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Related Articles: Dog Toys, Indestructible Dog Toys, Dog Puzzle Toys, Interactive Dog Toys, Dog Toy Subscription, Puppy Toys, Dog Water Toys, Crinkle Dog Toys, Toys for Blind Dogs, Dog Treat Toys, Cheap Toys, Squeaky Dog Toys, Christmas Dog Toys, Outdoor Dog Toys, Dog Enrichment Toys, Small Dog Toys, Cute Dog Toys, Moving Dog Toys, Rubber Dog Toys, Plush Dog Toys, Chew Toys, Halloween Dog Toys, Leather Dog Toys, Puppy Teething Toys
Which Balls Are Best for Dogs?
- Best Overall Dog Ball Toys: Chuckit! Ultra Ball Dog Toy
With nearly 120,000 reviews, a large variety of options, and an affordable price point, this rubber ball is one of the best dog toys dog owners can buy. - Most Options in Dog Ball Toys: JW Hol-ee Roller Dog Fetch Treat Dispenser Puzzle Ball
There are numerous options available that serve different purposes for different dogs and their preferences. - Best Squeaky Dog Ball Toys: Outward Hound Squeaker Ballz Fetch Dog Toy
Along with coming in a large variety of options, this ball features a squeaker that engages with a dog’s hunting instincts to encourage healthy chewing. - Best Indoor Dog Ball Toys: ChuckIt! Indoor Ball Dog Fetch Toy
The soft core of this indoor ball provides the ball with a good level of bounce and furniture protection wrapped up in a soft terry cloth exterior. - Best Durable Dog Ball Toys: Chew King Fetch Balls Extremely Durable Natural Rubber Toy
The natural rubber of this chew toy is dense and puncture-resistant to stand up against the toughest of chewers. - Best Puzzle Dog Ball Toys: Jolly Pets Teaser Ball Dog Toy
This cube-within-a-ball puzzle toy provides dogs with various game options to give them the physical and mental stimulation they need. - Best Plush Dog Ball Toys: Fluff & Tuff Beach Ball
The seams are concealed and double-stitched, the polyfill is non-toxic, and a Tuffweb mesh liner protects the interior of this large plush dog toy. - Cutest Dog Ball Toys: DKING Squeaky Dog Balls Monster Ball
This multi-pack of assorted dog ball toys is made in cute monster shapes as well as animal faces. - Most Features in Dog Ball Toys: Jerock Indestructible Dog Toy Ball for Aggressive Chewers
E-TPU material, lightweight, raised 3D point surface, and the ability to float all make this ball a feature-laden source of a good time.
- This ball toy for dogs entices play with high impact bouncing! Play fetch at the lake or pool thanks to the lightweight, buoyant design. Compatible with Chuckit! ball launcher
- Rubber ball for dogs has a textured surface & a thick rubber core for aggressive chewers yet is soft on dog's mouths
- Chuckit! creates toys that enrich the human-animal bond & bright colors help dogs & puppies stay engaged.
Are Ball Games Good for Dogs?
Yes, ball games are good for dogs. In fact, there is a wide range of benefits from dog ball toys.
- Exercise: Exercise is crucial for a dog’s well-being. It reduces excess energy that can lead to destructive behavior and keeps your dog lean, which helps to reduce the risk of a plethora of health ailments.
- Mental Stimulation: As dogs play, their brains are working in overdrive to solve problems and move athletically. This mental stimulation is imperative for the emotional stability of dogs, especially high-energy dogs.
- Agility: Chasing a ball, especially a multi-directional ball, is a great way to maintain and increase your dog’s agility. This action also helps to increase your dog’s bone density and strengthen the soft tissue in its body. This reduces their overall chance of injury and illness.
What Kind of Balls can Dogs Play With?
There is a wide range of dog ball toys and puppy toys on the market.
