Dogs love to play, so choosing a durable toy is an important part of being a dog owner. You want a toy that is fun and stimulating but also will also survive the rough and tumble of daily play.
Did you know that the KONG Company has been in business for over 40 years? The KONG toy was invented by Joe Markham as a way to prevent his German Shepherd from biting rocks and sticks. He wanted something that was durable and safe for his dog to chew on and play with. Joe found that his dog loved the rubber piece from a vehicle he was fixing, and this gave him the idea for a rubber toy that evolved into the now-classic KONG toy.
We’ve put together this reviews list of the 10 best KONG toys that are sure to provide plenty of fun and mental stimulation for your dog. The buyer’s guide offers a few considerations to keep in mind when making your purchase.
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites of 2022
| Rating | Image | Product | Details | |
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Best Overall
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KONG Flyer |
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Best Value
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KONG Dog Squeaky Toy |
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Premium Choice
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KONG Tires Dog Toy |
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KONG Wubba Dog Toy |
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KONG Extreme Dog Toy |
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The 10 Best KONG Dog Toys – Reviews
1. KONG 42551 Flyer – Best Overall
This KONG flyer is made in the U.S.A. with globally sourced materials. The rubber is soft, which makes it safer and easier to catch when playing fetch with your dog. If your dog misses, the flyer has a great rebound that allows for another try at retrieving it. The durability is great, and it will hold up to dogs that like to chew.
We like the soft natural rubber that is safe for teeth and gums, and it is available in a small or large size. The large is nine inches in diameter and is ideal for dogs up to 85 pounds, and you can pick between red or black.
The KONG Flyer is different from standard frisbees when you use it. They are heavy, and you have to flick the wrist more to provide a good float, but once you practice, it becomes second nature. Since it is a flexible rubber, you can fold it and put it in your pocket until you get to the park, making it easy to transport. If you have a dog who prefers to grab the flyer off the ground instead of catching it, it’s easier for them to do this because it is soft and flexible.
- Durable
- Made in the U.S.A.
- Floats nicely
- Safe for teeth and gums
- Flexible
- Heavy
2. KONG Dog Squeaky Toy – Best Value
This squeaky toy is the best KONG dog toy for the money because it is a tough and durable toy at an affordable price. There are 10 cute animals to choose from in a variety of colors, so you can find one that your dog will love to cuddle with after playtime.
This toy has minimal filling, so they are floppy, and the squeaker inside encourages your dog to play. The small size is perfect for little dogs. You can throw it in the washing machine and dryer to freshen it up when it becomes too slobbery. It will hold up to moderate chewing, but if your dog is more aggressive, it won’t last nearly as long, which is why it didn’t reach the number-one spot on our reviews list.
- Affordable
- Minimal filling
- Squeaker
- Great size
- Washable
- Not for aggressive chewers
3. KONG Tires Dog Toy – Premium Choice
The KONG Tires is designed to hold up to aggressive chewers. It is made in the U.S.A. from durable rubber that is globally sourced. It comes in two sizes, and the medium/large size is ideal for dogs from 15 to 65 pounds.
It is 4.4 inches in diameter and is great for playing fetch because your dog can get a good grip on it. You can even place treats or peanut butter within the toy for an extra fun game that your dog will love. If you have a dog who likes to play fetch while jumping into a pond or lake, this toy is perfect for that type. It will float and is easy for the dog to grab onto while swimming.
On the downside, there is a strong smell of rubber when new, though it dissipates when you wash it with soap and water. This toy did not reach the first two spots because it is pricey compared to other dog toys.
- Easy to use
- Floats in water
- Extra durable
- Made in the U.S.A.
- Satisfaction guarantee
- Pricey
4. KONG Wubba Dog Toy
This dog toy is made for dogs who love to play tug of war, and they can fetch with it too. It’s durable enough for rough-and-tough play, but be warned that it won’t handle an aggressive chewer. It is also a squeak toy, so you can grab your dog’s attention, letting them know it’s time to have fun.
The Wubba is made from reinforced nylon fabric and stitching and has a unique ball shape with long tails that make it easy for your dog to grab hold or for you to throw. The extra-large size is 17 inches long, and the interior has a tennis ball that allows it to bounce. There’s even a small squeaky ball that sits on top.
