20 Best Dog Toys for Small and Large Dogs

Dog’s love toys. Man’s best friend leads a relatively simple life with toys, treats, and snuggles topping their daily to-do lists. When they aren’t playing, most dogs are left to napping and providing idle companionship, so it is important that their toys are engaging and interesting. But what toys work best for dogs of different sizes? Let’s take a look at our round-up of the 20 best dog toys.

Runball

Runball is changing the game of fetch in a good way! Play fetch with your dog without having to touch the slimy slobbery ball. The ball attaches to a tether making for great games of tug o war and fetches, with the added bonus of not losing the ball.

What we like: 

• Makes your dog tired without wearing you out
• Keeps the ball tethered, so you don’t have to go looking for it when your dog gives up
• Good bonding toy

What to consider before buying:

• Made with larger breeds in mind
• Outdoor toy

Buy Runball Exercise Outdoor Dog Toy here

Kong

When discussing treat-dispensing toys, the conversation can not start without mentioning the quintessential Kong classic dog toy. Simply just fill the rubber mold with regular dog treats or a spoonful of peanut butter to keep your dogs busy for hours as they dig their rewards out.  

What we like:

• Simple design
• Versatility between a fetch toy, chew toy, and a treat toy.
• Built to be virtually indestructible

What to consider before buying:

• Some versions have strong chemical off-gassing.
• Kong toys are available with varying durability ratings. Make sure you choose the right one for your pup.

Pet Zone IQ Treat Ball

This interactive toy puts your puppy to work getting to their goodies inside. With adjusting levels of difficulty, this toy will keep your dog mentally and physically stimulated from sun up to sundown.

What we like:

• Promotes a healthy lifestyle.
• Adjustable difficulty levels

What to consider before buying:

• Kibble tends to clog the hole.
• Not suitable for some larger breeds.

Nina Ottosson by Outward Brick Puzzle Game

Another interactive reward toy this activity makes your puppy think and keeps their mental state sharp. By using their nose and paws to slide obstacles out of the way, your puppy will love receiving treats all while learning.

What we like:

• Three adjustable levels keep your dog entertained.
• Promotes healthier eating habits.

What to consider:

• Small pieces can be a choking hazard.
• Some dogs lose interest after a short time.

Kong treat spinner dog toy

The more your fur baby plays with this toy, the greater the chance they are rewarded with a treat. Designed for a slower release, it keeps the dog’s food intake to a minimum. This toy kills two birds with one stone which allows the dog to chew something and eat at the same time.

What we like:

• Slows down feeding habits for fast eaters
• Durable design

What to consider:

• Some dogs learn how to open the toy, defeating the purpose of the design
• Screw-on top wears easily

Starmark Treat Dispensing Bob-a Lot

This toy is designed to keep your dog engaged and active as it gets a challenging playtime that is rewarded with treats—also designed to keep your dog from developing bored and destructive chewing habits. As your dog paws at it and tosses it around, the kibble will fall out, rewarding them for playing with their new toy.

What we like:

• Discourages harmful chewing
• Slow-release feeding is healthier for digestion

What to consider:

• Works better for smaller breeds
• Doesn’t hold as much food as some other toys

Nylabone Ring Toy

Another classic that every dog should have with their toy collection. A durable, long-lasting nylon ring that any heavy chewing dog will enjoy saving your shoes and furniture from being chewed.

What we like:

• Designed to improve dental health by controlling plaque and preventing build up
• Varied chewing textures entertain heavy chewers for hours

What to consider:

• Heavy material can make it a bit loud when tossed around.
• This toy is best suited for heavy chewers; others lose interest quickly.

Fairwinds Ultra Durable Dog Chew Toy

A toy designed for the heavy chewers in mind, this toy is made from a bite-resistant rubber. Made with ridged edges helps protect teeth and massages gums. For added fun, the ball can be filled with water shooting a stream whenever the dog bites down on it.

What we like:

• Lifetime replacement guarantee.
• Fun water toy is different than other chew toys on the market.

What to consider before buying:

• Does not stand up to heavy chewing
• Some dogs can push the stopper into the ball, so it won’t hold water

Frisco Bacon Flavored Chew Toy

Frisco is a nylon chew toy that teaches positive chewing habits that is long-lasting. The sturdy textures help keep teeth clean and support gum health. It is made from durable nylon that will extend the shelf life of the toy.

What we like:

• Bacon flavored, do we need to say more?
• Made with BPA-free, FDA-compliant nylon.

What to consider:

• Pieces may break off, creating a choking hazard.
• Some dogs lose interest over time.

Ruff Dawg Ball

Another toy designed for the heavy chewers, the ruff dawg ball, is a durable rubber ball that is advertised as indestructible—made from heavy-duty rubber; it is made for even the most destructive players. Even though it is a solid ball that can take all the abuse, it is still gentle on teeth and gums.

What we like:

• Ball bounces and floats to add variation to playtime.
• Lifetime warranty

What to consider before buying:

• Best suited for medium to large size dogs, usually too heavy for smaller breeds.
• For heavy chewers, it may only last a couple of weeks. ‘

Monster K9 Chew Ring

This chew ring is made with super durable rubber. It is made to be abused; the rougher, the better. Made for aggressive chewing dogs or for nonstop fetch, this toy handles everything in between.

