Your dog deserves more than an old tennis ball or stick. Spoil your pet with modern toys that come in various styles, shapes and sizes.
The toys you select for your pet depends on different factors such as their nature, age, and temperament.
We’ve found the best and most stimulating toys around to keep your pooch happy.
In this article, we'll review the top 8 toys for dogs in the UK and provide you with tips and what to watch out for.
In a hurry? Here are the top 4 dog toys:
Our top picks
Best Dog Toys
Before we dive into the details of what to look for in an ideal toy, we present you the most tail-waggingly exciting dog toys in the UK:
To keep boredom and destructive habits at bay, your puppy or young dog needs daily stimulation. This level-two puzzle toy is the ultimate brain game for your smart dog.
The aim of the game is for your pet to retrieve kibble or snacks from the various treats compartments by lifting flaps, sliding blocks, nuzzling, and sniffing out tasty surprises.
If you’re struggling to bond with an anxious puppy who’s new to the family, this toy might earn you their loyalty, trust and love while bringing out their fun and curious nature.
This puzzle can be used to slow down your pet’s fast eating to avoid digestive upsets.
One minor pitfall is that the toy isn’t suitable for aggressive chewers. Although the removable parts are too large to be swallowed, they can be bit into.
Check out our guide to the best puzzle dogs if your smart pooch already mastered this one.
Features
- Intermediate puzzle game
- Features three types of hiding compartments
- Includes 8 sliding treat covers (with scent holes) and removable brick bones
What we liked
- The ultimate brain game
- A fun learning game
- Can slow down a pet’s fast eating
Didn't like
- Not suitable for aggressive chewers
Consisting of durable nylon, this synthetic bone from Nylabone is designed for puppies who chew everything.
This extreme chew toy will entice your good boy because it looks like an authentic bone but without the dangers of a real one.
The taste of peanut butter, irresistible to your pet, can’t be licked off, which means your dog will enjoy endless hours tucking into his favourite, flavour-filled bone.
Not just a tool to channel your pet’s destructive behaviours, the bone features a mini toothbrush that activates when your dog chews to prevent plaque and tartar building.
Although the chew bone might last a while, it will eventually need to be replaced. Monitor these toys regularly.
If the knuckle ends look worn and spiky, discard immediately. These sharp ends can cause bleeding and tiny chunks may be accidentally swallowed.
Features
- Chew toy bone made with durable nylon
- Includes a mini toothbrush
- Peanut butter flavoured
What we liked
- The ideal toy for aggressive chewers
- Prioritises play and dental health
Didn't like
- Knuckle ends must be consistently monitored
Rosewood Maisie Mouse is a great cuddle toy and sleep companion for soft natured pets.
As the toy is made from soft, plush material, your pet can carry it around without hurting his teeth or mouth.
Maisie Mouse will get dirty quickly, particularly if she’s your puppy’s favourite toy. However, you can plop her into the washing machine, and she will come out looking brand new.
The squeaker inside the toy adds to your pet’s enjoyment of the toy. However, since the squeaker is made from plastic, supervise your pet as he plays to avoid ingestion.
It may not be the best choice if your pet like chewing a lot. It may not last if your pet has a track record for destroying toys. The stuffing, together with the squeaker, could be choking hazards.
Features
- Comfort dog toy, made for cuddles
- Colours: white, blue, pink and red
- Consists of plush materials
- Comes with a sqeaker inside for additional fun
What we liked
- Great cuddle toy
- Made from soft, plush material
Didn't like
- Squeaker could be a choking hazard if your pooch is into destroying toys
Got a little terror who won't relent your all so expensive shoes?
Save both them and your furniture by introducing a KONG Classic Toy into the household.
It’s an all-rounder natural rubber toy that dogs and puppies can gnaw, chew and chase after for the tasty stuffing.
It's suitable for dogs of all breeds, sizes, and ages.
It's the type of toy that would engage your pooch and reduce boredom and anxiety.
Stuff it with his favourite kibble or snacks and enjoy some quiet time as your pet is busy chewing KONG instead of your pillows.
Since it provides a challenge to get to the treats, it can help overweight dogs to slow down eating if you use it dinner times.
Since it comes in multiple sizes, pay attention to get the right one for maximum fun!
KONG dog toys are an all times favourite with many readers. They produce a variety of durable toys suitable for power chewers also. Read our guide to the best KONG dog toys to see more options.
Features
- Durable natural rubber toy
- Suitable for average chewers
- Unpredictable bounce makes for exciting games
- Sizes available: S-XXL
What we liked
- Stuffable with snacks such as peanut butter
- Safe to wash in dishwasher
- Can help with chewing, teething, digging and more
Didn't like
- Not suitable for power chewers
This 10 piece party pack is great value for money for pet guardians owning more than one dog or for teething puppies.