From squeaky dog toys to Nerf dog balls, there is something for every dog out there. Tennis balls are often the go-to choice because they come in three to a can and are inexpensive and easy to see at a distance.
Other kinds of balls include rubber balls, treat balls, and plush balls. Plush balls are good for comfort and tug of war, as well as light games of fetch. Treat-dispensing balls help to encourage cognitive function by forcing the dogs to use their problem-solving skills to retrieve dog treats from inside the ball.
Rubber balls, like Kong balls, are great for aggressive chewers and hard biters, and many of them double as treat dispensers as well.
The Best Dog Ball Toys Reviewed
There are various dog ball toys on the market. To ensure your pet has the right one, check our review of the best dog ball toys. They are safe, durable, and easily available on Amazon & Chewy.
Price: $5.09
Toy Type: Dog ball toys
Pet: Dogs
Lifestage: All life stages
Recommended Uses: This ball can be used for rousing games of fetch outdoors in an open space to give your dog an enriching and stimulating good time. This ball floats to make it an excellent choice for avid swimmers and to provide dogs with a low-impact form of exercise.
Material: Rubber
Summary: Fetch is a great game for active dogs, and the Chuck It! ball is one of the best options on the market. The brightly colored rubber is easy to find and easy to see at a distance, so your dog is less likely to lose it. This ball also floats to provide swimmers with a fantastic workout in the water.
The high-quality rubber this ball is made from is extra bouncy, so it is fun and exciting for dogs to chase as it bounces through the air. This also provides it with the ability to float, even when punctured or torn. It is available in sizes for dogs of all sizes and in various package options for multi-dog households.
- Floats
- Durable rubber is tough against chewing
- Available in options for dogs of all sizes
- Many sizes and package options are available
- Brightly colored to be easy to find
- Aggressive chewers will be able to destroy the ball
- These dog ball toys smell of rubber when they
Customer Reviews: Nearly 120,000 reviews have been written on Amazon about this ball. Over 95% of those reviews were 4 and 5 stars, with many dog owners telling stories about how much their dogs love this ball as support for their high ratings.
Negative comments came from people who were put off by the rubber smell the balls give off when they are new.
Veterinarians.org Review: Our team at veterinarians.org is giving Chuckit! Ultra Ball Dog Toy an overall 9/10-star rating. The breakdown of our ratings is below:
- Pet Suitability (9/10): Not all dogs are interested in fetch, but for those who are, these floating, brightly colored dog ball toys are a perfect choice.
- Material Quality (10/10): The rubber is thick and highly durable against chewing and through. It also floats, even if there is a hole in the ball.
- Cost Effectiveness (9/10): For less than $6.00, you get two dog ball toys, and for a bit more money, you can get a better deal on larger package options.
- Customer Feedback (10/10): A whopping 119,000 reviews have been written on this ball, with 99% of reviews being 3 stars or above.
- Care and Cleanability (9/10): This rubber ball is extremely easy to clean and requires almost no care beyond that.
- Product Variety (10/10): Over one dozen options are available from various sizes to various packaging styles.
Price: $6.70
Toy Type: Puzzle dog ball toys
Pet: Dogs
Lifestage: All life stages
Recommended Uses: This ball is great for fetch and tug of war but can also be used as a puzzle toy. Place treats inside the ball and offers the ball to your dog for a mentally stimulating game of problem-solving.
Material: Rubber
Summary: Whether it’s a game of fetch, tug of war, or solving puzzles, this toy is up for the job. The rubber is non-toxic and an excellent option for soothing the sore gums of teething puppies. These balls are made from natural rubber with no seams throughout for extra durability.
Placing treats inside this ball can give dogs the mental stimulation they crave that helps to curb boredom and anxiety. If they are not interested in solving puzzles, this ball can be used for fetch thanks to its ultra-bouncy characteristics, and tug of war is made easy thanks to its holey design. This treat ball is perfect for dogs of all sizes and suits nearly every dog’s play preferences.
