With the seemingly endless amount of dog toys available online, it can be difficult to find one that your dog will like. From teething puppies to big dogs, we've found the dog toys that will survive rough play while keeping them safe, and put them to the test with our own pups.
To help puppy parents out, we polled current and former CNET staffers who own dogs and compiled a list of all-time favorite puppy toys. It's not easy to find durable toys that can handle endless chewing sessions and vigorous play, but these selections have proven their worth. On Chucks is the most popular playground on the list.
Because every dog has unique quirks and preferences, we've included a diverse set of toys. Whether your four-legged friend is a big chewer, a little tug, or something in between, you're sure to find the perfect toy to keep him busy. Check out our top picks for the best dog toys — they'll have your pups wagging their tails with delight.
Read more: Best Dog Food Delivery 2024
The best dog toys
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To be honest, we get a lot of mileage out of the gross old tennis balls Molly finds in the gutter, but the ChuckIt Ultra balls hold up much better to her efforts to tear them to shreds. They're also slime-resistant, don't pick up as much mud in the first place, and are easy to wash. The only downside is they tend to get lost in dog parks. –Stephen Shankland
If you have an active dog that likes to chase balls (like my lab), then the ChuckIt is a must have for your carry-on games. You should never bend down to pick up or touch a slime ball. This piece of cheap molded plastic picks up the ball for you and allows you to “throw” it over and over with a flick of the wrist. –-Connie Guglielmo
My puppy will be playing catch until the cows come home, so this launcher makes long sessions much easier to tolerate. Not only is it great for those of us with below average throwing skills, but it also means less bending over to grab the ball. Every time I reach for the Chuckit Launcher, my puppy gets super excited! –-Lexi Savvides
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When you have a dog that demands almost constant attention, you'll do anything to keep him occupied for a few minutes. I use this puzzle toy for just that. There are three rotating trays where you can hide treats, making your dog work for their reward. My puppy has to use his muzzle to turn the trays to reveal the compartments, and I have to hope it keeps his brain sharp because he has to solve problems to get all the treats. I have the second level (intermediate) version and would buy it again in a heartbeat. –– Sarah Mitroff
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This toy is durable and covers all the things that can keep a dog entertained forever. It has a rope inside and a few rattles to get and keep their attention, which usually ends up being my dog's cuddle toy. –-Theodore Ligians
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Banjo gets anxious when left alone, but like most labs, he is a lot driven by food. Mochi, our little guy, is just an extreme chewer. If he doesn't have something to chew on, he'll start nibbling holes in our living room carpet. So when I know I'm going to be away for a few hours, I pull out the Kongs. I fill them with mozzarella or peanut butter (or both) and my two dogs stay happy and occupied the entire time I'm gone. –– Desiree DeNunzio
My dog is a beast when it comes to toys and is almost devastated everyone single toy we gave her within a day or two. That was until we met the Kong Extreme line of dog toys that worked perfectly for her and kept her entertained. We can use it as a reward by filling it with peanut butter when she is good for the day. There are several different shapes and sizes, and she seems to enjoy them all! –– Jared DePen
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Most plush toys are no match for my dog, Junebug, who rips them to shreds in minutes. This ball of fluff and tuff takes weeks to even thread. Consequently, she's obsessed with it and takes it with her everywhere (even though it's too big for her tiny body – a cute bonus). She stays loyal to it even after she's nothing but a sad, chipped, hollowed-out shell. Eventually, I throw it out and buy her a new one and the cycle begins again. She is on her third beach ball in about a year! Well worth the money. –-Kim Wong-Shing
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My dog loves two things (besides her people): food and toys. This puzzle combines both for endless fun. I got this dog treat puzzle as a gift, after a few months I've been rolling up towels and old t-shirts to make mentally stimulating toys for my chihuahua mix. Now, I use it whenever I don't have a chance to take my pet on her long evening walk.
All the moving plastic parts make it look complex, but it's actually simple to set up. Simply hide your choice of treats or nibbles in the hidden cubbies, cover it with the plastic door, push the slider to keep the door closed and that's it. I found it to be a great indoor option for my dog to burn off some energy and test her brain. –-Alexandra Garrett
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My pup Alistair has been crazy about his Dogobie flying disc for as long as we've had him, which is about 14 years. Made of flexible silicone, the disc is pretty much indestructible and as easy for me to throw in as it is for him to take out, and it's easy to find in the brush after a miscast, thanks to its neon colors. Alistair is getting on in years, but he still gets excited every time he sees his Dogobie come out to play. Only to return it with as much enthusiasm as when chasing it. –-Jim Hoffman
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