The 11 Best Outdoor Dog Toys

Buyer's Guide: How to Choose the Best Outdoor Dog Toy

Choosing an outdoor toy for your dog might be difficult. Many toys are either dull or unsuitable for outdoor use since they are susceptible to molds and mildew. As a result, you can’t just throw any old toy outside and expect it to stand.

A moist, moldy toy is not only unpleasant to play with, but it is also dangerous to your dog’s health. It is very uncommon for dogs to play with moldy toys only to become ill later.

We’ve discussed some of the most crucial elements to consider while shopping for an outdoor toy below.

Durability

One of the most important considerations is the toy’s durability. It is critical that you carefully select a toy that can resist the elements. Moisture and water are the most important elements they must withstand. Toys may readily mold if they are exposed to water. As a result, it is critical that the toy keep water out and avoid getting moldy.

The greatest toys will be constructed of water-resistant materials such as rubber or plastic. Many outdoor toys may be utilized in bodies of water as well. We strongly advise you to select one of the toys indicated above, since we have thoroughly tested them for durability.

While you should evaluate how well toys endure the environment, you should also consider how well they withstand your dog’s teeth. These two characteristics aren’t mutually exclusive. A toy’s ability to float does not imply that it can resist your dog’s jaws. Plastic may survive water and moisture just well in certain circumstances, only to be damaged by your pet’s teeth.

Cost

You should choose a toy that is within your price range. Fortunately, there are many different toys available at various price ranges, so you should be able to find a toy at any pricing point. We’ve included toys that cost up to $30 as well as toys that cost as little as $3.

Before you begin, we recommend that you be fully informed of your maximum pricing point. However, you might be able to locate something less expensive that is equally adequate. The price does not always correspond to the item’s quality. As a result, just because something is inexpensive does not imply that it is of poor quality.

Safety

There is no centralized authority that oversees the safety of dog toys. As a result, it is critical that you check for safety before purchasing any toy—the last thing you want is for your dog to become ill or even die as a result of a badly made toy.

As a result, we recommend that you select a toy composed of safe, non-toxic materials. It should also be strong enough not to break apart. After all, if it occurs, your dog may end up ingesting the bits, which can lead to impactions and other issues.

Furthermore, you should exercise extreme caution when it comes to BPAs and other hazardous compounds. Because no one informs corporations what materials may be used in dog toys, they are free to use whatever they choose. As a result, you should choose safe products from reputable sources with caution. The last thing you want is for your dog to lick on anything dangerous.

Cleanliness

Because these toys will be used outside, it is critical that they be readily cleaned. You don’t want to pick a toy that can’t be cleaned since it will have a shorter lifespan. It will accumulate dirt in its nooks and cracks, which will eventually lead to the growth of germs and even mold. The toy itself may be mold-resistant, but that does not guarantee that anything that gets lodged in its crevices will be.

We strongly advise you to select a dishwasher-safe toy so that you can guarantee that it is cleaned and sanitized without having to do much effort yourself.

However, just because a toy isn’t dishwasher safe doesn’t mean you should avoid purchasing it. Simply make sure that all of the cracks are approachable and readily cleaned by hand. Wipeable surfaces are the greatest option since they are the simplest to clean.

Scented

Many toys are perfumed, which attracts dogs. If they are chew toys, it is especially important that they are fragrant, since they may not gnaw on them otherwise. Dogs frequently require some form of motivation to chew on toys.

Scented toys, on the other hand, are a terrific alternative since they stimulate dogs to chew and play with them. However, not all odors appeal to all dogs. Your dog may like vanilla, or they may be completely uninterested in the aroma. In either case, having a fragrance does not usually put dogs off, even if they ignore it.

Based on this knowledge, choosing a scented toy is just advised, not required. If a toy isn’t scented, it doesn’t always mean you shouldn’t buy it for your dog.

Playing Style

Dogs may play in a variety of ways. They may, however, be divided into three categories: chewing, chasing, and tugging. Your dog will most likely perform all three. They may, however, prefer one type of play over another. If this is the case, try getting a toy designed specifically for that type of play. If your dog does not like to chew, do not get them a chew toy!

Conclusion

Choosing an outdoor toy necessitates some extra thought, but it doesn’t have to be tough. There are other alternatives available.

We recommend the West Paw Skamp Fetch Dog Toy for general outdoor use. It may be used as both a chew toy and a chase toy, making it extremely flexible. Furthermore, it is entirely waterproof and can survive the majority of outside conditions.

If you’re on a tight budget, we recommend the Multipet Nuts for Knots if your dog enjoys fetch. They’re cheap, but their texture is intriguing, which is why we recommend them.

BestForPets (bestforpets.org) hopes our evaluations and guide assist you in finding the best outdoor dog toys.

Reviews

Best Overall: Skamp Fetch Dog Toy by West Paw

• Large breed size
• Waterproof: Yes

We strongly recommend the West Paw Skamp Fetch Dog Toy if you’re searching for a general toy to play with outside. This toy is ideal for medium chewers and bigger breeds.

It is strong enough to endure vigorous chewers, especially bigger breeds. It’s intended to be both a chew toy and a fetch toy, and it bounces unpredictably, making it a lot of fun for dogs to pursue.

Because this toy is manufactured in the United States, it is a safer choice than other products on the market. It is a really fascinating toy that will keep your dog happy and healthy without the danger of mold and mildew.

Furthermore, this toy is dishwasher safe, recyclable, and floats in water. As a result, it might also be used in ponds, pools, and other bodies of water.

