How to Choose the Right Dog and Cat Toys: Enrichment Guide + Top Picks0

ByGavin Levenstein

If you want a healthier, happier pet, start with play that feels natural to them. In the wild, animals climb, hunt, dig, forage, fetch, tug, and solve problems to earn rewards. The right toys recreate those instincts safely at home, turning boredom into confidence, calm, and great behaviour.

This practical guide shows you how to choose dog and cat toys by age, size, and play style

Quick checklist: how to choose the right toy

  • Fit: Choose a toy sized for your pet’s mouth, strength, and space at home.
  • Purpose: Match a natural behaviour (hunt, tug, chew, chase, forage, lick).
  • Difficulty: Start easy; increase challenge as your pet learns.
  • Safety: Look for natural rubber or BPA-free TPR, sturdy stitching, no loose parts.
  • Sound: Pick squeaks for high-energy play or quiet toys for apartments and WFH.
  • Supervision: Always supervise ropes, plush, squeakers, and string/wand toys.
  • Rotation: Keep 3–5 toys out and rotate weekly to keep them fresh.

Toy size and durability guide

Dogs

  • Small dogs (under 10 kg): Choose smaller, lighter toys; balls must be too large to slip behind the back molars. Avoid heavy tugs that strain the neck.
  • Medium dogs (10–25 kg): Medium chew density natural rubber, mid-weight tugs, beginner puzzle feeders.
  • Large/power chewers (25 kg+): Heavy-duty rubber, reinforced tugs, “indestructible” category chews; avoid thin plush for solo play.
  • Fetch balls: Shouldn’t fit entirely in the mouth. If in doubt, size up.
  • Water play: Use floating, high-visibility toys.

Cats

  • Wand/teaser toys: Use under supervision; store away between sessions to protect cords/strings.
  • Kicker toys: About the length of your cat’s body from shoulder to hip encourages bunny kicks.
  • Small parts: Avoid loose bells/eyes that can be swallowed.
  • Night play: Choose quiet ball tracks and auto-timer toys.

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Best enrichment toys for dogs (by need)

Enrichment toys give dogs a job to do—sniff, search, chew, tug, problem-solve—so they relax better afterwards.

1) For bored dogs and rainy days

  • Snuffle mat: Sprinkle kibble for scentwork. Great starter enrichment.
  • Treat-dispensing ball: Encourages rolling and chasing with easy wins.
  • Beginner puzzle feeder: One-step lids or sliders that reward pawing and nosing.

2) For aggressive chewers and “toy destroyers”

  • Solid natural rubber chew (BPA-free): Durable, dishwasher-safe.
  • Reinforced tug toy (rope core or strong nylon): For supervised tug sessions.
  • Rotational rule: Offer tough chews in short, focused sessions to prevent overuse fatigue.

3) For puppies (teething and learning)

  • Soft-but-resilient puppy rubber chews (non-toxic): Freeze for gum relief.
  • Lick mat with puppy-safe spread: Calm chewing urge; short, positive sessions.
  • Mini puzzle trays: Build confidence with easy wins.

4) For senior dogs and dogs with arthritis

  • Low-impact lick mat: Soothes and reduces pacing.
  • Slow feeder bowl or easy puzzle: Adds mental work without joint strain.
  • Gentle plush (supervised): Light carry/comfort toy.

5) For fetch, tug, and water lovers

  • Fetch balls and flyers: Choose size-appropriate, high-visibility options.
  • Tug toys: Look for strong handles; teach “take it” and “drop” to protect manners and teeth.
  • Floating toys: Perfect for hot days and swimmers.

6) For apartments and WFH homes (quiet play)

  • Textured rubber chews without squeakers.
  • Lick/foraging sessions (snuffle mat, treat ball with dry food).
  • Soft indoor fetch (plush, foam).

7) For separation anxiety and calming routines

  • Lick mat recipes: Plain xylitol-free peanut butter, mashed pumpkin, plain yoghurt (vet-approved), wet food blended with water. Freeze for longer sessions.
  • Sniff walk + lick mat “cool down” before you leave.

Pro tip: Start with easier difficulty. Success builds confidence and reduces frustration-driven chewing.

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Interactive toys for indoor cats (hunter mode on)

Cats are ambush predators. Aim to mimic stalk–pounce–catch–eat–groom–sleep.

1) For cats that “won’t play”

  • Wand/teaser toy: Slow, ground-level movements like a lizard. End each session with a “catch.”
  • Foraging feeders: Scatter a portion of dinner in puzzle balls or snuffle-style mats for cats.

2) For mental stimulation and weight management

  • Puzzle feeder or treat ball: Use part of daily calories; increase difficulty gradually.
  • Ball track or motion toy (timer-based): Short bursts prevent over-stimulation.

3) For anxious or night-active cats

  • Kicker toys with catnip or silvervine: Provide a satisfying “catch” and bunny-kick.
  • Calm routine: 10-minute wand play ? treat/meal in a foraging feeder ? lights down.
  • Laser pointer alternative: Use a wand toy; if you do use a laser, always end with a tangible toy to bite.

