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This content was reviewed and fact-checked by AKC Certified Dog Trainer & Behaviorist Madison Tanner Clark.
This is the ultimate review of KONG dog toys. Over the years, we’ve tested countless durable toys, but few brands can match the durability, fun, and interactivity that KONG consistently delivers. KONG’s reputation as the gold standard in dog toys is well-earned, built over decades of innovation and trust among dog owners. As longtime fans and repeat testers, we regularly introduce our dogs to various KONG products for hands-on evaluation. In this guide, we’ll explore the most popular KONG toys, share expert insights on how to get the most out of them, and provide practical tips to enhance your dog’s playtime experience. Let’s dive in!
Why Are KONG Dog Toys Considered The Best Dog Toys?
Kong has become synonymous with quality and durability in the world of dog toys for over four decades. Many dog trainers and veterinarians recommend them as a go-to toy for active dogs or those that require extra stimulation.
Dr. Carlo Siracusa, DVM & associate professor of Clinical Animal Behavior & Welfare at The University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, states that “food-enhanced toys, like the Kong, provide excellent environmental enrichment, keeping a dog’s mind active and stimulated while promoting a more balanced and less anxious temperament. They are particularly useful in case of anxiety that manifests when the owner is away and cannot interact with the dog”.[1] A study aimed to investigate the impact of feeding enrichment toys, specifically using the Kong extreme™ toy, increased the appetitive behavior and overall activity levels of kennelled laboratory dogs.[2] This study suggests that Kong or similar toys can be beneficial in promoting positive behaviors in dogs and reducing behavioral pathologies.
KONG Dog Toys Benefits
Kong toys are more than just toys; they are versatile tools that serve multiple functions for your dog.
Benefit
Description
Chewing
KONG toys are made from durable rubber and satisfy a dog’s natural chewing instincts, helping prevent destructive behavior.
Teething
Specially designed puppy KONG toys soothe sore gums and encourage healthy chewing habits as baby teeth grow in.
Separation Anxiety
Stuffed KONGs keep dogs occupied and relaxed when left alone, reducing stress and promoting positive associations with alone time.
Boredom
KONG toys provide mental stimulation and long-lasting playtime, helping prevent boredom-related behavioral issues.
Digging & Barking
By focusing their energy on retrieving treats from the toy, dogs release pent-up energy, reducing excessive digging and barking.
Crate Training
Using a KONG in the crate helps create a positive, calming association, making crate time less stressful for dogs.
Weight Management
KONGs can be used as slow feeders, extending mealtime while providing physical and mental stimulation to support healthy weight.
Best KONG Dog Toys For Dogs
Here are the best KONG dog toys for dogs this year.
Best Overall KONG Toy
4.8
★★★★★
KONG Classic
Who It’s For: It’s ideal for most dogs and those new to Kong toys. It caters to a wide range of chewing needs and behavioral support. It’s fun and it can be stuffed with goodies.
Why we recommended it: We picked the KONG Classic toy because of its long-standing reputation for durability and versatility. The Kong Classic is the gold standard of dog toys and put the company on the map after launching it in the late 1970s. This rubber toy encourages healthy play and supports your dog’s physical and mental development, as well as their emotional well-being and behavior.
What sets it apart from competitors: The KONG Classic stands out due to its patented, irregular shape, which ensures unpredictable bounce, making playtime more engaging for dogs. Its hollow center can be filled with bits of kibble, treats, or peanut butter, offering a unique challenge that encourages dogs to work for their reward. This feature prolongs play and provides a mental challenge, setting it apart from standard chew toys.
Key Features
Easy cleaning. Dishwasher safe for easy cleaning.
Behavioral tool.This toy can help solve several dog behavior problems and needs (i.e., chewing, separation anxiety, teething, boredom, and more!). Kong’s natural red rubber formula is ultra-durable.
Mental stimulation. When stuffed with treats, it adds an interactive element beneficial for mental stimulation.
Pros
You can freeze the stuffed toy for a more challenging and longer playtime.
