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Calling all dog parents: We need to talk about the importance of pet toys! Guys, as a dedicated dog mom for over two decades, I can not stress enough how essential it is to stock up on fun and interactive toys for your pup. When we think of doggy essentials, there’s a chance “toys” don’t make it on the list. Instead, we’ll consider leashes, collars, foods, and the like. But the more I observe my pets, the more I realize just how much squeaky toys and chewy balls constitute “essentials” as much as anything else on the planet. 

Our furry friends need stimulation all day long, so as their protectors and providers, it’s imperative we give ‘em some! The best way to provide mental, physical, and emotional stimulation for our beloved waggy-tailed companions? Toys, toys, and more toys! Interactive trinkets, gadgets, and balls will keep your beloved pets on their feet for fetching, catching, and barking with joy. Since dogs need frequent exercise for a hearty, healthy life, these toys will do just the trick! 

Ready to keep your K-9 happy, healthy, and stimulated? Check out these puppy-approved interactive toys that will keep your furry friends wagging their tails with joy.

Chuckit! Indoor Ball 

My beloved dog, Dino, is utterly obsessed with playing ball. It doesn’t matter if it’s the crack of dawn or midnight. No matter the circumstances, he’ll run around for hours in order to catch that cherished orange ball of his. And while I try to take him to the dog park for at least an hour every day so he can zip around and play catch, things often come up that cut our outdoor extravaganzas short.

Whether it’s severe weather conditions, crowded dog parks with growling, aggressive K-9s, or schedule conflicts that prevent my little guy on his favorite ball-playing trip, things add up. As much as it kills me to admit it, unforeseeable circumstances happen all too often that lead us to be stuck at home without the ability to play. When this happens, Dino will always (successfully) guilt-trip me with those big puppy eyes, and I know exactly what he’s thinking — he’s utterly miserable without his ball time. 

But Chuckit! Indoor Ball to the rescue! I bought this toy for Dino, and he’s been playing with it more than anything else — he’s obsessed. What makes this ball ideal for indoor games, is that it’s made of soft material, unlike the regular Chuckit! Balls. This way, you don’t have to worry about accidentally smashing a hard ball into your priceless heirloom vase. With this terrific toy, Dino’s stopped giving me those guilt-trip puppy eyes. 

Chuckit! Ultra Ball

Believe me when I say, this Chuckit! Ultra Ball is the only ball you’ll ever need for your furry friends. Unlike tennis balls, which are uncomfy in the mouth and get dirty after only one use, Chuckit! Ultra Balls are super easy to clean, and are made of durable materials that are oh-so addictive for your pups. 

Only problem when it comes to these standard Chuckit! Balls is that they don’t work as well for K-9s with narrower snouts. While Dino has a rounded snout, ideal for the standard Chuckit! Ball, my other pup, Ginger’s snout is narrow and doesn’t catch as easily. That’s why I was thrilled when Chuckit! released its small/petite Ultra Ball, designed for tiny pups only. This way, Ginger romps around with her brother without having to worry about not being able to catch the ball. Score! 

Stuffing-Free Squeaky Dog Toys

My pups have a problem when it comes to their stuffed squeaky toys. Problem being: they chew so hard that they break them and hello stuffing! Everywhere! Whenever this happens, I get a tad frustrated because the product feels like a ripoff. Since the intention is for pups to chew on the toys, why would they be designed to burst, falling apart at the seams? Best case scenario: this causes a mess, worst case, the stuffing can become a choking hazard for your beloved pets. Because of this, I go out of my way to avoid stuffed dog toys at all costs.

Only problem is: my doggies love-love-love furry stuffed animal toys! Like, they seriously adore cheery stuffed animals to cradle up with — just like I did as a toddler, awwww. Fortunately, I’ve been able to resolve this teeny dilemma once I discovered Zippy’s Stuffing-Free Squeaky Dog Toys. The design is super cute and the high-quality material is incredibly durable. It’s a win-win, really. Perfect for small and medium dogs.

Bacon Flavored Wishbone for Aggressive Chewers 

Want to give your dog the best treat of their life? Your canine pal will drool once they get a whiff of this durable Benebone Wishbone chew toy, made from real bacon. Mmm! My darling Ginger is at her happiest when she has a bone to chew on, but not just any bone will do. It has to have delicious, top-notch flavor, like this tasty Wishbone which keeps her happy and preoccupied all day long. It’s the ultimate gift for aggressive chewers.

Blue Buffalo Bits Dog Treats for Training 

Is your pupper in the training stage? Once you pick up these treats, your little fella is gonna be the most stellar dog at the park with his skill set. Blue Buffalo Bits are my go-to during training sessions — they’re the best reward when your pup follows commands. They’ll easily learn how to sit, stay, roll over, once they’ve realized that doing so properly will give them a yummy snack. 

I use Blue Buffalo Bits for training because they’re tasty, nutritious, and not overly fatty — perfect for rewarding pups without overfeeding them, especially during their puppy years. They come in puppy-approved chicken, turkey, salmon, and beef flavors — so chewable and made of wholesome ingredients. Plus, they’ve got DHA in ‘em, which helps support cognitive development. What more could you ask for in a treat? 

Ruffwear Front Range Dog Harness

K-9 communities have been openly debating lately over collars vs. harnesses for your tail-wagging companions. Many pet owners believe harnesses are better than collars for most dogs, as they tend to be more comfortable for daily walks and adventures. Collars are often criticized for causing unnecessary strain when dogs pull on the leash, potentially leading to neck pain for your pup, which is the last thing we want. 

To avoid strain, I recommend a harness — it shifts pressure to gentler areas like the chest instead of the neck. My pups are loving their Ruffwear Front Range Dog Harnesses, which look oh-so adorable on them and provide ultimate comfort.