The right dog toy can give your pooch hours of entertainment and enrichment. Dog toys also provide opportunities to play and bond with your dog, while promoting healthy activity to keep their teeth, jaws and joints strong and agile.

However, with such a wide variety of dog toys available, it can be difficult figuring out on your own which type of dog toy is the paw-fect choice for your pooch.

We’ve compiled our top five tips to help you select a dog toy that’s suitable for your dog. By following these tips, you’ll find it easier to pick a dog toy with confidence that matches your pooch’s size, strength and play style.

1. Age and Breed

Firstly, you need to take into account your dog’s age, size and jaw strength. Is your dog a puppy, a fully grown adult or a senior? Puppies benefit from softer, appropriately sized toys that cater to their growing desire to chew without causing damage to their teeth and gums.

For adult dogs, your choice of dog toy should suit their size and jaw strength — two characteristics determined by breed. Large and giant dog breeds need toys that are durable and hardy for rougher play. Most importantly, always choose a dog toy that is large enough not to be swallowed.   

2. Play Style

Your dog’s breed will also largely determine their play style. Does your dog like to chase or retrieve, or do they prefer to chew or play tug-of-war? Many dog breeds were bred for specific purposes and understanding this will help you select a stimulating dog toy that sparks their interests.

You should also consider your dog’s activity level. Frisbees, ball throwers and bouncy balls are great options for highly energetic breeds. For breeds with high prey drives, toys with sensory features, such as squeakers and lights, are ideal for igniting their natural instincts. 

3. Chewing Habits

Unfortunately no dog toy is indestructible, so it’s important to choose a toy that isn’t easily damaged by your dog. If your dog is an aggressive chewer with a strong jaw, it’s best to choose a toy manufactured from tough materials, such as rubber or nylon.

We also advocate for supervising dogs that are known to destroy or eat toys. Any toy can become a choking hazard if left available to aggressive chewers for long periods. Regularly inspect your toys for signs of damage and replace any toys that can be quickly and easily damaged by your dog.

4. Safety

Every dog toy you buy should be made from safe and non-toxic materials. We stock Chuckit, a leading dog toy brand which not only uphold high standards in manufacturing, but also use a diverse range of materials to suit indoor and outdoor play, including in water.

Your choice of dog toy should also be an appropriate size for your dog and free from any small parts that could be swallowed to prevent choking. In summary, a quality dog toy is fit for purpose, safe and non-toxic, and can be comfortably carried by your dog — not too big or too small. 

5. Health

Lastly, the paw-fect dog toy for your pooch should support their overall health and avoid exacerbating any pre-existing health conditions that your dog may have.

Dog toys designed for chewing should offer a soft grip and a gentle abrasive action to promote healthy teeth and gums. If your dog suffers from respiratory problems but still enjoys fetching and chasing, opt for a toy that provides adequate airflow into their lungs.

For any dogs with arthritis or joint problems, keep high intensity activities, like fetch, to short sessions. Alternatively, choose water-friendly toys that encourage healthy exercise while placing less strain on their joints, or games that reward your dog with a good dose of mental stimulation.

Interactive play with your dog is one of the best ways to bond with your pooch — and its fun! Add excitement to your dog’s play time with our range of Chuckit dog toys that include toys for indoor and outdoor play, including in water. Shop the range now!