- Available in multiple sizes and play style options
- Non-toxic
- Reduces boredom
- Can be used as a puzzle toy, fetch toy, or tug toy
- Great for teething puppies
- Not recommended for heavy chewers
- The rubber can give off a chemical smell when new
Customer Reviews: Nearly 30,000 reviews were written about this ball on Amazon. Most of those reviews came from dog owners who were happy to see their small dogs and large dogs both take to this ball so quickly. These dogs loved getting treats out from inside this ball, and tug of war has become a favorite game for some of their doggies.
Critical reviews were left by people whose dogs tore the toy apart and who said they did not like the chemical smell that came from the ball when it was new.
Veterinarians.org Review: Our team at veterinarians.org is giving JW Hol-ee Roller Dog Fetch Treat Dispenser Puzzle Ball an overall 9/10-star rating. The breakdown of our ratings is below:
- Pet Suitability (9/10): This ball has no seams that are easily torn and provide multiple different ways to play for almost any dog.
- Material Quality (8/10): The natural rubber is durable and non-toxic but easy for teeth to grip and tear.
- Cost Effectiveness (9/10): This is a good price for a treat ball or puzzle toy.
- Customer Feedback (10/10): Almost 30,000 reviews have been written about this ball, and less than 10% of them are negative or critical.
- Care and Cleanability (9/10): These dog ball toys requires almost no care or cleaning.
- Product Variety (10/10): Multiple sizes and colors are available for dogs of different sizes.
Price: $6.34
Toy Type: Squeaky dog ball toys
Pet: Dogs
Lifestage: All life stages
Recommended Uses: This ball can be used as a chew toy for more relaxed downtime and for fetch for a more rousing play session.
Material: Rubber; Felt
Summary: Fetch and chewing are a dog’s favorite things to pass the time. This 4 pack of tennis balls serves both of those purposes well. The squeaker inside engages with a dog’s natural hunting instincts to encourage them to keep chewing, and this helps to keep their gums and jaw muscles healthy. The floating rubber construction means it can be used for a good game of fetch on land or on water.
This tennis ball dog toy is made of rubber and felt for durability and longevity. The felt is brightly colored, so it is easier to see at a distance and as it flies through the air. It is available in a multi-pack and in various sizes, so dogs of all sizes can enjoy playing with it.
- Multiple variations available
- Squeaker
- 4 balls come in one package
- Serves multiple play styles
- Can be used with a ball launcher
- The felt can be chewed off
- The squeaker is loose inside the ball
Customer Reviews: Reviews were a bit mixed on this all-set, with fewer than 70% being very favorable. Buyers were largely happy to see their small dogs could easily pick up these balls and run with them, while other dog owners were happy that the squeaker gave their dogs something to do.
Other customer reviews expressed dissatisfaction with the squeaker being loose inside the ball. These people were concerned about the possibility of choking once the ball was bitten.
Veterinarians.org Review: Our team at veterinarians.org is giving Outward Hound Squeaker Ballz Fetch Dog Toy an overall 8/10-star rating. The breakdown of our ratings is below:
- Pet Suitability (9/10): The squeaker in this interactive dog toy provides dogs with a great form of solo play, and the floating, brightly colored construction makes it perfect for fetch.
- Material Quality (8/10): The felt can be torn off by avid chewers, but overall the quality of the materials is good.
- Cost Effectiveness (10/10): At less than $7.00 for four dog ball toys, this a fantastic deal.
- Customer Feedback (9/10): Over 22,000 reviews have been left about this ball, but it has a relatively low average rating of 4.3 stars.
- Care and Cleanability (7/10): The felt can be torn fairly easily, and it attracts dirt but can be washed by hand.
- Product Variety (10/10): Many options are available from these dog ball toys, from various sizes and colors to different package options.
Price: $4.99
Toy Type: Indoor dog ball toys
Pet: Dogs
Lifestage: All life stages
Recommended Uses: For indoor use, this soft ball can be used for light games of fetch while relaxing inside.
