The 7 Best Dog Tug Toys of 2023

Remember to choose a tug toy that is appropriate for your dog’s size and strength, and always supervise play to ensure safety.

1. West Paw Bumi: This tug toy is the top overall pick due to its soft, stretchy material that can extend to twice its length. It is also buoyant and dishwasher safe, making it a versatile and easy-to-clean option.
2. GoughNuts TuG Dog Toy: This durable tug toy is made from natural rubber and features a reinforced inner core for added strength. It has a built-in safety indicator that changes color if the toy is compromised, alerting you to replace it.
3. Kong Tug Toy: Kong is a well-known brand for dog toys, and their tug toy is no exception. It is made from durable rubber and features handles on each end for a comfortable grip during play.
4. Outward Hound Fire Biterz: This tug toy is designed with multiple layers of tough fabric and reinforced seams, making it durable for intense tug sessions. It also has a squeaker for added excitement.
5. Chuckit! Ultra Tug: From the popular Chuckit! line, this tug toy is made of sturdy nylon and has a rubber center for added durability. It has a comfortable grip handle and is compatible with the Chuckit! Ball Launcher for extended play.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:West Paw Zogoflex Tug Toy at Amazon
Best Plush:Outward Hound Invincibles Snakes at Amazon
Best With Ball:Chuckit! Ultra Tug at Amazon
Best Rubber:SodaPup Tug Toy at Amazon
Best for Puppies:KONG Wubba at Amazon
Best for Tough Chewers:Goughnuts Tug Toy at Amazon
Best Ring:TUFFY Ultimate Ring at Amazon

Best Overall West Paw Zogoflex Bumi Dog Tug Toy

Amazon: View On Amazon

What We Like

• For tug and fetch
• Floats and is dishwasher safe
• Recyclable (with manufacturer)
• Guaranteed

What We Don’t Like

• Not for aggressive chewers

The West Paw Bumi is an excellent choice for a tug toy due to its unique S-shaped design and stretchy material. It provides ample give during tug-of-war games and can accommodate multiple dogs playing together. It is also versatile, serving as a fling toy for fetch and offering a good bounce when thrown.

The Bumi is available in three vibrant colors, making it easy to spot during outdoor play. It comes in small and large sizes to suit different dogs. Additionally, it is buoyant, making it suitable for water activities. Cleaning is a breeze as it is dishwasher safe, so you can easily remove any dog slobber or dirt.

Manufactured in Montana, the Bumi is made from Zogoflex, a proprietary material composed of blended plastics. It is free of BPA and latex, ensuring it is safe for your dog to play with. Furthermore, the company promotes environmental sustainability by offering a recycling program where the toy can be turned into new toys. The material has a rubbery and soft texture, making it appealing for puppies going through teething. However, it is important to supervise chewing sessions, as determined dogs may be able to break off pieces of the toy.

Price at time of publish: $20 (large)

_{Size: 8 inches (small), 9.5 inches (large) | Materials:Zogoflex, material made of blended plastics | Colors: Aqua blue, Granny Smith, tangerine}

Best Plush Outward Hound Invincibles Snakes

Amazon: View On Amazon

What We Like

• Durable fabric
• Lots of squeakers
• Three sizes
• No stuffing

What We Don’t Like

• Really tough chewers can damage it

This colorful snake toy is designed for interactive play and tug-of-war sessions with your dog. You can securely hold one end while your dog pulls and tugs on the other. Additionally, when playtime is over or you prefer not to engage in tug-of-war, the snake doubles as a sturdy squeaky toy, providing added entertainment for your dog.

The toy is constructed with two layers of durable fabric and heavily reinforced seams, ensuring its durability during play. Depending on the size, the toy is equipped with multiple squeakers – three in the large size, six in the extra-large size, and twelve in the ginormous size. Even if the squeakers are punctured, they continue to produce noise.

Notably, the snake toy is stuffing-free, eliminating the risk of a messy cleanup if the fabric is chewed through. However, some particularly determined dogs may be able to tear the toy apart, leaving behind colorful fuzz. Although the fabric is tough, it maintains a relatively soft texture, providing a comfortable cushion for your dog during nap time or relaxation.

Price at time of publish: $11 (large)

_{Size: 24.5 x 4 x 2 inches (large), 40 x 4 x 2 inches (extra-large), 70 x 2 x 5 inches (ginormous) | Materials:Polyester, synthetic fabric | Colors:Blue, green, orange}

Best With Ball Chuckit! Ultra Tug

Amazon: View On Amazon

What We Like

• Handle makes it easy to tug or throw
• Three sizes
• Less expensive than most

What We Don’t Like

• Can fray with serious chewing

If you have a ball-obsessed dog who enjoys both catching and tugging, the Chuckit Ball Tug Toy is a great option. This toy features a classic orange rubber ball on one end, attached to a heavy-duty strap with a leash-like handle. You can hold onto the handle while your dog grabs onto the ball, creating a twist on the traditional game of tug-of-war.

