1. Chuckit! Ultra Ball for Dogs
Key Features
Dog bouncy ball
Thick rubber core
Compatible with a launcher
Buoyant design
Our number one choice of best ball is extremely highly rated by dog owners and lovers. It is ultra-bouncy and has a squeaker that encourages your dog to go after it. The design is buoyant if you have a pooch that likes going for a dip.
While it is soft on your dog’s mouth, it still has a thick rubber core that protects it against aggressive chewers. This two-pack means that you will always have a spare ready to go. Also, they are compatible with the Chuckit! Ball Launcher which allows you to reach further distances and stops your hands from getting messy.
2. JW Pet Original Treat Dispensing Dog Ball
Key Features
Treat-dispensing toy
Cutout design makes it easy for your dog to grip in their mouth
Made of natural, non-toxic rubber
Intelligent design
Available in many different sizes, this ball doubles up as a treat dispenser. It is made of durable, non-toxic rubber, so you don’t have to worry about it going in your dog’s mouth. The other advantage of this material is that it stretches to accommodate different-sized treats.
Your dog gets a great mental workout as they try and discover how to dislodge their treats. This is a manufacturer who cares about making products that stand the test of time.
3. Kong Extreme Ball Dog Toy
Key Features
Small dog ball
Durable design
Hole through the centre for tug of war games
Encourages interactive play
The third product on our list has ‘extreme’ in the name, and this means that it is going to withstand the attentions of tough-chewing dogs. This KONG ball dog toy is made using rubber and bounces very high, which is ideal for hounds that like to leap.
Designed for medium and large dogs, there is also another size for smaller pooches. For the safety of your pooch, it is made to be puncture-resistant, and you can rest assured that this has come from a brand that is very well regarded.
4. Wobble Wag Giggle Dog Ball
Key Features
Interactive dog toy
Six clutch pockets
Irresistible squeaking sound
No batteries needed
The six clutch pockets in this ball make it easy for your dog to pick it up, and they will be encouraged to do so by the noisemaker inside which emits a squeaky sound which is hard to resist! This is the kind of toy which is great for both indoor and outdoor use.
Suitable for hounds of all ages, it is the ideal toy for sparking off your dog’s natural curiosity. No batteries are required, so it can continue working for a long time. The material used is both flexible and durable, so it shapes to your dog’s mouth.
5. Hartz Dura Play Bacon Scented Dog Ball
Key Features
Squeaker inside
Several sizes available
Floats on water
Suitable for outdoor play
Easy to clean
Scented like bacon to make it even more appealing, these dog balls are great for throwing and bouncing around for your dog to chase after. The soft surface of the ball makes it suitable for hounds of all ages, from teething youngsters to older hounds.
Inside the ball, the foam technology makes it even chewier, and there is also a squeaker that gives it even greater appeal. A variety of sizes are available, so you can choose the one that is best suited to your four-legged friend.
6. Kong Jumbler Ball Dog Toy
Key Features
Interactive dog toy
Suitable for large and extra-large dogs
Squeaking sound effect
Great for tug of war
A tough rubber toy with a tennis ball inside, this is a cleverly designed bit of fun for your dog. There is a squeaking sound effect that will attract pooches who respond to such auditory stimuli. Your dog can enjoy trying to get the tennis ball out of its container, providing a mental workout.
So, this is a toy which is great for both fetch and tug of war. It is suitable for large and extra large dogs, so your smaller pooch is going to struggle to make the most of it.
7. Hyper Pet Tennis Balls For Dogs
Key Features
Bright colors
Non-toxic and non-abrasive
Compatible with launcher toys
Floats on water
This set of classic tennis ball style toys are great for both exercise and training purposes. The colors are bright enough for you to locate them easily if they happen to go a little astray. And you can rest assured that these balls have been designed to be safe with a non-toxic and non-abrasive felt covering.
Another advantage is that they float on water, which makes them great for those dogs who enjoy going for a swim. And since there are four, you always have a spare or two ready to go.
8. Snug Rubber Dog Balls
Key Features
Multi-colored balls
Made with thick, heavy-duty rubber
Safe and BPA free
Floating design
Compatible with all standard ball launchers, these balls are designed in a beautiful colorful design. They are tennis ball size, so they are made for small and medium sized dogs as they may be dangerous for larger pooches.
They also float, so they are perfect for dogs who enjoy a dip. Plus, you can clean them easily by wiping them down. And you can rest assured that they are BPA free.
9. Jolly Pets Romp-n-Roll Rope and Ball Dog Toy
Key Features
Ideal for larger dogs
Made with durable, non-toxic material
Rope moves back and forth through the ball
Floats on water
This is the kind of toy that is suitable for larger dogs weighing over 60 lbs. The durable and non-toxic material of these big dog balls have been designed in such a way that it will not deflate when punctured. The rope attached to the ball makes it perfect for tugging games. This is also a ball that is great for throwing games, and can also float on water.