Material: Cotton
Summary: This indoor fetch ball is an excellent product. It is durable and lightweight at the same time, which prevents it from damaging surfaces during playtime. To make it more long-lasting, the manufacturer included multiple layers of material. Therefore, this dog ball is fit for light to medium chewers.
Like most dog ball toys, it has a 4.7 inches diameter and is slightly larger than the regular softball. The toys can be combined with other dog products from the same brand, such as ball launchers, bouncy balls, glow ball dog toys, and frisbees.
- Can be used indoors
- Easy for dogs to pick up
- Good for light to medium chewers
- The brightly colored fabric helps keeps dogs engaged
- The Bounceflex core allows the ball to bounce without damaging things indoors
- Not recommended for heavy chewers
- Prices have increased recently
Customer Reviews: People seemed to really like the ability to use this ball indoors. They say it is great for rainy days or a nightcap to burn off that bit of excess energy their dogs have at the end of the day. However, even five-star reviews mention how quickly their dogs tear these balls apart.
More recent negative reviews discussed their disappointment in the declining quality and rising prices, with some saying they have “noticed this trend everywhere” in the pet product world.
Veterinarians.org Review: Our team at veterinarians.org is giving ChuckIt! Indoor Ball Dog Fetch Toy an overall 7/10-star rating. The breakdown of our ratings is below:
- Pet Suitability (7/10): This ball is safe for use indoors but does not stand up well to a dog’s teeth.
- Material Quality (8/10): This toy is bouncy and durable for small dogs and light chewers but can be torn up by moderate chewers.
- Cost Effectiveness (8/10): At just $5.00 for one ball, this is a good deal, but it is not as good of a deal as their outdoor rubber balls.
- Customer Feedback (10/10): Over 25,000 reviews give these dog ball toys an average rating of 4.4 stars, with less than 10% of reviews being negative.
- Care and Cleanability (7/10): Due to the indoor nature of the ball, it requires a bit more maintenance and cleaning as the soft fabric attracts dirt easily.
- Product Variety (10/10): Over a half dozen options are available for this indoor fetch ball.
Price: $9.40
Toy Type: Dog ball toys
Pet: Dogs
Lifestage: All life stages
Recommended Uses: Play fetch with your dog with this toy or fill the center with peanut butter to give your dog a treat-filled experience when relaxing at the end of a long day.
Material: Natural rubber
Summary: This ball’s dense, 100% natural rubber gives it the resilience it needs to stand up to moderate chewers. A hole that goes all the way through the ball creates a whistling noise when thrown and prevents your dog’s tongue from becoming vacuum sealed inside the toy. As a bonus, this ball is dishwasher safe to make care and cleaning a breeze.
Multiple variations of this ball are available for dog owners. Versions made for lighter chewers are available in glow-in-the-dark versions, while the denser, higher-quality rubber balls are made in high-visibility yellow. Different sizes for any breed of dog are sold to [provide any dog with a fulfilling and enriching experience.
- Dishwasher safe
- Does not vacuum-seal the tongue
- The center hole whistles when it is thrown
- Available in variations for aggressive chewers
- The center can be filled with treats
- It may be a bit heavy for smaller dogs
- Only two of the variations available are made for aggressive chewers
Customer Reviews: The reviews were largely positive, with mentions of the quality and the playability of this dog ball. Customers say their dogs loved the toy and the versatility with which they could use it.
Of those who were disappointed in the ball, the biggest point of irritation was the fact that this rubber ball does not absorb drool. Some also say that the ball does not bounce well.
Veterinarians.org Review: Our team at veterinarians.org is giving Chew King Fetch Balls Extremely Durable Natural Rubber Toy an overall 8/10-star rating. The breakdown of our ratings is below:
- Pet Suitability (9/10): There is an option available for almost every dog, but not all dogs are interested in playing with balls.