As with all KONG toys, they offer a satisfaction guarantee — simply return the toy with the receipt within 30 days of purchase for a full refund.
- Durable nylon
- Reinforced stitching
- Fetch or tug of war
- Easy to use
- Not for aggressive chewers
5. KONG Extreme Dog Toy
When you think of KONG toys, this may be the one that comes to most people’s minds. For dogs who love to chew, this toy caters to their instinctual need, while providing mental stimulation. It will hold up to the most aggressive chewers. It can also help with separation anxiety, boredom, and chewing issues.
It is made from a soft yet durable rubber, so your dog can grab it easily. When you throw it, you never know where it will bounce due to its unusual shape. The large size measures 4×2.8×2.8 inches and weighs 4.2 ounces. This toy is meant to be stuffed with goodies for your dog. You can even put peanut butter inside without worrying about getting it clean because it is dishwasher safe. It’s also safe to freeze if you want to add an extra layer of challenge for your dog.
We like that it is made in the U.S.A. and recommended by veterinarians and trainers. This toy is also covered by the KONG satisfaction guarantee. On the downside, when new, this toy has a strong rubber odor.
- Ideal for chewers
- Great for boredom
- Fetch toy
- Can fill with treats
- Made in the U.S.A.
- Strong rubber odor
- Related Read: 30 Healthy Treats You Can Put in a KONG
6. KONG Goodie Bone Dog Toy
This affordable toy is another great option for dogs who love to chew. It is created to be durable and is made from natural rubber. You can insert treats on either end to add a little more excitement and to help relieve boredom when your dog is home alone. KONG Easy Treat Snacks fit perfectly on each end, but you can use other treats too.
The medium-sized bone is perfect for dogs from 15 to 35 pounds, though the company recommends buying a larger bone if your dog is an aggressive chewer. It’s nice that it is dishwasher safe and comes with a satisfaction guarantee. It is recommended that you check the toy periodically for cracks or any damage to prevent it from becoming a choking hazard.
This toy is not only good for chewing, but you can use it for playing fetch and tug of war. We did find that many people have had issues with this toy cracking in the center portion over a period of time.
- Affordable
- Great for chewers
- Can insert treats
- Dishwasher safe
- Satisfaction guarantee
- Issues with cracking
7. KONG UB1 Ball Dog Toy
The KONG ball is another extreme toy made from durable natural rubber, so it can withstand tough play from your dog. The medium/large size is ideal for dogs from 15 to 65 pounds. It is made in the U.S.A. with globally sourced materials and comes with a satisfaction guarantee.
We like that it has a great bounce that will be sure to please your high-energy dog. The large size is 3 inches in circumference, so dogs who weigh 15 to 20 pounds may have a difficult time grabbing hold of the ball. There is a hole through the center that makes it easy to add a rope if your dog is keen on playing tug of war or to make it easier for smaller dogs to grab.
On the downside, it doesn’t hold up as well to aggressive chewers. If your dog is intent on destroying the ball, it would be a good idea to keep it out of reach when you aren’t playing fetch.
- Durable
- Bounces well
- Hole in center
- Made in the U.S.A.
- Satisfaction guarantee
- Not for aggressive chewers
8. KONG Stuff-A-Ball Dog Toy
This KONG toy is unique in design and offers a fun way for your dog to clean its teeth. It is made from a semi-durable rubber that can withstand average chewers. So, if your dog is an extreme chewer, this may not be a good fit because it won’t last as long. It is also pricier than some other KONG toys, so keep that in mind if your dog is destructive.
This toy is made to be stuffed with treats and snacks, and the specially designed Denta-Ridges help clean teeth and gums while your dog tries to get the yummy goodies hidden inside. The large Stuff-A-Ball is ideal for bigger dogs from 30 to 65 pounds, as it measures 3.5 inches in diameter. There are two other sizes available, and the company recommends picking a size larger if your dog is an extreme chewer.
It is made in the U.S.A. with globally sourced materials and comes with the satisfaction guarantee. However, we found that it is difficult to stuff with treats due to the small openings, and if you use smaller treats, then it is too easy for your dog to remove them.
