Play isn’t just for fun; it’s how your dog learns, grows, and connects with you. The right toy can calm, challenge or comfort and turn a regular day into a tail-wagging one. 

There are so many toys to choose from, which ones are the best for your dog? Not all toys are created equal: from quality and safety concerns to age-appropriate toys, choosing carefully can make all the difference.  

Why dog toys are important 

Toys serve multiple purposes. They satisfy deep-rooted instincts (like chasing, chewing and tugging) while keeping minds sharp and moods balanced. 

Regular playtime can: 

• Reduce anxiety and stress 

• Build confidence and independence 

• Encourage exercise and healthy weight management 

• Support training and good behaviour 

Read more: Unlock your dog's brilliance: mental stimulation training with Bondi Behaviourist 

Choose safety first 

When it comes to toys, safety should always come before fun. Unfortunately, Australia doesn’t have any national safety standards for dog toys, meaning it’s up to parents to distinguish quality.  

So, here’s what to look for in a good toy and what to watch out for when you get home.  

Suitable size 

Always choose toys that are suitable for your dog’s size.  

Small toys can become a choking hazard for large dogs, and large toys will be too big for pocket-sized pups to play with. 

Know your dog 

Knowing your dog’s behaviour around certain toys can help you keep your dog safe. If they’re a chewer, flimsy toys won’t stand a chance, so choose robust toys that can withstand determined jaws. 

Quality matters 

The old saying goes: “Buy cheap, buy twice”, and it can often be the case with dog toys.  

Choose toys made from durable materials, strong stitching, and reinforced seams (especially if you have a power-chewer!) 

Look for labels like ‘non-toxic’ and ‘BPA-free’ for some reassurance on the materials and dyes used. 

Supervision 

Even the toughest toys can surprise you. Always supervise playtime — especially with new toys — to make sure your dog isn’t tearing and swallowing pieces. 

Damaged toys 

Once a toy starts to fall apart, it’s time to throw it away. Broken parts, missing chunks, torn fabric, or exposed stuffing, can cause intestinal blockages or dental injuries.  

If in doubt, toss it out. It’s not worth the risk. 

8 common types of dog toys (and their purposes) 

1. Balls and frisbees 

Great for: Burning energy.  

Fetch favourites like tennis balls, rubber balls, and frisbees help active dogs channel their instincts to chase and retrieve, and help you to practice recall.  

For high-energy pups, ball launchers — manual or automatic — make fetch even more fun. 

Things to watch out for: Some dogs can become ball-obsessed. To reduce the likelihood of this happening, don’t bring the ball on every walk. Instead, encourage them to explore their surroundings and socialise with other dogs.  

Tennis balls are cheap but they can puncture and break easily. Some dogs like to gnaw the fuzzy outer material, which is abrasive and should be avoided.  

2. Ropes and tugs 

Great for: Interactive play.  

Ropes and tugs are the perfect way to strengthen your bond. Choose strong, natural fibres and tightly woven materials.  
 
Things to watch out for: Low-quality rope toys can unravel and fray easily, leaving cord fragments that can get stuck in teeth or be ingested by your dog.  

Some tug toys have an ergonomic design with a comfortable grip to keep your hand far away from your pup’s over-enthusiastic mouth. 

3. Stuffed toys 

Great for: Soothing or stimulating (depending on your dog)  

Some dogs cuddle their plush toys like a treasured buddy. Others go instinct-mode and ‘hunt’ them down. Whichever camp your dog is in, plush toys can be a soothing or satisfying outlet.

Things to watch out for: Heavy chewers can make light work of stuffed animals and should be monitored with these types of toy. The stuffing is usually made from materials like polyester fibrefill, which shouldn’t be eaten, nor should the outer shell.  

There’s no such thing as an indestructible toy, but you can find tough dog toys made from more durable material than standard soft toys.  

4. Interactive Toys 

Great for: Preventing boredom.  

Puzzle toys, treat dispensers, and snuffle mats engage your dog’s brain, build problem-solving skills, and slow down fast eaters.  

By adding a challenge to their play or mealtimes, you can prevent boredom-related behaviours like barking or chewing up your expensive new runners. 