Alternatively, you can throw the entire toy by hand or using a launcher and let your dog retrieve it. Chuckit balls are well-known for their durability, and the bright orange color makes them highly visible and difficult to lose during outdoor play.

When choosing the Chuckit Ball Tug Toy, be sure to select the appropriate size for your dog to ensure the ball is large enough and the strap is long enough to accommodate their size.

It’s important to note that this toy does not float, so it may not be suitable for water play. Additionally, the strap can fray if your dog is left to chew on it unsupervised. To ensure the longevity of the toy, it’s recommended to supervise your dog during play and prevent excessive chewing on the strap.

Price at time of publish: $5

_{Size:2 x 4.5 x 5.5 inches (small), 2.5 x 5.44 x 6.43 inches (medium), 3.1 x 3.5 x 4.85 inches (large) | Materials: Rubber, polyester, synthetic fabric | Colors:Orange and blue}

Best Rubber SodaPup Pop Top Tug Toy

Amazon: View On Amazon

What We Like

• Springy rubber
• Dishwasher safe
• Cute, colorful design

What We Don’t Like

• Not for aggressive chewers

The SodaPup Tug Toy is designed in the shape of a pull tab on an old-time soda can. It features a bright orange color and has a large open loop on each end, allowing for a secure and comfortable grip during tugging sessions. The toy measures approximately one foot in length, which is suitable for most dogs except for the very small or very large breeds. When it becomes dirty, you can conveniently clean it by placing it in the dishwasher’s top rack.

SodaPup toys are proudly made in the United States using a material called PuppyPrene. This natural rubber material is free from BPA and phthalates, making it safe for your dog to chew on. It strikes a balance between durability and softness, providing a satisfying grip for your pup without causing harm to their teeth. PuppyPrene is also soothing for teething puppies. However, it’s important to note that while the material is durable, strong chewers may still be able to damage the toy, so it’s recommended to supervise your dog during playtime and avoid leaving them unattended with the toy.

Price at time of publish: $19

_{Size: 12 x 5 x 0.625 inches | Materials: Natural rubber | Colors: Orange}

Best for Puppies KONG Wubba

Amazon: View On Amazon

What We Like

• Works for tug or toss
• Has squeaker
• Lots of colors

What We Don’t Like

• Not incredibly durable

The KONG Wubba is a vibrant and engaging toss and tug toy that offers interactive play for dogs. It features a covered squeaky ball on one end and floppy tails on the other, making it enticing for puppies and dogs alike. The design allows for various play styles, as puppies can grab either end and engage in a fun game of tug-of-war with their human or canine companions. The toy’s multiple easy-to-grab strips also make it suitable for multi-dog play, allowing several pups to join in on the fun.

While the KONG Wubba is relatively soft and easy to throw for fetching sessions, it’s important to note that it is not intended to be a chew toy. Rough play and excessive chewing may cause the toy to rip or unravel, potentially posing a safety hazard. Therefore, it’s recommended to supervise playtime and avoid leaving the Wubba with your dog unsupervised. The toy is available in three different sizes for dogs, as well as a smaller version specifically designed for puppies.

Price at time of publish: $10 (large)

_{Size: 6.5 inches (puppy), 8.75 inches (small), 13 inches (large), 17 inches (extra-large) | Materials:Nylon | Colors: Blue, red, purple, pink, light blue}

Best for Tough Chewers Goughnuts Original Tug Toy

Amazon: View On Amazon

What We Like

• Very tough rubber
• Guaranteed
• Three sizes
• Different levels of rubber durability

What We Don’t Like

• Really, really aggressive chewers can damage it

Goughnuts tug toys are specifically designed to meet the needs of big dogs with a strong chewing instinct. These toys are made from a durable rubber material that is designed to withstand heavy chewing and is virtually indestructible. The medium size is recommended for dogs weighing between 30 to 70 pounds, while the large size is suitable for dogs weighing 60 to 120 pounds. You can choose different levels of rubber durability based on your dog’s chewing style and strength.

The Goughnuts tug toy features two rings, allowing you and your dog to have a side each for engaging tug-of-war play. The toy is also designed to float, making it suitable for water activities. It can be easily cleaned by washing it in warm, soapy water. It’s worth noting that while the Goughnuts tug toy is extremely durable, some highly aggressive chewers may still be able to remove a chunk from the toy. However, the company offers a guarantee that if your dog chews through the outer layer and reaches the red warning layer, they will replace the toy.

Overall, Goughnuts tug toys provide a tough and long-lasting option for big dogs that enjoy a challenge and are prone to destructive chewing.

