The 10 Best Puppy Toys

Reviews

Kong Original

 

 

For good reason, this toy is dubbed a “classic.” The Kong Classic is one of the gold standards when it comes to dependable, long-lasting dog chew toys that will keep your pup entertained.

It’s made of tough rubber that can withstand aggressive chewing and is dishwasher safe. Fill your Kong Classic with your dog’s kibble to make mealtime fun, and you can also use it to dispense treats.

The Kong Classic’s design is pawfect for filling with peanut butter, yogurt, or whatever else your pup enjoys, and you can freeze it to keep your pup entertained for even longer.

The Kong Classic makes a good fetch toy for interactive play because it’s designed to bounce and move around erratically, keeping your puppy on their toes!

 

Nina Ottosson Interactive Puzzle Toys by Outward Hound

 

 

Nina Ottosson puzzle toys provide food-based enrichment, keeping your pet entertained as they try to solve the puzzle and receive a tasty reward! Nina Ottosson treat-dispensing puzzles are available in a variety of difficulty levels.

The Level 1 puzzles are excellent first toys for your dog. Flexing that brain muscle will help your pup learn faster and progress to more difficult levels.

Nina Ottosson puzzle toys are great for dispensing small treats and kibble – you can even use them to feed your pup their meals, which is a mind- and body-friendly option if your dog eats meals too quickly.

All puzzles are free of BPA, PVA, and phthalates and are simple to clean with soap and water. The removable puzzle pieces are fairly large, but (as with any toy) you should supervise your pup during play to ensure that they don’t go for any puzzle pieces after they’ve finished with the treats – they could pose a choking hazard.

 

Everlasting Treat Ball by Starmark

 

 

The Starmark Everlasting Treat Ball is a great option for dog owners who are concerned about overfeeding their pet but still want food-based teething toys to keep them entertained.

This toy is designed to make it difficult for your pup to get a grip on it because the treat is firmly lodged in the plastic ball, which moves around and is designed to make it difficult for your pup to get a grip on it.

Your pet, on the other hand, will spend a lot of time trying! They will only get a portion of the treat during each play session if they try to gnaw on it. The ridges on the treats are also beneficial to dental health.

The plastic ball is durable, made of non-toxic materials, and can be washed in the dishwasher. The Starmark Everlasting Treat Ball is available in two sizes – Medium and Large – so make sure to get the right one for your dog’s mouth.

Fill it with Starmark treats, small treats, or kibble, or put it in the freezer with your pup’s favorite freezables like peanut butter, yogurt, or canned food.

Even though the Everlasting Treat Ball is designed to make it difficult for the treat to come out, some dogs can get at it faster than others depending on their age and chewing style, so if you’re using the large Starmark treats, you should always supervise your pup to ensure they don’t swallow it whole if they do manage to get it out.

 

Hide a Squirrel Plush Dog Toy by Outward Hound

 

 

The Outward Hound Hide A Squirrel puzzle toy is a fun option for pet parents looking for a mentally stimulating option that won’t increase their pooch’s calorie count.

This toy combines a puppy’s love of squeaky toys with a hide-and-seek challenge for them to solve – simply stuff the plush tree trunk with squirrels and let your pup loose on it!

It comes in a variety of sizes – Small, Medium, Large, and Extra Large – so you can find the perfect fit for your pet.

This toy encourages your dog’s natural hunting instincts and problem-solving abilities. The Outward Hound Hide A Squirrel Plush Dog Toy is also a multi-toy because the squeaky squirrels are removable and can be used to play fetch.

 

iFetch is an interactive ball launcher

 

 

If you’re looking for a food-free option and don’t mind spending a little more money, this is a great option.

The iFetch Interactive Ball Launcher is not cheap, but it is well worth it for dogs who enjoy playing ball (and pup parents whose arms are tired).

It is a toy that can be used both indoors and outdoors and comes in two sizes – one for small dogs and one for large dogs. Both models are adjustable and can launch the ball 10, 20, or 30 feet depending on the available space.

The iFetch Interactive Ball Launcher not only provides physical exercise for your dog, but it also stimulates their minds as they learn how to use the ball launcher.

With a little practice, your pup will learn where to drop the ball and where to stand to get it to launch, and you can sit back and watch without breaking a sweat!

 

Sniffiz SmellyMatty Snuffle Mat

 

 

A fun food-based option for keeping your pup entertained is to use their strongest sense – their nose! All dogs, regardless of age, enjoy sniffing, and the Sniffiz SmellyMatty Snuffle Mat encourages your pup’s natural foraging instinct.

It is excellent for relieving anxiety and boredom, and it can also be used as a slow feeder during mealtimes for pups who eat their food too quickly.

This snuffle mat has multiple layers of durable fabric grass and petals that can be used to play hide-and-seek with your dog’s treats or kibble.

You can also add on five different treat puzzles of varying difficulty levels. The Sniffiz SmellyMatty Snuffle Mat has a non-slip bottom and is machine washable. It is suitable for dogs of all sizes, ages, and breeds.

Buying the Best Puppy Toys: A Buyer's Guide

Each dog has a distinct personality and set of preferences. Because not all dogs are stimulated in the same way, finding something that works for your new puppy is critical for their development.

When dealing with young dogs, in particular, you must ensure that you are giving them something that will not harm them. Let’s look at some of the most important aspects of buying puppy play toys.

 

Stimulation of the Mind

Mental stimulation is something that all new dog owners should consider.

Dogs are extremely intelligent, and keeping them entertained not only physically but also mentally is the best way to keep their minds sharp. It will also result in a happier and healthier dog in general.

 

Physical Activity

A dog toy’s purpose is to keep your pet entertained. Daily exercise is essential for the health of your dog.

If you don’t always have time to take them for a walk, investing in a good puppy toy is the next best thing.

If at all possible, look for items that will keep them moving and busy, even if it means running around the living room for an hour.

 

Reducing Behavioral Issues

The dogs with the most behavioral issues are frequently the dogs who are bored and have nothing better to do.

When you buy toys that your puppy enjoys, you keep them focused on something positive and keep them out of trouble.

You also stop them from damaging your expensive furniture and other belongings by redirecting their natural urge to chew on things that they are meant to chew on.

Different Kinds of Dog Toys

Toys for Chewing

Chew toys satisfy a dog’s natural desire to chew. It also promotes healthy chewing habits and keeps their teeth clean, requiring less brushing.

 

Pull Toys and Ropes

Ropes are ideal for getting involved in your dog’s play session. These are ideal for tug-of-war games. Just make sure you’re not pulling too hard and damaging their teeth.

 

Toys that are interactive and puzzles

These kinds of toys are ideal for keeping your dog’s mind sharp. Mentally stimulating activities also deplete your dog’s energy while keeping them focused during independent play.

 

Soft Toys

Plush toys are a more gentle form of entertainment. These come in a variety of designs and are a good option for keeping your puppy entertained.

Conclusion

BestForPets (bestforpets.org) hope these reviews have helped you narrow down your list of potential puppy toys.

In conclusion, we discovered that the KONG classic dog toy is the best overall puppy toy, the Chuckit! rubber balls are the best value, and the Smart Pet behavioral aid dog toy is the best premium choice.

With so many options, you can feel confident purchasing any of the best puppy toys on the list and giving them to your new best friend.