The Best Plush Toys for Your Dog

While some dogs have an aggressive chewing habit that can only be managed with strong rubber and plastic, there are a few special cases. If your dog likes to gently chew their toy to help with anxiety or enjoys carrying around a friend in their mouth, a plush toy is an ideal choice. Their soft fabric and stuffed designs are perfect for providing your gentle dog with a companion. Here are some fantastic dog plush toys we recommend.

Purchasing a Plush Toy for Your Dog

When searching for your dog’s next toy, consider these factors:

• Material: If you are worried about your dog tearing the inner fiber out of a soft toy, opt for one with woven fabric and strong stitching for extra durability. Dogs that have a gentler touch, or older dogs with missing teeth, can get plenty of enjoyment out of softer toys made from cotton or linen.
• Size: While it’s best to refer to the product’s size recommendations, a good rule of thumb is to ensure that the toys are bulky enough to not be swallowed. You should also assess the plush toy to see if there are any small parts that could be removed and accidentally ingested. When the plush toy is nearing the end of its time, keep an eye on your dog to see if any stuffing appears. When it does, it is time to get a replacement.
• Features: Certain breeds require an intense amount of daily mental stimulation. If you find your dog chewing aimlessly, consider a plush toy that includes squeakers or a challenging design.

Most Durable: goDog Checkers

This adorable elephant has a tough design to entertain your dog for longer. The plush toy features a tight-knit fabric exterior and a durable inner lining that uses chew guard technology to ensure the toy stays intact. The seams are double stitched for extra strength to keep each panel of fabric attached no matter how hard your dog chews. Within the elephant’s stomach, there is a hidden squeaker that is made to draw on your dog’s natural hunting instincts and create a more entertaining experience.

Best for Gentle Dogs: Mulitpet Lambchop Plush Dog Toy

This small lamb plush toy is ideal for dogs that like to carry around companions or elderly pets that can’t handle tough toys. The fur is ultra-soft, making this lamb toy great for cuddling. Along with the white fur, the knitted face contains no hard materials, so you can let your dog play without worry. The internal squeaker creates a more interactive experience for the dog, while the 10-inch size is easy for owners to pick up and throw.

Best Set: ZippyPaws Skinny Peltz Squeaky Plush Dog Toy

Small woodland creatures are often the prize of your dog’s outdoor pursuits, but with this set of plush toys, your dog can finally catch them. This set of six includes two foxes, raccoons, and squirrels that each have no stuffing. However, each toy does have three internal squeakers, so your dog can feel like they are capturing real animals. The 18-inch size is great for medium to large dogs, but if you are looking for something a little more compact, opt for the 11-inch sized set that better suits the needs of small dogs.

Best Ball: Chuckit! Indoor Ball for Small Dogs

Dirty tennis balls can reak havoc on your clean home, but this soft chew toy from Chuckit! gives you an indoor-friendly option. The outer layer of this ball is covered in textured chenille fabric that is soft on mouths and floors. On the inside, the Bounceflex Core Technology ensures that the ball still rolls and bounces for exciting play between the dog and owner. When the ball inevitably rolls beneath a piece of furniture, the bright orange and blue colors will make it easy for your dog to spot and retrieve.

Most Challenging: Outward Hound Hide-A-Squirrel Puzzle Toy

Soft plush toys don’t have to be boring, and this Hide-A-Squirrel toy is anything but boring. The soft log holds up to three plush squirrel toys that your dog can attempt to remove. The log’s lid is attached to ensure that the squirrels stay inside while pets attempt to remove them through the two side holes. Each stuffed squirrel features a squeaker to create a playing experience that feels like a hunt.