10 Best Dog Tug Toys of 2023 – Reviews & Top Picks

If your dog is active, agile and playful, then a lack of physical activity and mental stimulation can make them anxious and stressed.

This can lead to tearing and pulling objects at home and eventually they become destructive. They constantly need something to keep them engaged and on their toes.

The best way to keep your pet from tearing objects at home is to give them the best dog tug toy. These toys are tough and durable and can sustain extreme pulling and stretching.

They are a great tool for playing tug of war with your pup and spending quality time with your mate.

Therefore, we decided to try and test the most durable and toughest dog tug toys for you to have a hearty playtime with your pup.

10 Best Dog Tug Toys of 2023

1.West Paw Dog Tug Toy

The West Paw is one of the best dog tug toys and can be stretched and pulled up to twice its length. It is a great toy for gentle chewers and is extremely light for your dog to carry and pull.

The toy is a great tool to develop interaction and spend quality time with your pup.

You can play fetch or simply use it as a chew toy for your pup. The toy has a unique S-shaped design that can be your canine’s companion during exercise or playtime.

The shape allows you to fling the toy far in the air so your do can run farther and fetch it easily.

The best part is that the dog toy is easy to clean as it can be tossed in the dishwasher. It is made of safe materials in the U.S.A. and is quite non-toxic. The company also provides a guarantee against any damage or defect in the dog tug toy.

To conclude, we think this is the overall best dog tug toys.

Features

• Size: Large
• Material: Food Grade Rubber
• Type: Chew Toys
• Suitable for: Medium and Large Dog Breeds

The toy is available in multiple color and design options. Certain pet parents claim that the toy is not very durable and massive breeds can break it almost easily.

However, it can be used as a good fetch toy and is a convenient option for small breeds to play tug of war.

2. Goughnuts Tug of War Chew Toy for Dogs

The Goughnuts Tug of War Chew Toy for Dogs comes in premium quality and is one of the best Dog Tug Toy s for small, medium and large dog breeds.

It is made of extremely safe food-grade rubber and is also available in various sizes. The toy provides enough space for chewing as well as your hands for pulling.

Goughnuts claims that the dog toys are indestructible as they are made of the finest rubbers crafted by polymer engineers. It is made for the most aggressive chewers and the company offers a lifetime warranty over the toy.

The rubber tug toy for dogs is available in various sizes and colors and is designed for interactive playtime with your pooch. It is suitable for pool time playing as well as it is light in weight and floats like an ice cube.

Features

• Size: Large
• Material: Food Grade Rubber
• Type: Ring Toys
• Suitable for: Medium and Large Dog Breeds

Certain dog parents claim that the dog toy has a very overwhelming rubbery smell that has added chemicals. The rubber loop is too fat and may not work always unless your dog is too aggressive.

All in all, the product is very tough and durable and stays for a lifetime.

3. USA Bones & Chews Dog Tug Toy

If you want the best of both worlds and an all in one toy to keep your pup engaged for hours, then the USA Bones & Chews Dog Tug Toy is the best choice under a budget.

It is a blend of cotton rope and bone that are made in the U.S.A. and is 100% safe and reliable for your pet to chew.

The bone is very soft, juicy, and moisturized as it is prepared through roasting and splintering. Rope toys support healthy teeth and gums.

It does not contain any chemicals or artificial colors. The colors available in the drops is very vibrant and attractive to encourage your dog to play with it.

You need to supervise while your pet uses the toy as it can cause choking hazards and the parts are extremely small in size. However, it instills your dog’s physical and mental capabilities and prevents anxiety.

Features

• Size: Small
• Material: Cotton Fibre and Bone
• Type: Rope Toys
• Suitable for: Small and Medium Dog Breeds

Certain dog parents suggest that the rope quality is very poor and it is easy to tear. The product is not very durable and meant for small pups only.

4. BLUEISLAND Tug of War Dog Toy

The BLUEISLAND Tug of War Dog Toy is tough, strong and is made of 100% natural and safe cotton that is washable and easy to clean. Your dog can chew on the toy for hours of fun and engagement and it provided 100% satisfaction.

The rope toy can sustain strong pulling and chewing and is 3 feet long for playing tug of war. It is a great way of increasing bonding with your pup and keeps your dog stimulated physically and mentally. The dog toy is suitable for all breeds.

