I am the first to admit that I spend more time and money shopping for my dogs during the holidays than I do for my human friends and family. Choosing toys is difficult in my house. My German shepherd takes “indestructible” as a personal challenge, and my cocker spaniel loves plushies. Between the two of them, I have tried toys from every section of the toy aisle.
Here are the top 10 best dog toys for the holidays that get my dogs’ votes and the safety approval of my veterinarian.
Holiday tennis balls
I am the crazy lady who lurks around tennis courts picking up discarded balls. Tennis balls are my #1 holiday dog toy every year. My German shepherd is obsessed with her ball, and we can never have too many lying about the house. For the holidays, I like to let my dogs share the festivities with some holiday tennis balls.
Classic Kong ball
I can’t say enough about this Kong ball. It is extremely durable and bounces higher than any other dog ball I have found. The red color is visible against most turfs, not to mention festive, and the rubber doesn’t get that well-loved smell that tennis balls develop over time. It comes in two sizes, small and medium/large. Kong also carries a Kong Extreme ball for heavy-duty chewers.
Nylabone DuraChew bone
Nylabone carries a huge selection of bones for all levels of chewers. I have yet to buy one my dogs didn’t like. This chew is one of my extreme chewer’s favorites. The bone is made of a very durable hard plastic that has held up for a whole year without losing more than an inch from the ends – a record in my household. The DuraChew bone comes in a variety of sizes and flavors for every member of your pack.
Nylabone DuraChew Dental Chew
The year 2015 saw the release of Jurassic World, but no dinosaurs dared enter my house once they saw the havoc my dogs wreaked on this dino-themed toy from Nylabone. Both my small dog and my big dog love it, and I can’t wait to try all three dino shapes: T-Rex, Stegosaurus and Brontosaurus.
Tuff Ones holiday gingerbread man
This gingerbread man won’t upset your dog’s tummy. Made of tough material and double stitched for durability, this gingerbread man makes a great stocking stuffer for your pup. For humans, the best part about this toy is its soft, flat shape. No more tripping over hard bones and balls with this little guy.
West Paw Design Hurley bone
I have not personally tried this toy, but it is on my own shopping list for two reasons: It is sturdy and it floats. Most of my dogs’ bones and heavy-duty toys sink in the water. The Hurley bone can even go in the dishwasher for cleaning. Put a bow on it and stick it in your pup’s stocking for a festive touch.
Disney Frozen Olaf holiday dog toy
You may have finally gotten that song from Frozen out of your head, but this squeaking Olaf toy will remind you of all the “frozen” fun you and your dog can have together. Don’t tell your pup to “drop” his Olaf. Instead, ask it to “let it go.”
Kong Marathon ball
It is hard not to talk about Kong when choosing the best dog toys. This Marathon ball is a great toy to give your dog during the holidays as it provides at least an hour of distraction with its long-lasting treat challenge. Kong sells treat refills that make good stocking stuffers.
Top Paw penguin
This little penguin is cute and stuffing free, meaning less mess for you and more fun for your dog. The toy makes a crinkling noise that drives dogs crazy with curiosity, providing hours of tossing, shaking and chewing fun.
Ugly Xmas dog sweater
Your dog needs an ugly Christmas sweater just as much as you do. Perfect for snapping a few holiday photos, hosting an ugly sweater party or for keeping your fur baby warm. Christmas sweaters for dogs bring out the Christmas spirit in all of us.
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