Price at time of publish: $28

_{Size:  9 x 6 x 1.38 inches (medium), 10.87 x 5.71 x 1.5 inches (large) | Materials: Rubber | Colors: Green, orange, black, yellow}

Best Ring TUFFY Ultimate Ring

Amazon: View On Amazon

What We Like

• Floats
• Machine washable
• Soft but durable

What We Don’t Like

• Strong chewers can rip outer seams
• Sometimes available only as a two-pack

This soft dog toy is designed to be tough and durable, despite its softness. It features four layers of fabric, including a fleece cover and seven rows of stitching, which helps prevent shredding and makes it more resistant to destruction. The toy is available in two sizes and comes in various colors to suit your preference.

The ring shape of the toy makes it easy for both dogs and people to grab onto an end, allowing for interactive tug-of-war play. Additionally, the ring is designed to float in water, adding an extra element of fun for water-loving dogs. When it’s time to clean the toy, you can simply toss it in the washing machine, but make sure to air-dry it afterwards.

While the toy includes a squeaker for added entertainment, it’s important to note that it is not intended to be a chew toy. Instead, it’s meant for activities such as tossing, tugging, and even providing a comfortable spot for your pet to nap on.

Overall, this soft dog toy offers a combination of durability, versatility, and comfort, making it a great option for interactive play and relaxation.

Price at time of publish: $21

_{Size: 9 inches (regular), 7 inches (junior) | Materials: Polyester and fleece fabric | Colors: Blue, red, yellow, pink}

What to Look For

When choosing a tug toy, it’s important to consider the size and shape of the toy. The toy should be an appropriate size for both you and your dog, allowing you to hold it comfortably with your fingers mostly closed around the handle. Your dog should be able to close their mouth around the toy without straining their jaw. Avoid toys that are too thick, as they may pose a risk of jaw injuries.

The materials and durability of the toy are also crucial factors to consider. Tug toys are not typically designed to double as chew toys, so it’s important to supervise your dog while playing with them. Look for toys made from strong and sturdy materials that are tear-resistant. If the toy is made of fabric, check for double- or triple-stitched seams to ensure durability.

Some tug toys come with additional features, such as squeakers or balls attached to them. Squeakers can add entertainment value to the toy, while a ball incorporated into the toy can be appealing for dogs who love fetch. Additionally, consider a tug toy with a comfortable handle. The handle is important for maintaining a secure grip and reducing the risk of strain or injury to your wrist and elbow, especially when tugging with larger dogs.

Special sections or clearly defined areas on the toy can help guide your dog’s mouth placement during tugging, making it easier for them to understand where to grip the toy. If your dog enjoys water activities, you may want to choose a tug toy that floats, allowing for added fun during water play.

By considering these factors, you can choose a tug toy that is the right size, made of durable materials, and equipped with any additional features that enhance your dog’s enjoyment and safety during play.

FAQ

• Are tug-of-war toys good for dogs?They definitely can be, trainers say. “Tug toys are great for dogs to relieve tension, reduce stress, and get exercise. Tug can help dogs calm themselves after a stressful moment and alleviate frustration about a challenging training task,” Kelley says.Tug toys can also help you teach your dog how to play appropriately so they learn which behaviors are okay.
• Do tug toys make dogs aggressive?Tug toys won’t turn a dog aggressive, but they can get a pup really worked up. “Some dogs become over-aroused when they play tug; some assess the tug toy as a very valued resource and seek to keep it away from you,” Kelley says.But he points out that the dogs that become over-aroused would likely act that way in many situations. “Dogs who resource-guard a tug toy might display other possessive tendencies. Tugging is actually a great way to encourage your dog to exercise more self-restraint and learn to share if they struggle with that.”
• Are rope toys safe for dogs?Many tug toys are made from long knotted ropes that are actually made up of hundreds or thousands of tiny strands. During play, your dog can unravel the fibers and swallow them. That can lead to intestinal blockage or what vets call “linear foreign bodies.” They can wrap around the intestines and be life threatening.
• How do you play with a tug toy?Kelley suggests following these tips for a good game of tug:
  • Don’t let your dog tug so hard it hurts you. “If you’re tugging with a dog that’s stronger than you are, it’s up to you to let go if they pull too hard or abruptly. If they want to keep tugging with you, it benefits them to modulate and tug at an acceptable strength level.”
  • Don’t let your dog move their grip closer to your hand. “Dogs often try to move their grip closer. They are excited and invested in the game! But that will make it easier for him to hit you with his teeth, and that’s a big no.”
  • If your dog takes the toy away, they have to bring it back in order to keep playing. “If you chase your dog around when they win the toy, they learn they should run away with it! You can encourage them to take prosocial actions and resume playing only when they have brought it back.”
  • If you take the toy away, everyone takes a quick break. Kelley suggests, “10 or 15 seconds is fine, just long enough so he’s not lunging back into it the second he loses his grip.”