The rope toy is best suited for teething puppies and good for keeping your dog anxious and stress-free. However, you need to keep your dog under extreme supervision when he chews onto the toy.

Features

• Size: Small
• Material: Cotton Fibre
• Type: Rope Toys
• Suitable for: Medium and Large Dog Breeds

The toy is not completely indestructible and can break almost easily. The length of the rope is very short and pet parents say it is not very suitable for playing tug of war with your pup.

But all in all, it makes for a good chew toy for hours of engagement.

5. Pacific Pups Products Dog Tug Toys

Pacific Pups Products designs toys and pet products with an aim to rescue dogs through the Pacific Pups organization in California. These dog toys are made of pet-safe materials that cause no harm to your pup.

The set of toys by Pacific Pup includes a giraffe rope dog flossing toy for free which is designed to maintain your pup’s oral and dental health. The combo of toys offered is perfect for flossing, pulling, shaking and rough use.

It keeps your pup from chewing items and furniture at your house. These dog toys can be chewed for hours and offer wholesome entertainment.

It is extremely good for playing tug of war with your pup and increases the bonding between you and your pet.

Features

• Size: Multi-size
• Material: Cotton Fibre
• Type: Rope and Chew Toys
• Suitable for: Small and Medium Dog Breeds

The fun shapes are unique and dogs love chewing on them to calm anxiety and stress. However, they are not very durable as they claim to be and not quite worth long term use.

6. Mammoth Cottonblend Rope Dog Tug Toy

Rope fibres are known to be very durable as the material is soft and also help in flossing your dog’s teeth.

The Mammoth Cottonblend Rope Dog Tug Toy is also a tug toy made of premium shapes and variable colors. It can be played with for hours of fun and also to play fetch with your pup.

Rope tug toys are also known to calm your dog of anxiety by chewing and is best suited for teething puppies. It comes in a variety of random colors and is made of strong and 100 % natural cotton.

The rope is also quite long enough to play tug of war with your pup and can sustain hours of pulling and groping. The series of knots across the length and the edges keeps the rope from slipping and snapping back.

Features

• Size: Large
• Material: Cotton Fibre
• Type: Rope
• Suitable for: Medium and Large Dog Breeds

Dog parents say that the rope tug toy is not suitable for aggressive breeds and can be torn easily. The product is not durable and cannot sustain powerful pulling.

7. KONG Tug Dog Toy

Kong Toys are known for their durability and strength and brings the Tug Dog Toy for your dog to enjoy pulling and tugging with you.

The toy is made of legendary durable rubber and has strong, anti-slip grips to provide ease in pulling. The Control Flex Center makes it more strong and flexible.

The rings are sturdy and can withstand immense pulling by your tug. The Control Flex Technology stops the toy from snapping back while pulling which makes it safe to play with for both you and your pup.

The rubber tug toy is suitable for dogs of all sizes and breeds and helps in keeping your dog’s teeth strong and gums healthy.

Remember that the toy is a tug toy and not a chewable material, therefore, one needs to supervise carefully while their pet uses the product.

Features

• Size: Medium
• Material: Rubber
• Type: Ring
• Suitable for: Medium and Large Dog Breeds

Certain pet parents claim that the rubber starts cracking very easily and the toy is not at all durable. However, it is good for small pups who do not get aggressive and don’t have sharp teeth to tear the toy easily.

8. PlayfulSpirit Durable Tug of War Dog Toy

The PlayfulSpirit Durable Tug of War Toy is made of hard and natural rubber that is non-toxic as well as light in weight. The rubber is very stretchable and flexible to withstand tug of war play with your pet and to fulfill your dog’s natural urges.

Since small pups and dogs like to explore objects through chewing, this ring toy is made of pet-safe rubber. It also helps to keep their jaws strong and teeth clean. Dogs can easily release their anxiety and frustration by using the toy.

The ring dog toy is suitable for medium to large-sized breeds and can also be used as a frisbee.

The toy is a very creative and constructive tool that can teach your pet to take and obey orders as well as stimulate their minds. It creates a happy spirit in your pup while you can enjoy playing fetch with them.

Features

• Size: Medium
• Material: Rubber
• Type: Ring
• Suitable for: Medium and Large Dog Breeds

Dog parents complain that the toy is not very durable and an aggressive pup can chew and destroy it within seconds.

