For any dog owner, the sight of a happy, playful pet is one of life's great joys. Whether they're chasing a ball, digging with gusto, or stubbornly guarding a favourite squeaky toy, play is essential for a dog's wellbeing. Choosing the right toy, however, can be a challenge with the overwhelming array of options available.
Our Top Picks: Tried and Tested by Canine Experts
To cut through the noise, we enlisted a team of dedicated canine testers: Luna and Huccaby the Labradors, and Bluebell the Springador. Over an extensive testing period, they put a wide range of toys through their paces, assessing them for durability, engagement, and sheer fun factor. The result is a definitive list of the 10 best dog toys for 2026, catering to all breeds, sizes, and play styles.
1. Best Dog Toy Overall: Nylabone Power Chew Shish Kebab
Claiming the top spot is the Nylabone Power Chew Shish Kebab. This chicken-flavoured, mess-free chew is designed for medium and large dogs up to 23kg. It promotes clean teeth and fresh breath by controlling tartar and is remarkably durable. Even after weeks of determined attention from our testers, it showed minimal wear. A quick rinse under warm water refreshes it for the next play session, making it a superb long-lasting choice for persistent chewers.
2. Best Budget Dog Toy: Pup Suds Tug Toy
For eco-conscious owners, the Pup Suds Tug Toy is a standout. Handmade in the UK from recycled cotton, it is machine washable, biodegradable, and compostable. It proved incredibly strong during vigorous tug-of-war sessions, resisting fraying and coming undone. Its vibrant design is easy on human hands, offering sustainable fun without compromising on durability.
3. Best Luxury Dog Toy: Cheerble Interactive Dog Toy Ball
The Cheerble Interactive Ball is a high-tech marvel for small to medium dogs. Made from natural rubber, it features programmable settings to roll, bounce, and jiggle autonomously, with a light-up centre to attract your dog's attention. It boasts automatic obstacle avoidance and charges quickly, providing the perfect balance of active play and rest for curious pups.
4. Best Treat Dispenser: Paws Only Dog Treat Toy
This clever toy doubles as a treat dispenser and a fetch ball. The Paws Only Dog Treat Toy comes in three sizes and features grooves that aid dental care. Its bite-resistant rubber holds kibble or chews, providing mental stimulation as your dog works to retrieve the rewards. It even fits into a standard ball thrower, making it a versatile favourite.
5. Best Toy for Foragers: Pup Suds Eco Snuffle Mat
Another winner from Pup Suds, the Eco Snuffle Mat is a beautiful, handmade puzzle toy from recycled fabrics. It provides excellent grip on floors and allows dogs to forage for hidden kibble, satisfying their natural instincts. As a bonus, the company offers a revamping service once the mat shows signs of love-worn use.
6. Best Squeaker Toy: Kong Squeeze Confetti Stick
No toy round-up is complete without Kong. The Squeeze Confetti Stick is super durable and, uniquely, continues to squeak even if punctured—a blessing for owners of dogs who love to 'de-squeak' their toys. Its bright, glittery design was a hit with our testers, who proudly carried it on walks for weeks.
7. Best Squeaky Toy Alternative: Cadbarky Doggy Milk Fruit and Mutt Toy
For those seeking peace from constant squeaking, the Cadbarky crinkle toy is the answer. This whimsical, durable fabric toy provides satisfying crinkles instead of squeaks. It's sizeable for big breeds yet soft enough for smaller dogs, and it washes brilliantly.
8. Best Puppy Toy: Kong Puppy Chew Treat Toy
Specifically designed for puppies and light chewers, the Kong Puppy Chew Treat Toy is perfect for teething. It can be filled with treats for mental stimulation and encourages licking and gentle chewing. It's easy to clean and even survived a cycle in the dishwasher.
9. Best Soft Chew Toy: Pets at Home Crunchy Branch Squeaky Toy
Ideal for fetch, this ergonomic, stick-like toy from Pets at Home crunches and squeaks, driving dogs wild with excitement. While not the most durable for aggressive chewers, it provides immense fun and is machine washable.
10. Best Toy for Fast Eaters: Nina Ottosson Lickin' Layers Puzzle
This ingenious puzzle feeder from Nina Ottosson features over 100 treat compartments across three spinning layers. It provides hours of mental challenge, slowing down fast eaters and engaging even the brightest dogs. It's dishwasher-safe and operates silently.
How We Tested for Maximum Dog Joy
Our testing methodology was rigorous. Each toy was given to the dogs for both supervised and independent play. We evaluated key factors including durability, engagement level, safety, and suitability for different play styles. We also observed which toys the dogs chose first from a mixed box, indicating their genuine favourites. Value for money was assessed by weighing the cost against the toy's longevity and the enjoyment it provided.
This guide was compiled by Clare O'Reilly, a writer and editor with over two decades of experience, on Tuesday 20 January 2026. Her team of expert canine testers ensured every recommendation is tried, tested, and truly dog-approved.
