6 Best Toys for your Dog
September 28, 2014

by Natalie Secretan
Whatever the dog experts tell you, you can never have too many dog toys. I have different dog toys in each room, so I’m not always running around the house trying to find something for my dog to chew other than the furniture!
I have dog toys for outside too and other ones for the bathtub and again for different times of the day. The interactive toys work best for those times when my dog is most energetic. My favourite is the IQ Treat Ball that dispenses kibbles as your dog rolls and kicks the ball around. It’s a great toy for physical and mental stimulation and will keep your dog busy while you get on with your day.
Let’s take a look at some of the most essential dog toys you’ll need to keep your dog happy.
6 Best Toys for Dogs
Kong – every dog owner needs a classic Kong. Excellent for stuffing with treats and kibble, the classic Kong offers hours of entertainment and chewing satisfaction for your dog. Kong also sells easy-to-dispense stuffing in delicious flavours. And don’t forget to check out the Kong recipe page for other tasty ideas.
IQ Treat Ball – you can find all different kinds of treat dispensing toys and balls for kibble nibbles, but I find this one works best my for dog. Just remember that these types of toys should never replace mealtime as your dog may start to refuse a bowl of food over an exciting ball stuffed with treats. Use only a portion of their food for this delectable treat.
Squeaky Toy – interactive toys are great for those dogs who like to make a lot of noise. Squeaky toys are also essential for getting your dog’s attention, particularly when you’re outside walking where there’s plenty of distraction. Keep one in your doggie pack together with your poop bags and treats so you always have it with you. I prefer rubber squeaky toys that my dog can really sink her teeth into like the Bobo Squeaker Toys from Grreat Choice.
Soft/Plush Toy – a lot of dogs like retrievers like to carry a soft toy around with them for comfort. Also, placing a soft toy in a puppy’s crate over night is a great substitute for their littermates and something they can cuddle up with. Choose a toy that speaks to the breed of your dog. I like the Crazy Critter Fox that has two squeakers – one in the head and another in the tail.
Rope Chew – made of cotton, these indestructible chew toys will last forever. Dogs love to gnaw on the loose rope threads or sink their teeth into the more challenging rope itself. For young dogs who are teething, try soaking the rope chew toy in water then placing them in the freezer before giving them to your dog. It will help soothe aching gums. You can even try soaking them in chicken broth for an added extra delight.
Nylabone – these are the safest alternative to bones you can find for your dogs. Available in different textures and flavours, the Nylabone is ideal for gum and dental health.
Of course your dog will have her favourite toys and these are the ones that come out at those special times when your dog is being especially well behaved.
Resources: Bruce Fogle, Dog: The Definitive Guide for Dog Owners (New York: Firefly Books, 2010).
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