The toy is not very stretchable and may eventually start hurting your pup and injure his teeth. All in all, you can use it as a tug toy for pups but is more suited as a frisbee due to its stretchability.

9. Redline K9 Dog Bite Tug Toy

The Redline K9 Dog Bite Tug Toy is an interactive accessory for you and your mate that comes with handles for humans to grip the toy easily while pulling.

These are not to be used for chewing. The tug toy is made of high-quality jute which makes it tear-proof and durable.

This toy is quite good for interactive tugging between you and your dog. It is used for training pets and to enhance agility and stimulating your pet’s mental health.

The toy is small and portable, making it easy to carry when out for picnics or traveling.

The tug toy is very soft in terms of handling and is perfect for rewarding your dog. It comes from the house of K9 which is renowned for making quality pet products for years.

Features

• Size: Small
• Material: Jute
• Type: Bumper
• Suitable for: Small and Medium Dog Breeds

Certain dog parents say that the toy is very small in size and is not very durable. If your dog is aggressive, he will tear open the toy easily. However, it makes for a great tug toy and is best suited for small to medium-sized breeds.

10. Tuffy’s No Stuff Mega Ring Dog Toy

The Tuffy’s No Stuff Mega Ring Dog Toy is a very tough and durable dog toy that can be used as a frisbee or even a tug toy.

It comes with several layers of safe and non-toxic fiber that includes soft fleece, industrial grade luggage material, and a plastic coating that has multiple stitches.

Finally, the toy is protected with webbing material to make sure that it remains durable. It is extremely soft and does not cause any harm to your pet under any circumstances.

The toy is great for indoor as well as outdoor use due to its soft exteriors and it also floats on water.

The toy has 4 squeakers sewn into a squeaker safety pocket which provides an added protection layer. The toy is suitable for dogs around 20 lbs. It is machine washable and offers the convenience of cleaning and handling.

Features

• Size: Small
• Material: Polyester, Fleece
• Type: Ring
• Suitable for: Small and Medium Dog Breeds

As per what users claim, the stuffed toy is not very durable and your dog can chew and destroy it almost easily. All in all, it is a great multipurpose toy for keeping your pooch active and engaged.

What is a Dog Tug Toy?

A dog tug toy is made of strong and durable material that is chew proof and tough against rough use and play. Some dogs may get aggressive with their toys and may end up destroying them.

Small and soft toys may not be able to hold up against rough handling and your dog may break the toy.

Tug Toys for Dogs are designed in such a way that they can be pulled and moved back and forth aggressively without breaking and is specifically suited for aggressive breeds like bulldogs or terriers.

These toys usually have a solid and strong grip which makes it easy for both you and your pet to hold and pull from either side.

Types of Dog Tug Toys

There are various types of dog tug toys available which can be chosen based on your dog’s breed and aggressive nature. They are:

Rope Tug Toys

They are usually chew-proof unless your dog gets too aggressive with the toy. Tug toys hold up for quite some time and are light on your pockets.

Ring Tug Toys

Secondly, ring toys can also have multipurpose uses if you simply use them as a throw toy once your dog is tired of pulling. Since they are made of plastic or rubber, they are extremely light and at the same time also durable.

One problem would be that rings can get slobbery with your dog’s saliva on them which can make it difficult to clean and handle the toy. However, they are equally durable and easy to play with as of rope toys.

Bumper Tug Toys

Moreover, these bumper toys are designed such that they have a handle for gripping which makes it easy for you to hold the toy.

The durable fibers used are chew resistant, so they don’t wear off easily. Bumper toys are also suitable for multipurpose use, they can be used to play fetch on the ground or also in the pool.

Handheld Toys

Make sure to look for a material that is comfortable for you to grip and the handle should have an ergonomic design that should not hurt your hands during excessive use.

Handheld toys are generally made of very durable materials as they are made for the strongest and roughest of use.

Benefits of Playing With a Dog Tug Toy

While it is not quite known why dogs like to play tug of war, dog experts claim that it is because it cultivates human and dog bonding as well as keeps their natural instincts alive.

Dogs, since ancestral times, have a habit of chewing and ripping things apart and therefore, like to get aggressive with their belongings. It also helps in making their teeth strong, as well as stimulates their brain and thought process.

Playing ‘Tug of War’ also increases the bond between you and your pet. It gives both of you hours of playtime together and the tug toys can be managed single-handedly.