What we like:

• Size and weight are suitable for all sizes of dogs.
• Extremely durable.
• Manufacturer warranty on the life of the toy.

Things to consider:

• Dogs who focus on destroying toys will lose interest.
• Durable does not mean indestructible; a destructive dog can break it down.

Runball is a new way to play fetch. It is one part fetch, one part tug, and one part hassle-free play. The cooperative design makes a great bonding toy for humans to play with their highly energetic dogs. Find out more today!

OMG! Surprise Snazzy Saurus Egg 2 in 1

Does your dog like to destroy their plush toys the second they get them, then this toy is for you. It may look like just an egg, but there is more than meets the eye with this toy. After the egg part is ripped open, that isn’t the end of this toy. There is a surprise on the inside. When the outer toy is ripped open, a new squeak toy is discovered, adding to the fun your dog will have

What we like:

• Fun toy to let their aggression out on.
• Cute premise and fun for the dog.

What to consider:

• The outer toy is designed to tear easily, but the inside toy has more durability.
• Made with smaller, gentler dogs in mind.
• May encourage undesirable behaviors by rewarding dogs for tearing the outer cover open.

Kong Teddy Bear

This is a soft chew toy great for shaking around. Little stuffing goes into this toy as its inside is made of knotted ropes. With a squeaker inside as well, your dog will love to shake this toy all around the housekeeping itself, entertained and amused. And when the inevitable happens, and the toy is ripped up, it now has a rope toy.

What we like:

• Knotted rope on the inside instead of stuffing
• Rope core extends the life of the toy

What to consider:

• Comes in different sizes; buy the right size for your animal
• Despite varied sizing, there are some durability concerns with heavier chewers

Frisco Hide and Seek Plush Guacamole Dog Toy

A fun puzzle game that you can enjoy playing with your dog. This comes with a stuffed chip, avocado, and lime wedge that you shove into the plush guacamole bowl. Then watch as your dog tries to pull them back out. Each piece contains a squeaker that will also add to the fun.

What we like:

• Dogs really do enjoy this toy, and it will keep them entertained.
• Flexibility to add treats in hiding spots for more engagement.

What to consider before buying:

• Plush toys are less resilient than other types.
• Size is smaller than advertised despite being listed as suitable for large breeds.

Frisco Textured Plush Squeaking toy

These adorable squeaking toys will have your dog chasing them through the whole house. With its textured design makes it a great option for both tug o war and fetch.  

What we like:

• Two squeaker toys, one is located in the head and a larger one in the belly.
• No stuffing on the inside.

What to consider before buying:

• Stitching comes apart easily, which is dangerous for a squeaker toy.
• Belly squeaker is too large for some smaller breeds.

GoDog Dragon Dog Toy

GoDogs Dragon is made to keep your dog playing for hours, either as a fetch toy or for solo play. Made with chew guard technology, it should add to the durability and lifespan of the toy, keeping your dog happier for longer.

What we like:

• Super soft and perfect for cuddling or indoor fetch
• Made with zero stuffing, so no clean up afterward

What to consider before buying:

• Not made for extremely rough play, which will lead to tearing.
• No stuffing means that the squeaker inside won’t last long.

Hyper Pet GoDogGo Fetch Machine

If your dogs will play fetch for hours on end with no signs of slowing down, this is a must. This has three different speed and distance settings.  

What we like:

• A safety sensor prevents the ball from shooting if your dog is too close.
• Comes with an adapter or option to use batteries.

What to consider before buying:

• More expensive than most toys.
• Potential of sensor failure may result in injury to your dog.
• Strictly an outdoor toy.

Chuckit!

A manual tennis ball launcher will have your dog running for miles, all while saving your arm. 

What we like:

• Hands-free pick-up keeps you from grabbing a slobbery ball.
• Lightweight and easy to use.

What to consider before buying:

• Ball that comes with the purchase breaks easily.
• Overuse may lead to wrist discomfort.

Suction Cup Rope

Does your dog love tug o war but no one to play with? Here’s the answer, this toy comes with a rope attached to a suction cup. Made from a durable rubber makes this toy durable and wear-resistant. 

What we like:

• Keeps your dog active.
• Independent Play.

What to consider before buying:

• The suction cup is not strong enough for all flooring surfaces.
• The rope is short.

Kong Flyer

This frisbee is both lightweight and durable, made from kong classic rubber that makes for softer catches.

What we like:

• Encourages outdoor play
• Soft enough to chew and play independently indoors.
• Made in the USA

What to consider before buying:

• Touch and feel are a little flimsy, may puncture easily.
• Size is smaller than expected.

Dogs come in all sizes and activity levels. For chewers, it can be frustrating to find durable toys to curb their natural desire to destroy their toys. Many of the dog toys on the market seem to be meant for gentler play. Smaller dogs have unique challenges when finding suitable toys too. Some toys are just too heavy or too big for little jaws. 

Runball is changing the game of fetch with a durable, hassle-free design that promotes healthy play. Our toys are made to meet the needs of highly energetic dogs like our founder Leo’s German Shepard. Find out more today!