Best Toys to Keep Dogs Busy
One of the best things about being a dog owner is to witness the joy they get from playing. Now, realistically, everyone knows that it is simply impossible to spend every single hour of the day playing with your pup.
Sometimes, we need to let it play on its own, which is why choosing an awesome dog toy is an important part of building that relationship. These toys are their only companions whenever you are out of home, which is why it is essential in finding that right toy.
Quick look: Top 5 Best Rated Toys to Keep Dogs Busy
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Choosing the Right Dog Toy
Dog toys are good for your pet’s mental and physical health because of the stimulation and exercise they provide during the playing session. Yet, not any toy can be given. Some toys are safe to leave with your dog when he is alone, while others should be supervised.
Thus, as a responsible dog owner, you should put thought and consideration into buying quality toys for your dog. To give some guidance, we have provided some points you should consider when looking for a toy.
Harmful Components
This is a very important part that you should consider before purchasing any toy – whether or not it has any harmful components. Not all toys are safe for your dog, as you know salt looks like sugar, but they definitely are not the same.
Some toys are hazardous and can lead to severe health problems. Since they are not natural products, they can be harmful especially when your dog tries to chew it. If these components enter your dog’s body while it constantly chews on the toy, its immune system can react negatively toward it and eventually cause sickness.
Consider Your Dog’s Size
Dogs come in all shapes and sizes, and so do toys. Dog toys that are too small can be swallowed by your large-sized dog thus become a choking hazard, while if they are too big that, it might not even fit into your dog’s mouth.
Caution for Stuffed Toys
Be extra-careful especially when buying stuffed toys. Make sure the material that covers the filling is durable enough so that your dog doesn’t easily tear it off. As, we know the filling inside is not edible and may harm its digestive system if swallowed. Particularly dangerous fillings include nutshells and polystyrene beads.
Selecting Indestructible Toys
There are thousands of toys that are designed and manufactured yearly. There are many among those that cannot endure the long-lasting chew of a dog that loves to chew. As a solution, they are toys which are specially designed for heavy chewers and best described as ‘the indestructible toy.
If you wish for your dog toy to last long, you must buy these indestructible ones. They are very durable and are commonly made of hard nylon or hard rubber.
Chew Toys are Best
Every dog loves to chew as it is their natural behavior. Thus, a chew toy is probably one of the best type of toys to give to your dog. You need to make sure that they are made in good quality, however, since as we mentioned above, you do not want any weird substances or fragments going into your dog’s body.
Interactive Dog Toys
As much as your dog loves to play with his toys, remember that toys are not replacements for human interaction. In fact, your dog will probably be more intent in his toys if you play with him. So, to get your dog more into the toy its playing, finding a toy that is just as responsive, rather than stagnant might be a great choice.
Choosing Toys Based on Life Stage
The proclivity of the toys for your dog will change as he progresses through the different life stages (puppy, adult, senior). For example, a teething puppy would need a durable chew toy, but an older dog may do fine with a soft one since his teeth may no longer be as strong as they once were.
Recommended Best Toys to Keep Dogs Busy
There are plenty of dog toys on the market that owners can be sure to find and buy. However, as we discussed above, not every toy will be a sure fire success with your dog. To help guide you and other dog owners, we have compiled a list of some suggestions for the best toys to keep dogs busy.
Kong Classic Dog Toy
The Kong Classic is a great product if you need help finding a dog toy that is great to give your pup. The natural red rubber formula is the special feature of this toy. It is highly durable with an erratic bounce that is able to provide fun-filled play. At the same time, the toy satisfies the dog’s instinctual need to chew. Therefore, this toy which comes with a special design that is ideal for your dog and can totally alleviate the boredom it may feel when alone.
Pros:
- Allow to hide the kibble
- Suitable for bounce and fetch games
- For average chewers
Cons:
- There are no color varieties
KONG Squeezz Ball Dog Toy
A toy that catches the attention of your canine is a toy that make sounds. In this case, the KONG Squeezz ball comes with a recessed squeaker that produces the loudest and funniest squeak of any other toy out there. The squeak is just enough to keep your dog occupied all day long without getting bored. Besides the noise that comes out from it, it also an ideal toy for fetch. The squeaking feature guarantees tons of fun, which is why it is one of the most recommended toys out there.
Pros:
- There is a protected squeaker enhancing sound
- Comes in a variety of vibrant colors
- Suitable for games of fetch
Cons:
- Not suitable for heavy chewers — usually large breeds
Nylabone DuraChew Ring Dog Toy
Nylabone DuraChew is the perfect toy for heavy chewers and rambunctious pups. In other words, they can be best described as ‘the indestructible toy’. The material that the toy made up is very durable and tough. This is why the toy is great to keep your dog busy for long days. Besides, as they chew, the ridges and nubs essentially help to clean the dog’s teeth, effectively fighting against plague and promoting tartar buildup. Moreover, the toys come in flavors that it enriches your dog’s taste buds. This toy is simply the best for your dog, especially for aggressive chewers.
Pros:
- Tough and durable texture
- Promotes dental care
- Comes in a variety of delicious flavors
Cons:
- Small in size so there is a chance your dog can swallow
Nina Ottosson's Interactive Dog Toy
This is a relatively easy game that requires your dog to lift the bones to find their hidden treats. Your dog can use either his paws or nose to lift the bones up. The difficulty of this game can be modified according to the preference of the owner. This puzzle is a great starting point for dog owners who intend to introduce your dog to puzzle games.
Pros:
- Definitely helps to prevent boredom
- Strengthens the bond with your dog
- Exercises the mind and body of the dog
Cons:
- Too easy for some highly intelligent dogs
- Dogs get demotivated easily
Benebone – Heavy Duty Chew Toy
This bone is one of the toughest ones that you can find in the store. In fact, it’s not easy to be damaged. Benebone is made up of powerful materials which make it highly durable. The toy comes with bacon flavor that enriches your dog’s taste bud. It is also chemical free. Overall, this is a great toy that physically challenges your dog and also keeps it busy.
Pros:
- Comes in a wide variety of flavors
- Made of non-toxic material
- Of a highly durable material
Cons:
- Not suitable for certain dogs
- May injure a dog after reasonable wear
Final Thoughts
The products mentioned above are considerable toys that would be best to keep your dog busy. Not only are they known for their durability, but the special features in noise enhance for some of them make them worth checking out.
