When it comes to finding the best dog toys for small dogs, choosing the right ones can be a delightful way of providing them with mental stimulation, company, exercise and entertainment. Show us a dog that refuses a toy and we’ll give up our job. Only kidding, but providing enrichment to your dog will make their life just that little bit brighter.
There are so many toys out there to keep your BFF entertained, but there are a few things to consider when buying dog toys for small dogs – especially the size of the toy and how quickly your dog will get bored or destroy it. Smaller dogs have built up a reputation for being a little bit more careful with their toys than larger breeds, but in some cases, that is just not true at all. If you have a smaller breed of dog, it is important to think about what type of toy they can pick up and carry around without having to put the whole toy in their mouth. It's a matter of comfort, enjoyment and safety.
The best dog toys for small dogs at a glance:
• Best overall: Labeol Puppy Chew Toys from 8 Weeks Small Puppy - View on Amazon UK
• Best for sniffers: Medium Snuffle Treat Mat - View on Etsy
• Best value: Nerf Dog Mega Strength Tennis Balls Toy, Small, Pack of 3 - View on Amazon UK
To help you find the best dog toys for small dogs, we’ve scoured the internet for the best small dog toys available to buy in the UK, from eco-friendly dog toys to chew toys and more, and have answered all your questions about why playtime is so important.
Best dog toys for small dogs
Best overall
This set of Labeol Chew Toys has a bit of everything, so your small dog can work out what toys they enjoy the most. Choose between 10 different chew toys that satisfy your dog's curiosity and can be played with in any situation.
Customer review: "My jack Russell puppy is 14 weeks old and her teeth are like sharp needles, these toys have so far stood up to all manner of chewing she particularly enjoys the squeaky duck which has so far held up well."
Pros
- Great value with 10 toys in one
- Made of 100 per cent cotton
- Durable
Cons
- May be too small for some small dogs
Best durable dog toy for small dogs
KONG dog toys have built a reputation for being extremely durable and withstanding even the toughest play. This Puppy Binkie Dog Toy is perfect for small mouths and is also designed to help soothe sore teeth and gums.
Customer review: "This toy is superb for a puppy. Filled with peanut butter (one idea) it gives a great photo opportunity. Take note of sizes suitable for which dog."
Pros
- Available in different sizes
- Can be filled with treats or peanut butter
- Easy to clean
Cons
- The colour can be either pink or blue - there isn't the option to choose
Best soft toy for small dogs
www.viovet.co.uk
This adorable Petface Freddi Cord Puppy Dog Toy is cuddly as well as tough. The stimulating texture of cord fleece combined with a generous fill and squeaker should keep little mouths busy.
Pros
- Great value
- Durable
Cons
- Will eventually become susceptible to 'chew' damage
Best interactive dog toy for small dogs
www.petsathome.com
If you've got a clever dog that loves problem-solving and working for their treats, the Nina Ottosson Wobble Bowl Feeding Game Dog Toy encourages brain activity and helps reduce destructive behaviour. Suitable for dogs of any size.
Customer review: "Our puppy was starting to gulp down his whole meals within 5 seconds, so we were looking for a slow feeder bowl but thought this might be a fun alternative. We've had it about 2 months now and use it for every mealtime, the puppy still LOVES it. He has so much fun with it. He worked it out quite quickly and so if there were single dry treats in there he'd get them out within seconds. Perfect for slow feeding dry food though, and gives us chance to have a cuppa in peace while he eats!"
Pros
- Fights boredom by keeping your dog busy physically and mentally
- Encourages them to work for treats
- Works great both for dogs who eat too fast, or dogs who are not very interested in food
Cons
- Plastic could crack
- Too easy for some dogs
Best chew toy for small dogs
www.petsathome.com
Whatever their size, dogs just love to chew, and chew toys give them the freedom to chew as hard as they like (without harming your belongings or your furniture). The Benebone Maplestick Dog Chew Toy is available in an array of different sizes and is long-lasting and durable.
