| Best for | Product |
|---|---|
| Best Overall | West Paw Zogoflex Bumi Dog Toy |
| Best Durable | Goughnuts Virtually Indestructible Dog Pull Toy |
| Best Cuddling Toy | Charming Pet Cuddle Tugs Bunny Squeaky Plush Dog Toy |
| Best Tug Toy Set | Pacific Pups Rescue Assorted Rope Dog Toys |
There’s no denying that there are a wide variety of dog toys on the market. Some pups like squeaky toys, while others love to retrieve frisbees and tennis balls. We’ve even seen dogs play a fun game of soccer with their owners.
Whatever your dog likes to play with, the entertainment that comes from a tug toy is unlike anything else. It gives your dog a sense of tug-of-war and helps them expel some of their energy. Dog tug toys are usually made of durable stretchy rubber or a knotted rope, and come in an assortment of shapes. They allow the owner to firmly clasp one end of the toy, while the dog tugs away at another end so that it can grip firmly in its teeth without causing injury.
When you’re playing with a tug toy with your dog, it’s essential to find a high-quality product so that it doesn’t fall to pieces after a couple of uses. In the long run, you’ll save more money by investing in a quality toy than a cheaper alternative. If you’re unsure of which tug toy for dogs you should get, keep on reading!
Check Chewy Check Amazon- Designed and made with Zogoflex
- Incredibly lightweight
- Recyclable and floats in water
- Dishwasher safe
Check Amazon- Virtually indestructible, made for larger dogs
- Designed by a family company
- The unique shape makes it easy for both people and dogs to grip
- Made with, food-grade rubber
Check Chewy Check Amazon- This unique plush toy opens up and extends to over two feet long
- Designed with K9 Tuff Guard Technology
- Features two squeakers inside
- Doesn’t have any stuffing
Check Chewy Check Amazon- Contains no toxic materials
- Includes a flossing toy that helps keep your pooch's teeth clean
- Benefit Pacific pups very own non-profit animal rescue, Pacific Pups Rescue
- A perfect combination of dog toys for tug, chewing and shaking
Top Picks: The Best Tug Toys for Dogs Today
#1 Best Overall: West Paw Zogoflex Bumi Dog Tug Toy
We found that the best tug toy for dogs is the West Paw Zogoflex Bumi Tug of War Toy. Unlike a traditional tug toy, the Bumi is designed and made with Zogoflex, which is a unique plastic material that is almost indestructible (of course, there are dogs that will want to put this to the test). This toy is incredibly lightweight and is soft enough to be safe for your dog’s mouth.
This is an airborne pet toy as well, making it fun for dogs that have a lot of energy to get out. They’ll be able to run far and play for a long time with this toy. Another benefit of the overall best option is that it’s recyclable and floats in water!
A few customers reported that the toy can get dirty quickly, but fortunately, it is also dishwasher-safe and will quickly become your dog’s go-to toy when it’s time to play. It shouldn’t break the bank, as most places sell the Bumi for under $20.
Pros and Cons of the West Paw Zogoflex Bumi Dog Tug Toy
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| It is made with Zogoflex, a unique plastic material that is almost indestructible. | Although it is nearly indestructible, some dogs and extremely determined chewers may be able to chew through parts of the toy. |
| It is lightweight and soft, so it is safe for your dog to put in their mouth. | The toy can get dirty quickly. |
| It is also an airborne toy, so your dog can run and chase it as well as play tug-of-war. | |
| It is recyclable and floats in water. | |
| It is dishwasher safe. | |
| Most stores sell this toy for $20 or less. |
- Designed and made with Zogoflex
- Incredibly lightweight
- Recyclable and floats in water
- Dishwasher safe
2. Best Durable Tug Toy: GoughNuts MAXX Black Tug Toy
With the phrase “virtually indestructible” in the name, the GoughNuts MAXX Black Tug Toy is a great option for dog parents with pups that like to play rough. If you have a larger dog, such as a rottweiler or golden retriever, this is a great option.
This tug toy is designed by a family company and manufactured in the United States. Its unique figure-eight shape makes it easy for both people and dogs to grip the toy, and it comes in multiple sizes and colors. The material it’s made with, food-grade rubber, is incredibly durable and resilient, even though it stretches. A few customers were not pleased by the smell but were happy that it was so durable. In fact, most customers reported that this is the only toy their dogs could not destroy. This toy is guaranteed for life and GoughNuts will replace any tug toy you own!
Of course, not every dog will like this toy, but based on its reviews, it’s definitely worth a try!
