Top 5 Essential Dog Toys to Keep Boredom at Bay
Bored dogs are often anxious, destructive, or under-stimulated.
You can change that by giving your dog toys that match how they play and think.
In this review, you’ll find five reliable toys that cover fetch, chewing, crinkle play, and food puzzles so you can provide mental stimulation, physical exercise, and safer solo play.
Knowing which toy fits your dog’s size, energy level, and chewing style helps you prevent problem behavior and get more quality time together.
Top Picks
| Category | Product | Price | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🏆 Best Overall | Chuckit! Ultra Ball – Medium (2 Pack) | $7.92 | 96/100 |
| 💰 Best Value | Best Pet Supplies Crinkle Duck – Large | $5.99 | 88/100 |
| ⚡ Best for Heavy Chewers | Benebone Medium 4-Pack Chews | $27.95 | 94/100 |
| 💡 Best Puzzle / Brain Trainer | PETSTA Dog Puzzle Toys – Level2-UFO | $11.89 | 90/100 |
| 🔁 Best Treat Dispenser | BoYoYo Interactive Puzzle Toy | $11.99 | 82/100 |
How We Picked These Toys
Durability: Choose toys that match your dog’s chewing strength to ensure they last and stay safe. Engagement: Toys should hold your dog’s interest—whether by sound, texture, bounce, or treat rewards.
Safety: Materials, size, and construction matter; choose toys that can’t be swallowed and inspect them regularly.
Variety: Different toys suit different needs—fetch for exercise, puzzles for mental work, and chews for calming and dental benefits.
Value: We weighed price against life span and effectiveness so you get the most for your money.
Ease of cleaning: Toys that are easy to clean reduce grime and bacteria.
Real-world feedback: We considered user reviews and common pros/cons to help you understand the likely performance for various breeds and ages.
PETSTA Level2-UFO Puzzle
You’ll find this PETSTA puzzle is one of those simple-but-smart toys that actually keep a dog’s brain busy. It’s got sliding pieces, little treat cups, and a squeak button in the middle to grab attention.
For everyday use, you can load a few kibble pieces to slow down fast eaters or hide small treats to give your dog a focused task while you work.
For special occasions—vet visits, car rides, or house guests—toss a few favorite treats in and let it be a calm distraction.
The plastic is sturdy, the base has anti-slip pads, and it’s dishwasher-safe, so cleanup is easy.
If your dog is an aggressive chewer, supervise play, but for most pups, this is an affordable way to add mental enrichment to your routine.
What People Say
Customers say it’s durable, keeps dogs busy hunting for treats, and the sliding pieces strike a good balance between challenge and accessibility.
Overall Sentiment: Positive
🗣️ Jackie_C
This is a really good quality puzzle. The slides are easy enough for my dog’s nose and paws to move but difficult enough to keep him busy. Also sturdy so that he doesn’t flip it or pop out the pieces. My beagle loves to sniff and find treats and this puzzle keeps him busy.
🗣️ Jess
Great product!! good quality, good material – strength for a well trained puppy – as any other game do not leave unattended. The only downside…kibble sometimes can get stuck in the rails and it’s a bit difficult to remove it but with warm water make the trick. But great for mental stimulation and training for my deaf puppy!!!
When To Use
| Situation | How It Helps |
|---|---|
| Meal time | Use kibble in the chambers to slow fast eaters and turn feeding into a mentally engaging task. |
| Alone at home | Fill with treats to keep your dog occupied for 10–20 minutes, reducing the likelihood of boredom or anxiety. |
| Vet trips or travel | Bring it along as a calm distractor to reduce stress during waiting or transit. |
Health Benefits
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Mental Stimulation | Challenges your dog’s nose and paws to solve puzzles, which helps tire them out without heavy exercise. |
| Reduced Anxiety | Focused play can lower stress levels during alone time or unfamiliar situations. |
| Improved Eating Habits | Spreads food intake over a more extended period to discourage gulping and promote calmer feeding. |
Emotional Benefits
This toy gives your dog a sense of accomplishment when they figure out the slides, which can boost confidence and reduce restless behaviour.
Versatility
Works for dogs and curious cats, offering three play modes (spin, slide, seek) that suit all ages, making it suitable for both quick distractions and longer enrichment sessions.
Fun Factor
The combination of sliding pieces, hidden treats, and a central squeak keeps play interesting; many dogs respond to the sound and will return to it on their own.