It has an erratic bounce, ideal for most dogs that enjoy chewing while having fun.
Who It’s For: Whether it’s for playtime or a tool to combat boredom, this toy is versatile enough to appeal to a wide range of canines, especially those on a budget.
Why we recommended it: Value for money is a critical aspect when choosing toys. The KONG Bone, or Goodie Bone, is our top pick for the cheapest Kong dog toy. The KONG Goodie Bone offers both durability and engagement at a pocket-friendly price, making it an outstanding choice for those seeking quality without breaking the bank.
What sets it apart from competitors: It features the patented Goodie Grippers, which turn this toy into a fun treat-dispensing device that can be stuffed with your dog’s favorite treats or kibble, providing an interactive game that keeps your energetic puppy entertained while enhancing their intellectual development.
Key Features
Great for oral health. This bone’s soft rubber material is great for soothing your dog’s gums, allowing them to chew away as they please.
Perfect for training.It can be used as a reward or to keep dogs occupied during training sessions.
Pros
Perfect for engaging dogs in chew sessions.
You can also stuff it with KONG Snacks and entice it with a bit of KONG Easy Treat.
Why we recommended it: Chewing is an essential activity for dogs – it helps keep them stimulated and can contribute to better dental health. The KONG Ring toy stood out for its durability and the brand’s long-standing reputation for producing reliable dog toys.
What sets it apart from competitors: While there are numerous chew toys on the market, the KONG Ring is made of a unique, pet-safe, and durable rubber that withstands aggressive chew sessions better than most. Plus, its circular design means there are no edges or corners that can be easily torn off, making it safer for pets.
Key Features
Ergonomic design. Its ring shape is easy for dogs to hold and carry.
Dental health. The texture and material help clean teeth and soothe gums during chew sessions.
Pros
Designed to be long-lasting and safe, reducing the risk of large chunks breaking off.
It can be used for fetch games in addition to chewing.
Cons
It can be a bit pricier than some other chew toys, though its durability often offsets the cost.
Who It’s For: This toy is specially designed for power chewers. If your dog has a history of destroying toys within minutes or belongs to a breed known for its strong jaw, this toy is ideal for them.
Why we recommended it: We handpicked the Kong Extreme as the best KONG dog toy for aggressive chewers because it utilizes Kong’s most durable natural rubber and has a reputation for withstanding the chewing strength. It has all the features of the classic, but the heavy-duty rubber is thicker and nearly indestructible. It’s also perfect for stuffing with tasty goodies for longer-lasting play.
What sets it apart from competitors: The Kong Extreme toy is made from an ultra-durable, black rubber compound designed to stand up to even the most tenacious chewers.
Key Features
Fun bounce. Unique shape for unpredictable bounce, promoting active play.
Safe materials.Crafted of non-toxic, BPA-free rubber.
Pros
Few toys match the resilience of the KONG Extreme.
Great for fetch and play, keeping dogs on their toes.
Many veterinarians and trainers recommend the KONG Extreme for dogs that are aggressive chewers.
Cons
Slightly more expensive than average Kong dog toys, though its durability often compensates for the cost in the long run.
It might be too tough for smaller dogs to play with it since typically smaller breeds have a less potent bite.
Why we recommended it: We chose the KONG Puppy toy because it’s tailor-made specifically to meet the needs of a puppy’s 28 baby teeth and chewing habits. This Kong puppy chew toy helps teach puppies appropriate chewing behavior, and it’s great for providing early crate training, decreasing separation anxiety, and promoting proper chewing habits.
What sets it apart from competitors: The natural rubber formula is the most gentle within the Kong rubber toy line.
Key Features
Puppy-friendly rubber. The puppy-friendly rubber eases the aches and pains that come along with teething.
Stuffable for added fun.The added feature of being stuffable with treats gives puppies a rewarding, long-lasting chew experience.
Why we recommended it:Kong Genius Mike wins our pick for the best Kong puzzle toy. This treat-dispensing toy is designed to stimulate your dog’s curiosity and hold his attention. Genius Mike is named in honor of Michelangelo, and it’s great for helping to combat boredom and separation anxiety.