Save your furniture from being chewed with these bite-safe toys. The majority of these are rope toys made from non-toxic cotton fibre, which are more durable than plastic or rubber.
However, some determined and willful pets will manage to chew their way through the toys.
The diverse selection of toys is great for dogs that get bored easily. By rotating them regularly, your pet will continue to be stimulated and interested in his toys and not discard them for a stick or a pair of shoes.
It’s a good idea to watch over your pet and participate at playtime. It’s not just great for bonding but will keep your pet safe.
Although most of the toys are of high quality, they can still break. The last thing you want is your fur child to choke.
Features
- 10-piece rope toys
- Suitable for small and medium dogs
What we liked
- Diverse selection of toys
- Made from durable, non-toxic cotton
- Great value for money
Didn't like
- Some toys are better quality than others
Trixie Dog Activity Flip Board is a highly interactive learning experience for dogs with little interest in playing fetch. Keep your dog focused for longer using this puzzle.
Although you will have to teach your pet initially, this activity toy is suitable for all breeds.
Depending on your dog’s ability to find the hidden treats, you can make the challenge easier or harder for optimal enjoyment in the game.
Although a great brain teaser, the plastic base and accessories used to hide the snacks could sometimes be brittle and breakable.
Giant breeds or boisterous pets might easily damage the product by stepping on it or chewing on the detachable pieces.
The product will last longer if your pet is a disciplined and gentle pooch who doesn’t chew on everything he can find.
Features
- Strategy game with difficulty level 2
- Provides mental stimulation
- Dog gets the treats by opening the indentations
- Non-slip due to rubber base ring
What we liked
- Highly interactive learning experience
- Suitable for all breeds
Didn't like
- May not be suitable aggressive chewers
Combining your dog’s two favourite things, snacks and play, this chew toy receives a ten-paw rating from your furry friend.
This rubber cone can be filled with treats or kibble that your dog must take out and enjoy.
It’s a time-consuming activity that will keep your over energetic dog from getting bored or hungry between meals.
Not just a snack’s holder, this chew toy bounces around in different directions to add to your pet’s excitement.
The excellent rubber material ensures maximum bounce ability that your hound will love to chase. What’s even better is that the ball is suitable for all dogs, including large breeds with strong and powerful jaws.
Minimal damage and few punctures have been reported, with the ball remaining intact and lasting much longer than toys he shreds to pieces within seconds.
Instead of adding small pieces of kibble that doesn’t fit the hole, consider spooning peanut butter or yoghurt inside.
If your pet’s on a diet or needs to lose weight, you don’t need to add snacks, the bacon flavour released as he chews the toy will be enough of an enticement.
Features
- Stuffable chew toy that bounces
- Made from durable materials
- Keeps dogs busy for hours
What we liked
- Bounces around in different directions
- When chewed, releases delicious bacon flavour
Didn't like
- Too easy for very intelligent pets
Combining an internal rope, crinkly wings, and a squeaker, this Kong toy will stimulate your pet in a variety of different ways.
Although soft, this cute toy is sturdier than it looks. The outer plush material is attached to the durable inside rope.
That said if your dog is an aggressive biter, this toy might not be the best fit because it's not advertised as a chew toy.
Small dogs that like to rough house will enjoy playing with this toy. However, it’s not suitable for big dogs who tug hard.
Although unusually sturdy for a plush toy, it's unlikely to last more than a couple of months if your pet plays with it regularly.
If the toy does break apart at the seams, as a health precaution, there is minimal stuffing inside.
Overall, the toy is cute, enjoyed by pets, and is somewhat durable. However, it's not something that will last years.
Features
- Soft toy with internal knotted rope
- Features a squeaker and minimal stuffing
What we liked
- Different textures stimulate dogs
- Cute toy
Didn't like
- Not good for chew enthusiasts
Guide To Purchasing Dog Toys
Dog toys play several roles: they can excite lethargic dogs, provide comfort to anxious canines, and satisfy a dog’s desire to chew.
Animal aggression can even be prevented or reduced over time.
Unfortunately, there is no universal toy that makes shopping for the right accessory less challenging.
The toys you buy depends entirely on your dog and what he prefers, as well as which toys are most suitable for them based on their age and temperament.
Types Of Dog Toys
Balls And Active Toys
Active dogs who run, fetch, and play tug of war will love balls and rope toys.
Hard rubbers balls last longer than tennis balls and are generally safer as they’re harder to destroy if your dog’s a chewer.
Rope toys are ideal because they engage pets in their natural state of playing. Because of the different textures, dogs love to chew on them.
Chew toys
Many breeds of dogs like to chew, especially teething puppies.
Chew toys come in various forms, shapes and durability that match your hound’s chew power.
If you're specifically looking a toy for your teething puppy, check out our guide to the best puppy toys.
Soft Toys
Soft toys aren’t nearly as indestructible as chew or active toys.