Based on these criteria, this is the greatest all-around outdoor dog toy available.

Pros

• Made in the United States
• Recyclable
• For moderate chewers
• Erratic bounce for entertaining fetch games
• Dishwasher friendly
• floats on the water

Cons

• A little pricey

 

Best Value: Knots Multipet Nuts

• Medium breed size
• Waterproof: No

If your dog enjoys fetch, you might want to give these Multipet Nuts for Knots a try. They are little rope balls that can take a lot of abuse. Furthermore, they are water-resistant, albeit not totally waterproof. These knots are a little more fascinating than tennis balls, which are commonly used outside.

Having said that, you should closely monitor dogs while they play with these toys. They can come undone and provide a choking hazard, although they are normally rather durable.

Furthermore, we discovered these toys to be incredibly inexpensive—one of the most affordable on the market. Having said that, it is without a doubt the greatest outdoor dog toy for the money.

Pros

• Water-resistant
• Durable construction
• Design is intriguing.
• Inexpensive

Cons

• Check for stray threads.
• Can easily come undone

 

Premium Choice: Flying Disc Dog Toy West Paw Zogoflex Zisc

• Large breed size
• Waterproof: Yes

The West Paw Zogoflex Zisc Flying Disc Dog Toy is the best frisbee dog toy available. Because it is constructed of recyclable materials and plastic, this toy floats.

Because it floats, you may play with it in bigger bodies of water such as ponds and lakes. Furthermore, it is entirely waterproof, so you don’t have to worry about it deteriorating and becoming moldy.

Even if your pet isn’t used to playing fetch, the flexible material makes it exceptionally comfortable on their tongue.

While this toy is not intended to be chewed, it can endure a lot of energetic play and is fairly robust in comparison to other alternatives on the market.

There are two alternative sizing choices, allowing you to select the perfect size for your requirements. The smaller disc is not only smaller, but it is also thinner, making it simpler to catch for smaller dogs.

Pros

• Floats
• Material that is malleable
• Durable
• There are two sizes available.

Cons

• Expensive

 

Frisky Frolic Squeaky Dog Toy by Hartz

• Medium breed size
• Waterproof: No

The Hartz Frisky Frolic Squeaky Dog Toy is an excellent choice for dogs who like fetch and chasing squeaky toys. It is designed for chewing and chasing, with a long-lasting squeaker to keep your dog interested and entertained.

It is also built of a tough latex substance, making it a long-lasting toy. Even though it isn’t strictly waterproof, it can endure the weather very well.

It is textured to make chewing more enjoyable. If your dog like chew toys, this is an excellent choice. It is one of the few outdoor toys created expressly for biting on top of chasing.

This toy comes in a variety of colors, but they are sent at random—you cannot pick which colors you receive.

Pros

• Squeaker that lasts
• Chewing texture that is interesting
• Latex is a long-lasting substance.

Cons

• You cannot select the hue you receive.
• Not as long-lasting as other alternatives

 

Squeaky Dog Toy Hartz Dura Play Ball

• Medium breed size
• Waterproof: Yes

The Hartz Dura Play Ball Squeaky Dog Toy is a terrific alternative for dogs who like fetching. It is particularly intended for fetching, making it an excellent choice for dogs with a high prey drive.

It is also composed of natural latex, which is both safe and durable. It also has a bacon fragrance that will tempt your dog to play.

Because it bounces so nicely, this toy is ideal for tossing. It also floats in water, so if your dog enjoys fetch and swimming, this squeaky dog toy may be the best option.

We particularly enjoy that this toy is flexible enough to be nibbled on readily, making it an excellent choice for pups who are teething.

Pros

• Flexible
• Ideal for chucking
• Bacon-scented

Cons

• Not suitable for bigger breeds.
• Not as long-lasting as other alternatives

 

Bacon Benebones Wishbone Flavor

• Medium breed size
• Waterproof: Yes

If your dog enjoys chewing, choose the Benebone Bacon Flavor Wishbone. First and foremost, it is a chew toy. As a result, it is an excellent choice for dogs who like chewing.

However, it is not intended for play; rather, it is intended for chewing. Because the robust nylon is totally waterproof, it is ideal for outdoor usage.

If you have to leave your dog outside, this chew toy will keep them busy. To stimulate chewing, each prong is scented like bacon. The form also makes it easier for dogs to grasp—curved it’s like a wishbone, so your dog can easily wrap their paws around it.

Furthermore, this bone is created in the United States, including its packaging, and all of the components are supplied in the United States as well.

Pros

• Waterproof
• Nylon that is tough
• spiced with bacon

Cons

• Not for amusement.
• Not always long-lasting

 

Dog Toy Hyper Pet Flippy Flopper Flying Disc

• Size of Breed: All
• Waterproof: Yes

Outside, the Hyper Pet Flippy Flopper Flying Disc Dog Toy has lots of space to play. This one is intended to be lower in weight than other choices, making it an excellent choice for individuals on the road.

It’s constructed of soft rubber and nylon. The toy is about 9 inches in all, and it comes in a variety of different colors.

It is incredibly lightweight and floats in water due to the nylon construction. It also meets children’s toy requirements, which means it is incredibly safe, and the nylon design keeps your dog’s teeth protected.

With that said, this toy is not nearly as durable as others out there. Because fabric rips readily, some dogs may easily rip through it. Based on the high price, this item may not be worthwhile.

Pros

• Lightweight
• floats on the water
• It is available in a variety of hues.

Cons

• Expensive
• Easily tears