Indoor/Outdoor
Best used indoors or on a flat outdoor surface; not designed for rough outdoor play or heavy chewing. Anti-slip pads help keep it steady on floors.
Key Benefits
- Slows down eating to prevent gulping
- Boosts problem-solving and focus
- Durable, non-toxic polypropylene
- Anti-slip base and dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning
- Three difficulty levels and an attention-grabbing squeak
Current Price: $11.89
Rating: 4.5 (total: 6034+)
Crinkle Duck Toy
You’ll appreciate how simple this duck toy is: it’s lightweight, soft, and built without stuffing, so you don’t end up picking fluff out of the carpet.
The crinkly material and gentle squeaker grab your dog’s attention, making it great for short play sessions, tossing around the living room, or quiet indoor fetch.
For everyday use, it’s an easy boredom buster while you work from home or prep meals; for special moments like car rides, vet visits, or meeting guests, it’s an easy distraction that can calm an anxious pup.
It holds up well for casual play, but if your dog is a heavy chewer, you’ll want to supervise or choose a tougher option.
Overall, it’s an affordable, low-mess pick that most dogs seem to love.
What People Say
Owners say the crinkle noise and gentle squeak keep dogs engaged, it’s easy to toss around indoors, and it’s a good low-mess option—though heavy chewers might wear it out faster.
Overall Sentiment: Positive
🗣️ Amelia Thompson
I picked this up for my friend’s dog and it’s perfect for pets who like to play without the mess. The color and crinkle sound keep him entertained, the squeaker is soft (not annoying), and it’s stayed intact despite enthusiastic play.
🗣️ Penny
Plush and soft with a crinkle texture all over — no stuffing is actually a plus. The small head squeaker is gentle, my puppy went straight for it, and it seems well made for normal play (but maybe not for very aggressive chewers).
When To Use
| Situation | How It Helps |
|---|---|
| Meal time | Give it after meals or hide a small treat to keep your dog occupied and slow down bored snacking. |
| Alone at home | Leave it out as a short-term distraction so your dog has something interesting to nudge or carry while you’re busy. |
| Travel and vet visits | Use as a calm distraction in the car or waiting room—its quiet squeak is less likely to disturb others but still gets attention. |
Health Benefits
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Dental-Friendly Play | Soft fabric and crinkle layers provide tactile stimulation without hard edges, making them gentler on teeth and gums than some rubber toys. |
| Reduces Boredom | Auditory stimulation from crinkles and squeaks helps keep your dog mentally occupied, which can reduce destructive chewing. |
| Lower Mess Risk | No-stuffing construction means less risk of filling being pulled out and chewed or spread around the house. |
Emotional Benefits
This toy can make shy or anxious dogs perk up—those little crinkle noises and the squeak often spark curiosity and playful confidence.
Versatility
This toy comes in multiple sizes and colors, suitable for tossing, gentle tugging, and solo carry play. It’s ideal for puppies, adult dogs, and seniors who prefer softer toys.
Fun Factor
The crinkle texture, combined with a soft squeaker, creates layered sounds that many dogs return to again and again, keeping playtime interesting even when you’re not actively involved.
Indoor/Outdoor
Best for indoor play or supervised yard time, this toy is lightweight and not suitable for rough outdoor chewing or heavy chewers who tend to tear toys apart.
Key Benefits
- No-stuffing design reduces mess and choking risk
- Crinkly material and a soft squeaker that attract attention
- Lightweight and easy for pups to carry around
- Suitable for puppies through senior dogs
- Affordable replacement when you want variety or rotation
Current Price: $5.99
Rating: 4.4 (total: 34135+)
Chuckit! Ultra Ball (Medium – 2 Pack)
You’ll notice these balls change the whole fetch routine: they’re lightweight, springy, and float when you take your dog to the lake.
The textured rubber gives a nice grip for your pup’s mouth, and the thick core means they stand up to hours of tossing better than a tennis ball.
For everyday use, they’re perfect for quick backyard sessions or a longer run at the park using a Chuckit! launcher; for special outings like beach days or pool trip,s they’re easy to spot and retrieve.
I’d recommend them for most medium dogs who love to fetch — just keep an eye if your dog is a relentless chewer.
What People Say
Owners rave about the ball’s bounce and durability, its ability to float on water, and how well it works with launchers — though they remind you it’s not indestructible for aggressive chewers.
Overall Sentiment: Positive
🗣️ Yael Salant
Holy cow these balls are incredible — the bounce is insane (way better than tennis balls), they float for lake and pool trips, and survived months of daily fetch with no cracks or chunks missing.