Pros and Cons of the GoughNuts MAXX Black Tug Toy
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| This toy is made by a family company and manufactured in the United States. | It might have a strange smell at first. |
| It has a unique shape that makes it easy to grip. | Not every dog will enjoy this toy. |
| It is made with a food-grade rubber that is incredibly durable and resistant. | It might stretch. |
| It comes in multiple sizes and colors. | |
| This toy is a great choice for dogs that usually destroy their toys since it is nearly indestructible. | |
| GoughNuts guarantees this toy for life and will replace any tug toy you own. |
- Virtually indestructible, made for larger dogs
- Designed by a family company
- The unique shape makes it easy for both people and dogs to grip
- Made with, food-grade rubber
3. Best Cuddling Tug Toy: The Charming Pet Cuddle Tug Toy
While it may look cute and soft (and it is), the Charming Pet Cuddle Tug Toy also makes for a great fetch and tug toy. This unique plush toy opens up and extends to over two feet long! It’s designed with K9 Tuff Guard Technology and has nylon-fused backing with double stitches that makes it a very durable toy.
It will certainly last longer than many other toys, but it may not hold up over time against the most aggressive chewers (although it will probably take a while). However, many customers reported that even with aggressive play, the toy held up (minus the squeaker) and their dogs loved it. In fact, many customers were pleased to report that this has become their dog’s favorite toy.
Dogs will instantly fall in love with the two squeakers inside the toy and the crinkle paper that will quickly pique their interest. Unlike other plush pet toys, this one doesn’t have any stuffing. No stuffing in a toy means no messy fluff for you to clean up after playtime. Your dog can use this toy for tug-of-war, fetch, chewing, or even to snuggle up with.
Pros and Cons of the Charming Pet Cuddle Tug Toy
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| This toy is soft and looks cute. | It is not 100% indestructible (although it is extremely durable). |
| It can open up and extend to over 2 feet long. | |
| It uses K9 Tuff Guard Technology and has nylon-fused backing with double stitches for extra durability. | |
| While soft, this toy is also incredibly durable and long-lasting. | |
| There are two squeakers and crinkle material inside the toy. | |
| There is no stuffing or messy fluff in the toy, so you don’t have to worry about cleanup. | |
| It is very versatile and can be used for fetch, tug-of-war, chewing, and naptime. |
- This unique plush toy opens up and extends to over two feet long
- Designed with K9 Tuff Guard Technology
- Features two squeakers inside
- Doesn’t have any stuffing
4. Best Tug Toy Set: Pacific Pups Products 11-Piece Toy Set
The Pacific Pups Products 11-Piece Toy Set comes with everything you need to keep your dog happy and healthy! If you aren’t sure which tug toy to get your dog, this is a great option, since it comes with several different items. In addition, the company helps a nonprofit in California and a bit of your purchase will go towards saving dogs from a high-kill shelter.
You won’t have to worry about any toxic materials for dogs or small children, as these toys are all plastic-free. The toys are high-quality and tested for safety. They are not indestructible, especially if your dog is an aggressive chewer, but they are quite durable. Plus, since there are several different toys in the bundle, it should take some time for your dog to get through all of them.
The kit includes a flossing toy that can help keep your pooch’s teeth clean and even improve their dental health. Whether you’re looking for a toy to tug, play fetch, or strengthen your dog’s jaw muscles, you’ll find several in this pack that your pup will adore!
Pros and Cons of the Pacific Pups Products 11-Piece Toy Set
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Every purchase goes toward saving dogs from a high-kill shelter in California. | While the toys are durable, they are not indestructible, and aggressive chewers may go through these toys much more quickly than other dogs. |
| There are several different toy options that come in the bundle, so your dog will have plenty of toys to try and play with. | |
| The toys are plastic free and made with safe adhesives & materials. | |
| One of the toys is a flossing toy, which can help with your dog’s dental health. | |
| Since there are so many options in the pack, you can play many different games with your dog, like fetch, tug-of-war, strengthening their jaws, helping clean their teeth, and more. |
- Contains no toxic materials
- Includes a flossing toy that helps keep your pooch's teeth clean
- Benefit Pacific pups very own non-profit animal rescue, Pacific Pups Rescue
- A perfect combination of dog toys for tug, chewing and shaking
Criteria: What to Look For in a Dog Tug Toy
When you’re shopping around for your dog’s next tug toy, there are certain features you’ll want to keep in mind. To prevent you from spending your hard-earned money on something you and your dog won’t enjoy, look for these things in each tug toy:
- A handle for you to hold
- Proper sizing for your dog breed
- High-quality materials
- Durability
- Longevity
- Safety
- Easy to clean
Let’s look at these in detail.