Catnip vs silvervine

  • Catnip excites roughly 50–70% of cats; silvervine often engages cats that ignore catnip. Try both and rotate weekly.

Multi-cat homes

  • Offer one toy per cat plus one extra to reduce resource guarding.
  • Separate play sessions for shy or bullied cats.

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Puzzle toys vs treat dispensers vs lick mats

  • Puzzle toys (lids, sliders, flippers)

– Best for: Problem-solving, mealtime enrichment – Difficulty: Medium to high (choose levels) – Mess: Low to medium (dry or semi-moist)

  • Treat-dispensing balls/rollers

– Best for: Movement + food rewards, beginners – Difficulty: Low to medium (adjustable openings) – Mess: Low (dry food)

  • Lick mats

– Best for: Calming, slow feeding, grooming distraction – Difficulty: Low (extend with freezing or patterns) – Mess: Medium (wet food/yoghurt—use a tray or place on tile)

Curious about materials? Choose natural rubber or BPA-free TPR for durability and safety. Avoid thin, brittle plastics.

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How to introduce a new toy to a shy dog or cat (step-by-step)

1) Pick the right moment: After a meal or walk when stress is low. 2) Scent it first: Rub with a blanket your pet sleeps on, or sprinkle a bit of kibble nearby. 3) Short, easy wins: Make the first attempt simple (treats visible, slow wand movements). 4) Pair with praise: Calm voice, gentle strokes, and small food rewards. 5) Model the game: Tap the puzzle lids, roll the treat ball, or wiggle the wand on the floor. 6) Stop while it’s fun: End the session before interest fades. 7) Repeat tomorrow with a tiny increase in difficulty.

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Safe materials, cleaning, and when to replace toys

Safest dog/cat toy materials

  • Natural rubber or BPA-free TPR: Durable, easy to clean.
  • Quality rope (supervised) and reinforced stitching for plush.
  • Avoid: Chips, cracked plastics, glued-on parts that can be swallowed.

How to clean dog toys

  • Rubber/TPR: Warm soapy water; many are top-rack dishwasher-safe. Rinse thoroughly.
  • Rope: Machine wash in a delicates bag; air-dry fully to prevent mildew.
  • Plush: Gentle cycle, mild detergent; inspect seams after washing.
  • Lick mats/puzzles: Soak in warm soapy water; scrub grooves; rinse well. Check maker’s instructions.

When to replace toys

  • Rubber: Deep cracks, missing chunks, or sharp edges.
  • Rope: Unravelling strands longer than 2–3 cm.
  • Plush: Exposed stuffing, broken squeaker housings, torn seams.
  • Cat wands: Frayed strings, loose attachments, or bent wires.

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DIY enrichment ideas (budget-friendly)

Dogs

  • Towel roll-ups: Roll dry food in a towel and let your dog unroll it.
  • Muffin tin game: Tennis balls covering treats in a muffin tray.
  • Sniff-in-the-grass: Scatter-feed a handful of kibble in the garden.

Cats

  • Paper bag ambush: Crinkle bag with a sprinkle of kibble inside (cut handles).
  • Cardboard box fort: Cut “mouse holes” to bat toys through.
  • Toilet roll feeders: Fold ends with a few pieces of kibble inside.

Always supervise and recycle components afterwards.

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Trending now (2025): smarter, greener play

  • Smart interactive toys (auto-play, app timers): Great for short, scheduled sessions—still rotate to avoid boredom.
  • Eco-friendly toys: Look for recycled fabrics, natural rubber, and minimal packaging. Clean regularly to extend lifespan.

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FAQs

Q: How do I choose the right size toy for my dog? A: A toy should be large enough that it can’t slip behind the back molars. When in doubt, size up—especially with balls and chews. Match durability to your dog’s bite strength.

Q: What are the safest materials for dog and cat toys? A: Natural rubber and BPA-free TPR are durable and easy to clean. For plush, look for reinforced stitching. For cats, supervise strings/wands and store them away after play.

Q: How many toys should my pet have, and how often should I rotate them? A: Keep 3–5 toys out at a time and rotate weekly. Maintain a mix: one chew, one food puzzle/foraging toy, one chase/tug toy, and one comfort/soft toy (supervised).

Q: Are squeaky toys okay for anxious dogs? A: Some anxious dogs find squeaks arousing rather than soothing. Try lick mats, snuffle mats, or quiet chews for calming. Use squeakers for short, structured play only.

Q: How can I get my indoor cat to play more? A: Schedule two 5–10 minute wand sessions daily, then feed a small portion in a foraging feeder. Use silvervine if catnip doesn’t work, and rotate toys weekly.

Q: How do I clean and sanitize toys safely? A: Use warm soapy water and rinse well. Many rubber toys are top-rack dishwasher-safe. Wash rope/plush on gentle and air-dry. Replace anything with cracks, frays, or exposed parts.

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P.S. Looking for the best fit for your pet? Message our team and we’ll match you to the right difficulty level and size based on age, breed mix, and play style.

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