For example,
Tug-Of-War Donkey is a specially designed dog toy made for interactive play and mental stimulation. Built from durable fabric or nylon, it can withstand strong chewing while keeping your dog engaged for hours.
Key Features:
Below are our curated picks for the Top 10 Best Dog Toys of 2025.
#10 — Tug-Of-War Donkey
It’s got some stuffing, a crinkly layer that makes that satisfying crunch when your dog bites down, and a squeaker to keep things extra fun.
New toys always start at the bottom of the list, and honestly, this one might not hit the top spot, fabric toys like this aren’t indestructible, no matter how well they’re made.
I grabbed this for Bonnie, mostly because it’s just so darn cute! I ordered the smaller size by accident, but she’s still obsessed, and it’s a great size for tugging.
Heads up: if your dog is a professional toy destroyer, don’t leave this alone with them. Bring it out for playtime, then stash it away once the game is over.
#9 — Benebone Wishbone
I’ve bought flavored dog chew toys before, and honestly, they’ve been disappointing, my dogs usually lose interest pretty quickly.
The Benebone line has a ton of great reviews, so I was hopeful this one would keep my dog engaged. So far, it’s been holding her attention really well.
#8 — Kong Jumbler Football
I included it because it’s also a fantastic interactive toy, great for fetch and easy to pick up thanks to the indented handles. Plus, my current Labs absolutely adore it.
I wouldn’t call it completely indestructible; it might not survive a power chewer, and I do replace our Jumblers from time to time.
This is the medium size, which works perfectly for puppies and my terrier. I actually ordered it by mistake; I had meant to get the full-size version to replace our aging large Jumbler, which lasted about four years.
#7 — Tree Root Chew
Wildfang Chew Roots are made from heather wood. They’re not completely indestructible, but they’re tough and can last some dogs for several weeks.
Dogs of all ages enjoy tree root chews, but they’re especially helpful for puppies under two. They can also go a long way toward protecting your baseboards and table legs from damage.
You can read more about the types of toys puppies need in my Big Guide to Puppy Toys.
Tree root chews rank number 8 on my list because they’re relatively expensive and need regular replacement. But for a dog who’s a dedicated wood chewer, they can actually be more cost-effective than constantly repairing baseboards or replacing table legs!
#6 — Kong Wobbler
This is a toy that requires supervision. It’s sturdy and self-righting, but not indestructible, and for some dogs, it’s extremely exciting. You may need to limit playtime.
It holds a good amount of food, and as your dog pushes the Wobbler around, the food comes out fairly quickly. Be sure to subtract the treats from your dog’s next meal, or you might notice their waistline expanding faster than expected!
#5 — Kong Knots Bear (Teddy)
These teddies handle being carried around, shaken, dropped in the yard, and even tossed in the washing machine. But like all fabric toys, they won’t survive the teeth of a dog determined to tear them apart.
If your dog plays roughly (throwing toys in the air, shaking them, that kind of thing) this bear will probably hold up. But the Kong Knots Teddy isn’t a chew toy, and it won’t last long if your dog just wants to gnaw. Soft toys are also more likely to be destroyed if given brand new to an older dog.
Tips for making soft dog toys last longer:
#4 — Classic Kong
A Kong isn’t just a sturdy, satisfying chew toy. Most rubber toys lose their appeal quickly because they don’t taste very interesting for long. The real value of a Kong lies in its hollow center, with an air hole at the top and a wider opening at the bottom, so you can stuff it with tasty fillings. And to make the most of it, you’ll want more than one Kong on hand.
Here’s how I use them: prepare a semi-liquid mixture and pack it into the hollow center. Then place the filled Kongs in the freezer. Once frozen, the Kong provides a long, engaging chew session for your dog.
If you have several Kongs, you can always keep at least one in the freezer, ready to give your dog when you need to step out. This “leaving gift” makes your departure easier for your pup and helps them adjust to being alone for a while.
A quick note: almost every toy has its critics, and the Kong is no exception. There have even been reports of dogs getting their tongues stuck in a Kong.
To reduce this risk, make sure the small air hole at the top isn’t blocked when you fill it. One trick is to place a straw or kebab skewer through the center while freezing, ensuring the hole stays clear. Just remember to remove it before giving the Kong to your dog!
#3 — Deer Antler
Some vets recommend avoiding them because antlers are very hard, and chewing them can sometimes break a dog’s teeth. A broken tooth is serious; dogs can’t just sit in a dentist’s chair; they need general anesthesia for repairs.
Other vets feel the risk is minimal and outweighed by the enjoyment dogs get from hours of chewing. My dogs love antlers and will spend long stretches gnawing on them.