🗣️ Verified
Perfect size for my 55-pound shepherd mix; they hold up to heavy chewing and nonstop games, float in water, and fit the Chuckit! launcher for effortless long throws.
When To Use
| Situation | How It Helps |
|---|---|
| Park Fetch | High bounce and visibility in grass keep games engaging, making it easy for your dog to stay motivated. |
| Water Outings | Buoyant design means the ball floats, so fetch can continue at the lake or pool without losing toys. |
| Training Sessions | Use as a reliable reward during recall or distance training — it travels far when used with a launcher, helping build strong returns. |
| Busy Days | Tossing a few rounds is a quick way to burn off energy while you prep meals or tidy up, without needing long planning. |
Health Benefits
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Physical Exercise | Fast-paced fetch sessions help burn energy and support weight management through running and retrieval. |
| Jaw and Muscle Engagement | Chasing and catching the ball works bite muscles and coordination without hard edges that can irritate gums. |
| Mental Stimulation | The unpredictable bounce and retrieval in different environments keep your dog mentally sharp and interested. |
Emotional Benefits
Playing fetch with this ball can lift your dog’s mood, reduce boredom, and strengthen the bond between you by turning playtime into a reliable, happy routine.
Versatility
Suitable for backyard tosses, park sessions, and water play, and is also compatible with Chuckit! Launchers allow you to scale games from short indoor tosses to long outdoor throws.
Fun Factor
The extra-high bounce and bright color make fetch more exciting, and the float feature adds a new layer of play during beach or pool outings.
Indoor/Outdoor
Best outdoors for full bounce and space; you can do gentle indoor tosses, but avoid hard throws inside and supervise around furniture.
Key Benefits
- Super high bounce that beats standard tennis balls
- Durable rubber construction for repeated play
- Buoyant design — great for water and beach outings
- Textured surface that’s comfortable in your dog’s mouth
- Works with Chuckit! launchers for longer throws
Current Price: $7.92
Rating: 4.8 (total: 126687+)
Benebone Medium 4-Pack
I always reach for these Benebone chews when my dog needs a serious chewing fix.
They’re heavy-duty nylon with real flavoring, shaped so your pup can grab and gnaw comfortably.
For everyday use, they keep bored dogs busy during quiet afternoons or while you handle chores; for special occasions, they’re great to tuck into a gift box or bring on a road trip to keep long rides calmer.
If your dog is a determined chewer, the variety of shapes and the long-lasting feel make this 4-pack a sensible pick — supervise and swap out any pieces that show heavy wear.
What People Say
Owners consistently mention durability and how the real flavors and varied shapes keep dogs engaged for hours, making these a go-to for strong chewers and multi-dog households.
Overall Sentiment: Positive
🗣️ diane s.
My Yorkie Poo loves Benebones and I find these are a bargain compared to buying them separately. She loves all the different shapes and they give her hours of satisfaction chewing on them. They last a long time compared to other chew toys and as an added bonus they don’t make a mess or have a bad smell.
🗣️ Jeremy Peterson
My dog absolutely LOVES these chew toys. They’re durable, which is key because he’s a heavy chewer. Not only do they stand up to his constant gnawing, but they also seem to keep him entertained for hours. I love that these toys come in a variety of shapes and textures, so there’s always something new to keep his interest.
When To Use
| Situation | How It Helps |
|---|---|
| Heavy Chewers | Sturdy nylon stands up to aggressive gnawing longer than soft toys, so your dog stays busy without pieces falling apart quickly. |
| Crate Time | A single chew can occupy a dog for long stretches, reducing stress and helping them settle while you’re out or asleep. |
| Road Trips | Flavorful, durable chews keep restless pups calm on drives and are easy to pack without creating a mess. |
| Gifting | The 4-pack offers variety and value, making it an easy and practical gift for dog owners who need something reliable. |
Health Benefits
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Jaw Exercise | Sustained chewing helps strengthen jaw muscles and provides healthy wear for teeth through safe gnawing action. |
| Stress Reduction | Chewing is calming for many dogs; a durable chew can lower anxiety during alone time or transitions. |
| Mental Engagement | Varied shapes and flavors stimulate interest, preventing boredom and reducing destructive behavior driven by inactivity. |
Emotional Benefits
Giving your dog a long-lasting chew like this can make them feel content and focused, which often translates to a calmer, happier household.
