The 20 Best Dog Toys You Can Buy For Less than $5

miniature schnauzer purebred dog playing with an orange ball outdoors.
© Natalia Bostan/Shutterstock.com

Written by Jennifer Magid

Published: December 11, 2023

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Most dogs both big and small, love playtime. Whether it’s a game of fetch, some chew time, or some serious tug, ensuring your dog gets a chance to play is integral to their mental and physical health. You don’t have to spend a fortune to keep your dog engaged and happy. These are the best dog toys for under $5.

Why Do Dogs Need Toys?

Naughty dog home alone - yellow labrador retriever destroyed the plush toy and made a mess in the apartment

Give your dog a variety of toys to keep your home from becoming a target of destruction.

©Jaromir Chalabala/Shutterstock.com

Giving dogs a collection of toys can keep them from wreaking havoc in your home. If they aren’t given proper outlets for chewing and playing, they may turn to items you don’t want them to play with. For instance, that favorite pair of slippers becomes a perfect toy for ripping apart! A few versatile toys can keep your belongings safe and calm your dog.

What Types of Different Toys Are Good for Your Dog?

Dogs are all different, and the types of activities they enjoy may depend on everything from their breed to their size. For example, some dogs are avid chewers. You’ll want to make sure they have toys that they can gnaw on to satisfy that drive. The same goes for teething puppies, who need an appropriate way to soothe their gums. Other dogs, such as Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers, live to fetch. A toy that they can bring back to you over and over will make them happy. And don’t forget dogs who love soft, squeaky toys that satisfy their prey drive. This list has a range of toys for under $5 that will make many types of dogs happy.


1. KONG AirDog Squeakair Ball Dog Toy

Cute Little Black and White Dog with Ball

Ball-loving dogs need a toy that can stand up to lots of throwing.

©arlutz73/iStock via Getty Images

A squeaky ball is perfect for fetching, chewing, and rolling around with their paws. While it looks like a tennis ball, it’s designed for dogs. It’s constructed with a felt that won’t wear down a dog’s teeth like a regular tennis ball is known to do. The ball is available in multiple sizes to suit any breed of dog who is ball-obsessed. 

2. Multipet Dog Mini Loofa Dog Toy

royal canin small adult dog food

A stretchy stuffed toy is great for small high-energy dogs.

©nexusby/Shutterstock.com

The fuzzy texture makes this a snuggle favorite for pups. It’s also great for chewing and fetching, and dogs find the squeaker inside irresistible. The long shape also makes it fun to play a game of tug with. It’s available in multiple sizes, but the six-inch small size is perfect for puppies or smaller breeds. 

3. Chuckit! Ultra Fetch Stick Dog Toy

Black standard poodle dog frolicking in the waves at the shore

Chuckit! makes a range of toys for dogs who love fetch.

©Richard McGuirk/iStock via Getty Images

Dogs who love fetch will be more than happy to play a game with this stick that’s durable enough to provide hours of fun. The bright orange shade makes it easy to find when thrown far. It gets rave reviews for its strong yet still flexible material. 

4. JW Pet iSqueak Ball Dog Toy

German Shepherd playing with blue ball

A squeaky ball is a favorite with many breeds.

©iStock.com/jentakespictures

This squeaky, rubbery ball is loads of fun for dogs who can’t get enough of squeaker toys. It’s specifically made with non-toxic, safety-tested paint, so owners don’t have to be nervous about their dog keeping the toy in their mouths for long periods. The balls are also recommended for teething puppies.

5. Frisco Zoomies & Chill Remote Latex Squeaky Dog Toy

dog watching tv

Give your dog a rubber TV remote to keep them from chewing on the real thing.

©sommart sombutwanitkul/Shutterstock.com

Keep your dog’s paws off the remote by giving them their own. This fun rubber chew toy can be chomped on without getting your pup in trouble for destroying your stuff. It’s made of easy-to-clean latex and has an extra loud squeaker inside that your dog is sure to love. 

6. Mammoth Cotton Blend 3 Knot Dog Rope Toy

durable dog toys

Many dogs love gnawing on rope toys.