Keep in mind that I have a fairly unlimited supply since my husband is involved in deer management. If you’re buying them commercially, deer antlers can be quite expensive.
Flattened antlers look nice, but they’re softer, and dogs may chew them up quickly and even eat pieces. You’ll get more value from the rounded sections at the base of the antler, they last much longer and provide more sustained chewing.
#2 — Kong Goodie Bone
The Goodie Bone has compartments at each end for treats, but I don’t actually use them that way. My dogs just love carrying these around, and they make almost perfect fetch toys.
They’re well-balanced, easy to throw, and because the ends are larger, they naturally encourage dogs to hold them in the center.
These toys are solid, typical Kong quality, and I’d guess they’re pretty much indestructible. Being solid, they’re a bit heavy, but that’s fine, as they come in three different sizes. The one Bonnie is playing with in the photo above is the large Goodie Bone, while the one Polly is retrieving below is a medium Goodie Bone.
#1 — Kong Ring
Every now and then, I go around the garden collecting the Kong Rings they’ve left out and pile them on the kitchen floor. The dogs get just as excited as the first time they ever saw one.
These toys don’t require supervision. I’ve never seen one damaged, and some of ours are years old. The color may fade if they’re left outside, and occasionally a ring goes missing, but even after a winter in the garden, they’re still as strong and durable as ever.
Kong Rings are consistently popular and adored by all my dogs. Each one has their own way of playing, Bonnie likes to stick her paw through one and then pretend she can’t get it off, but mostly, they just love carrying them around.
They’re easy to throw, easy to pick up, and every dog should have one! Ours are the medium-to-large size, which works perfectly for terriers (around 15 lbs), spaniels (25 lbs), and Labs (about 60 lbs).
Why We Love These Toys
These toys have proven themselves to be fun, durable, and mentally engaging. They keep my dogs entertained, provide hours of play, and give me peace of mind knowing they’re safe. Honestly, every dog deserves at least one of these in their toy box!
Affiliate Link Disclosure: Some of the links on this site are affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products and services we genuinely trust, so you can make purchases with confidence. This does not affect our opinions or reviews.
Key Features:
• Perfect for Tug Play: Safe and fun for games with your dog or even between two dogs.• Chew-Resistant: Strong enough to handle heavy chewing without tearing easily.• Fun Design: Shaped like a donkey to catch your dog’s attention and keep them interested.• Physical & Mental Exercise: Tugging and chewing help burn energy and reduce stress.• Easy to Clean: Can be washed with water for hassle-free maintenance.
In short, this toy isn’t just for fun, it boosts strength, encourages healthy chewing habits, and provides engaging playtime for your dog.
Below are our curated picks for the Top 10 Best Dog Toys of 2025.
#10 — Tug-Of-War Donkey
Jumping in at number 10 this year, the Tug-of-War Donkey is a soft but sturdy toy with a tough rope at each end, perfect for tug sessions.
New toys always start at the bottom of the list, and honestly, this one might not hit the top spot, fabric toys like this aren’t indestructible, no matter how well they’re made.
I grabbed this for Bonnie, mostly because it’s just so darn cute! I ordered the smaller size by accident, but she’s still obsessed, and it’s a great size for tugging.
Heads up: if your dog is a professional toy destroyer, don’t leave this alone with them. Bring it out for playtime, then stash it away once the game is over.
#9 — Benebone Wishbone
The Benebone Wishbone is another new addition to my list, and it’s the first flavored toy I’ve tried in a while.
The Benebone line has a ton of great reviews, so I was hopeful this one would keep my dog engaged. So far, it’s been holding her attention really well.
#8 — Kong Jumbler Football
This is definitely a love-it-or-leave-it kind of toy. Some of my dogs go absolutely nuts for the Kong Jumbler, while others are a bit “meh.”
I wouldn’t call it completely indestructible; it might not survive a power chewer, and I do replace our Jumblers from time to time.
This is the medium size, which works perfectly for puppies and my terrier. I actually ordered it by mistake; I had meant to get the full-size version to replace our aging large Jumbler, which lasted about four years.
#7 — Tree Root Chew
Some dogs have a strong need to chew on wood. Rubber toys of any kind just don’t satisfy that urge, and for these dogs, only actual wood will do.
Dogs of all ages enjoy tree root chews, but they’re especially helpful for puppies under two. They can also go a long way toward protecting your baseboards and table legs from damage.
You can read more about the types of toys puppies need in my Big Guide to Puppy Toys.
Tree root chews rank number 8 on my list because they’re relatively expensive and need regular replacement. But for a dog who’s a dedicated wood chewer, they can actually be more cost-effective than constantly repairing baseboards or replacing table legs!
