No paw-rent can deny the amount of joy that a squeaky dog toy can bring to a dog. There's something about hearing that high-pitched squeaking sound that gets pooches all worked up and ready to play. To many hounds (but maybe not so much to humans), this type of toy is just simply the best dog toy. The sound alone works to captivate their attention and entertain dogs of different breeds, sizes and ages.
The main reason that dogs are attracted to squeaky toys is all to do with their instincts. The sounds that squeaky toys make often resemble noises made by small prey animals. This can trigger the natural hunting urge in them to investigate what is making the sound and engage in a playful pursuit. This is why you may find that your pooch tends to pounce on and shake their squeaky toys when they get hold of them. Squeakers are good for most dogs to play with, but you may find certain breeds love them more. They make great dog toys for small breeds that were historically bred for working and hunting purposes.
The best squeaky dog toys at a glance:
• Best overall: HETOO Dog Chew Toy – view on Amazon UK
• Best squeak toy with different textures: Pets at Home Cord Banana Squeaky Dog Toy – view on Pets at Home
• Best squeaky dog ball: ChuckIt! Ultra Squeaker Ball Dog Toy – view on Amazon UK
Playtime with a squeaky dog toy is great for your pooch's physical and mental wellbeing. The sound of the squeaker can help to capture your pet's attention and stimulate their mind, helping to prevent boredom and destructive behaviours as it gives them something interesting and entertaining to focus on. The added excitement generated by the squeaking noise will encourage your dog to move around, either by chasing after the toy once it's thrown, spinning in anticipation of getting their mouth around it, or doing tippy taps with their paws as they wait for you to give their squeaky dog toy to them.
The best squeaky dog toys will provide your pooch with hours of entertainment, let them burn off some energy while playing, and can be used as a tool to reward good behaviour during training, too. We've searched the web to bring you a vast selection of dog toys with squeakers that will keep dogs suitably engaged and happy to play. From puppy squeakers to squeaky toys for large dogs, there's something to suit a majority of dogs on our list.
Best squeaky dog toys
Best overall
AmazonTicking all the boxes for a toy that's strong, fun and great for dental health is the HETOO Dog Chew Toy. Shaped like a croc, this squeaky chew toy is flavoured like milk, which will encourage your hound to chew it, and it's designed with bristles on both sides so their teeth will be getting a clean while they play.
Customer review: "My dog loves it and it is one of the only dog toys that squeak that he’s not been able to destroy so definitely worth buying if you got a big dog that usually destroys toys in seconds. Would definitely buy again, well deserved 5 stars"
Pros
- Made from tough natural rubber
- Cleans dogs' teeth while playing
Cons
- Some reviewers found the squeaker to be a little tough to work
Best squeak toy with different textures
CREDIT: ROSIE FLOYD/TAKE A BREAK PETSwww.petsathome.com
Toys are definitely more interesting to dogs when they offer different elements. The Pets at Home Cord Banana Squeaky Dog Toy offers more than just squeaks, with crinkly sounds too, and the textures of soft plush and corded feet and hands to discover. With its cute design and plenty of fun, your dog won't be able to hide their excitement while playing.
Our review: "Gina absolutely loves this banana toy! She enjoys shaking it around as she can hear all the crinkly sounds as it moves around from side to side. Not only that, she is always pouncing on it to try and activate the squeaker and once she does, she then won't leave it alone for a good hour or so. Once she's worn out from playtime, she will take it off to her bed with her and snuggle up to it while she's snoozing."
Pros
- Different sounds
- Choice of textures
Cons
- If your dog is a destructive player, this probably won't be suitable
Best squeaky dog ball
AmazonAs it bounces on land and floats in water, the ChuckIt! Ultra Squeaker Ball Dog Toy is great for mixing up playtime with your pooch. From the small to the extra large, all sizes of this lightweight ball have a squeaker inside to reward your pup when they eventually catch up to it. Made from extra thick and durable natural rubber, it's designed to withstand even the more persistent of chewers.
Customer review: "When our Cockapoo was about a year old he had very few toys left as he chewed and destroyed them. After he found a small Chuckit ball in the local river I was impressed with how tough it was. I then looked up the range of Chuckit balls and purchased two medium squeaky ones. We've had them over 6 months now and keep them inside. He plays, bites and squeaks the balls every day. I would certainly recommend these balls."
