If you have a dog or pandemic puppy at home, you know all too well that every day is their day.
Aside from some extra morning scratches and an additional helping of their favorite foods and snacks, one of the best things you can do to spoil your pup is present them with new, stimulating and sometimes tasty toys.
Since many of us returned to the office and left Fido to fend for himself at home, having the best dog toys is especially key for mental stimulation and a happy dog when you return for even more playtime.
Be it a motorized ball for solo play or ropes, stuffed animals and balls for playtime with the whole family, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite picks for a playful pup.
1. KONG Classic Dog Toy, $14
Simply fill with your dog’s favorite snack and they’ll play for hours with Kong.
The wobbling, red rubber toy is a must-have for dog owners, as you can be assured they’ll be occupied and stimulated for a long time. Fill the hole in the bottom with treats — like peanut butter or anything they love to munch on — and watch them try and get it all out with paws and tongues blazing. Plus, if you shop at Chewy during the holiday, spend $100 and you’ll get $30 to spend next time.
2. Woof Pupsicle, $25+
Show fido major love with the Woof Pupsicle. Safer than a bone (and a lot more fun), the dynamic chew toy offers up to 40 minutes of playtime. Simply unscrew the top, add the treat, and watch him go to town trying to retrieve it.
As you may already know, the benefits of chew toys are huge, helping to eliminate your dog’s boredom, promoting teeth health and reducing stress. What we like best about the one from Woof is that it’s thoughtfully designed. The slots on the top minimize dog drool from pooling and the toy itself is made from non-toxic, BPA and phthalate-free natural rubber. Best of all, it can be popped into the dishwasher for cleaning. Clever, convenient and sanitary? We love it!
Pupsicles are available in sizes Small to Extra Large. Go for a single Pupsicle ($25) or try The Starter Pack ($44) or The Alpha Pack ($75, shown above). The latter comes with Love Nuggets, Doggy Broth, a Treat Tray and of course, The Pupsicle. It’s also eligible for free shipping!
3. OurPets Sushi Treat Dispensing Puzzle, $15
Don’t worry — this isn’t actually sushi.
Stimulate your dog’s brain and appetite with this puzzle feeder from Chewy. The sushi pieces actually cover up small holes in the board that you can fill with their favorite treats. Then watch them try to figure out how to slide the sushi over to uncover the treats for endless fun and tasty playtime.
Also, during the holiday, spend $100 at Chewy and get $30 toward your next purchase.
4. ZippyPaws Skinny Peltz No Stuffing Squeaky Plush Dog Toy, $12
If your pup likes to tear apart plush toys and eat the stuffing, this one may be for you.
This set of three ZippyPaws Skinny Peltz is an Amazon Pets bestselling item, at only $15for three toys. The best part is that there is no stuffing inside for them to destroy or eat, while still satisfying their need to hunt, chew and play as hard as they want.
5. Hyper Pet Doggie Tail Interactive Plush Dog Toy, $18, originally $28
A hyper dog needs a Hyper Pet to keep them company all day long.
The Hyper Pet toys are great for getting your easily distracted dog’s attention, as they wiggle, vibrate and even bark when played with. Start with the full set and then get different replacement covers for the toy, like the crab, monster or unicorn style.
6. Fable The Game, $55
This is a game in which both you and your dog are winners.
The Game from Fable is a wobbly, treat-filled toy that will have your dog begging for more. The silicone toy can hold over 1½ cups of dry food, allowing your dog to pace themselves during mealtime and get some exercise in, too, as they try to figure out how to get the food out with multiple complexity settings to challenge even the smartest of pups.
7. Soda Pup Dog Hot Dog Toy, $15
Hot dog!
Give your dog a tasty treat that looks like people food but is way better and more durable. Perfect for the tough chewers and destroyers of toys, this super-strong chew toy will put their chompers to the test — all while looking adorable.
8. HEAR DOGGY! Flattie Cow with Chew Guard Technology, $20
Your dog loves the squeaking but you sure don’t when it’s midnight and you’re trying to sleep.
Give your ears a break while not taking away their squeaking joy with the Hear Doggy brand of toys. Inside the plushie is an ultrasonic, silent squeaker that only dogs can hear, letting you relax and leaving them to go to town on their new toy.
9. Outward Hound Hide A Squirrel Plush Dog Toy Puzzle, $13+
Your dog is a little hunter — even if he is a teddy bear on the inside.
Get that hunting instinct going with this adorable set of squirrels hiding in the plush log. Your pup will spend hours trying to get the squirrels out of their hiding holes. Then, when you get home and are ready to play, use the squirrels for a game of fetch, throwing them as-is, or chucking the whole log back and forth for endless play.
10. ChuckIt! Fetch & Fold Launcher, $13
Give your throwing arm a break with this handy toy.
The ChuckIt is a great way to continue playing fetch all day, even when your arm and back are sore from bending over to retrieve the ball. Scoop it up and launch it back to your pup with the launcher without breaking a sweat. The ball is made of rubber, so doggy can chew away, and the launcher has a ergonomic sport handle for easier gripping.
11. KIPRITII Dog Chew Toys for Puppy 18 Pack, $23, originally $30
When you can’t choose how to spoil your new puppy — don’t.
Just get this multi-pack of 18 fun toys perfect for a puppy who is teething or likes to bite. The package comes with ropes, teething rings, a spike ball and some plush toys with squeakers to keep them occupied for hours, going from one toy to the next all day.
12. P.L.A.Y. Brunch Collection Chew Toys, $56
Why should you be the only one who goes out to brunch?
Treat your pup to a bottomless brunch with this set. The menu includes a croissant, chicken and waffles, eggs Benedict, avocado toast and a bloody Mary to wash it all down. All the items come in a box for shipping and storage when the meal is over.