When your pet is playing with their favourite toy, they’re not just having fun, they’re exercising, relieving stress, keeping their senses alert and even learning to socialise. Such is the power of playtime! And while there are many wonderful toys out there that will keep them entertained, some options are better suited for animals with heaps (and heaps) of energy.
Best toys for hyper dogs
KONG Extreme
You can’t go wrong with KONG toys – dogs of all ages and sizes love them. Like the KONG Classic, this can be filled with treats, but the stronger rubber of the Extreme model makes it extra tough and durable. It’s a versatile toy, too: use it to play fetch, as a long-lasting treat dispenser, or as part of your dog’s dental routine.
Beco Pets Recycled Rough & Tough Turtle
Beco Pets are known for making high-quality sustainable dog toys, using recycled, natural or renewable materials when possible. Their turtle toy is a great example of that ethos as it’s made from recycled plastic bottles, double-stitched and double-layered, making it the perfect sidekick for highly energetic pooches with a soft side.
Chuckit Ultra Ball
Chuckit dog toys need no introduction since you’ve probably come across their iconic ball launchers and distinctive blue-and-orange fetch toys at one point or another. The great thing about Chuckit is they make products that get dogs and dog parents together, turning playtime into a fabulous bonding experience. We like their Ultra Ball because it’s made of natural rubber, has amazing bounce and floats on the water.
KONG SqueakAir Tennis Balls
This is no ordinary tennis ball. With its non-abrasive outside material and the squeaky toy it hides inside, our dogs go wild whenever they see it. Give your pooch endless games of fetch knowing the ball will keep in one piece. But if a more traditional toy is what you’re after, have a look at our full range of tennis balls instead – there’s a reason why they’re a classic toy.
Best toys for tireless kitties
Yeowww Catnip Balls
Amongst the many catnip toys available for cats, we think these Yeowww balls are pretty special. Filled with 100% organic catnip and made from heavy-duty cotton, this is a toy (three, actually) that will withstand daily bunny kicks, chewing and chasing. A fun thing for cat parents to watch and a real treat for your feline friend.
Trixie San Fernando scratching post
This play tower has everything to keep your cat busy: a padded hanging basket, a scratching post, a suspended tunnel and a plush cave. Perfect for indoor cats to satisfy their instinct to climb and nap in high places, with the added advantage that it’ll help keep their claws in good shape. We love that it’s a relatively compact scratching post for all the possibilities it offers. A winner in our book.
Petface Catkins retractable wand toy
Fishing-rod type toys are an all-time favourite, and one of the best options for indoor cats that could benefit from getting more exercise. The feathers in this toy are an instant cat magnet, getting them on their paws as soon as they spot their ‘prey’ flying about. A great interactive toy that will (hopefully) also manage to keep your cat away from actual birds.
Petface Compact Catnip Card Scratcher
Another Petface gem that caught our eye, with its small size making it very manageable (i.e. chewable and scratchable). As it’s 100% paper, it will get a little battered over time, but the cardboard material feels sturdy and will still give your cat hours and hours of scratching fun. It’s double-sided, it’s got catnip, it’s magic. A budget scratcher that will not disappoint.
Ready to give one of these toys a try? We hope your pet finds a new best friend in them. It’s rewarding when that toy you just bought hits the spot – much more so when it gives and gives and gives.