Customer review: "Roger was teething and he was always picking up sticks on walks to chew on, we were worried he would hurt himself, this product really solved the issue, he can chew it safely and we even take it on walks for him to play fetch."
Pros
- Different sized available
- Long-lasting
Cons
- Must supervise your dog whilst playing
Best for sniffers
www.etsy.com
This 30x30cm handmade snuffle mat is the perfect size for small to medium dog breeds, as well as other small pets like rabbits, cats, and even hedgehogs. Use it as a slow feeder to prevent fast eating or as a mobility aid for weight-bearing exercises. It also works wonders in reducing stress and anxiety, making it great for scent work training.
Customer review: "My dog loves it! Went to it straight away! Well-made and vibrant colours! Wish I had of got one ages ago! Every dog needs one!"
Pros
- Made with high-quality soft polar fleece
- Choose from an array of different colours
Cons
- None that we could find!
Best value dog toy for small dogs
Sometimes, a tennis ball really does the job. These small Nerf Dog Mega Strength balls are ideal for a game of fetch or solo play sessions. Thankfully they're brightly coloured too for visibility, so you should have no problem finding them again once your doggo gives up the chase.
Customer review: "Great for small dogs or puppies to fit in their mouths. Didn't know there was such a thing. Dog played for hours with them."
Pros
- Tough and durable
- Bright colours so easily seen
Cons
- Small in size
Best eco-friendly dog toy for small dogs
shop.battersea.org.uk
If you're worried about the effect dog toys have on the environment, this little Octopus is a completely recycled toy, with 100 per cent recycled filling and outer materials. It has been made from post-consumer recycled plastics such as pop bottles, perfect for comforting and cuddling with a squeak for interest.
Pros
- Completely recycled materials
- Perfect for puppies
Cons
- No reviews yet
FAQs
Why are dog toys so important?
Top dog trainer Graeme Hall says, "Dogs are actually just like children, they pick up on tension and stress in their owners just as children do in their parents. The traditional mantra is dogs are animals and humans are humans but actually we're not that different, there are loads of similarities."
Just like us, your pup needs to be physically exercised and mentally stimulated, and a toy ticks all the boxes. Toys like balls or tug-of-war ropes will give them the chance to work off energy, whilst interactive toys that dispense a treat will challenge them mentally. You can even find calming toys (which may also contain a few treats) to alleviate some of their anxiety if they struggle with being left alone. It's all about keeping them engaged.
If you've got a young pup, toys will also provide relief through teething. Not to mention, if they're busy going to town on a chew toy, they won't feel the need to chew on your shoes or furniture.
What are the best dogs toys for small dogs?
Choosing the right toys can be a delightful way to provide them with mental stimulation, exercise, and entertainment. Here's a brief introduction to some of the best types of toys for small dogs:
• Plush toys: Plush toys are soft and cuddly, making them perfect companions for small dogs. Look for ones with reinforced stitching and durable materials to withstand light chewing. Some plush toys even come with squeakers or crinkly textures to engage your dog's senses.
• Interactive puzzle toys: These toys challenge your small dog's problem-solving skills and help keep their minds sharp. They often involve hiding treats or small compartments that your dog needs to figure out how to open.
• Rubber chew toys: Rubber toys are great for small dogs that enjoy chewing.
• Balls: Small dogs love chasing and playing with balls. However, you should opt for appropriately sized balls that are easy for your dog to carry and fetch. Some balls come with added features like squeakers or erratic bouncing patterns to make playtime more exciting.
Hannah Mellin is a Homes & Garden Product Writer for Modern Gardens, A Modern Kitchen, Yours and Take A Break. She has been working in the Journalism industry for over a decade and has written for an array of brands including John Lewis, Daily Mirror and Grazia. When she's not writing, researching or testing products, she's renovating her Victorian terrace and chilling in the garden with her sausage dog Waffle.