- Cleans teeth and gums
- For average chewers
- Able to stuff
- Dishwasher safe
- Made in the U.S.A.
- Difficult to stuff
9. KONG KG1 Tug Toy
The Tug Toy is made from natural rubber, so it has some give when your dog is playing with it. There are comfortable grips on each end that make it easier for you and your dog to grab. It is ideal for games of tug of war, and two dogs can even play together.
The toy measures 16.25×5.5×0.75 inches, making it a nice size for medium to large dogs. We found that it is a little large and heavy for smaller dogs, however. We do like the control-flex technology that prevents the toy from snapping back into the dog’s face if the other player lets go of their side.
On the downside, it is not ideal for a dog with a great deal of power because this toy can’t withstand the force. It will also not hold up to aggressive chewing.
- Comfortable grips
- Ideal for tug of war
- Control-flex technology
- Too large and heavy for small dogs
- Can’t withstand strong pulling force
- Not for aggressive chewers
10. KONG Floppy Knots Dog Toy
Last on our list is the Floppy Knots toy, made from a knotted fabric that makes it floppy and appealing to dogs. There are knotted ropes on the ends of the feet, hands, and tail that will withstand tugging and light chewing. This toy will not hold up to aggressive chewers, but it is at least minimally stuffed to decrease the chance of messes if your dog does rip it to shreds.
We like the squeaker that is sure to get your dog’s attention, and the medium/large size is perfect for dogs who like to cuddle. There are four different animals to choose from, and the varied textures on each one are a nice feature. This toy is somewhat pricey, especially if you have a destructive dog. Keep an eye on the squeaker if your dog is a chewer, since it can be a potential choking hazard.
- Knotted fabric and rope
- Varied textures
- Minimally stuffed
- Not for aggressive chewers
- Pricey
- Not made in the U.S.A.
- Squeaker potential choking hazard
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Kong Dog Toy
Since KONG toys have been in business for many years, the company has had time to modify and perfect its products. They offer quality dog toys in a variety of styles, so you can find one that best fits the temperament of your dog. When you’re trying to decide which toy is ideal for your canine buddy, know that there are a few things to consider.
Durability
If your dog is an aggressive and extreme chewer, you know how difficult it can be to find a toy that lasts for more than a day. Some KONG toys are better at handling chewers, while others are made for lighter play.
Cost
It can be frustrating to have to purchase a new toy for your dog because it wasn’t durable enough to last. Budget is always a priority, but you can find a decent KONG toy that can last for a long time even for the toughest of dogs.
Material
Rubber will last longer than other materials such as rope and certain fabrics. But if your dog is the cuddly type, they may prefer to have a soft toy that looks like an animal. On the other hand, if your dog is high energy and loves to play tug of war, you will need a material that can withstand the abuse.
Age
Remember that puppies have sharp baby teeth, so toys made from a softer rubber or comfy fabrics will suit them better. Puppies begin teething around three to nine months, so you will want a more durable toy at that time, since they will have a strong urge to chew. As your dog gets older and stronger, the jaw also strengthens. Toys that encourage activity are great for young adults to release energy.
Type of Play
Dogs need physical play and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. Many toys can give your dog a way to play and provide features that will keep them occupied during times of boredom or help with separation anxiety.
Your dog may be keen on fetch and love a classic ball, while others will gravitate toward tugging and pulling. Know what type of play your dog likes so you can find the correct toy for them.
Conclusion
Choosing the best dog toy will ensure hours of fun for your pet. When you have so many options, it can be a daunting task to decide on which toy is ideal for your dog’s temperament and age.
Our top pick is the KONG Flyer because it is an all-around fun toy for most dogs and is easy to use by you and your pet. The best value is the KONG Cozies, which is ideal for dogs who love to cuddle and aren’t aggressive chewers. If you do have a chewer, the KONG Tires is our premium pick because it can withstand a high amount of chewing and you can stuff the toy with treats for extra fun.
We hope that our reviews list helps you decide which KONG toy is a great fit for playtime in your household. Whether your dog likes to fetch, play tug of war, or cuddle or just needs a toy for mental stimulation, you can be sure that one of the toys on this list will provide what you are looking for.
Featured Image Credit By: anetapics, Shutterstock