10. Gnawsome Spiky Squeaker Ball Dog Toy
Key Features
Gum-massaging spiky texture
Features loud internal squeaker
Assorted colors
Food-grade BPA-free TPR
The spiky texture of this dog toy ball has a gum-massaging effect, and there is a loud internal squeaker that draws your pooch to it. Whatever color you get, it will be bright enough that the ball will stand out against the backdrop. The material used to make it is food-grade BPA-free thermo-plasticized rubber.
Best Dog Balls Buying Guide & FAQ
Things to Consider When Buying Dog Balls
- Durability
Usually, you will be playing with your balls for dogs outside in all weather conditions, so they need to be able to stand up to the task. Remember that larger dogs are more likely to damage a ball as they have stronger gripping jaws, so they need toys that are made of more durable materials.
- Size
Size is another important feature. Your dog needs to be able to fit the ball comfortably in their mouth. But it can’t be too small as this could pose a choking risk to your four-legged friend.
- Type
There are several different types of dog balls, so you may want to choose just one variety that is suitable for your hound or get multiple to vary up the games that you can play. We will talk more about the different varieties a little later in the blog post.
- Safety
Of course, it is highly important that any toy you buy for your dog needs to be safe for their usage. Look for non-toxic materials that have received approval from organizations such as the FDA.
- Color
If you plan on playing with your dog outdoors, it will make your life easier to choose a ball that has a highly visible color combination. This way, you are going to be able to spot it easier and it is less likely to get lost.
- Hardness
In some ways this links to durability, but it is slightly different at the same time. If your dog is older, a young puppy with developing teeth, or they have dental issues, a softer ball is more appropriate. However, if your dog has a stronger jaw, they need something tougher that they cannot bite through with such ease.
Related Post: Herding Balls for Dogs
Importance of Ball Toys and Exercise
Ball toys are a classic toy for interactive play that can provide hours of mental and physical stimulation. While you may think that your options are only limited to games of fetch, there are also the interactive dog toys that contain treats, providing more mental stimulation, while some balls float on water for swimming games. There are even those that have ropes through the middle, giving you a chance to play tug of war. Interactive play helps to build up a bond between pet and owner, as well as helping your dog to socialize and learn what is appropriate and inappropriate behavior. Take a look at our articles on the best dog toys, best chew toys for puppies and best dog treats.
As for the game of fetch, it seems to tap into something instinctual in dogs. In the past, they were trained hunters, so running after prey and retrieving it once again would have been essential skills. Balls can act as replicas for rabbits or similar animals, helping your dog to get the satisfaction of the chase in a safe way.
As for exercising in general, this is essential in keeping your dog’s body working properly. It benefits everything from their muscles to their heart. All types of dogs require exercise in varying degrees. If your dog doesn’t get enough exercise, not only are they at risk from conditions such as obesity, but it is more likely that they will engage in bad behavior such as destruction around the home and nuisance barking.
Different Types of Dog Balls
Knowing more about the different types of dog balls out there to choose from can help you to choose the right one for your pooch.
- Spiked balls
First, we have spiked balls, which are made from durable rubber. They are soft and the spikes have a massaging effect on your dog’s gums. These are commonly used indoors and they can be great for chewing on when your dog is simply feeling lazy.
- Rope balls
Next, we have rope balls, which can mean a couple of different things. They can be made of cotton fibers twisted together. Or, they can be rubber balls with ropes looped through for games of tug of war.
- Rubber balls
Rubber dog balls are a classic choice for games of fetch outdoors. They can come in all shapes and sizes, but they have the advantages of being easy to grip, bouncy, and they also float on water. Most owners have at least one or two in their collection.
- Squeaky balls
As it says in the name, squeaky balls make a noise when they are pressed or chewed on. The materials can vary from spikes to soft foam. If your dog is attracted to noise, they are a great option.
- Treat dispenser balls
Treat dispensing toys are designed for interactive play with your pooch. They have openings which you can stuff with treats, which they can roll around, lift up, and try and free. These provide both mental and physical stimulation.
Related Post: Herding Balls for Dogs
Safety Tips When Picking the Best Ball Toys
The first safety tip we can offer is to ensure that you choose toys that are the right size. Balls that are too small for your dog’s mouth can present a serious choking risk. Also, if you have a larger dog who loves to chew, you should be looking for sturdier materials that they are less likely to break. Still, you will probably want to supervise them closely. Be wary with squeaking balls as these can be particularly stimulating and likely for your dog to tear apart. Look at the materials used to ensure that they are safe for your dog to put in their mouth. Look for accreditations from the FDA etc. Before you offer the ball for your dog to play with, give it a quick inspection for any loose parts, stitches, or other damages that could present danger.
Check out our guides on Dog Ball Launchers and Dog Chews for more info.
Our Top Pick
The lightweight design of this ball makes it easy to toss, while it also floats on water, which makes it suitable for water-based games too. Plus, it is compatible with other ChuckIt! Products such as ball launchers, which gives you the opportunity to toss it even further and pick it up without hassle. The surface is textured, but it is soft enough to not be hard on your dog’s mouth. Plus, it features a thick rubber core that makes it ideal for pooches who chew a little more aggressively.