- Material Quality (9/10): The rubber is very durable, but not all options are made for heavy chewers.
- Cost Effectiveness (7/10): For a heavy-duty rubber dog ball, this is about the average price.
- Customer Feedback (10/10): Over 11,000 reviews have been left about this product on Amazon, but only 2% of them were one or two stars.
- Care and Cleanability (9/10): Thanks to its rubber construction and open center, this ball is very easy to clean and does not require much care.
- Product Variety (10/10): Many versions are available, from glow-in-the-dark, light-duty dog ball toys to heavy-duty, dense rubber dog ball toys.
Price: $8.55
Toy Type: Dog ball toys
Pet: Dogs
Lifestage: All life stages
Recommended Uses: To provide your dog with a great form of interactive play that will also encourage healthy cognitive function, give this puzzle toy to your dog intact and allow them to figure out how to retrieve the smaller cube from inside the ball. You can also add peanut butter.
Material: Plastic
Summary: Providing hours of entertainment in one convenient package, this ball-within-a-ball toy offers a puzzle, a treat, and a fetching good time. It can be thrown on land and water to entice your dog to exercise in different ways. The inside can be layered with peanut butter, or your treat of choice, to give your dog yet another way to enjoy this toy of many talents.
The Teaser Ball is available in four sizes and three colors and is perfect for dogs of all sizes. As a bonus, Jolly Pet supports organizations throughout the nation that provide toys to shelter dogs.
- Floats
- Gives dogs various ways to play
- Can be filled with peanut butter for another dimension of entertainment
- Great for dogs of all sizes
- Affordable
- Requires more cleaning than many other dog toys
- Requires supervision, not great for solo play
Customer Reviews: Most buyers loved this toy, and so did their dogs. Multiple positive reviews said they had replaced their broken toy because their dog likes it so much.
Some critical reviews were left solely to express their dissatisfaction with this ball being made in China and advised other potential buyers to look for a made-in-USA alternative.
Veterinarians.org Review: Our team at veterinarians.org is giving Jolly Pets Teaser Ball Dog Toy an overall 8/10-star rating. The breakdown of our ratings is below:
- Pet Suitability (9/10): This toy offers almost every dog a way to play that will encourage them to really dig into it.
- Material Quality (7/10): The plastic was easily malformed and scratched, leading us to believe that longevity may be lacking if used regularly.
- Cost Effectiveness (10/10): For less than $9.00, you get two ball dog toys and endless ways to use them.
- Customer Feedback (9/10): Well over 5,000 reviews were written, and these reviews give this ball an average rating of 4.4 stars.
- Care and Cleanability (6/10): These dog ball toys require a lot of cleaning and maintenance, especially if you used them as a treat puzzle toy.
- Product Variety (10/10): With several size and color options available, this toy is ready for most dogs and go owners.
Price: $19.99
Toy Type: Plush dog ball toys
Pet: Dogs
Lifestage: All life stages
Recommended Uses: This toy is best used for fetching and tug of war, the plush nature does not lend itself to chewing.
Material: Fabric
Summary: Plush toys have a tendency to rip at the seams, but this is less of a problem with this plush dog ball toy. The seams are hidden deep inside the ball to prevent a dog’s teeth from getting at it and ripping it from the ball. Each seam is double-stitched for greater durability and longevity. A thick Tuffweb mesh liner helps to keep the non-toxic plastic polyfill inside the ball, even during the most aggressive game of tug of war.
Dogs can enjoy tugging at this plush toy thanks to its durable outer fabric. Additionally, this toy makes for a great indoor fetch toy thanks to its soft and plush texture and its lightweight. It is 7 inches in diameter but is soft enough for even small dogs to quickly pick up and carry around the house.