What sets it apart from competitors: While many puzzle toys offer a single challenge, the Genius Mike can be interlocked with the Genius Leo, another toy in the KONG line, to introduce new tests. Its unique design also ensures varying difficulty levels, keeping the game fresh and intriguing.
Key Features
Versatile. Multiple openings can be filled with kibble, treats, or spreadable snacks like peanut butter.
Multi-purpose.Helps in reducing rapid eating and offers a fun alternative to traditional feeding.
Pros
Caters to canines that thrive on cognitive stimulation, those that get bored easily, or pups that are food-driven.
Keeps dogs engaged for longer periods, reducing the potential for destructive behaviors that can arise from boredom.
Who It’s For: Designed for the older generation of our canine companions. This toy caters to Senior dogs’ more delicate teeth and reduced energy levels.
Why we recommended it:Kong Senior dog toy is specially formulated with KONG rubber for senior dogs. Aging dogs have distinct play and dental care needs; the KONG Senior toy is designed to meet those needs. We recommend it because it provides gentle yet engaging play for senior dogs, ensuring their mental and physical well-being is catered to while considering their physical limitations, such as slow mobility and delicate teeth.
What sets it apart from competitors: Kong Senior is specifically molded with a gentle rubber formulation. This unique design ensures senior dogs can enjoy the classic fun of a Kong without the risk of dental damage or excessive fatigue.
Key Features
Less bouncy. Designed to be more flexible and less bouncy to help senior dogs who can’t move or have trouble getting up.
Stuffable.Perfect for stuffing it with soft-textured ingredients, allowing for interactive playtime.
Pros
Crafted from softer rubber that’s gentle on aging teeth and gums.
Even though it’s soft, it’s crafted to last.
The unique, natural KONG Senior rubber formula is gentle on senior dogs’ aging teeth and gums. This toy provides a comfortable chewing outlet while offering enrichment and satisfying an older dog’s instinctual need to play. You can stuff it with a variety of goodies to increase stimulation and encourage play.
Who It’s For: The KONG Wobbler toy is an excellent choice for dogs who suffer from separation anxiety or those who need an engaging activity when left alone.
Why we recommended it: We picked the Kong Wobbler as the best Kong toy for separation anxiety because it offers prolonged play, ensuring that dogs are kept mentally engaged and physically active, which can be a crucial distraction from their anxiety. Its food-dispensing mechanism can keep dogs entertained for hours while you are away, reducing anxious behavior by keeping them busy.
What sets it apart from competitors: The KONG Wobbler stands out because of its sturdy construction, ensuring longevity even with daily use. The Wobbler encourages dogs to work for their food or treats, providing hours of fun and slowing down those who eat too quickly.
Key Features
Wobbling fun. The unpredictable wobbling movements ignite dogs’ curiosity and engagement by stimulating their instincts, challenging even the most seasoned dogs.
Easy to fill up.It unscrews for easy filling and cleaning, making its color attractive to dogs.
Pros
Many dog owners use the Kong Wobbler as an alternative to a traditional dog bowl to help slow down and extend mealtime, aiding in weight management plans.
Designed to wobble, spin, or roll as soon as your dog nudges it with his paws or nose. It dispenses food or treats as it moves.
Dishwasher safe.
Cons
The wobbling can produce some noise, which might not be ideal for all living situations, but is great for dogs.
Who It’s For: Specially designed for large dogs with strong jaws and a penchant for chewing. It’s perfect for those who want to combine playtime with dental care.
Why we recommended it:Kong Dental is the best Kong dog toy for big dogs. The KONG Dental toy only comes in a large size, making it ideal for larger breeds. It also effectively merges play with dental hygiene. Its unique design and durable construction make it perfect for vigorous chewers, ensuring that tartar and plaque don’t stand a chance.
What sets it apart from competitors: The Kong Dental stands out due to its patented grooved design. These grooves help clean teeth and massage gums, promoting oral health.
