The Best Toys For Active Dogs
Active dogs are fun. They're playful and full of energy, making pet ownership a job. However, they often become bored quickly, leaving pet owners scratching their heads, trying to determine how to best entertain their rambunctious pet. Toys for active dogs are one of the best ways to keep an active dog healthy and happy. These toys provide mental stimulation and keep them occupied even when they're playing with them on their own. With so many toys to choose from, finding the best one for your dog can seem like an impossible task. To help you with your search, we've rounded up some of the best toys for active dogs available.
What to Look For
We recommend keeping the following things in mind when searching for toys for your active dog: Is it the right size for your dog? Is it made from safe, dog-friendly material? Will it keep your dog’s mind engaged for long periods? Our top pick was Ultra Ball from ChuckIt, which bounces higher than the average ball, making it a great toy for dogs that love to play fetch. We were also impressed by the giggle ball from Wobble Wag, which makes attention-getting sounds when nudged and moves around in different directions. Read on to learn more about our top picks and discover the best one for your pup.
ChuckIt Ultra Ball Toy for Active Dogs
Go fetch
Most active dogs love to play fetch, making the ultra ball toy from ChuckIt a gift they’ll love. The ultra ball does it all; it floats, bounces, and is much more durable than standard tennis balls. Since it has bright colors, it’s easy to spot on the beach, in a pool, or only on land. It comes in several sizes, so you can choose one appropriate for your dog’s breed. That’s not all; it’s easy to keep clean and doesn’t attract dirt. Plus, it’s made from durable material, so if your dog is an aggressive chewer, they won’t be able to destroy it easily.
Pros:
- Made of natural, high-rebound rubber
- Durable enough for heavy chewers
- It floats, making it an excellent choice for pool or beach play
- Much sturdier than a tennis ball
Cons:
- Their color fades quickly if left in the sunlight for too long
Wobble Wag Giggle Toy for Active Dogs
The Wobble Wag Giggle interactive toy is a fun way to keep your dog engaged. The ball is made of a nearly indestructible soft plastic material and is very flexible, so you won’t have to worry too much if it ends up in the jaws of a power chewer. It’s just the right size and has several holes, making it easy for dogs to grab it with their mouths and shake it around while playing. Plus, it has an internal noise maker to get your pup’s attention and operates without battery power.
Pros:
- Makes a fun giggling sound when dogs play with it
- Encourages dogs to exercise
- Made of pet-friendly, durable vinyl
- Appropriate for indoor and outdoor play
Cons:
- May be too big for small dogs
Outward Hound Interactive Toy for Active Dogs
Brain Power
Give your pup a mental workout with this challenging puzzle game from Outward Hound. Your dog has to slide, flip, and remove plastic bricks in the correct order to access the treats hidden inside the plastic compartments. It’s an activity that’ll test even the most intelligent dog’s problem-solving skills. The puzzle is adaptable, so you don’t have to start your furry friend out on its highest difficulty level. Instead, start slowly, and once they’ve mastered the easiest level, you can up the difficulty.
Pros:
- Keeps dogs occupied for long periods
- Engages mind and natural instincts
- Distracts dogs from destructive behaviors
- Designed with food-safe materials
Cons:
- Food sometimes gets stuck in the crevices of the toy
Pet Zone IQ Treat Ball Toy for Active Dogs
Engaging play
If you have a smart pup that enjoys a challenge, this IQ treat ball from Pet Zone may be the perfect toy for them. There aren’t many puzzles that’ll put your dog to the test like this interactive toy. The ball has adjustable rings that allow you to customize the difficulty level, making it easy to train your pup as they learn how it works. Furthermore, the toy encourages slow eating because your pooch has to solve the puzzles to get the treats.
Pros:
- Available in two sizes
- Easy to clean and load
- Adjustable difficulty levels, making it suitable for most dogs
- Mentally and physically stimulating
Cons:
- It makes a lot of noise
Benebone Durable Chew Toy for Active Dogs
Yum yum
If your active dog loves to chew, you can’t go wrong with this tasty nylon wishbone from Benbone. You can choose from bacon, chicken, or peanut-flavored bones that’ll give your pup’s jaw a robust workout. The bone’s shape makes it easy for dogs to grip, and it comes in several sizes, making it easy to find the right fit for your dog. Since it’s made of durable materials, the toy will keep even the most determined chewers busy for extended periods.
Pros:
- Keeps dogs occupied for long periods
- Available in multiple sizes
- Wishbone shape is paw-friendly and easy to grip
- Durable, long-lasting
Cons:
- It becomes rough after a dog has chewed on it for a while
Which dog toys are best for heavy chewers?
Since chewing is a natural instinct for dogs, you’ll find that most of them engage in this behavior to some extent. Chewing only becomes a problem when it’s destructive, and toys are a great way to distract dogs when they’re chewing things they shouldn’t. Dog toys that are easily digestible are the best option if you have a dog that loves to chew. You can also choose hard rubber chew toys, which are often designed to stand up to aggressive chewing.
What’s the best way to choose a toy for my dog?
As a dog owner, you know that each dog has a unique personality, and this will play a significant role in what types of toys they like. We recommend observing your pup to determine their play patterns and preferences before investing in a toy. If your puppy is an active chewer, you’ll want to choose a few toys that allow them to chew to their heart’s content. On the other hand, if they’re suffering from anxiety, a plush toy they can cuddle with may be the best option. If they’re active and love to play fetch, they’ll probably love toys you can throw.
About the Author
Why Trust Us
DogTime is a leading resource for dog owners & pet lovers. Our goal is to give every dog & pet a happy, healthy home by providing the best advice to owners.