Best Dog Squeaky Toys

If your dog is anything like the dogs I’ve spent time with in my life, they probably adore dog squeaky toys. Whether you’re game of fetch, it’s always a better time for both parties if there’s a cute little squeaker in that toy. Dogs’ seemingly universal love for squeaky toys might seem like a mystery to owners, but there is actually some interesting science we can look towards to understand why our pups can’t get enough of these things.

Studies have shown that squeaky dog toys trigger a reward response in our pooches’ brains, making them feel gratified and excited when they bite down on the squeaker within their toys. To help you find the right squeaky toy for you and your pup, check out this comprehensive list of the best options on the market.

Best Squeaky Toys to Consider

Before you make a decision on which toy you want for your dog, there are a few considerations you should take into account to ensure the best playtime outcome for both of you. Firstly, you’ll want to find a toy suitable for the size of your dog. If you have a little pomeranian or corgi, it would probably be counterproductive to get a bulky toy that could barely fit in their cute little snouts. Alternatively, a small toy would probably be torn to shreds in mere days if you have a larger dog like a rottweiler or standard poodle.

Another important consideration to make note of is the toy’s construction. What material is it made of? Is it rubber? Is it plush? Will it stand the test of doggie playtime? If you know your dog likes to play rough and tends to chew on its toys frequently throughout the day, you should consider purchasing a highly durable squeaky toy made from rubber or thick plush. No dog toy is indestructible, but options made from rubber and other heavy-duty materials are far more likely to withstand your dog’s chewing than toys made from thin plush. Ultimately, as long as you choose a toy that looks cute, squeaks properly, and has a durable build, you and your dog will be on the road to a happier playtime experience.

Multipet Lamb Squeaky Dog Toy

While I was scouring the market to find the best squeaky dog toys for this piece, this toy immediately grabbed my attention. The design has such a classic aesthetic with the adorable red booties on the lamb’s front paws and the cute woven style of the snout. At 10 inches in length, this toy is ideal for small and medium-sized dogs. Not to mention, the thick plush material gives this toy weightiness and durability that ensures its staying power in your dog’s arsenal of toys.

Pros:

• Adorable and unique design
• Ultra-soft plush exterior
• Multi-pack option available

Cons:

• It might not be as durable as rubber-based alternatives
• Not the best option for larger dogs

 

Best Pet Supplies Stuffless Duck Squeaky Toy

If your furry friend is the type of dog that can’t kick the bad habit of tearing all of its toys to shreds, this stuffless dog toy from Best Pet Supplies might be the ideal option for you. Unlike stuffed plush alternatives that can get real messy real fast with a chew-happy pup, this stuffless toy is impervious to messiness. With an adorable duck design and a true-to-life color palette, your dog is sure to go crazy for this toy. One of the most unique features of this toy is its double squeaker design: there’s one in the head and one in the front, allowing both you and your dog to squeak the toy during heated tug-of-war sessions.

Pros:

• Available in different animal design options
• Small, medium, and large size options available
• Unique double-squeaker construction
• Makes less of a mess than plush-filled alternatives

Cons:

• The stuffless design makes it less weighty and potentially harder to throw while playing fetch
• Large, powerful dogs might tear through it easily

Charming Pet Rubber Squeaky Toy

Some dogs, especially large dogs, tear through plush dog toys with ease. If you can’t seem to find a plush squeaky dog toy that can stand the test of time, this rubber-based alternative from Charming Pet might be the solution to your playtime problems. Despite its weighty latex rubber exterior, this toy features a soft polyfill interior that makes it easy for your dog to chew. This option is particularly ideal for young dogs and puppies who are still teething and need something durable to munch on while their adult teeth are forming.

Pros:

• Adorable balloon-animal design
• Available in different animal designs such as gator, dog, monkey, and lion
• Considerably more durable than plush-based alternatives

Cons:

• Only available in two sizes (extra-small and large)
• While this toy is great for teething, it might prove to be too stiff for small puppies to gnaw on

Chiwava Squeaky Dog Toy Multi-Pack

No matter how durable any given dog toy is, it’s not going to last forever – especially if your dog tends to chew on toys excessively throughout the day. That’s why Chiwava’s squeaky dog toy multi-pack is such a smart purchasing option for owners. With this multi-pack, you’ll receive three durable dog toys to ensure you’ll always have backups in the event your dog destroys one of them. What’s more, this multi-pack really comes in handy for households that have multiple dogs.

Pros:

• Quieter squeak than many of its competitors
• Durable latex rubber construction
• Ideal for dogs of all sizes thanks to its slender design
• Highly affordable for a bulk buying option

Cons:

• The squeaker component could be a bit more durable
• The design doesn’t really stand out from the pack

Vanfine Almost Indestructible Squeaky Dog Toy

If you and your dog have exhausted all the plush toy options you can think of, this near-indestructible model from Vanfine might be just what the doctor ordered. Thanks to its ultra-thick rubber construction, this dog toy can withstand all-day chewing from even the most persistent pooches. What’s more, Vanfine’s dog toy has a beef scent that’s sure to entice your dog to play with this toy even more. Vanfine also offers this heavy-duty squeaker in a cube, baseball, stick, or bone design options.

Pros:

• One of the most durable dog toys on the market
• Tested by some of the largest and most powerful dog breeds to ensure its superior durability
• Despite its thick exterior, it’s still rather easy to squeak

Cons:

• This ultra-weighty dog toy is probably not the best option for small dogs
• Only available in one color option

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do dogs like squeaky toys?

There is actually a scientific reason why most dogs can’t get enough of squeaky dog toys. During playtime, the squeak response triggers a dog’s reward system as they chomp down on the toy. As they use the toy more frequently, the dog begins to associate the squeaky sound with happy, excited feelings that get them in the mood to play.

What are squeaky dog toys made of?

Manufacturers utilize a variety of materials to create their toys. Primarily, they will use materials such as cotton plush and latex rubber. Plush toys are softer and sometimes seen as more inviting for dogs – particularly smaller breeds. The soft construction of plush toys makes it easier for small breeds to chew. Alternatively, rubber squeaky toys tend to have a longer lifespan due to their durable construction. Generally, rubber toys are a perfect fit for medium-sized and large dogs that can easily tear through plush. However, it’s hard to know what type of toy your dog will like to play with until you try a few different kinds. As a thoughtful owner, it’s best to buy a few different kinds to see which one your dog responds best to.

What should I do if my dog keeps destroying all its squeaky toys?

This is an exceptionally common issue that many owners have to contend with. If your dog seems to gnaw through every toy you buy, it’s best to choose a highly durable rubber option that even the largest dog breeds have a hard time destroying. You can also try “stuffless” dog toys that don’t utilize cotton filling. Even if your dog destroys a stuffless toy, you can rest assured that it won’t result in a huge mess you have to clean up in the aftermath. I know this can be a frustrating problem for owners, but there are plenty of exceptionally durable options on the market that you can keep trying until your dog finally meets its match.

About the Author

With extensive experience as a professional dog handler, Nick wants to help owners choose the best possible products for their pooches. Since dogs show their humans such unconditional love, Nick believes it's only fair that we give it right back to them -- and who wouldn't want to? He has had dogs since elementary school himself, so you can trust him to have the best advice on canine care.

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