- Concealed seams are harder to reach and tear
- Double stitching all around
- Mesh protective liner keeps the ball held together
- Lightweight and easy for dogs of all sizes to carry
- Non-toxic polyfill retains the ball’s shape and playability
- Not recommended for heavy chewers
- The soft fabric attracts dirt and drool
Customer Reviews: Fewer than 1,000 reviews were written on Amazon about this ball, but most of those are favorable. These positive reviews mention how much their dogs enjoy the ball and say it is a perfect toy for indoor use on those drear, rainy days.
Others were not as impressed with its playability as their dogs tore through the fabric and made a mess throughout their house.
Veterinarians.org Review: Our team at veterinarians.org is giving Fluff & Tuff Beach Ball an overall 7/10-star rating. The breakdown of our ratings is below:
- Pet Suitability (7/10): This is a highly durable plush toy, but with it being plush, it does not lend itself to the very style or intensity of play.
- Material Quality (9/10): As far as plush toys go, these are well-made dog ball toys.
- Cost Effectiveness (6/10): This is not the most affordable dog ball.
- Customer Feedback (9/10): Although only 1,000 reviews have been posted on Amazon, they give this ball a relatively high average rating of 4.7 stars.
- Care and Cleanability (7/10): The fabric exterior is dirt and drool-magnet as it absorbs nearly everything it touches. This makes cleaning a must.
- Product Variety (5/10): There is only one version of this toy available, but it provides dogs with various games.
Price: $16.99
Toy Type: Plush dog ball toys
Pet: Dogs
Lifestage: All life stages
Recommended Uses: Great for fetching, throwing, and chewing, this ball can be used for nearly any style of play. Unlike other toys, chewing is encouraged with this plush toy. Once the fabric exterior is destroyed, a hidden ball inside the toy is revealed to surprise your dog and give them yet another way to enjoy this toy.
Material: Rubber; Cotton
Summary: Cute dog toys provide dog owners with a great opportunity for photos. These monster-themed plush dog toys do that and more. With a plush exterior and a dog ball inside the plush body, dogs can enjoy almost any kind of game in one convenient toy.
The exterior reveals a dog ball inside once it has been destroyed. This ball squeaks to provide your dog with a mentally stimulating experience even before they have reached the interior ball. It is available in two styles to give dog owners a great photo opp while giving dogs a fun new toy.
- Each plush toy has a dog ball inside
- The cute design is perfect for photo opportunities
- Great for small and medium-sized dogs
- Squeaker
- Reduces anxiety and stress by chewing
- Very few ratings
- Not meant for large dogs or heavy chewers
Customer Reviews: Reviews were few and far between with this product. However, from what we can gather, buyers liked that their dogs enjoyed playing with these toys. The surprise ball inside was a happy bonus as they tore through the outside.
Other consumers cautioned potential buyers that the ball is easily broken, and they were unhappy that the toy was made in China.
Veterinarians.org Review: Our team at veterinarians.org is giving DKING Squeaky Dog Balls Monster Ball an overall 8/10-star rating. The breakdown of our ratings is below:
- Pet Suitability (9/10): This plush dog toy hides a ball inside that gives the toy an extended life.
- Material Quality (9/10): The ball is sturdy enough for small and medium dogs, but the fabric is quite easily torn.
- Cost Effectiveness (9/10): For just $17.00, you effectively get six dog ball toys, which is a great deal.
- Customer Feedback (5/10): With fewer than 100 reviews, there is something to be desired in this field.
- Care and Cleanability (8/10): The exterior is meant to be destroyed so the ball inside the toy can be revealed, and this makes caring for the toy a bit tricky.
- Product Variety (9/10): There are two character options available, and the option to buy just the squeaky balls without the fabric exterior.
Price: $11.99
Toy Type: Dog ball toys
Pet: Dogs
Lifestage: All life stages
Recommended Uses: This tennis ball-sized ball can be thrown for a game of fetch or used as a chew toy thanks to its varied textured surface.
