What is the best dog toy?
It can be a challenge to find the right dog toy – the selection is large, but what is actually best for your dog? Here we guide you through the different types of dog toys and give our best recommendations for when you should choose which.
When you choose toys from Hunni, you can rest assured. All our dog toys are free of harmful chemicals and unwanted substances, so your dog can play safely and healthily. However, it is important to remember that no dog toy is indestructible – that is why we always recommend that you keep an eye on your dog during play and replace the toy if it becomes worn.
Balls for dogs
Balls are a hit with most dogs, but it's important to pay attention to your dog's reaction. Some dogs can get so caught up in ball play that they become over-stimulated or manic. If your dog has trouble relaxing after play or becomes too intense, it may be a good idea to choose a different type of toy
Balls for dogs
Activity toys
Activity toys challenge your dog's brain and provide mental stimulation, which is a great way to create calm and balance. If you want a relaxed dog, it's a good idea to focus not only on physical exercise, but also on activating their mind.
Hide treats in a toy with pockets or a hollow ball. Or spread wet food, bone broth, BARF or other delicious treats on a lick mat. When your dog licks, saliva production increases, which promotes healthy digestion and is also naturally calming. Our lick mats are equipped with suction cups, so they stick well to all surfaces.
Natural dog toys
Natural dog toys are (as the name suggests) made from natural materials. This means that they are not only better for the environment, but also naturally stimulate your dog to sniff, chew and explore. Materials such as wool, hemp rope and jute (100% biodegradable plant fibres) make the toys soft, durable and gentle on both teeth and stomach.
Our toys from Green & Wilds are a great choice for those who want to give your dog fun and activity - without unnecessary chemicals or plastic.
Sturdy dog toy
If your dog loves to tear, tear and chew through all toys, then the sturdy toys made of rope or with reinforced stitching are a good bet. BUT – if your dog is a real beast, then there are no guarantees as to how long it will last?
The Carhartt toys in particular have a reputation for being extremely durable and are mostly only fun for dogs who otherwise destroy everything else. So if your dog is a real toy destroyer, it might be worth a try.
Dog toys with sound
Many dogs love toys with sounds because it makes play even more fun and exciting. But not all sounds are good! We recommend that you choose toys with crunch sounds rather than squeaks, as squeaks can be stressful for some dogs (and their humans?).
With crunch sound, your dog still gets a stimulating and exciting experience - without unnecessary stress.
Puppy toys
When choosing a toy for your puppy, it is important that it is the right size. If the toy is too big, it can be heavy to carry around and cause neck pain.
You can certainly use toys that are also suitable for adult dogs – just be careful not to make them too big for your puppy. The Frog and Otto rope toy is a good size for a puppy, and the Hevea Poodle in natural rubber is great for itchy puppy teeth.
Dog toys you should avoid
When your dog chews on their toys (and maybe even eats a bite or two), it's important that they're free of harmful chemicals and substances that can be released during chewing. So choose toys made from safe materials without toxic additives.
Additionally, you should be aware that the toy does not contain small, hard parts that can come loose and pose a choking hazard. Sometimes our dogs get toys from places that are not necessarily dog stores – for example, a teddy bear from a friend or family member. This does not have to be a problem, but be extra careful if it has hard plastic eyes or other small parts that your dog could bite off and get stuck in the throat.
