Every dog plays differently.
Some love running, some love chewing, and some just want a soft toy to sleep with.
But no matter what type your dog is, choosing the right toy really does make a difference.
The right toy can:
lHelp your dog burn energy and avoid destructive behavior
lReduce stress and boredom
lTeach them to play independently
lBuild a stronger bond between you and your dog
At MinardiPets, we’ve worked with all kinds of dogs and tested many types of toys.
So instead of giving you a complicated guide, we put together a simple, real, practical list:
We didn’t choose these toys based on trends — we tested them with real dogs.
Here’s what we looked at:
Evaluation Factor | What It Means |
Durability | Can it survive enthusiastic chewing and repeated play? |
Safety | Non-toxic materials, no small loose parts, and smooth, rounded edges. |
Engagement | Does the dog willingly choose to play with it more than once? |
Cleaning & Maintenance | Easy to wash and dry? Resistant to mold, dirt, and odor buildup? |
Value for Money | Does the toy last long enough to justify its cost over time? |
We tested these toys with different breeds and play styles, including:
- Small dogs (Bichon, Pug, Mini Schnauzer)
- Medium dogs (Shiba Inu, Corgi, Border Collie)
- Large dogs (Labrador, German Shepherd, Malinois)
So the ecommendations below are based on **real interaction**, not just descriptions.
These days, people really don’t mind spending money on their dogs — and honestly, we get it.
Good food, cute clothes, fun toys… our dogs are part of the family, and we want them to be happy.
There is nothing wrong with buying toys as long as you choose the right ones.
Some toys can help release energy, reduce stress, and improve behavior —
but the wrong toy might get ignored, destroyed in minutes, or worse, become unsafe.
So instead of “buying more,” the real goal is to buy smart.
Below are the toys that dogs actually enjoy, tested in real-life play — not just pretty pictures on the internet.
Quick Comparison Table
Dog Personality Type | Recommended Toy Types | Why These Work |
High-Energy / Always Active | Tug Toys, Durable Ball Toys, Automatic Launcher | Helps release energy safely and encourages structured play. |
Smart and Easily Bored | Puzzle Toys, Treat-Dispensing Toys | Provides mental challenge and prevents frustration behaviors. |
Soft-Natured / Emotional Dogs | Plush Toys, No-Stuffing Comfort Toys | Offers emotional security and bonding through soft textures. |
Heavy Chewers / “Destroyer” Dogs | Tough Chew Toys, Rubber Chew Bones | Gives a safe chewing outlet without damaging furniture or teeth. |
Teething Puppies | Freezable Chew Toys, Rope Tug Toys | Relieves gum discomfort and encourages healthy early chewing habits. |
Sourcing: From AKC · RSPCA · PetMD · ASPCA
Benefits:
lHelp reduce tartar buildup and support healthier teeth
lRelease chewing stress and prevent furniture chewing
What to watch out for:
lVery hard chew materials can wear down enamel over time
lOverly dense toys may cause jaw fatigue in heavy chewers
Best for:
Puppies, anxious dogs, and dogs that need to “stay busy” to relax.
Benefits:
lSlows down eating and reduces the risk of digestive discomfort
lKeeps the brain engaged and helps prevent boredom-based behaviors
What to watch out for:
lIf too much food is added, total calorie intake may go unnoticed
lSome dogs may guard the toy if overly stimulated — supervision helps at first
Best for:
Dogs who eat too fast, dogs that get bored easily, or dogs needing mental work.
Tug Toys
Benefits:
lGreat for bonding and cooperative play
lSupports jaw and neck muscle development
What to watch out for:
lAlways supervise — loose fibers can be swallowed if the rope becomes frayed
lAvoid overly intense tug with dogs that show resource or object guarding behaviors
Best for:
Dogs that enjoy interactive play and learning rules like “drop it.”
Benefits:
lMany dogs find comfort in carrying or sleeping with soft toys
lSqueakers mimic natural prey response, making play more engaging
What to watch out for:
lStuffing can harbor bacteria or be swallowed if torn open
lAlways remove plush toys once the squeaker becomes exposed
Best for:
Gentle chewers and emotional companion-type dogs.
Benefits:
lFood-grade rubber options are durable and safe for long-term chewing
lMany rubber toys float → great for swimming and beach play
What to watch out for:
lLow-quality rubber may contain residues or softeners
lTextured grooves must be cleaned properly to prevent bacteria buildup
Best for:
Dogs that like to chew and dogs who enjoy outdoor / water activities.