©Minko Peev/Shutterstock.com

Dogs who love fetch and tug will be happy to receive this knotted rope. It’s made of 100 percent natural cotton. The rope fibers serve a purpose beyond just fun. They’ll help keep your dog’s teeth clean by flossing them while your pup plays. 

7. Hartz DuraPlay Bacon Scented Dog Toy

Puppy playing with stick in green grass during spring time , Adorable Cute Pomsky Puppy dog , a husky mixed with a Pomeranian

Toys provide a safe way for dogs to chew without the dangers of wood pieces.

©Roschetzky Photography/Shutterstock.com

This bacon-scented ball will keep dogs intrigued as it bounces around in all sorts of directions. It’s made of a floating, firm latex material. The inner part contains a foam that helps make the toy bouncier and chewier. And of course, there’s a squeaker dogs will love.

8. Nubbies Bone Dental Dog Toy

A chihuahua chewing on its back paw

Dogs have a strong urge to chew, and toys are a safe way to satisfy their needs.

©kamilpetran/Shutterstock.com

These rubber chews are covered with nubs and grooves to help pups get extra clean teeth. They’re available in a variety of fun shapes and flavors, as well. Choose between green apple, mint, and more.

9. Mammoth Flossy Chews

Head shot of a husky with beautiful teeth

Rope toys can help floss dogs’ teeth.

©iStock.com/KM Photography

Toys don’t always have to be colorful and complicated to be fun. This simple rope toy is great for small dogs who love to fetch and tug. The cotton fiber is also healthy for dogs’ teeth.

10. Nylabone Power Chew

why do dogs bury bones

Providing a toy bone may be safer than a real bone since you don’t have to worry about dogs ingesting shards.

©schubbel/Shutterstock.com

A tasty bacon flavor makes this bone irresistible to pups who love chewing. It’s safer than giving a dog a real bone because it’s meant to stand up to aggressive chewers. 

11. Pet Qwerks Incredibubbles

Aussiedoodle playing and running in park. Aussiedoodle is a designer dog mix between purebred poodle and Australian Shephard. They are companion dogs.

Bubbles made just for dogs provide a new way for your pup to get some energy out.

©Steve Bruckmann/Shutterstock.com

For dogs who love snatching bubbles in the air, this pet-friendly bubble toy is a must-have. The peanut butter-flavored bubbles are slightly thicker than regular kids’ bubble wands. The bubbles don’t pop right when they hit the ground, so your pup can have more fun.

12. Outward Hound Tennis Ballz Fetch Dog Toy

Border collie with a yellow tennis ball panting

Some breeds instinctively love to play fetch, but tennis balls aren’t always the safest option.

©Diane Isabel/Shutterstock.com

Regular tennis balls aren’t great for dogs. They aren’t meant for intense chewing. These tennis balls are made just for dogs, so they can stand up to hours of fetching and chewing. 

13. Vibrant Life Playful Buddy Pacifier Dog Toy

dog toy box

Even if your dog already has tons of toys, they probably don’t have a pacifier toy!

©Masarik/Shutterstock.com

If you consider your dog your baby, this toy is a funny must-have. This latex chew toy has a textured surface that dogs will love gnawing on. The high-pitched squeaker inside provides hours of fun.

14. Vibrant Life Rope with Rubber Ball 

Sable brown and tan 8 week old cockapoo puppy relaxing and playing in the garden. Puppy teething and chewing on a small ball on the grass. Little puppy milk teeth. Happy puppy playing in backyard.

Puppies need toys that soothe their gums.

©Robyn-May/Shutterstock.com

The best dog toys for under $5 are cheap but versatile. Dogs can enjoy tug, fetch, and chewing with this simple yet fun toy. The spiked rubber ball also helps soothe puppy gums.

15. Vibrant Life Chomp and Tug Buddy Tennis Ball Chew Toy

tug toys for dogs

Some dogs love a raucous game of tug against a friend.

