How to Choose Dog Toys: A Buying Guide for Every Chew Style
The right dog toy does more than keep your dog busy — it protects their teeth, channels their energy, and gives them a healthy outlet for chewing, chasing, and playing. The best choice depends on three things: how hard your dog chews, how big they are, and how they like to play. A gentle senior who loves to cuddle a plush toy needs something very different from a powerful chewer who can shred a stuffed toy in minutes. This guide walks you through what to look for, so you can choose with confidence — and find a toy your dog will reach for again and again.
What to Look For
Chew Strength
Start by honestly assessing your dog's chewing style. Gentle chewers do beautifully with plush and canvas toys, while moderate chewers need sturdier rubber with some give. Power chewers need thick, durable natural rubber designed to stand up to sustained gnawing — and even then, no toy is truly indestructible, so always supervise the first few play sessions with any new toy.
Size and Fit
A toy should be large enough that your dog cannot fit the whole thing in their mouth or swallow it, but small enough for them to carry and grip comfortably. As a rule, the toy should be wider than the back of your dog's mouth. When in doubt, size up — a toy that is slightly too big is far safer than one that is slightly too small.
Material and Safety
Look for non-toxic materials such as natural rubber or high-quality canvas, with no small parts, buttons, or glued-on pieces that can be chewed off and swallowed. Avoid toys with squeakers or stuffing for unsupervised play if your dog is a determined de-stuffer. Inspect toys regularly and replace any that develop cracks, tears, or loose pieces.
Play Style
Match the toy to how your dog loves to play. Fetch lovers need toys that bounce and fly true; tuggers need a shape that is easy to grip; solo players benefit from toys they can bat, chase, and chew on their own. A toy that suits your dog's instincts will get far more use than one that does not.
Enrichment Value
The best toys engage your dog's mind as well as their body. Textured surfaces that massage gums, unpredictable bounces that keep a chase interesting, and shapes that can be stuffed or rolled all add mental stimulation — which is just as tiring, and just as satisfying, as physical exercise.
Easy Cleaning
Dog toys live on floors, in yards, and in mouths, so they get dirty. Toys that can be rinsed or run through the dishwasher stay fresher and last longer. If a toy cannot be cleaned easily, it will need replacing sooner.
Our Picks: Dog Toys Worth Bringing Home
ToothBuddy MAX Dog Chew Toy — $17.99. A natural rubber chew with nubby ridges that clean teeth and massage gums while your dog gnaws — the pick for dogs who chew to relax.
Pup Star MAX Dog Toy — $17.99. A star-shaped natural rubber toy that bounces in wild, unpredictable patterns, with small nubbins that help clean teeth during chew time — ideal for fetch-loving dogs.
Heli Ring MAX Flying Dog Toy — $19.99. A hollow, durable ball with peek-through openings for grabbing and tugging, designed for a zany bounce that keeps fetch games guessing.
Super Loop MAX Interactive Dog Toy — $17.99. A durable natural rubber chew ring made for throwing, tugging, and rolling — the versatile all-rounder for interactive play, and dishwasher safe for easy cleaning.
Clucky Plush Canvas Crinkle Dog Toy — $8.99. A tough-but-gentle plush made from natural canvas and crinkle paper — a comforting, engaging choice for gentle chewers and plush lovers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the safest type of dog toy for a heavy chewer?
Thick natural rubber toys are generally the safest choice for heavy chewers, because they flex under pressure rather than splintering or breaking into sharp pieces. Choose a size larger than your dog's mouth, inspect the toy after every play session, and replace it at the first sign of cracking or chunks coming off. No toy is indestructible, so supervise heavy chewers during play.
How do I choose the right size dog toy?
Pick a toy that is wider than the back of your dog's mouth, so it cannot be swallowed or lodged in the throat, and small enough for your dog to carry comfortably. When you are between sizes, size up. Puppies and small breeds need appropriately scaled toys, while large and giant breeds need the largest sizes available.
Are plush toys safe for dogs?
Plush toys are safe for gentle chewers who carry, cuddle, and mouth their toys without destroying them. They are not a good choice for determined chewers who rip seams and swallow stuffing or squeakers. If your dog de-stuffs plush toys, switch to durable rubber and reserve plush toys for supervised cuddle time.
How often should I replace my dog's toys?
Replace a toy as soon as it shows damage — cracks, tears, fraying, loose parts, or missing pieces. Even undamaged toys should be checked weekly and cleaned regularly. Rubber toys that are dishwasher safe can be washed to extend their life, while well-loved plush toys should be retired once the seams start to give.
What kind of toy is best for a puppy?
Puppies need softer, smaller toys that suit teething gums and small mouths — gentle rubber chews and soft plush toys are a good start. Avoid hard toys that can damage puppy teeth, and always supervise teething puppies, since they explore the world by chewing and can swallow pieces more easily.
Do dogs need different toys for different kinds of play?
Yes — variety keeps play interesting and covers different needs. A fetch toy for outdoor exercise, a durable chew for quiet downtime, and a plush or interactive toy for bonding and enrichment give your dog a well-rounded toy box. Rotating toys every few days also keeps old favourites feeling new.
Browse the full selection of dog toys at HT Animal Supply to find the right match for your dog's size, chew strength, and play style.