Some dogs see soft toys as a companion that they’ll drag everywhere and cuddle when sleeping.
Other dogs are more intent on “killing” these toys by shredding them to pieces. If your pet’s in the latter group, avoid these at all costs.
If you're looking for a durable toy that's meant for power chewers, check out our article for the best indestructible dog toys in the UK.
Treat-dispensers and puzzle toys
Both types teach your puppy new tricks by encouraging them to use their grey matter.
These toys can keep your pet distracted for a while as he works out how to reach treats using different actions.
Important Tips for UK Dog Toys
Although toys add a great deal of excitement to our pet’s lives, it’s essential to use them safely and clean them regularly.
Supervise your dog’s playtime
Even the most hard-wearing toys can break, and those smaller pieces are choking hazards.
Monitor pet accessories after every round of play and throw them away if they appear worn, frayed, or sharp around the edges.
Clean dog toys regularly
Your dog’s toys will get dirty and pick up a trifecta of harmful germs, like yeast, mold, and staph bacteria.
Wash these extensively using non-toxic detergent recommended by your veterinarian to protect your pet and family.
Rotate pet toys
Toys for dogs can be expensive. Having to replace them often when your pet no longer finds them exciting or destroys them might be more than you can afford.
Resolve this issue by rotating your pet’s toys frequently. Dispense a couple at a time instead of all at once.
FAQs
For the most part, yes if they are manufactured with safe materials. But small pieces may break off dog toys. For this reason, we recommend that you supervise your dog in play.
Yes, most are and should be cleaned regularly. See below for further details.
Yes, place the toys in a mesh bag before chucking them into the machine and clean them on a gentle or delicate wash cycle.
The squeaker will return to its normal volume after the toy has been wrung out and left to dry.
Some but not all dog toys emit delicious flavours, such as bacon or peanut butter when your dog chews on them.
Plush toys provide hiding spots for fleas. Avoid fleas by washing these and dispensing flea treatment to your pet monthly.
The most affordable and effective cleaning solution for cleaning balls, rope and hard-wearing toys is by soaking them in a water and vinegar solution, then scrubbing with a sponge to remove remaining dirt.
Plush toys can be cleaned using pet-friendly detergent in the washing machine.
Final Verdict
This week's verdict is a toss-up between multiple dog toys and types of these toys. Each in their category are fantastic products.
We could suggest the below depending on your dog's needs.
We love the Nylabone Rubber Cone Dog Chew Toy. It's a two-in-one toy that hides treats and bounces around. This toy makes playtime unpredictable and fun.
We're big fans of the Outward Hound Dog Brick Interactive Treat Puzzle Dog Toy which is a learning activity that stimulates your pet mentally. Plus, what dog has ever said no to snacks?
The 10 piece WeFine Puppy Dog Chew Toys also has our attention due to its diverse selection of toys. Despite its reasonably low price, most of the toys are fairly robust and good quality.
Haven't decided yet? Here is our top 8:
Our Top Picks
- BOREDOM BUSTER INTERACTIVE DOG TOY: As one of our most popular intermediate...
- FLIP, LIFT, & SLIDE TO HIDE TREATS: The Nina Ottosson Dog Brick comes with...
- ENCOURAGES POSITIVE PLAY HABITS: This fun and rewarding puzzle is great for...
- Made with a tough, durable nylon this toy was made with powerful chewers in...
- Challenges aggressive chewers, extra durable, long lasting, flavour...
- Tiny bristles raise on the bone during chewing, like a mini toothbrush to...
- Comfort Dog toy which is perfect for cuddle or play time
- Made with quality plush materials
- Includes a squeaker inside
- Mentally stimulating toy, offering enrichment by helping satisfy dogs’...
- KONG classic red rubber formula for average chewers
- Unpredictable bounce for games of fetch
- Safe and Non-Toxic Material：Made of 100% natural cotton...
- Teeth Cleaning: It can improve your dog’s dental health by cleaning their...
- Super Durable & Great Fun:Ten durable rope toys for chewing and playing....
- Sturdy, suitable for all dogs
- Stimulates the mind keeps dogs active for longer, helps with concentration
- Easy to use, however dog may need to be guided and helped to begin with,...
- Fill this stuffable dog chew toy with treats and freeze for a long-lasting...
- Raised dental nubs help to keep teeth clean and prevent the build-up of...
- Bounces and rolls unpredictably for exciting playtime, keeps dogs busy and...
- Internal knotted rope satisfies natural instincts
- Big squeak for big fun
- Minimal stuffing
So, which did you like most?
Chew, thug or play smart your pooch is going to have lots of fun with these toys. Always remember to supervise and stay safe!
If you've already made up your mind, why not let us know your favourite in the comments section below.
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Go on then, be a dear auntie or uncle and share this article with your friends so your fur-nephew can also get some tail wagging toys.
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