©Bildagentur Zoonar GmbH/Shutterstock.com

What do you get when you combine tennis balls and rope? A dog’s dream come true! This versatile toy stands up to all kinds of play, no matter what your dog’s favorite activity is.

16. Hyper Pet Chewz Bumpy Dog Ball Chew Toy

Types of water dogs

Some dogs adore playing fetch in the water and need toys that float.

©Dan_Manila/Shutterstock.com

This durable toy is made with an extra-strong EVA foam that keeps its shape even after hours in your dog’s mouth. The bright color and the floating material make it perfect for intense games of fetch.

17. Multipet Mini Duck Dog Toy

Fuzzy toys are also worth adding to your dog’s toy collection.

©Cheryl Ann Studio/Shutterstock.com

The elongated shape of this duck makes it fun for games of tug. The best dog toys for under $5 can be tossed around without easily falling apart, like this one. Dogs will find the inside squeaker and fuzzy material irresistible. 

18. NERF Translucent LED and Squeak Ball Dog Toy

dog watching the clear sky at night

Playtime can continue after dark with a light-up dog toy.

©Iris Joschko/Shutterstock.com

This squeaky toy lights up when it hits the ground, making it perfect for nighttime play. The dental spikes are great for dogs’ teeth, as well.

19. NERF Bash Rubber Wrapped Tennis Ball Dog Toy 

An adorable great Dane puppy carrying a tennis ball in its mouth walks towards the viewer

Tennis balls are fun, but balls made just for dogs are even better.

©Dmussman/Shutterstock.com

This rubber-wrapped ball is more special than your average tennis ball. A durable rubber shell covers the inside tennis ball, so it withstands chewing. The surface is even made to be more easily graspable for the owners doing the ball throwing. Best of all, the ball is dishwasher safe, so it can easily be cleaned no matter what it goes through.

20. Plush Sherpa Bone Dog Toy

English Goldendoodle Puppy with dog toy

Puppies may enjoy fuzzy toys in particular.

©DBjorgo/Shutterstock.com

Dogs who love fuzzy squeaky toys will adore this plush bone. It squeaks and crackles to keep things interesting for your pup. It makes a perfect cuddle toy as well. The best dog toys for under $5 appeal to all types of dogs!

Summary of Best Toys for Dogs Under $5:

KONG AirDog Squeakair Ball Dog ToyBall Toy
Multipet Dog Mini Loofa Dog ToyStuffed Toy
Chuckit! Ultra Fetch Stick Dog ToyFetch Toy
JW Pet iSqueak Ball Dog ToyBall
Frisco Zoomies & Chill Remote Latex Squeaky Dog ToySqueaky Toy
Mammoth Cotton Blend 3 Knot Dog Rope ToyRope Toy
Hartz DuraPlay Bacon Scented Dog ToyChew Toy
Nubbies Bone Dental Dog ToyChew Toy
Mammoth Flossy ChewsRope Toy
Nylabone Power ChewChew Toy
Pet Qwerks IncredibubblesBubble Toy
Outward Hound Tennis Ballz Fetch Dog ToyBall
Vibrant Life Playful Buddy Pacifier Dog ToySqueaky Toy
Vibrant Life Rope with Rubber Ball Rope/Ball Toy
Vibrant Life Chomp and Tug Buddy Tennis Ball Chew Toy
Ball
Hyper Pet Chewz Bumpy Dog Ball Chew ToyBall
Multipet Mini Duck Dog ToyStuffed Toy
NERF Translucent LED and Squeak Ball Dog Toy
Ball
NERF Bash Rubber Wrapped Tennis Ball Dog Toy Ball
Plush Sherpa Bone Dog ToyStuffed Toy
Whether it’s stuffed animals, balls, or ropes, there are plenty of inexpensive yet fun dog toys on the market.

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About the Author

Jennifer is a writer at A-Z Animals where her primary focus is on dogs, travel, and gardening. She holds a Master's Degree in Journalism from New York University. A resident of Connecticut who has lived all over the country, Jennifer enjoys working on trick training with her standard poodle, and spending time with her family outdoors.

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