Best dog toys 2023 including brain games, soft toys, and picks for chewers

When it comes to keeping your furry friend entertained, only the best dog toys are up to the task. And thankfully, in 2023, you and your dog are spoilt for choice. So the biggest challenge you’ll have is whittling down your basket. Just like the best cat toys, the best dog toys will keep your four-legged companion entertained. But — if you choose wisely — these toys can also act as a comfort, help them tick off their mental exercise, and soothe sore gums if they’re teething. 

So where do you start? And what sort of toys are worth the money? Firstly, we think it's worth considering your furry friend’s personality. Do they prefer to find a quiet spot where they can engage in some brain training? If that sums your dog up, they might benefit from the best dog puzzle toys. But if they love nothing more than being outdoors in a big green space, consider investing in toys that can be thrown, like a frisbee they can play fetch with. You may also be the proud owner of a dog who’s teething. If that’s the case, we'd recommend taking a look at the best teething toys as these handy additions can help to ease achy gums and stop them from taking chunks out of your furniture at the same time. 

Lastly, separation anxiety in dogs is quite common. But that’s where soft and cuddly toys come into their own. Along with looking cute, these cuddly creations help your dog feel safe and secure and we’ve included a range of options we recommend.

So as you can see, the best dog toys really do go above and beyond. Ready to find your dog’s perfect match? Check out our round up below.

PetsRadar's pick of the best dog toys

This toy has a lot of the features we would want in a dog toy. It has a lot of squeakers, is built to last, and looks great as well. Bearing testament to this is the fact that there is no stuffing, meaning less mess to clear up should your pup tear it asunder.

Moreover, it has been reinforced with double-layered seams, so it should be able to withstand a good amount of chewing. Saying this, there are still some reports from pet owners that their dogs have managed to rip it apart (nothing's indestructible, after all), so you might want to closely supervise your dog when playing with this toy, should they have a track record for destruction.

The risk of this is relatively low compared to other toys, however. With so many squeakers to find (there are 12 in the XXL version), it should keep even the strongest dogs occupied for quite some time. The manufacturer claims that the squeakers should continue to squeak, even if punctured. Again, we think that this will depend on how destructive your dog is, but it’s good news for those whose dogs aren't into wanton vandalism.

There are three sizes, with the largest perhaps best suited for large dogs, or those with a low boredom threshold and who want to hunt out all the squeakers. Depending on which size you pick, they come in a variety of colors.

The main drawing back is the high retail price – there are many cheaper toys elsewhere. However, if this one lasts as long as the manufacturers believe it can, then you've got yourself value for money.

Here’s another product from Kong, which has well-and-truly earned its reputation as the go-to brand of choice for dog toys, especially if you’re looking for a durable product. 

We love the Wild Knots bear toy because it manages to blend together cuteness with durability. The interior “skeleton” of the bear is made from rope, which most dogs will find incredibly satisfying to get their teeth stuck into. Meanwhile, the exterior plush is designed to be tough and durable, so if you’ve got a dog who’s keen on chewing, it should last a little while at least. 

For any dog that manages to get through the exterior, the inside has very minimal stuffing, so you shouldn’t have too much mess to clean up should that happen. There is also a squeaker inside, which many dogs will go mad for. If you don’t like the bear design, there are also other animal options, such as a fox, lion, dragon, and flamingo.

The bear is available in a range of sizes, so you can match it perfectly to the size of your dog. The larger one is ideal for playing tug, or for two dogs to play with each other. 

One of the downsides of this toy, along with other Kong toys, is that it’s not cheap. However, considering the high-quality construction of the toy, we think it’s worth it. 

If you have an active canine companion on your hands who loves zooming about all over the place, then this frisbee from ChuckIt! is sure to provide them with hours of fun and entertainment.

Measuring 10 inches and designed for long-distance flight, the frisbee floats beautifully on water, making it the ideal toy for use both on land and in a pool or lake. 

The frisbee features a multilayer nylon interior with soft rubber edges that are gentle on a dog's mouth and it will gradually descend making it easy for your pup to jump up and catch mid-flight.

Available in small and large sizes, this toy is perfect for all breeds, and the bright blue and orange colors make it easy for pets (and their parents!) to spot the frisbee in tall grass or on water.

Depending on the type of dog you have, you might find that your pooch becomes easily bored with standard types of dog toys. Toys such as the Interactive Brain Game Toy promise to help alleviate boredom by providing your dog with a challenge.

Such toys can even help modify behavior, including destruction and separation anxiety since the mental stimulation from the game provides an excellent distraction for your dog.