Pros
- Extra thick rubber core
- Very bouncy
Cons
- Squeak may not last as long as other toys
Best squeaky dog toy for large dogs
Pets at Homewww.petsathome.com
After a dog that's got the shakeability factor as well as a squeak? Consider this Ruff 'N' Tumble Shake A Fox Squeaky Dog Toy. It's available in two different sizes, small and large, but we think this is a great option to keep larger dogs entertained. As it's soft, they might love carrying it around with them wherever they go as well as giving it a good shake and squeeze.
Customer review: "Considering its just a fox toy, my Dalmatian can play with it for hours without getting bored. She loves the fact she can shake it around and also has the squeak too. Great toy."
Pros
- Soft
- Great for shaking
Cons
- Not designed for chewers
Best squeaky toy for small dogs
AmazonFor small dogs that just can't get enough of a squeaky toy, this adorable four-pack of CHIWAVA Squeak Toys is a good option. They're a good size in that they're small enough for them to fetch but big enough that they can't fit completely in the mouth of smaller breeds. Your dog will have fun finding these around your home after you've hidden them.
Customer review: "Our dog loves these they squeak really easily, small and light enough to play fetch in the house and put in your pocket for walks. They are brightly coloured and squeak as they land so great on a field even if our dog misses where they have gone she hears them land and off she goes. Definitely recommend them, have done to lots of friends."
Pros
- Very squeak
- Great size for small dogs
Cons
- Would be a choking hazard to large dogs as they're quite small
Best Kong squeaky toy
Viovetwww.viovet.co.uk
Kong toys are a favourite amongst pets and paw-rents alike so we just had to feature these Kong Squeezz Geodz on our list. This two-pack is sure to ignite your dogs' natural chasing instincts with their squeak and rattle sounds and the impressive bounce will ensure they go even further. They also float on water for aqua fun and fetching.
Customer review: "My dog loves these balls. They are durable but lightweight and squeaky."
Pros
- They bounce and float
- Robust
Cons
- May be too tough for dogs with dental problems
Best eco-friendly squeaky dog toy
AmazonThe super soft material of this Rosewood Eco Friendly Giraffe Dog Toy means it's nice and snuggly to curl up, but the added squeaker makes it perfect for playtime. If you're trying to make more planet-conscious decisions when choosing dog toys for your pet, we really rate this one as recycled bottles are used for both the outer fabric and the soft stuffing, making it a fab eco-friendly option.
Customer review: "Giraffes are my favourite animal and so obviously our new pup needed a giraffe. It's his favourite comfort toy and he loves that he can squeak it himself! My colleagues are now fully used to the noise on video calls 🤣"
Pros
- Great for cuddles and playtime
- Made from recycled plastic bottles
Cons
- Soft toys may not be ideal for dogs with strong jaws and teeth
FAQs
What are the benefits of squeaky dog toys?
Mental stimulation: Squeaky toys engage a dog's mind as they try to figure out where the sound is coming from.
Physical activity: Playing with squeaky toys will keep your dog active. Chasing, pouncing and chewing on these types of toys is great exercise.
Interactive play: These toys encourage interactive play between you and your pooch to strengthen the bond between you.
Stress relief: Biting the squeak can be soothing for some hounds. It may help to relieve any anxiety they may be feeling, too.
Dental health: Squeaky chew toys can help with maintaining good dental hygiene by reducing plaque and tartar buildup.
Natural instincts: The high-pitched squeaks mimic the sounds of small prey animals. These sounds can trigger the hunting instincts that your dog naturally has inside them.
Boredom reduction: Squeaky toys are good for alleviating boredom and are ideal for reducing the likelihood of destructive behaviour.
Training aid: You can use squeaky toys as a reward during training, which can help to reinforce positive behaviour.
Sensory stimulation: Dogs will love the sensation that the sound, texture and movement of these types of toys provide.
Entertainment: Overall, squeaky toys provide plenty of entertainment and will keep your dog happy and occupied.
Are squeaky dog toys safe?
Your dog will be perfectly happy and safe playing with squeaky dog toys, but it's important to always keep an eye on them during playtime. You should be mindful of your hound's play style as dogs that are particularly destructive and rough while playing may easily chew through toys to try and get to the squeaker itself. Squeakers can be a choking hazard if they're taken out of a toy. You should regularly inspect your dog's toys for wear and tear and get rid of them if they've seen better days or parts are starting to become loose.
Rosie Floyd is a Pets, Homes and Garden Product Writer for Take A Break Pets, specialising in all things dogs. She grew up always having at least one dog as part of the family and has experience in owning a variety of breeds, including Labradors, Cockapoos and Yorkshire Terriers.