In fact, you can even multitask and play with your pet while gripping the toy with one hand.

Another benefit of playing with dog tug toys is that they cure your pet of boredom and anxiety. These toys are strong and chew proof and can sustain months of pulling and chewing to relax your pet’s nerves.

In fact, if you have multiple pets at home, tug of war is a great way to foster a bond between both pets.

If your dog gets aggressive and anxious by any chance, he won’t be habituated to tearing furniture and clothes or ripping off your shoes at home.

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose The Best Dog Tug Toy?

Here are the steps you must follow in order to choose the best dog tug toy:

Size

Size is one of the most important factors to note as the dog toy should neither be too small nor too large to make your dog uncomfortable.

If the toy is too small, your pooch might end up choking whereas if it is too large, your dog will find it uncomfortable to grab the toy.

If you consider getting a rope toy for playing tug of war, make sure it is long in order to provide enough space for pulling and tugging.

Material

Dog tug toys are usually made of durable and strong materials like hard plastic, rubber, or rope or a strong fabric.

While these are the cheapest variants of toys available, one can always spend on a quality dog toy that offers a premium fabric that is both safe and durable for pets.

Handle

A tug toy with a handle offers added advantage as it allows you to get a better grip over the toy when your dog pulls it too aggressively.

Moreover, if you do not want to come in contact with their slobbery toys and saliva, then a handle is always helpful to pull the toy back or to carry it with you while playing outdoors.

Design and Grip

The dog tug toy should be constructed in such a way that it has grooves and ridges to provide a non-slippery surface. This makes it easy to grip while also making the toy look attractive.

Different types of dogs prefer a different grip and design to hold onto. Make sure that the design does not cause any scratches or injuries to your pet as well.

Safety

Before purchasing any type of toy for your pet, the most important factor to keep in mind is your dog’s safety. This is because toys that are of cheap quality are made of artificial color coatings or spray paints containing harmful chemicals.

These harmful chemicals might be dangerous for your pet if they ingest it or hold the toy through their mouths. Make sure that the dog tug toys, be it a rope or a bumper toy are made of pet-safe material and contains no toxic dyes or chemicals.

FAQs

1. Why do dogs play tug of war?

Dogs love to play tug of war as it is a sign of their natural predatory instincts. It also provides good mental and physical exercise to your pet and is a great way to foster the bond between humans and dogs.

2. Should I let my dogs play tug of war?

Yes! It is OK for your dogs to play tug of war as it stimulates their mental and physical health and keeps them engaged in a vigorous activity that makes them healthy. It also eliminates anxiety and negative behaviors in dogs.

3. Are tug toys good for dogs?

Yes! Tug toys are a great way for dogs to enjoy as it helps them become strong as well as utilize their pent-up energy completely. Tug toys stimulate their mental and physical health and can be used as a great way to teach self-control.

4. How much for dog tug toys?

Dog Tug Toys can range anywhere between $8-$28 depending upon the material, quality, type, and various other factors.

The best dog tug toy on a budget is the USA Bones & Chews Dog Tug Toy that costs anywhere around $8-$10.

For a premium quality dog tug toy, one can opt for the Goughnuts Tug of War Chew Toy for Dogs that costs around $25-$30. The best dog tug toy is the West Paw Dog Tug Toy that is priced around $15-$20.

5. What is the best dog tug toy?

The best dog tug toy is the one that is durable, tough, and made of safe and non-toxic materials.

According to us, the best dog tug toy is the West Paw Dog Tug Toy which has a unique S-shaped design for flinging easily and the durable material is good for tugging and pulling.

A premium quality dog tug toy would be the Goughnuts Tug of War Chew Toy for Dogs which is made of durable and hard rubber made for the most aggressive breeds.

For a budget purchase, you can opt for the USA Bones & Chews Dog Tug Toy which serves the purpose of a tug as well as a chew toy.

Final Note

Dogs enjoy playing tug of war due to their naturally aggressive and pulling instincts. Hence, tug toys for dogs helps in keeping their natural instincts alive while stimulating them physically and mentally.

There are various types of tug toys available right from rope toys, chew toys, handheld variants, etc. It helps you and your pet spend quality time with each other and increases the bond between you two.

Choose the best dog tug toys with the above reviews and let your dog enjoy playing tug of war with you.