When it comes to keeping our furry friends entertained, few things are as engaging as water play. Dog water toys are a fantastic way to combine fun and exercise, allowing dogs to splash around while honing their retrieval skills. Whether you’re at the beach, a lake, or simply in your backyard pool, the right water toys can make a significant difference in your dog’s enjoyment.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best dog water toys available on the market today. We’ll compare them based on various important factors, such as material quality, floatation ability, and safety features. By the end, you’ll be equipped with all the information you need to choose the perfect water toy for your pup, ensuring endless fun and a safe play experience.
Best Overall
Chuckit! Amphibious Bumper Fetch and Float
Our favorite pick for a dog water toy comes courtesy of ChuckIt!, one of the most prolific and trusted makers of multipurpose recreational accessories for eager pups. At the Spruce, we also love their resilient Classic Ball Launcher, for an easier and more sanitary fetch game, as well as their durable rubber Ultra Ball and others.
When it comes to water-specific toys, however, ChuckIt’s Amphibious Bumper Fetch and Float Toy is the brand’s standout offering.Made of nylon, rubber, and memory foam, it is maximally protected against potential water damage, no matter how much you use it or how long you leave it floating. (This also makes for easy cleaning.)
The Chuckit Amphibious Bumper Fetch and Float is one of Liv Healy’s favorite water toys. “It’s affordable and soft, and dogs love it,” they said. “Plus, it doesn’t sink when punctured.”
The toy is easy to throw a long distance without losing control of the knotty rope, or letting the handle slip out of your hand. This is thanks to the friction built into the ergonomic handle design.
Best Stick
Nerf Dog 12in TPR/Foam Megaton Competition Stick
As our favorite tool for tugging and chewing (as well as a healthy game of fetch), the Nerf Dog Megaton Competition Stick is about as durable as a chew toy can get. Its design is perfect for vigorous gnawing by medium to large dogs, made of thermoplastic rubber, foam, and nylon—in other words, the materials that make Nerf so trusted for toys of all types. The materials mean that the Competition Stick is simultaneously easy to clean, resistant to the elements, lightweight, and difficult to wear down.
Marketed as being a North American Diving Dogs favorite, this resilient toy is acceptable for both hyper-athletic dogs and pups who just like some active play with their own. The Stick is also set up to promote a deeper connection between handler and dog, with a dual-sided body that permits you to run alongside your pup.
More We Recommend
Project Hive Pet Company Hive Ball Dog Toy
Best Ball: It goes without saying that a ball is the most classic go-to toy for a dog, and especially perfect for burning some puppy calories and healthy teething. There are a lot of options for excellent recreational balls for dogs who like to swim, but the Project Hive Pet Company Ball Toy is our favorite. It works in and out of water, with a durable hard rubber and plastic design that bounces erratically (when used out of water).
Our tester puppy thoroughly enjoyed playing with this toy, both in and out of water. Impressively, her shark-like puppy teeth did not even come close to denting it, which her parent appreciated. This puppy loved batting the Project Hive Pet Company Hive Ball around in the water, and out of the water, the erratic bounce pattern kept her entertained for long stretches of time.
KONG Aqua Floating Fetch Toy
Best Fetch Toy: Kong’s floating fetch toy is an entertaining, multi-purpose option for handler-dog play, whether a game of standard fetch or getting a little more serious with some tug-o-war. The adaptable toy is also available in two sizes for different types of dogs, with its classic model designed for pups between 30-65 pounds. The playfully shaped toy floats easily, thanks to its form core.
Despite its lightness, the Kong Aqua is exceptionally resistant to damage, either from rough play, teething, or water. (For a product for very heavy biters and chewers, we recommend the Kong Extreme model, which is extra-durable.) Kong fetch toys are not heavy on the pocketbook, but they are an extra good investment because they work equally well in and out of the water.
Earth Rated Flyer Dog Toy
Best Frisbee Toy: The Earth Rated Flyer Dog Toy is a floppy ring toy made from thermoplastic rubber. It’s designed to be used like a Frisbee, and can be played with both in and out of water.
We tested this toy with a very active 4 year old Schipperke who really loved playing with it. The toy floats well in water, and is also fun outside of the water, bouncing with an enticing irregular pattern that many dogs love. His parent appreciated the toy’s durability, noting that she didn’t see any teeth marks on the toy even after many rounds of tug and fetch. She also noted how easy it was to clean, as you can rinse it off quickly.
Conclusion
Choosing the right dog water toys can significantly enhance your dog’s playtime, ensuring they stay active and engaged during water activities. From examining the material quality and floatation ability to considering safety features and user reviews, understanding these aspects will help you make an informed decision.
Remember, the best dog water toys are not only entertaining but also safe and durable. Investing in a quality toy will not only provide endless fun for your pup but will also stand the test of time against rough play. With the insights from this guide, you’re now ready to select the perfect dog water toys that suit your furry friend’s needs. So grab a toy, head to the water, and enjoy those splashes together!
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