Material: E-TPU
Summary: Whether it’s fetching, swimming, or just plain chasing, this ball has you and your pup covered. Made from a super durable E-TPU rubber, this ball floats and bounces to train your dog’s agility and ability and to change direction at a moment’s notice. The surface is non-slip, so both you and your canine friend will have a sure grip.
The 3D raised texture helps to give you and your dog a better grip, but it also makes the balls bounce differently than most spherical balls. These raised bumps also rub against your dog’s teeth and gums to encourage blood flow to the gums and loosen plaque. It is available in multiple sizes to be suitable for dogs of any breed and is designed to be tough against chewers.
- A textured exterior helps to clean a dog’s teeth as they chew
- Great for fetching, swimming, and dog training
- Designed for aggressive chewers
- A non-slip surface gives both you and your dog a good grip
- Great for dogs of all sizes
- Very few ratings
- Dog teeth can become stuck in the rubber when biting hard
Customer Reviews: Reviews were sparse on this toy. Most dog owners liked this product, and their dogs were unable to destroy these dog ball toys during the roughest playtime. The rubber texture and raised bumps on the surface made this toy their dog’s preferred ball over tennis balls.
The only complaint in the negative reviews was that their dogs were able to easily chew this ball up or that it was too small for their dog.
Veterinarians.org Review: Our team at veterinarians.org is giving Jerock Indestructible Dog Toy Ball for Aggressive Chewers an overall 9/10-star rating. The breakdown of our ratings is below:
- Pet Suitability (9/10): This ball is fantastic for aggressive chewers, although the rubber may catch the dog’s teeth. This ball also covers everything a dog ball should cover, from the ability to float to its raised textured surface that helps to keep a dog’s mouth healthy.
- Material Quality (10/10): Although dogs will be able to chew this toy up, as no dog toy is indestructible, this ball is as tough as they come.
- Cost Effectiveness (9/10): This is more expensive than the average dog ball toys.
- Customer Feedback (5/10): Fewer than 200 reviews have been written on this product on Amazon.
- Care and Cleanability (10/10): This toy requires little to no cleaning and care.
- Product Variety (5/10): There is only one version of this toy available, but it can be used in multiple ways for a variety of games.
What Should I Look for in a Dog Ball Toy?
When shopping for dog ball toys, consider the following factors.
- Size: You want a ball that is sized appropriately for your dog. A ball that is too small may pose a choking hazard, while a ball that is too large won’t interest your dog. Generally speaking, 2.5-inch diameter dog ball toys are best for small dogs, while 3-4 diameter dog ball toys are often recommended for large dogs.
- Material: Plush dog ball toys are great for indoor fetch but attract dirt and soak up drool. Hard rubber balls are great for throwing outside and are more resilient against dogs who like to chew on things. Whatever way your dog prefers to play ball, there is an option for them and their temperament.
- Safety: Things that can be chewed off or rubber that can be easily bitten into pieces can present a choking hazard to dogs. Make sure the dog ball toys you are buying are safe for your dog.
- Function: Some dog ball toys are made of soft rubber to be soothing and satisfying to bite into, while others float to be suitable for water dogs. Choose a function that is in line with how your dog interacts with its ball dog toys to get the most out of them.
What is a Common Problem with Dog Ball Toys?
The most common issue with dog ball toys is their effect on a dog’s teeth. As a dog relaxes with a ball, they tend to chew on it, rubbing its teeth on the side of the ball. With balls that are made for human use, like tennis balls, the felt can damage the enamel of a dog’s teeth, which can lead to dental issues. Other dental risks come from the dog trying to catch and ball and breaking a tooth in the act.
Another concern is that the spherical shape of the dog ball toys can make it difficult to get out of a dog’s throat if they accidentally swallow it. This can be mitigated by giving your dog a ball that is the right size for them, but the hazard is still there for the ball to become stuck in the opening of the throat, where it is largest, and cause a blockage in the dog’s airway.
