
- Can be used for interactive tug-of-war games
- Floats in water for added versatility
Outward Hound Fun Feeder Slo Bowl: Best for Feeding
Slow-feeding bowls are a great way to help dogs eat at a more leisurely pace, which can prevent digestive issues and promote better digestion. The Outward Hound Fun Feeder Slo Bowl is designed to do just that, with ridges and valleys that make it more challenging for dogs to gulp down their food. Its non-slip base keeps the bowl in place during meal times, reducing mess and frustration for both you and your dog.
Price: $9.99
What We Like:
- Promotes slower eating, which can help prevent digestive issues
- A non-slip base keeps the bowl in place during mealtimes
- Available in various sizes and designs to suit different breeds and eating habits
Criteria for Selecting the Best Dog Toys
In selecting the best dog toys of 2024, we considered several key criteria to ensure that each toy met the highest standards of quality, durability, and suitability for various dog breeds and sizes.
- Durability: Because dogs naturally chew and play rough, we needed to make the toys from high-quality materials that could withstand heavy use without breaking easily. We prioritized toys designed for aggressive chewers to ensure longevity.
- Functionality: Each toy underwent evaluation based on how well it catered to a dog’s instincts and behaviors. We favored toys that provided mental stimulation, promoted dental health, or encouraged physical activity. We also highly rated interactive toys that required problem-solving skills or offered a challenge.
- Safety: All toys met or exceeded safety standards, with non-toxic materials safe for dogs to chew on. We avoided toys with small parts that could be easily swallowed and carefully considered potential choking hazards.
- User Reviews: In our analysis, we took into account user reviews and feedback. We favored toys with consistently positive reviews, indicating that dogs loved them and they provided lasting entertainment.
- Value for Money: Finally, we assessed the toys based on their value for money. While some toys were more expensive, we deemed them worth the investment if they offered exceptional durability, functionality, and enjoyment for dogs. We considered toys with multiple features or versatile use as providing greater value.
Choosing the Best Toys For Your Dog:
Choosing the right toys for your dog can greatly enhance their quality of life by providing mental stimulation, promoting physical activity, and satisfying their instincts. The nine toys selected for the best dog toys of 2024 offer a wide range of options to cater to different needs and preferences. From durable chew toys to interactive puzzles and plush toys for cuddling, there is something on this list for every dog.
By investing in high-quality toys that are safe, durable, and engaging, you can ensure that your furry friend stays happy, healthy, and entertained for years to come. Whether you’re looking for a toy to keep your dog busy while you’re away or a fun way to bond with them during playtime, the best dog toys of 2024 will surely bring joy and excitement to you and your canine companion.