Key Features
Oral health. The grooves are effective at reducing tartar and plaque.
Tasty ridges.Ridges can be filled with a soft treat, such as peanut butter or another spread safe for dogs.
Pros
It can be filled with treats both inside and outside.
Cons
For some smaller breeds, even the smaller size might be a tad heavy.
Best KONG Dog Toy For Small Dogs
4.8
★★★★★
KONG Cozie
Who It’s For: The KONG Cozie toy is specially crafted for small dogs that enjoy soft, cuddly toys. Ideal for both playtime and snuggling.
Why we recommended it: The KONG Cozie dog toy collection comes in a variety of soft and luxuriously cuddly plush toys, great for snuggle time comfort. While small dogs often possess a playful spirit, they also value toys that serve as both playthings and comfort items. We picked the KONG Cozie because it strikes a perfect balance between durability and softness. Its snug texture and cute designs resonate exceptionally well with smaller breeds.
What sets it apart from competitors: The market is flooded with plush toys, but KONG Cozie stands out due to its extra layer of material, providing added strength and lasting fun. This enhances its durability, allowing it to withstand more than just cuddles.
Key Features
Multiple options. Cozies come in more than ten amazingly cute Cozie characters for your dog.
Squeaky sound.Squeak to help entice play.
Pros
Despite being soft, it’s built to last.
Adds a touch of charm to any play session.
Its size and texture are ideal for little mouths.
Cons
While durable for a plush toy, it’s not meant for rigorous chew sessions.
Why we recommended it: Engagement is a priority for many pet owners, particularly those with busy lifestyles. The KONG Stuff-A-Ball excels in this aspect, providing extended periods of play and mental stimulation, making it a favorite for keeping dogs occupied and reducing potential behavioral issues stemming from boredom.
What sets it apart from competitors: While there are numerous treat-dispensing toys in the market, the Stuff-A-Ball’s unique design, combined with the durable material KONG is known for, creates a long-lasting interactive experience. The ridges on the toy also double as teeth cleaners, providing an added health benefit.
Key Features
Long-lasting play: The treat-dispensing feature ensures extended playtime.
Fun to chase.Its erratic movements make it entertaining to chase.
Pros
Can be easily washed and filled with new treats.
Can be filled with a variety of treats or pastes.
Cons
Depending on the treat used, it can create a bit of a mess.
Some dogs might get frustrated if treats are packed too tightly or are too large.
Best treats for Kong toys: When it comes to rewarding our furry friends in the most delightful way, the KONG -Treat Combo reigns supreme. It’s not just a treat; it’s an interactive play experience. The combination of flavors and textures ensures that dogs are not just fed but mentally stimulated and satisfied.
Best Kong toy for gifts: Picking the right toy for a dog can be daunting. The Kong Box simplifies this by providing a curated selection tailored to your dog’s specific needs. It’s a gift that resonates with both the dog and its owner, promising hours of fun and bonding.
Best Kong toy for tug of war: Dogs have a natural urge for tug-of-war games. The Kong Tug and Kong Wubba Classic are designed with durability in mind to withstand rigorous play, making them the go-to choice for this beloved dog pastime.
Best Kong toy for slow feeding: Overeating or eating too quickly can be detrimental to a dog’s health. Kong Rewards ensures dogs get their food or treats at a measured pace. Its unique design dispenses treats slowly, making mealtime last longer and more fun.
Best Kong ball toy: The KONG – JumblerTM Ball isn’t just any ball. Its unique design and built-in squeaker promise hours of interactive play. It’s durable, bouncy, and perfect for fetch and shake play sessions.
Best Kong dog toy for fetch: Traditional frisbees can be hard on a dog’s mouth. However, the Kong Rubber Flyer Disc is made with natural rubber, making it soft for catching but durable enough for the most robust fetch games.
Best Kong toy for Golden Retrievers: Golden Retrievers are renowned for their playfulness and strong chewing habits. The ideal KONG toy combines durability with chewing satisfaction, ensuring they remain engaged and their chewing needs are met.