Things to watch out for: Some interactive toys are designed to appeal to your pup’s prey instincts. It may be a case of trial and error to discover if this is helpful for your dog or triggers a desire to ‘kill’ their prey. In which case, the toy could be short-lived.  

5. Comforting Toys 

Great for: Separation anxiety.  

Some dogs love having a ‘companion’ toy to snuggle, especially when left alone. Some even have a battery-powered ‘heart’ that vibrates to create the feeling of a heartbeat. 

Things to watch out for: Some dogs find the heartbeat a bit too realistic, and the desire to prey is stronger than their desire for comfort. Batteries can be fatal if swallowed, so always monitor your dog if they’re playing with a battery-powered toy.  

6. Chew Toys 

Great for: Soothing and teething. Puppies often chew when they’re teething, while adults tend to chew as a way to soothe and settle themselves.  

You’ll find multiple chews on the market made from wood or compacted sawdust, to rubber and nylon. Some are even artificially flavoured. 

Things to watch out for: Some chews can be exceptionally hard and can damage teeth. Rubber, nylon, and wooden chews should not be swallowed by your dog – always throw away any toys that have disintegrated.  

Although rawhide sounds like a natural chew, they vary in quality and many use bleach, dye, and glue to create different shapes and textures. Rawhide is also a choking and blockage risk.  

A great alternative is a long-lasting single protein chew like Lyka’s Busy Beefies, made from 100% air-dried beef tendon. It keeps them occupied and provides a source of collagen, glucosamine, and elastin – additional support for their skin and coat, bone and joint health. 

7. Squeaky Toys 

Great for: Excited play with ‘prey’.  

Squeaky toys mimic prey sounds, stimulating a play and response interaction.  

Things to watch out for: If your pup tends to rip these toys open, supervise closely and remove the squeaker once exposed.  

8. Water toys 

Great for: Water confidence.  

Some toys are designed to float, making them great for playing in water. They’re often designed for easy grabbing with material ‘tails’ or shaped like rings or sticks.  

Things to watch out for: Like all toys, they can break or deteriorate,  

Always supervise your dog near bodies of water and always be aware of the conditions and your pup's own limitations.  

Choosing the right toy for your dog 

Dogs need different toys for each of their life stages: from puppyhood to senior dogs in their golden years.  

Puppies 

Teething pups need soft, flexible toys that soothe sore gums. Avoid hard materials that could damage their baby teeth or their newly erupted adult teeth. Some puppy chew toys are textured to encourage gnawing and can help to clean their teeth and gums.  

Adult Dogs 

Adult dogs need a range of toys to match their play style: fetch, tug, interact, learn, or chew. Prevent boredom and keep playtime interesting by rotating their available toys. Hide the others in a box they can’t access.  

Senior Dogs 

Older dogs often prefer softer toys or slower-paced games. Choose gentle materials and mentally stimulating toys to keep their minds sharp without overexertion.  

If your golden oldie has slowed down, it’s even more important to keep their mind stimulated. Like us, dogs have neuroplasticity, meaning they can learn at any age. Interaction, training, and mental enrichment with toys is a great way to keep them sharp. 

Breed and Instincts 

Every dog is different, but some breeds have particular drives.  

Terriers often thrive with toys that let them rip, tug and shake — mimicking the prey behaviour they were bred for. Pointers? Give them something to ‘hunt’ or find. Retrievers often love a game of fetch. And as for scent-driven pups, snuffle mats are a source of joy (and hidden treats). 

Training 

Toys can double as rewards or motivators during training sessions. Tug ropes or fetch balls make great positive reinforcement tools to build good habits and obedience. 

Bonding 

Why does your dog bring you toys? Although they often choose the most awkward moments to do so, the intent is clear: they want to interact with you. It’s not a subtle hint, but bonding through play is important to your pup. 

New to Lyka? Let’s rethink dog food together. 

From soothing sore gums to easing anxiety, toys do more than entertain — they help your dog feel calm, confident and connected. 

Pair daily play with real food that fuels them from the inside out, and you’ve got a thriving pup in the making. That’s why our meals are formulated by Board-Certified Veterinary Nutritionists and made with real, human-grade ingredients.  

Learn more about how Lyka is transforming mealtimes for dogs across Australia.