Whether it’s the tastiest treats or high-quality toys that can handle their rough play, we want only the best for our pups. With so many options — durable chew toys, rope toys, Frisbees, interactive toys, squeaky toys and stuffed animals — it can be tough for dog owners to pick the best one. The wrong choice might not hold up or fail to grab your pup’s attention. Looking for a pet toy that’s both fun and durable? We’ve got you covered.
To help pet parents this holiday shopping season, we surveyed current and former CNET staff dog owners to compile a list of their pups’ all-time favorite toys. Finding durable toys that can handle endless chewing sessions and spirited play isn’t easy, but these selections have proven their worth. The Chuckit is the most popular one on here, with three votes.
Since every dog has unique quirks and preferences, we’ve included a diverse set of toys. Whether your four-legged friend is a large chewer, a small tugger or anything in between, you’re sure to find the perfect toy here to keep them busy. Check out our top picks for the best dog toys that’ll have your pups wagging their tails in delight!
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Best dog toys
When you have a dog that demands near-constant attention, you’ll do anything to keep them busy for a few minutes. I use this puzzle toy for just that. There are three swiveling trays where you can conceal treats, making your dog work for their reward. My pup has to use his snout to spin the trays to reveal the compartments, and I have to hope it keeps his brain sharp because he has to problem-solve to get all of the treats. I have the level two (intermediate) version and I would buy it again in a heartbeat. –-Sarah Mitroff
To be honest, we get a lot of mileage out of gross old tennis balls that Molly finds in the gutter, but the ChuckIt Ultra Balls do much better at withstanding her efforts to rip them to shreds. They also are slobberproof, don’t pick up as much mud in the first place and are easy to wash. The only downside is they tend to disappear at dog parks. –Stephen Shankland
If you have an active dog who likes to chase balls (like my Lab), then the ChuckIt is a must have for your games of fetch. You never have to bend down to pick up or touch a slobbery ball. This piece of inexpensive molded plastic picks up the ball for you and allows you to “throw” it over and over again with a flick of your wrist. –-Connie Guglielmo
 My pup will play fetch until the cows come home, so this launcher makes it much easier to tolerate long sessions. Not only is it great for those of us with below average throwing skills, but it also means less bending down to grab the ball. Every time I reach for the Chuckit Launcher, my puppy is beyond excited! –-Lexy Savvides
This toy is durable and covers all of the things that can keep a dog entertained forever. Inside is a rope and a few squeakers to gain and keep their attention, and it usually ends up being the toy my dog cuddles with. –-Theodore Liggians