Best Kong toys for Labrador puppies: Labs are energetic, especially as puppies. A Kong toy must be entertaining and challenging enough to endure its teething phase, providing the perfect blend of play and relief.
Best Kong toys for Beagles: With their acute sense of smell and innate curiosity, beagles require toys that stimulate their senses. A KONG toy for a Beagle offers interactive play, catering to their investigative nature and keeping them engaged for hours.
How to Use KONG Dog Toys
Use
Description
Stuffing
Fill the KONG with your dog’s favorite treats or food and let them work to get it out — perfect for mental stimulation and enrichment.
Medication Hack
Mix medication into a KONG stuffing recipe to disguise pills or supplements, making it easier for your dog to take medicine.
Hide & Seek
Stuff the KONG with part of your dog’s regular meal and hide it around the house to encourage foraging and play.
KONGcicle
Seal the small hole with peanut butter, fill the KONG with treats or fruit, and freeze it overnight for a refreshing, long-lasting snack.
Dental KONG
Spread dog-safe toothpaste or oral gel on the KONG’s surface. As your dog chews, it helps clean their teeth and gums.
KONGgata
Tie a KONG to a tether-ball pole or hang it with a rope so your dog has to work to reach it — great for exercise and engagement.
Peanut Butter Classic
Coat the inside of the KONG with dog-safe peanut butter for a quick, easy, and irresistible treat.
How to Clean KONG Dog Toys
Watch this short video by KONG to learn tips, tricks, and insights for cleaning your KONG toys so your dog can get back to playing!
FAQs
KONG Company is based in Golden, Colorado, and makes most of its dog toys in the United States. However, only three Kong toys (the Air KONG tennis balls, KONG Plush, and KONG Wubba) are manufactured in China and imported. In an interview with ConsumerAffairs, their marketing director, Chuck Costello, clarified that all three of these toys undergo rigorous product testing.
Yes, only KONG’s rubber toys are dishwasher-safe and can be washed with the rest of your dishes. You can still use normal dishwasher detergent when washing Kong rubber toys, according to the company.
President and CEO Joe Markham developed Kong.
KONG toys are ideal for filling with treats or kibble to keep dogs engaged and eager to play. Always ensure that you use only safe and appropriate food quantities for your dog when stuffing their KONG. Here’s the correct method to fill a KONG for your dog. Top off the KONG with Easy Treat or Peanut Butter to ensure the delicious ingredients stay inside. For an added challenge, freeze the KONG for 4-6 hours before giving it to your dog.
You can find Kong dog toys at most pet stores in your local area. However, most of these stores only carry the Classic Kong toys and not all the other Kong dog toys we’ve reviewed in this article.
If, for any reason, you’re not satisfied with a KONG product purchased from an authorized seller, Kong will provide you with a manufacturer’s Coupon for a product replacement or refund. You must submit your Guarantee request within 60 days of the purchase date. It only covers toys and treats.
To claim your KONG Satisfaction Guarantee, you’ll need a copy of the proof of purchase, which should clearly show the retailer’s name and the date of purchase, and ensure that the product purchased is clearly visible. Please note that your Guarantee Request will not be approved without proof of purchase. Additionally, you may be required to return your KONG product to the company via mail. Please be aware that you will be responsible for any shipping costs incurred. It’s worth mentioning that the KONG Satisfaction Guarantee is only available in the United States. To proceed with your claim, you can access the guarantee form here.
The Bottom Line
KONG toys have won the hearts of millions of dogs and dog parents because of how good KONG toys are at meeting the chewing needs of nearly every dog, all while providing many fun times for our pets. Their diverse product line and many different ways to play make Kong one of the best dog toys ever! We’ve tried and reviewed dozens of dog toys, and you can’t go wrong with a Kong toy. If you have a powerful chewer at home, we recommend checking out our article on the best heavy chewer dog toy boxes that can satisfy even the most demanding jaws.
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Sources
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