Why Toy Quality Matters More Than Ever
A good toy does more than pass the time. It sharpens instincts, relieves stress, and redirects destructive behavior. For both dogs and cats, too much boredom leads to chewed shoes, scratched furniture, or anxious pacing. The right toy gives that idle energy somewhere to go. And when toys are used well, you’ll often see your pet become calmer, more focused, and more in sync at home.
In 2024, toy design isn’t just cuter—it’s much smarter. Sensors, timers, and responsive designs are turning basic bounce-and-chase into full-on enrichment routines. We’re seeing more toys adapt to your pet’s actions, sparking extra curiosity and longer play sessions without your constant involvement. Safety has also leveled up. Non-toxic materials, reinforced stitching, and secure battery compartments are becoming the norm, not the exception.
But no toy is one-size-fits-all. A hyper puppy needs different gear than an aging lapdog. What entertains a Maine Coon won’t work for a shy rescue cat. Breed tendencies, age, energy levels, and even past trauma all play a role in how a pet interacts with toys. That’s why tailoring your picks to your animal—rather than buying what’s trending—is the move that matters most. Think functionality first, fun second. Your pet will tell you the rest.
Best Toys for Dogs
Chew-Proof Champions: Tough Toys That Actually Last
Some dogs see toys as a challenge. Plushies don’t stand a chance, ropes turn to thread, and even rubber bones end up in pieces. That’s where chew-proof toys come in. Brands like Goughnuts, West Paw, and KONG have created ultra-durable toys designed to take the abuse—and keep bouncing back. These are made with layered rubber, reinforced stitching, or tough materials like ballistic nylon. They’re not invincible, but they last a lot longer than the standard fare.
Pros: Built to survive heavy chewing, safer for aggressive chewers, long lifespan. Cons: More expensive up front, not always interesting to lighter chewers.
Pet owner feedback: Heavy-chewer parents swear by Goughnuts’ safety indicator feature (a red interior that warns when it’s time to replace). Others appreciate how West Paw’s toys can be recycled through their return program.
Interactive Fetch Gear: Engaging Products That Go Beyond Basic Balls
Fetch isn’t what it used to be. Yes, balls and sticks still work, but interactive fetch toys are taking things up a notch. Think automatic launchers, treat-dispensing frisbees, and toys with unpredictable bounce patterns. The goal here is simple: keep your dog running, guessing, and locked into play longer.
Brands like Chuckit! and iFetch lead this space. Chuckit!’s erratic bounce balls add a twist to basic games, while iFetch’s automatic launcher makes solo play possible (if your dog’s trained well enough).
Pros: Great for high-energy breeds, mentally engaging, suitable for indoor or backyard play. Cons: May need supervision, battery dependence, not ideal for all dog sizes.
Mobile professionals and city dwellers say fetch gear helps fill the gap when longer walks aren’t possible—a game-changer for apartment dogs with big energy.
Smart Toys for Smart Breeds: Brain Games That Challenge and Reward
Some dogs need more than movement—they need a job. Smart toys serve up puzzles, scent work, and treat challenges that tap into instinct and curiosity. Nina Ottosson’s line of puzzle games is popular, as are treat-dispensing cubes and custom difficulty feeders. These toys keep working breeds (think Border Collies, Aussies, Shepherds) mentally invested.
Pros: Excellent for reducing boredom, wards off destructive behavior, builds problem-solving skills. Cons: Some learning curve, must be rotated to stay fresh, may frustrate very young or older dogs.
Pet owners say these toys help build independence and reduce anxiety. One lab owner called their snuffle mat a “miracle tool” on stormy days when outdoor time was off the table.
Best Toys for Cats
Automatic Laser Toys: Keeping Indoor Cats Active
When boredom sets in, indoor cats tend to nap and snack more than they should. Automatic laser toys change that. These hands-free devices keep your cat moving with unpredictable bursts of light that appeal to a cat’s natural hunting instincts. Look for models that shut off automatically, have adjustable speeds, and avoid patterns that loop too predictably—because smart cats will catch on fast.
Scratching + Play Combos: Durable Multi-Purpose Options
Killing two birds with one paw swipe is ideal in any cat household. Scratching and play combos give cats an outlet for both energy and claw care. Think vertical towers with built-in dangling toys, or cardboard scratchers with hidden treat slots. Durability matters here—cheap cardboard lasts a week. Invest in pieces with replaceable parts or sturdy sisal that can take a beating.
Puzzle Feeders: Fusing Mental Activity with Mealtime
Physical stimulation is half the battle. Feline brains need a workout, too. Puzzle feeders turn routine meals into hunting scenarios, slowing down fast eaters and keeping things interesting. Whether your cat prefers rolling balls that drop treats or maze-style trays, the goal’s the same: make them think before they munch.
Brands That Deliver Longevity, Safety, and Feline Approval
Trusted names like Petstages, Trixie, and Catit balance innovation and reliability. Materials are pet-safe, easy to clean, and tough enough for repeat play. Bonus if the toy holds a cat’s interest past day one. The best ones disappear late at night—because your cat dragged it into the closet for one more sneak attack.
Trending Now
Pet toys are keeping pace with modern priorities—namely, sustainability, smart tech, and low-effort convenience. The result? Some genuinely innovative (and sometimes polarizing) options landing in pet owners’ living rooms.
Let’s start with eco-friendly toys. In 2024, buyers are more tuned in to what their pets play with—and what those toys are made of. Brands are stepping up with biodegradable materials, recycled stuffing, and non-toxic dyes. Think hemp ropes, natural rubber chews, and toys that can actually break down without harming your backyard. Bonus points when the packaging skips the plastic.