Benefits:
lEncourages problem-solving and mental stimulation
lCan help reduce anxiety and improve independence
What to watch out for:
lToo difficult = frustration → start with easy levels
lSmall removable parts should always be secured
Best for:
Smart breeds, easily bored dogs, or dogs needing structured mental exercise.
Benefits:
lHelps with visibility during evening walks or backyard play
lSupports eye-tracking and chase behaviors
What to watch out for:
lChoose toys with certified safe glow materials — avoid unknown chemical coatings
lAvoid very bright strobe light toys for dogs with visual sensitivity
Best for:
Night walks, evening play, and active outdoor dogs.
Benefits:
lPerfect for fetch and chase — deeply satisfying instinctual play
lAdvanced coatings reduce saliva buildup and are easier to clean
What to watch out for:
lBalls must be larger than your dog’s airway to prevent choking
lHard balls thrown at high speed can damage teeth — choose soft-edge materials
Best for:
Dogs who love to run, chase, and retrieve.
Benefits:
lHelps dogs exercise even when you're busy
lProvides consistent movement and structured play
What to watch out for:
lRepetitive motion can strain joints — limit session length
lSupervision is needed to prevent accidental mis-fire situations
Best for:
High-energy fetch-driven dogs with good recall control.
Benefits:
lGreat for summer heat and teething comfort
lHelps extend focused chewing or licking sessions
What to watch out for:
lVery cold surfaces may cause gum sensitivity in some dogs
lAvoid low-quality plastics that become brittle in cold temperatures
Best for:
Teething puppies and summer outdoor play.
Every dog plays differently. Here’s a quick guide to help you choose based on temperament:
Dog Personality Type | Recommended Toys | Why These Work |
High-Energy / Always Active | #1 Ball Launcher, #9 Soft-Edge Frisbee | Helps burn physical energy and supports structured play rather than chaotic running. |
Smart but Gets Bored Easily | #3 Puzzle Toy | Provides mental stimulation, reduces boredom, and helps prevent anxiety behaviors. |
Affectionate / Soft-Natured | #7 No-Stuffing Plush, #10 Comfort Plush | Offers emotional comfort and can help dogs feel secure and relaxed. |
Heavy Chewer / Toy Destroyer | #6 Flavor Chew Bone, #8 Tough Wishbone Chew | Durable and safe chewing options that satisfy strong chewing instincts. |
Young Puppies (Teething) | #4 Puppy Teething Toy, #5 Rope Tug Toy | Supports jaw development, eases teething discomfort, and teaches early play rules. |
If your dog matches more than one type — totally normal.
Dogs often need 2–3 different categories of toys to stay balanced and happy.
Toy Type | Cleaning Method | Replace When… |
Rubber / Nylon | Warm soapy water | Cracks or rough edges appear |
Rope | Laundry bag + sun dry | Threads start coming loose |
Plush | Gentle wash, fully air dry | Squeaker or seams exposed |
Golden rule:
If your dog could swallow a piece → replace it.
Q: Is there such a thing as an indestructible dog toy?
A: No. There are only toys that are more appropriate for different chewing styles.
If a dog is a strong chewer, choose reinforced nylon or rubber, not plush.
Q: How many toys should my dog have?
A: Ideally, 3–5 categories: 1 chew toy + 1 fetch toy + 1 tug toy + 1 comfort toy + 1 puzzle toy. Rotation keeps toys exciting.
Q: How often should I replace toys?**
A: Replace immediately when:
- Pieces start to break off
- Stitching comes undone
- Rubber develops cracks
Safety always comes first.
Q: Do I need to supervise playtime?**
A: Yes, especially with new toys.
This helps you learn how your dog interacts and prevents accidental swallowing.
If you're building a dog brand or expanding your product line,we can help you design and produce your own toy collection.
We offer:
lCustom colors, shapes, logos & packaging
lOEM & ODM manufacturing
lMaterials: Rubber, Rope, Plush, Nylon, TPU
lFlexible MOQ (starting from 10–300 pcs) — very friendly for new brands
If you'd like to see our newest toy catalog, just tell me:“Send me the toy catalog.”
I will send it directly.
Amy
Amy Wang