Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Dogs

PawTracks may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

4 toys under $40 your puppy simply can’t destroy

By

That cute little puppy who destroys every toy you buy him really can’t help it. His ancestors were foragers, and even though dogs have been domesticated for more than 15,000 years, some of those natural instincts are simply undeniable.

havanese-puppy-with-red-ball
https://www.shutterstock.com/g/mdorottya

That means whether your dog is bored, curious, or simply wants to kill the squeak in his new plush toy, finding durable toys for your dog to play with can be a challenge. No toy is completely indestructible, but here are four tough options we’ve found that won’t break the bank:

Recommended Videos

Goughnuts Indestructible Ring Chew

If your dog is “out of this world” (and we know he is), buy him a toy made from the same rubber engineers use to build spaceships and aircraft. Multiple sizes ensure the right fit for your dog, and the red safety-indicator core inside gives you peace of mind (the yellow dot shown in our picture indicates this model is made for the toughest munchers).

Petstages Dog Chew Toy

Safely satisfy your dog’s urge to chew on wood with this chew stick made of natural wood fiber and synthetic material. The texture and taste mimic real wood, which eliminates the risk of oral and intestinal injury caused by real wood splinters. Multiple sizes allow you to choose the right fit for your pet.

Related

Jemesx Dog Toy for Aggressive Chewers

Treat your heavy chewer to this beef-flavored, bite-resistant chew toy made from nontoxic and eco-friendly natural rubber. Squishy spikes effectively remove food particles to keep teeth cleaner.

Kong Classic Dog Toy from $7.49

Treat your favorite canine and provide mental and physical stimulation at the same time with this classic rubber food puzzle. The unique shape bounces unpredictably for a fun game of chase. Dishwasher safe and comes in six sizes.

Does my dog really need toys?

Providing appropriate toys for your dog does more than just make you feel good as a pet parent; it also addresses several of your puppy’s needs:

  • It teaches him to chew on appropriate items. The old stories about chewed-up slippers are real. Dogs will play with almost anything that interests them.
  • It keeps him from being bored. As much as you might want to, you simply can’t be with your pup every single minute. Having toys to play with keeps him occupied and helps prevent him from developing problem behaviors.
  • It provides a sense of comfort. Some dogs find companionship in small plush toys they can carry in their mouths.
pug-puppy-with-rubber-duck
https://www.shutterstock.com/g/Ezzolo

How to choose the best toy for my dog

That dog toy might look cute in the pet store, but take a few minutes to evaluate your dog’s needs before you buy it.

  • Is it the right size? Toys that are too small can be a choking hazard. Conversely, your pup might lose interest in a toy that’s too big to carry in his mouth.
  • Does it fit your dog’s activity level? Plush toys and those with squeakers are a good choice for gentle dogs, while durable rubber toys are best for more energetic dogs.
  • Is your dog up to a challenge? Supersmart (or easily bored) pups usually enjoy treat-dispensing and puzzle toys.

Here’s another tip. Change things up by rotating toys. And, of course, always supervise your pet whenever you introduce him to a new toy so you can observe his behavior. Remember, whether it’s a chew, fetch, tug, or treat toy, your dog loves interacting with you. Any activity that brings you together benefits you both.

Editors’ Recommendations

Topics
Debbie Clason
Debbie Clason
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Debbie Clason's work has appeared in Family Life Magazine, Sports Illustrated, The Lutheran Witness, Massage Magazine…
5 easy-to-make DIY dog treats that you can make for your pup this fall
Fall-inspired DIY dog treats you can whip up
A marble countertop with miniature pumpkins and fall-themed dog treats

There are so many festive fall foods, but finding the perfect homemade dog treat recipe for your autumn gathering can be trickier than you think. Luckily, many of this season’s freshest crops and ingredients are healthy, nutritious autumn additions to your dog’s diet. Pumpkin, apple, even cinnamon … these flavors practically scream "fall."
Even if you don’t have any big plans, baking up some cute and healthy homemade dog treats is a great way to bond with your dog when the weather gets cozy. Food-motivated pups will especially appreciate these DIY dog treats, and you’ll love the sweet, cozy vibes you’ll get from cooking for your fur baby. It’s the perfect night in!