Over in the smart toy space, things are getting… weird-smart. Toys now come with built-in motion sensors that activate only when your pet’s nearby. GPS and app-linked tracking let you see how often your dog plays while you’re out or if your cat finally touched that mouse-shaped robot you bought three months ago. Some even adapt based on your pet’s behavior, throwing in a new sound or movement to keep them guessing. Just know: these can rack up a higher price tag and may not impress every pet—especially the low-drama types.
Finally, subscription box toys are everywhere. They win on convenience: monthly deliveries of curated plushies, puzzles, or chews (bonus treats included). But there’s a quality spectrum. Some boxes nail durability and enrichment, while others feel like filler. The best ones are tailored by breed, size, and activity level. Worst-case scenario: your dog rips through $60 worth of toys in 10 minutes flat. Worth trying? Yes. Just do your homework before subscribing.
The pet toy market is evolving—and fast. Whether you’re chasing eco values, tech perks, or time-saving hacks, there’s a toy for that. The trick is finding one your pet actually likes.
Safety and Durability: What Owners Need to Know
Not all pet toys are created equal—some are built to last, others are barely safe out of the package. Start by looking for non-toxic, BPA-free materials. Think rubber, natural fibers, and high-density plastics. Avoid anything with phthalates, lead-based dyes, or cheap mesh that frays on contact. If you wouldn’t want it in your own mouth, don’t let your pet chew it.
Watch for the red flags. Toys with ripped seams, exposed stuffing, or rubber that’s breaking into chunks? Time to toss. Even sturdy favorites have a shelf life, especially under the jaws of a power chewer or the claws of an active cat. Safety first means checking toys weekly and not getting sentimental about discards.
To keep playtime fresh, rotate toys every couple of weeks. Don’t leave the whole collection out—it turns into background noise. Keep a few out at a time, then swap in a different batch. Your pet reacts like they’re brand new. It’s a simple, no-cost way to boost engagement and cut boredom, which directly helps with behavior, energy use, and enrichment.
Expert Tip: Pairing Toys With Nutrition
Play and diet aren’t separate silos—they’re part of the same system when it comes to building a mentally sharp, physically healthy pet. A pet that’s loaded up on low-quality fillers won’t have the same energy or focus for meaningful play, no matter how flashy the toy. Balanced nutrition fuels endurance, agility, and important behaviors like curiosity and problem-solving.
That’s where treat-based toys come into play. Puzzle feeders and smart toys that deliver controlled portions of high-quality treats do double duty—they stimulate the brain while helping manage diet. It’s not just about fun; it’s a training tool and metabolism booster in one. Plus, they can slow down fast eaters and make mealtime last longer, which is a win for digestion.
If you’re looking to optimize both diet and play, start with what’s in the bowl—and in the toy. For an in-depth look at top food options, check out our guide on the best pet food brands.
Final Picks: Editor’s Choice Awards
Top Overall Dog Toy of the Year: Kong Extreme Goodie Bone This year, durability met practicality. The Kong Extreme Goodie Bone held up through jaws of all sizes, from anxious chewers to high-energy fetchers. Made for power chewers, it’s tough but not brick-hard, so dogs stay engaged. Its small treat cavities also keep pups mentally locked in. If you need one toy that covers chewing, boredom, and positive reinforcement, this is it.
Top Overall Cat Toy of the Year: PetFusion Ambush Interactive Electronic Cat Toy Subtle but smart, the PetFusion Ambush became a hit with indoor cats of all ages. The randomized moving feather keeps things unpredictable, which makes it great for cats that get bored fast. It’s stable, quiet, and auto-shuts after play sessions. No wires or tangled disasters—just focused feline chaos.
Best Value-for-Money: Outward Hound Hide-A-Squirrel Puzzle Toy You don’t have to spend a fortune for engagement. The Hide-A-Squirrel toy offers a classic seek-and-destroy experience for curious dogs at a budget-friendly price. It doubles as a plush toy set while encouraging problem-solving—and many owners report their dogs never tire of finding those squeaky squirrels.
Most Innovative Newcomer: Cheerble Wicked Ball SE This one came out of left field and changed solo play. The Wicked Ball SE is a self-moving, smart-response toy that adapts to your pet’s interaction level. It charges fast, handles bumping into furniture like a champ, and doesn’t get stuck in corners. Plus, the new SE version works for both cats and small dogs—a rare crossover win.
These picks weren’t picked lightly. We considered user testing, material quality, safety, and how pets actually responded after the novelty wore off. Nothing made this list unless it was still getting tail wags and pounces after week one.
Parting Advice
Pet toys aren’t about quantity—they’re about quality and timing. Overloading the bin just makes it cluttered and dull. The trick is rotation. Keep a few toys out at a time, stash the rest, and swap them every week or so. That way, each toy feels fresh again without you buying new ones constantly.
Also, think about who your pet is. A high-strung border collie needs different stimulation than a mellow senior cat. Match toys to temperaments: calming, interactive, aggressive-chewer, puzzle-solving—there’s a type for every personality. One-size-fits-all doesn’t cut it.
Spend once, but spend smart. Durable, versatile toys mean less waste and more meaningful playtime. Keep your pet engaged and challenged—not just occupied—for a healthier, happier companion year-round.
Donaldonic Ridge played a key role in shaping Pet Hub Loop, contributing his expertise and dedication to building a reliable platform for pet owners. His efforts in research and content development helped ensure the site delivers accurate, engaging, and useful information for the community.