Versatility
Works well at home, in the crate, or on the go; the different shapes and authentic flavors mean you can rotate chews to keep things interesting for most medium dogs.
Fun Factor
The real flavors and paw-friendly shapes keep chewing satisfying, turning a simple toy into a preferred go-to that many dogs return to all day.
Indoor/Outdoor
Safe for supervised indoor use and great outdoors; the nylon won’t get soggy, but always watch for worn pieces and avoid leaving chews unsupervised with very determined chewers.
Key Benefits
- Tough, long-lasting nylon holds up to heavy chewing
- Real flavoring (bacon, peanut, fish, wood) attracts dogs
- Shapes designed for easy paw grip and chewing
- Four-pack offers value and variety
- Made and sourced in the USA
Current Price: $27.95
Rating: 4.7 (total: 12,225+)
BoYoYo Interactive Puzzle
You’ll find this rolling puzzle is one of those toys that quietly saves you a few minutes of peace.
Fill it with kibble or tiny treats, set it down, and your dog figures out the rolling-and-treat-drop trick — which usually keeps them occupied for about 20–30 minutes.
It’s handy for daily use when you want to slow meals or break up the day with some brain work, and it’s a neat thing to pack for vet visits or long car rides to help reduce anxious energy.
The plastic build and adjustable openings make it easy to control how fast food dispenses; know it’s not meant for power chewers.
If your dog enjoys sniffing and working for food rewards, this is a solid, budget-friendly option worth trying.
What People Say
You’ll see owners mention durability, how it keeps dogs mentally engaged for 20–30 minutes, and that it’s easy to fill and clean, with a few noting the rubber tabs can occasionally stick.
Overall Sentiment: Positive
🗣️ Janet B
My 10-month old Lab puppy loves this toy. He likes both rolling it for treats and gnawing on it. I didn’t think it would last the first use — I thought he would crack the tube with the force of his back teeth. He has had it for several weeks and it has held up. The tube caps are cleverly designed such that you can’t open it without holding down the dispenser slider. We left the toy outside in the rain and the kibbles stayed dry. This is a good toy.
🗣️ Kimmie
They were bigger than I expected, but once my dogs realized treats fell out when they moved it they loved them. If your dog ignores it at first, try again — ours warmed up to it and now it’s a favorite. Easy to clean and fills easily; keeps our dogs occupied for about a half hour.
When To Use
| Situation | How It Helps |
|---|---|
| Mealtime Slow-Down | Use kibble in the toy to stretch out eating time and reduce gulping, which can aid digestion and calm fast eaters. |
| Bored Evenings | Give it during quiet times to redirect chewing and sniffing into something constructive instead of destructive behavior. |
| Travel & Vet Visits | A filled puzzle can distract nervous dogs during car rides or while waiting, making trips less stressful for both of you. |
| Senior or Less Active Dogs | The rolling challenge encourages gentle movement and mental engagement without demanding high physical exertion. |
Health Benefits
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Slower Eating | Slow dispensing helps prevent rapid gulping and can support better digestion. |
| Mental Stimulation | Rolling and working out how treats fall provides cognitive exercise that can reduce boredom-related behaviors. |
| Gentle Jaw Activity | Light gnawing and manipulation offer mild jaw exercise without intense chewing stress. |
Emotional Benefits
Giving this to your dog turns mealtime into a game, which can make them feel satisfied and engaged rather than restless or anxious.
Versatility
You can use it as a slow feeder, a training reward dispenser, or a distraction during short alone periods; it works with kibble and small treats for most sizes of dogs.
Fun Factor
The rolling action and small treat rewards are simple but very satisfying for food-motivated dogs — many will happily nudge it around until the treats fall out.
Indoor/Outdoor
Safe to use indoors under supervision and fine outdoors; the plastic won’t soak up water, but avoid leaving it outside for long periods and supervise with determined chewers.
Key Benefits
- Treat-dispensing rolling design that encourages problem-solving
- Adjustable openings to control treat flow and slow eating
- Dishwasher-safe, easy to disassemble and clean
- Durable ABS/nylon body with rubberized roller for quieter play
- Works for small to large breeds (but not for aggressive chewers)
Current Price: $11.99
Rating: 4.1 (total: 461+)
FAQ
Which Types Of Toys Should You Buy To Banish Boredom?
