Buying Guide
How to Buy Dog Toys
This quick guide helps you choose dog toys that match your dog's size, chewing style, and enrichment needs. Use the checklist and tips below to pick safe, long-lasting toys and avoid common mistakes.
Key factors to consider
Size and strength: Match toy size to your dog's mouth and weight so it is easy to pick up but not a choking risk.
Chew style: Identify whether your dog is a gentle player, moderate chewer, or aggressive chewer. That determines whether plush, rubber, or nylon is best.
Safety and materials: Look for non-toxic materials, reinforced seams, and stuffingless designs if your dog rips toys apart. Multiple internal squeakers can be tempting but can become hazards if exposed.
Hygiene and maintenance: Choose toys that are easy to clean. Dishwasher-safe or water-rinseable toys are best for items used with food or drool.
Purpose and enrichment: Decide if you need a fetch toy, a chew toy to reduce teething, or an interactive treat-dispensing toy to fight boredom.
Value: Bundles and multi-packs give variety and value, but make sure each toy suits your dog's needs.
Chew style: Identify whether your dog is a gentle player, moderate chewer, or aggressive chewer. That determines whether plush, rubber, or nylon is best.
Safety and materials: Look for non-toxic materials, reinforced seams, and stuffingless designs if your dog rips toys apart. Multiple internal squeakers can be tempting but can become hazards if exposed.
Hygiene and maintenance: Choose toys that are easy to clean. Dishwasher-safe or water-rinseable toys are best for items used with food or drool.
Purpose and enrichment: Decide if you need a fetch toy, a chew toy to reduce teething, or an interactive treat-dispensing toy to fight boredom.
Value: Bundles and multi-packs give variety and value, but make sure each toy suits your dog's needs.
Types and when to choose them
- Soft plush squeaky toys - Best for gentle chewers and cuddle play. Choose stuffingless versions for dogs that tear toys apart.
- Tough rubber treat-dispensing toys - Good for moderate to heavy chewers and for long distraction sessions. Look for no-mess designs and weighted bases to prevent tipping.
- Nylon or flavored chew toys - Designed for aggressive chewers and long lasting gnawing. Use for heavy chewers but monitor for swallowed pieces.
- Stuffingless long plush toys - Provide the look and squeak of plush without dangerous stuffing, ideal for dogs that like to carry and shake toys.
Features to check and where to buy
Features to check before buying:
- Recommended weight or size range printed by the maker.
- Material type: plush, natural rubber, or nylon.
- Stuffing present or stuffingless construction.
- Squeaker placement and quantity.
- Cleaning instructions: dishwasher-safe or hand wash.
- Durability claims and any warranty or replacement policy.
- Online - Great for product variety, customer reviews, and bundle deals. Check photos, Q and A, review photos, and seller return policy before buying.
- Brick and mortar - Useful if you want to inspect feel, weight, and size in person. Bring a tape measure or compare to a toy your dog already uses.
Common mistakes to avoid and expert tips
Common mistakes to avoid:
- Buying a toy labeled for "all dogs" without checking chew strength.
- Choosing toys with loose stuffing for dogs that shred items.
- Leaving a new toy unsupervised during first use.
- Assuming "indestructible" means unbreakable; no toy is completely indestructible.
- Rotate toys weekly to keep interest high and extend toy life.
- Supervise initial play sessions, especially with squeakers or flavored toys.
- Use treat-dispensing toys for boredom and mental enrichment during alone time.
- Replace toys the moment seams split or small pieces appear.
- Buy a mix of soft and durable toys so your dog has options for chewing, fetching, and problem solving.
Final Thoughts
Pick toys that match your dog's size and chew strength, prefer stuffingless or reinforced designs for heavy chewers, and prioritize easy-to-clean materials for treat toys. Start with a small mixed pack, supervise new toys, rotate them often, and replace toys at the first sign of damage.
