Ultimate Dog Toy Review
I’m thrilled to bring you this long-awaited blog post. We've been eagerly waiting for Willa to put these toys to the test, and today, we're diving deep into the world of dog toys. If you're a pup parent, you know the quest for the perfect toys that keep your pup engaged and stand the test of time. In this comprehensive review, we'll cover everything from the quality and price of these toys to their durability and longevity. Plus, we've got Willa's absolute favourites and some insider tips on toys ideal for rambunctious puppies. Before we jump into the toy bonanza, we've got exciting news – we've revamped our website to provide valuable resources for pup parents. Explore our guides and packages to make your journey as a pup parent a breeze.
Natural Rubber - Playology
Durability: 10 | Price: 5 | Willa's Fav: 5
Let's kick off this review with a game-changing toy for both puppies and adult dogs – natural rubber. These rubber toys are no ordinary playthings; they're essential for teething puppies and maintaining adult dogs' dental hygiene. We've fallen in love with Playology, although they lean toward the pricier side. These rubber toys have been part of our collection since Willa's puppy days and have stood the test of time. They've endured gnawing sessions, intense tug-of-war battles, and countless rounds of fetch – and they're still in excellent condition. Another stellar brand is Kong – we highly recommend the puppy Kong, perfect for keeping Willa entertained with frozen treats. While Willa is initially obsessed with rubber toys, her interest tends to wane after the first day. Some have remained untouched for months in her toy bin. Lately, she's shown a preference for more textured toys that help clean her teeth as she chews, especially when we hold them in place for her.
Plush Stuffies
Durability: 3 | Price: 5 | Willa's Fav: 10
Next up, plush stuffed toys – Willa's absolute favourites but also her quickest destroyers. These are great for puppies, but even those claiming to be extra tough can fall victim to Willa's expert chewing skills in under 24 hours. Quality may vary, but for an expert chewer like Willa, it doesn't seem to make much of a difference. We've mastered the art of sewing these toys back together, extending their lifespans. Moosey and Piggy from Kong, while claiming to be made of tougher material, performed similarly to the plush bone from Playology. Our tip: cut off the ears or limbs once she ruins them to keep them around longer, and then sew them back together. As for plush environmentally friendly material toys made of recycled materials, we love them. They lasted much longer when Willa was a puppy, but nowadays, she enjoys pulling out the seams with her front teeth, making it tough to compare!
KONG Cozie Ultra Max Moose (no longer available)
KONG Pig (no longer available)
Dual Interactive
Durability: 8 | Price: 8 | Willa's Fav: 7
Now, let's talk about something we like to call "dual interactive" – two toys combined into one. Willa's favorite is the rubber triangle with the rope, which we're actually selling on our website now! Willa does eventually tear the rope apart, but it takes a while, and she absolutely loves this toy. Because she enjoys this toy so much, my boyfriend combined a couple of rubber toys into one, reviving an old toy's appeal.
Rope
Durability: 6 | Price: 7 | Willa's Fav: 8
A rope toy is a must-have for any new puppy! It lasts a long time, and Willa loved playing with it. It's great for a game of tug of war, and the durability is impressive. Once Willa learned how to ruin toys, she naturally went after the rope. Next, we're eyeing those big, tough ropes – if anyone's tried them, let us know in the comments because they come with a hefty price tag!
Fire Hose
Durability: 7 | Price: 7 | Willa's Fav: 7
Unfortunately, the hype around these fire hose toys is not worth it. Willa literally ruined it the day I brought it home. To be fair, it kept her busy for hours as she was determined to figure out how to ruin this new kind of toy, but she succeeded in tearing the material apart. However, we found a new use for it – it floats really well, making it Willa's water toy. My boyfriend even cleaned up the ends, and Willa has left it alone, so it's still kicking around. But it didn't stand the test of time as everyone promised it would!
Teething Bones
Durability: 10 | Price: 9 | Willa's Fav: 10
Teething bones are an absolute must for your puppy. We got these little packs with one edible, one super rubbery, and another harder plastic. Starting with the edible, and moving up in intensity, Willa loved these little bones as a puppy. Next, you've got to graduate your adult dog to bigger bones – Willa just loves these. We also got another bone that smelled terribly, but it kept Willa busy for an entire weekend, well worth the $20, in my opinion. However, my boyfriend made me throw it out because the stink was too much to handle. But dogs need bones!
Blankies
Durability: 2 | Price: 10 (free) | Willa's Fav: 7
Similar to babies, I'm sure we've all got our puppies some blankies or maybe they've just taken over a blanky around the house. To be clear, I am using the word "blanky" separately from "blanket." We would never let Willa chew on or play with a blanket. But we had an old blanky and an old golf towel that worked perfectly for baby Willa, and we played lots of tug of war. They were great recycled items in the house that made for perfect puppy toys that we were okay with getting ruined.
Chuck It Ball
Durability: 9 | Price: 4 | Willa's Fav: 9
Every dog must have a Chuck It ball. They're a bit pricey for a bouncy rubber ball, but we love it. We got the XL because it's harder for Willa to fully bite down and break it. This is our go-to for fetch outdoors and catch indoors.
Snuffle Mat
Durability: 10 | Price: 7 | Willa's Fav: 9
A snuffle mat is crucial for pups like Willa who want to use their minds and be mentally stimulated, especially on those hyper days when we can't take her out. She can narrow her focus into sniffing out each of these treats. You don't necessarily need to buy one like this; you can roll up treats in a towel for a similar result. These are perfect for rainy or snowy days or if you have a highly intellectual dog.
And lastly, if money is tight, remember, dogs find the fun in many things. You can make rope toys from old shirts or find alternative ways to keep them engaged. The main thing your dog wants is to play with you, for your attention, love, and to have fun. So, however, you do that with them, they'll absolutely love it!
We appreciate each and every one of you. Thanks so much for reading!