Nina Ottoson has been making puzzle toys for dogs for over 25 years, so she has plenty of expertise in what makes a dog’s mind tick. This particular toy features sliding blocks and swiveling flippers which hide compartments for treats. You could place your dog’s kibble inside to encourage speedy eaters to slow down. It’s recommended that you use particularly pungent (to dogs) treats such as cheese or peanut butter to really draw their attention.

Although there are plenty of hidden compartments, none of the parts are removable, which should give you peace of mind while your dog is playing. However, dogs should still be supervised when playing with this toy, especially if they are known for destructive behaviors, just in case.

Considering this dog toy is used to hide treats, you’ll need to clean it regularly – the good news is that it’s designed to be easy to clean. A neat extra is that tips and tricks are included in the box to help you get the most from the toy.

A downside of this toy is its high asking price compared to cheaper, standard dog toys. However, if your dog gets hours of entertainment out of it, then it can be considered decent value for money.

Kong is a brand that is well-known to animal lovers for its range of well-built and durable products. It has lots of products featuring squeakers, but we love this dumbbell for its novel approach to the traditional ball toy. If your dog has already become bored with a standard tennis ball, it’s worth giving this one a try.

As well as being more fun to play with, it features non-abrasive felt designed to be gentle on your pup’s teeth, unlike a standard tennis ball that can be rougher.

There are three different sizes available here (small, medium, and large) so you can easily find one to match your dog. We love the way that the toy bounces in erratic and fun fashions when it rebounds off a hard surface – the unpredictable nature will keep your pooch entertained far more than the average tennis ball.

If your dog loves squeakers, then this will also provide hours of fun, with the tough exterior making it hard for the dog to get at the squeaker itself. Some users have reported that the toy is less durable if you have a particularly destructive dog, so it’s worth paying close attention, especially when you first let your dog play with the toy.

For those that find their dog loves the AirDog type of toys, Kong makes a variety of other shapes and designs, including a donut, football, and a fetch stick.

If you’re after an indestructible, squeaky toy that your dog can happily chew on for hours on end, this bowling pin set from JW is a great option.

Its classic bowling pin shape makes it easier for dogs to grab onto with their mouths, and the tough, natural rubber is designed to be durable. Inside the pins are squeakers, adding to the fun and excitement of the toy. The set also comes in three different sizes and assorted bright colors (pink, yellow, orange, and blue), adding more interest for your playful pup. 

We like the fact that it’s made from a non-toxic rubber which means that it won’t affect the health of your canine in the long run. The fact that it’s durable and hard-wearing means that it is likely to last a long time. Plus it’s bouncy and flexible, perfect for throwing up in the air and carrying around. It’s light and easy to maintain and keep clean, which is always handy! 

Perhaps the only downside is the price, as they are considerably more expensive than other toys on the market. However, if you’re looking for longevity, these will save you money in the long term. This toy is ideal for large dogs prone to destroying their toys fairly quickly or teething puppies who can repeatedly chew safely, to their heart’s content. 

If you want to take your toy-buying to the next level, then check out the WickedBone interactive smart pet toy.

You can control the toy from your phone (“drive mode”), while it will also “react” to what your pet is doing and require no input from you (“interactive mode”). The battery has been designed to last for 40 minutes in drive mode, but up to four hours in interactive mode. The bone can respond to being chased, being touched, being ignored, and more.

The body of the toy is made from a tough polycarbonate, so it should withstand some chewing – but it’s worth supervising your pet while playing with the toy, especially when they are first using it. The manufacturers state that it is not recommended for “strong chewers”, so be wary if that describes your canine pal.

Despite being an electronic gadget, it is easy to clean with detachable tires and a protective cover.

Since the toy appears to have a life of its own, it’s likely to keep your pet amused for several hours, and is well suited to dogs who are easily bored by conventional toys. Some dogs may be scared of the toy at first, but tips are supplied to help them get used to it, including using treats to encourage them to play with it.

This is a fun gadget that will likely amuse you just as much as the dog, but the big downside with this product is the high price. This is a lot to spend on a dog toy, but if it’s something that lasts for several years, you might consider it a worthy investment.

If you have an anxious pooch in the family, consider the SmartPetLove Snuggle Puppy Behavioral Aid Toy. Although it's generally designed for puppies experiencing separation anxiety, it's actually useful for a dog of any age so whether you've adopted a pup or an adult dog, you're likely to find great value for money here as you pass it on to future generations. 

It's surprisingly tougher than it looks in the durability stakes too: expect a bit of batter here and there, but its teddy-like design should stay together for most dog breed types. 

How it works is that the Snuggle Puppy looks to recreate the intimacy of a dog's mother with a 'real-feel' pulsing heartbeat, a nifty extra that could end up being a lifesaver for you too if your canine struggles to settle and cries through the night. 