A Handle for You to Hold
When you’re playing tug with your pup, having a handle for both you and your dog to hold on to is key. Even if it’s the end of a rope, being able to tightly grip the toy makes playing tug easier for everyone involved!
Proper Sizing for Your Dog Breed
Just like animals, tug toys come in all shapes and sizes. It’s essential to get the right size toy for your dog to prevent things such as choking. If you buy a toy too big for your dog, they’ll likely not even be able to fit it in their mouth. If you buy one that is much too small, it could be a choking hazard for your dog.
High-Quality Materials
The majority of tug toys on the market are affordable. Just like anything else you give your dog, however, making sure it’s made out of high-quality materials is key. Your furry friend will be playing rough with a tug toy and you want to make sure it lasts as long as possible and that it is safe.
Durability
If there’s one thing we can all agree on, it’s that a dog tug toy must be durable enough to withstand the onslaught of vigorous battle! The products we recommend are highly durable, from the ever-so-tough GoughNuts MAXX Black Tug Toy for aggressive chewers to our overall best West Paw Zogoflex Bumi Dog Tug Toy for more gentle chewers — we’ve provided an option for every type of dog. The Charming Pet Cuddle Tug Toy is the perfect choice to satisfy those dogs that long for a stuffed animal of their own, made with K9 Tuff Guard technology to prevent ripping. The Pacific Pups Products 11-Piece Toy Set was specially designed to support Pacific Pups shelter dogs, and are very durable products.
Longevity
We made sure that the products we have recommended have a long shelf-life, withstanding destructive play. Be sure that the toy you choose matches your dog’s strength and energy. No toy lasts forever, but if the toy is suited to your dog, it will have the best chance of survival.
Safety
The products that made our list are made of safe materials that won’t harm your dog. It’s important to remember no dog toy is completely indestructible. If you start to notice cracking or breakage, assess if the toy still seems safe for your dog. While these materials may be safe to lick and hold in a dog’s mouth, that doesn’t mean it’s safe for them to ingest.
Easy to Clean
Dog slobber, dirt, and debris are some of the elements that make dog toys dirty. If you’re worried about your dog’s toys getting dirty, make sure to get ones that are washable. The products we’ve recommended can be safely hand-washed in soap and water.
The Different Types of Dog Tug Toys
There are a handful of different types of dog tug toys available. They all come with their advantages and disadvantages. Here are some of the common types of tug toys for dogs:
- Toy Rope: A toy rope is the most commonly used type of tug toy and is usually long-lasting. There are a variety of sizes available and tug ropes are generally affordable. They do tend to fray and can get things such as sticks and slobber stuck in the strings.
- Rubber Tug Toy: Rubber tug toys are becoming increasingly popular due to their durable design. While there’s not always somewhere comfortable for you to hold onto, dogs can’t seem to get enough of these toys that are made for rough and tough playtime.
- Plush Toys: Dogs just love to get into a kid’s toybox and steal a stuffed animal! While dog’s love to get in a tugging match with one of these, the problem is that they usually rip after a while, and the stuffing that comes out can be a choking hazard (not to mention messy). If you’re looking for a tug toy like this, try something like the Charming Pet Cuddle Tug Toy, which is free of stuffing and durable enough to withstand rough play.
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| Best for | Product |
|---|---|
| Best Overall | West Paw Zogoflex Bumi Dog Toy |
| Best Durable | Goughnuts Virtually Indestructible Dog Pull Toy |
| Best Cuddling Toy | Charming Pet Cuddle Tugs Bunny Squeaky Plush Dog Toy |
| Best Tug Toy Set | Pacific Pups Rescue Assorted Rope Dog Toys |
The Best Tug Toys for Dogs: Reviewed FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Is tug-of-war good for dogs?
Yes! Playing tug with your pooch can build their confidence, strengthen your bond, promote impulse control, and more. It helps to keep your dog in shape and they won’t feel like they’ve dominated you if they “beat” you in the game.
Why do dogs shake their heads when playing tug?
The most common reason they do this is that they’re trying to get the rope or toy away from you and tug you over to their side. Dogs will also shake their heads when they are happy or to get your attention!
Is it okay if dogs play tug with each other?
Absolutely! Similar to how playing builds bonds between a dog owner and the pup, it can strengthen relationships between two dogs as well!
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