#6 — Kong Wobbler
The Kong Wobbler is actually a food-dispensing toy. You can see my chocolate Lab, Rachael, playing with hers in the video below.
It holds a good amount of food, and as your dog pushes the Wobbler around, the food comes out fairly quickly. Be sure to subtract the treats from your dog’s next meal, or you might notice their waistline expanding faster than expected!
#5 — Kong Knots Bear (Teddy)
This is by far the best dog teddy bear I’ve tested so far, and no, it’s not completely indestructible.
If your dog plays roughly (throwing toys in the air, shaking them, that kind of thing) this bear will probably hold up. But the Kong Knots Teddy isn’t a chew toy, and it won’t last long if your dog just wants to gnaw. Soft toys are also more likely to be destroyed if given brand new to an older dog.
Tips for making soft dog toys last longer:
• Give them to a puppy at a very young age, before they become determined chewers.• Have more than one toy, so your dog doesn’t fixate on just one.• Offer plenty of other types of toys for chewing.• Mend any rips or tears where stuffing could escape, before your dog notices them.
#4 — Classic Kong
The classic Kong toy hardly needs an introduction. This clever invention has been around for over a decade, and I recommend it to all puppy owners, especially those who plan to leave young dogs alone for several hours a day.
Here’s how I use them: prepare a semi-liquid mixture and pack it into the hollow center. Then place the filled Kongs in the freezer. Once frozen, the Kong provides a long, engaging chew session for your dog.
If you have several Kongs, you can always keep at least one in the freezer, ready to give your dog when you need to step out. This “leaving gift” makes your departure easier for your pup and helps them adjust to being alone for a while.
A quick note: almost every toy has its critics, and the Kong is no exception. There have even been reports of dogs getting their tongues stuck in a Kong.
To reduce this risk, make sure the small air hole at the top isn’t blocked when you fill it. One trick is to place a straw or kebab skewer through the center while freezing, ensuring the hole stays clear. Just remember to remove it before giving the Kong to your dog!
#3 — Deer Antler
The first thing to say about deer antlers is that they’re controversial. They rank #3 on my list, but they might not on yours, depending on how you feel about the risks of giving dogs antlers.
Other vets feel the risk is minimal and outweighed by the enjoyment dogs get from hours of chewing. My dogs love antlers and will spend long stretches gnawing on them.
Keep in mind that I have a fairly unlimited supply since my husband is involved in deer management. If you’re buying them commercially, deer antlers can be quite expensive.
Flattened antlers look nice, but they’re softer, and dogs may chew them up quickly and even eat pieces. You’ll get more value from the rounded sections at the base of the antler, they last much longer and provide more sustained chewing.
#2 — Kong Goodie Bone
The Kong Goodie Bone caught my eye last year when I was teaching my husband’s terrier to retrieve. I was looking for a toy she’d enjoy carrying, and this one turned out to be a huge hit, it quickly earned the #2 spot on my list.
They’re well-balanced, easy to throw, and because the ends are larger, they naturally encourage dogs to hold them in the center.
These toys are solid, typical Kong quality, and I’d guess they’re pretty much indestructible. Being solid, they’re a bit heavy, but that’s fine, as they come in three different sizes. The one Bonnie is playing with in the photo above is the large Goodie Bone, while the one Polly is retrieving below is a medium Goodie Bone.
#1 — Kong Ring
Picking a #1 toy is easy for me, the Kong Ring takes the top spot. It’s the first toy my dogs grab when they greet me, and without a doubt the best toy we’ve ever owned.
These toys don’t require supervision. I’ve never seen one damaged, and some of ours are years old. The color may fade if they’re left outside, and occasionally a ring goes missing, but even after a winter in the garden, they’re still as strong and durable as ever.
Kong Rings are consistently popular and adored by all my dogs. Each one has their own way of playing, Bonnie likes to stick her paw through one and then pretend she can’t get it off, but mostly, they just love carrying them around.
They’re easy to throw, easy to pick up, and every dog should have one! Ours are the medium-to-large size, which works perfectly for terriers (around 15 lbs), spaniels (25 lbs), and Labs (about 60 lbs).
Why We Love These Toys
These toys have proven themselves to be fun, durable, and mentally engaging. They keep my dogs entertained, provide hours of play, and give me peace of mind knowing they’re safe. Honestly, every dog deserves at least one of these in their toy box!
Affiliate Link Disclosure: Some of the links on this site are affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products and services we genuinely trust, so you can make purchases with confidence. This does not affect our opinions or reviews.