How to prepare pumpkin spice for dogs -- because even dogs should get a taste of this autumn delicacy
While you're sipping on a pumpkin spice latte, there's no reason your furry friend should miss out. Luckily, there's a dog-safe recipe for pumpkin spice that you can make from home.
However you want to prepare these autumnal ingredients, you should know a few things about pumpkin spice for dogs. Pumpkin on its own is full of nutrients, such as vitamins and iron; plus, its high fiber content can regulate finicky digestive systems (via American Kennel Club). Just ensure your dog doesn’t get added sugars with her pumpkin, as this isn’t good for her.
When preparing your spice mix, remember to avoid nutmeg. This ingredient isn’t healthy for pups, and it can easily be substituted for a similar flavor. Instead, a mix of cinnamon, ginger, allspice, clove, and a dash of vanilla extract will do. Use these ingredients to spice up nearly any biscuit, yogurt, or pumpkin-flavored dog treat--for you or your pup!

Read more
Taking your dog’s collar off at night: Safe move or safety risk?
What to know about taking your dog's collar off at night
A man clips a leash on a beagle's collar.

When you and you dog are out and about, your dog's collar is an important part of keeping them safe. It holds their tags, which has vital info that can help you reunite if your dog gets lost, is a convenient place to hold onto if the leash breaks, and it lets other people know that your dog isn't a stray if they get lost.

However, some dog owners take their dog's collar off while they're at home. For some, this sounds like the perfect opportunity to give their dog some time to relax. For others, this might sound like a safety hazard. So which is the truth?

Read more
What is the best food for older dogs? These 6 vet-approved kibbles and canned foods won’t steer you wrong
Try these veterinarian-approved dog food products for your senior dog
Senior golden retriever and Chihuahua sitting in front of food bowls

As your dog gets older, you'll need to make some changes to your home and routine to keep them feeling their best. That includes changing their dog food, too!
Although the best food for older dogs varies depending on your buddy's health, size, and specific needs, there are several guidelines you can follow to help you find a product that does the trick. Of course, your local veterinarian will be your most knowledgeable resource, especially if they have a long history with your pet. They can also recommend and approve a prescription diet for your dog, giving you even more brands, flavors, and nutrients at your disposal. And since nutrition greatly impacts overall health, investing in high-quality food is paramount.
We did some research since it can be tricky to know which kibbles and canned foods make a veterinarian's approved list. Here’s what we found, including a selection of six vet-recommended dog foods you can try with your senior dog.

What's the best food for older dogs? Here are six options and what makes them so good
Though your senior dog may be as energetic as ever, their body will need a different diet as they age. Banfield Pet Hospital’s Dr. KT Boyle, DVM, told NBC News that because older pets have particular nutritional needs, you’ll need to think about a few different factors when choosing their food.
Older dogs need fewer calories and more supplementation than younger pups, for example. This reduced caloric need is because of the way an animal's metabolism slows as they age, though the exact supplements they need depend on the individual. To find out exactly what will benefit them, have a conversation with your veterinarian. It's that easy!
Dr. Boyle notes that even though senior dog foods contain many helpful nutrients — like glucosamine and fatty acids for joint health — you might need to add supplement drops or chews to your pet’s diet. Luckily, there are many to choose from and many ways to get them.
When it comes to wet versus dry food, though, there can be benefits to both. Dogs with dental issues may find wet food easier to eat, but the texture in kibble can help fight plaque and tartar buildup on your pup’s teeth. The pet nutrition pros at Pedigree remind owners that there is no one right answer. When in doubt, ask your vet!
That being said, there are a few senior dog foods that Dr. Boyle recommends over others. These include:

Read more