What are the best and safest dog toys to fetch?
Have you ever walked into your local pet store for that bag of dog food and are suddenly distracted by the aisles lined with toys and fun goodies? It’s hard not to take a peek at all the bright-colored selections, cute plushy toys, bouncy balls, and the latest entertaining options out there. We absolutely get it! However, the sheer amount of so many choices can be overwhelming. You want to spoil your pup to pieces, but at the same time, pick the one that will be the best choice for their little playful side.
We’ve retrieved (see what we did there?) some important points and provide some toy selections to consider the next time you splurge on your favorite friend.
Your Dog’s Age and Size
Let’s start with those little rascals – puppies. As they lose their baby teeth and new teeth come in – watch out, this is when temptation really kicks in, and they chew on everything within a 1-foot radius. So, at this age toys are a wonderful way to distract them from your favorite shoes. Teething toys like nylon bones or even soft plushies help relieve that ache! Since you are also likely working on some obedience training, toys help with skill-building using repetitive tricks like throwing a ball and bringing it back.
Larger breeds may need toys that are more durable. Also, avoid smaller toys that can easily be swallowed and become a potentially harmful choking hazard. Bigger dogs also have some extra energy that they need to get out and often a toy that offers more physical exertion can add a lot of value.
Personality and Play Style
What’s your dog’s personality? Do they love a good game of tug of war, or maybe they could chase a ball for hours on end? Maybe they like solo play, snuggling with their favorite lovie, or trying to get to the treats you stuffed in their toy. Choosing toys that match your dog’s play style to keep their attention, avoid boredom and lead to ultimate happiness is beneficial.
Dogs are naturally curious creatures, so sometimes, offering a selection of toys and seeing what they gravitate towards can help make future decisions on what’s right for them.
Dog Toy Materials
Being a well-informed consumer of pet products will go a long way to keep your pet healthy. Sadly, many studies over time have shown toxins in select dog toys. You can avoid getting something harmful to your dog by picking toys made of safe materials. Before you purchase, quickly check the packaging and see if it is Made in the USA, BPA-Free, PVC-Free, and made with 100% natural rubber or organic cotton.
We also encourage dog owners to buy sustainable toys made with eco-materials like rubber or hemp. It’s good for your pet and the planet!
Safety- First
Toys with strings, ribbons, plastic eyes or small parts can be dangerous if ripped off and swallowed. Sometimes dogs love the challenge of finding the source of their squeaky toy and ingesting it. These examples could play a role in a choking hazard and lead to a trip to the vet if it affects their digestive tract. Even the most popular materials used to stuff dog toys, such as polyester fiberfill, aren’t entirely digestible (which can be an issue if your dog is prone to destroying toys and other belongings).
To keep it safe, it’s always a good philosophy to throw out toys that are showing wear and are starting to fall apart.
Toy Options to unleash all types of fun!
Is it a brain-challenging toy or are you looking for something more physical? Below we listed some popular dog toy suggestions you may want to pick up the next time you are at your pet store or a good add to your online shopping cart!
Choosing toys that provide both types of stimulation that can help keep your dog healthy and entertained. And having a variety will keep your furry pup on their toes and never bored!
Engaging, Boosting Brain Toys
Puzzle toys stimulate your dog’s mind and keep them engaged. These toys come in various shapes and sizes, ranging from simple to complex.
Zogoflex Tux. This toy is made of durable and non-toxic material. Fill it with your pet pal’s favorite treats and keep them busy for hours.
Outward Hound Hide Puzzle Toy. This toy is ideal for dogs who enjoy playing and solving problems. Your dog will love sniffing and pawing for treats as they learn the precise sequence of actions required to reach the sweet reward!
Chew On This
Dogs love to chew and providing them with healthy chewing toys can also benefit their dental health. Look for toys that are made of durable materials such as rubber, nylon, or natural materials.
The Benebone Wishbone Chew Toy is a popular choice among dog owners as it is made of real bacon flavor and is long-lasting. A yummy toy treat!
Nylabone Dura Chew Textured Ring. This toy is perfect for dogs who love to chew. It’s made of durable nylon and has a unique texture that cleans teeth and promotes healthy chewing habits. Win – Win!Active Toys
Entertaining toys are a must-have for keeping your dog happy and active. These toys can range from frisbees to balls and are perfect for playing fetch with your furry friend. As their favorite play mate, you can also get involved with a little one-on-one tug of war using rope toys.
Chuckit! Ultra Ball and Launcher. This ball is made of high-quality, durable rubber. Add the launcher and up your throwing game! Different sizes are available based on your dog’s size.
Nerf Dog Rubber Tire Flyer Dog Toy. This toy resembles a tire, which makes it easy for dogs to grip and carry in their mouths. The toy’s bright colors make it easy to spot, even in low-light conditions, ensuring that your furry friend won’t lose it easily, especially at the dog park!
Mammoth Rope Tug. Designed for tug-of-war play with dogs, this knotted rope dog toy is ideal for tossing, catching, and pulling during engaging play, or as a dog chew toy for solo play.
Cozy Lovies
Some dogs love plush toys so much that they will take them along to their favorite places, cuddle and even sleep with them. It’s pretty adorable. Some dog however view them as a challenge, working diligently to rip out the stuffing and the squeaker. For dogs who want to shake or destroy the toy, ensure they are closely watched, and maybe avoid soft toys with squeakers if you know the result is stuffing throughout your house.
Kong Cozie Marvin the Moose Plush Toy: A cozie plush pal that’s soft yet durable if your pup takes a tug on it and a major plus – minimal filling if your dog decides to be a little too loving.
There’s nothing like the happy, bouncy joy your dog expresses when you come home with a new toy. Plus the multiple benefits a simple toy can bring, like mental and physical health that keeps them young at heart and engaged throughout the day.
Happy Hound’s Playground of Pure Fun!
Set your sight on Oakland, CA’s newest, most paw-some dog park around! Happy Hound’s Barks & Recreation Center is more than just a dog park – it’s a tail-wagging extravaganza! Some standout features – a refreshing splash pool, cool shady spots, and a lush turf. The park is cleaned and sanitized every night to keep your four-legged friend healthy and happy. You can check it out here or view dogs having the time of their life on our live webcam.