Sensitive dogs may find the sound alarming, but the ability to add and remove the heart is a useful feature that will be appreciated by pet owners looking to tailor toys to their dog's preferences. 

This duo parody pack that has been designed to look like the adult White Claw drink is likely to be a fan favorite again this year with its fun and unique appearance and built-in squeaker.

Ideal for small, medium and large dogs, these 7-inch-long stuffed toys will keep your pup busy and entertained for hours. Super plush and durable enough for all but the most aggressive of chewers, these toys are the perfect way to spoil your pup and also make a great gift for a fellow pet parent.

And unlike some toys that fall apart in the washing machine, you'll have no such problem with this set - they'll even hold up to a good tumble dry! While they may be a little on the pricey side, the novelty factor alone makes them well worth it.

If you're looking for a toy that you can throw, stuff, and bounce and that will hold up to heavy chewing then look no further because this KONG toy really does do it all! One of the most popular toys on the market (and for good reason), it provides outstanding mental and physical enrichment.

By encouraging healthy play and satisfying instinctual needs, this treat-dispensing puzzle toy helps solve chewing, separation anxiety, teething, boredom, weight management, crate training, digging and barking. Stuff it with peanut butter, applesauce, banana, or any other favorite food and your pup will be kept amused for hours.

The toy is available in a range of sizes to suit all breeds and its unpredictable bounce makes for an exciting game of fetch. The tough and durable rubber means it's ideal for heavy chewers and it's dishwasher safe, so you won't have any problems keeping it clean. 

Looking for the best dog toys for puppies can be especially tricky. Many toys will be too big for them, and they might be unsure of how to play yet. This offering from Nylabone provides them with a handy introduction to dog toys, available in a less intimidating size, and with plenty of customizable options.

The idea is that you either chill the Nylabone, or fill it with dog treats, then let your puppy have fun with it. You can even fill it with paste like peanut butter, so really there are no ends to what you can put in it.

While it's a great toy for puppies, there are a number of things that you should bear in mind before buying. Firstly, it's intended for dogs weighing less than 35 pounds, and you should really adhere to this recommendation, as the last thing you want is your puppy getting over-exuberant and destroying it.

Secondly, it can get messy. Do the math: puppy + peanut butter-filled dog toy = potential recipe for untidiness! 

At 4.7 inches in diameter, this durable dog ball plush dog toy is slightly larger than a softball and has an incredibly lightweight and soft design that will ensure you can play games with your dog indoors without having any of your precious belongings destroyed in the process!

Featuring a multi-layer construction, this toy is durable enough to hold up to light and medium chewers, and the circular design allows for easy rolling across hardwood or tile floors in the home. It's great for rolling and fetching, and the bright colors will make it easy for your dog to spot.

With a soft, chenille fabric exterior it's incredibly comfortable for your dog to hold in their mouth and it's compatible with the indoor Chuckit! ball launcher, so you don't have to worry about getting doggy slobber all over your hands! While it's marketed at all breeds, the larger size means smaller dogs may find the ball a little bit more tricky to retrieve.

If you're looking for a way to keep your canine companion amused for hours on end, this variety pack of five ball toys might just be the answer to your prayers. Containing a squeaky ball, solid rubber ball, dental cleaning ball, treat dispensing ball and wool ball, this brightly colored set is full of fun.

We love that these toys are made from rubber and rope, as opposed to plastic, which can be easily bitten into, so they're great for dogs of all ages and stages. They're also durable enough to withstand plenty of light to moderate chewing, although given they're roughly the size of a tennis ball, they're best for small and medium sized breeds.

Two of the balls can hold treats, with one being slightly more challenging than the other, so they're ideal if you're wanting to keep your dog occupied for a few hours while you're out of the house. And because they're made of rubber, they're wonderful for teething puppies.

How to choose the best dog toy

Generally speaking, it’s hard to go too far wrong when picking a dog toy. When your dog is young and you’re still getting to know their personality, it may take you a while to figure out what kind of toys they like, but it should soon become quite clear.

Some dogs love toys with lots of different textures, while others are more concerned about noise. If you have a dog with a penchant for chewing, always look out for toys that claim to be extra strong or durable – bearing in mind that no toy is ever indestructible and supervision is always a good idea.

If you do have a destructive dog, look for toys with little or no stuffing to help prevent mess. If you have a dog that gets bored easily, look for toys that provide stimulation and a challenge, or toys that you can hide treats in to keep them interested.

It’s a good idea to have lots of different types of toys available for your dog to provide variety, a challenge, and a good degree of mental stimulation. It can be a good idea to look for cheaper toys when you’re figuring out your dog’s preferences, but be aware that low-cost toys tend to be a false economy as they won’t last as long as their pricier counterparts.