You want a mix that targets different needs: mental stimulation from puzzle and treat-dispensing toys like the PETSTA Level2-UFO ($11.89) or BoYoYo ($11.99), high-energy play from a bouncy Chuckit! Ultra Ball ($7.92), comforting light-play from a crinkly plush duck ($5.99) for low-impact fun, and long-lasting chewing satisfaction from a Benebone chew (about $27.95).
Choose toys that match your dog’s drive—puzzles for sniffers and problem-solvers, balls for retrievers and active dogs, plush for gentle players, and nylon or rubber chews for heavy chewers.
Pay attention to materials, washability, and how treats fit (some puzzles hold only a few kibbles, and some kibbles can get stuck in rails), and remember that variety and rotation keep toys interesting.
How Do You Choose The Right Toy For Your Dog’s Age, Size, And Chewing Style?
Start by matching size and construction to your dog: pick toys that can’t fully fit in their mouth and follow manufacturer size guides—for example,
Benebone recommends sizes by weight, so you choose one that’s appropriate for your dog’s bite.
Consider temperament: anxious or bored dogs often benefit most from puzzles and treat-dispensers, while high-energy dogs need durable fetch toys.
If your dog is a heavy chewer, avoid soft plush as a primary option and prioritize sturdy rubber or nylon; if you’re unsure, choose the largest size your dog can handle and supervise early play sessions to test durability.
How Do You Use And Maintain Interactive Toys Safely And Effectively?
Introduce new toys in short supervised sessions so your dog learns how they work and you can spot wear or parts that might come loose. Clean toys according to the label—soft plush toys often go on a gentle machine wash, while plastic puzzles usually rinse well; if a puzzle’s rails snag kibble, warm water can help loosen stuck pieces.
Inspect toys regularly and discard if pieces are cracked, chewed through, or missing; remember that no toy is indestructible and supervision is key, especially with aggressive chewers. To extend interest, rotate a few toys every few days, vary treat types and sizes, and use interactive toys as part of training or calm-down routines rather than leaving the toughest items unattended for long stretches.
Owners Top Picks
When you pick between the PETSTA Level2-UFO puzzle, Crinkle Duck, and Chuckit! Ultra Ball, you’re usually deciding whether mental enrichment, sensory/cuddly play, or high-energy fetch matters most — puzzles if you want brain games and treat-dispensing, crinkle toys if your dog loves soft, noisy comfort, and the Chuckit! for durable, bouncy fetch sessions.
You can also consider factors like size, material safety, ease of cleaning, and your dog’s chewiness, as durability and washability are crucial for aggressive chewers, whereas stuffing ease and adjustable difficulty are more critical for enrichment toys.
Wrapping It Up
Pick the toy that fits how your dog plays. If your dog lives for fetch, the Chuckit! Ultra Ball provides durable bounce and floatability.
If your dog is a chewer, Benebone’s nylon chews offer quiet, constructive chewing time.
Puzzles like the PETSTA and BoYoYo toys provide mental stimulation that reduces boredom, while inexpensive crinkle plush toys offer quick attention for light play.
Rotate toys, supervise new items, and choose sizes appropriate for your dog so you keep playtime safe, satisfying, and long-lasting.
| Product | Image | Rating | Price | Dimensions & Weight | Material & Durability | Unique Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dog Puzzle Toys – Interactive, Mentally Stimulating Toys |
 |
4.5/5 (6,034 reviews) | $11.89 | 8 x 8 x 1 inches; 14.1 ounces | Polypropylene has sturdy construction for all breeds |
|
| Best Pet Supplies Crinkle Dog Toy |
 |
4.4/5 (34,135 reviews) | $5.99 | 15.5 x 7.5 x 1.5 inches; 2.89 ounces | Paper, plush with soft squeaker, no stuffing |
|
| Chuckit! Ultra Ball Dog Toy |
 |
4.8/5 (126,687 reviews) | $7.92 | 2.5 x 2.5 x 2.5 inches; 6.4 ounces | Durable rubber, high bounce, designed for long-lasting fetch play |
|
| Benebone Medium 4-Pack Dog Chew Toys |
 |
4.7/5 (12,225 reviews) | $27.95 | 7.5 x 3.75 x 7.25 inches; 2 Pounds | Nylon, designed for aggressive chewers |
|
| Interactive Dog Puzzle Toys for Boredom |
 |
4.1/5 (461 reviews) | $11.99 | 6.7 x 3.82 x 3.82 inches; 10.6 ounces | Plastic, designed for light durability |
|
This Roundup is reader-supported. When you click through links we may earn a referral commission on qualifying purchases.
