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Kong dog toys have been the gold standard for over 40 years—and are still one of the most popular dog toy lines on the market. It seems like these days, just about every dog is a Kong dog!
Kong offers a number of interactive toys to engage your pet and provide endless hours of fun and play. But not all Kongs are created equal. Some dogs will gravitate to Kong’s more classic dog toys, while more out-of-the-box toys might be a better fit.
Let’s take a look at the best Kong dog toys—and what kinds of dogs might like each style.
What are Kong Dog Toys?
Before we jump into the best Kong dog toys, let’s briefly cover what, exactly, Kong toys are.
The Kong company has a number of toy varieties, but the most popular and well-known is their classic Kong toy, which is a durable rubber toy shaped like a snowman. The inside of each Kong is hollow, which allows you to stuff the inside of the toy with food (like peanut butter, dog treats, or Kong snacks, like their own line of Easy Treat or Stuff’N Ziggies).
For more fun, versatile Kong stuffing ideas, check out our guide here.
Where are Kong Dog Toys Made?
The Kong Company is based in Golden, Colorado, and makes the majority of their dog toys in the United States. These include all of their classic rubber toys. Of their variety of toys, only three are manufactured in China: the Air Kong (tennis balls), Kong Plush, and Kong Wubba. In an interview with ConsumerAffairs, their director of marketing, Chuck Costello, clarified that all three of these toys undergo rigorous product testing.
“All imported Kong product lines are tested by independent laboratories, once in China and again in the U.S. to prove they are safe and non-toxic,” said Costello. “Once products are received in the Kong warehouse they are again subjected to strict Kong quality control procedures.”
We’re fans of Kong for this kind of attention to quality, especially because there generally isn’t good consumer protection in place when it comes to pet toys. The Consumer Product Safety Commission, for instance, doesn’t have any regulatory control over dog or cat toys.
An Inside Peek at Kong
We recently visited the Kong headquarters and got a rare, exclusive look inside their dog-friendly operation. Watch and you’ll see why Kong continues to be a bestseller.
Why Kong Toys are so Popular
Kong toys are a hit with both dogs and dog parents for a pretty simple reason: Kong dog toys essentially roll different toys into one.
The rubber toy itself resembles a traditional chew toy—but when you stuff the inside with food (a dash of peanut butter is a classic option), your dog has to figure out how to get the food out of the Kong treat dispenser and into his mouth, which transforms the Kong into a puzzle toy.
Kong toys also have a bit of bounce to them, which provides plenty of fun, play-and-chase time for your pet.
The durable rubber provides hours of chewing, bouncing, and chasing, making it a fun and engaging puzzle game with a delicious treat waiting at the end of it all. When it comes to Kongs, there isn’t much for your pet not to like.
The Best Kong Dog Toys
The classic Kong has been a longtime favorite of dog parents, but in recent years, the company has branched out with several other dog toy options. Based on customer reviews and our office dogs’ experience with these toys, we’ve rounded up our favorites. Let’s jump right in!
Best All-Around Kong Toy
If you’re only going to buy one Kong toy, your best option is, without a doubt, the Kong Classic.
This toy has the word “classic” in its name for a reason. The Classic is made of an extremely durable rubber, which can withstand the chewing of most adult dogs. It meets your dog’s instinctual needs of play, mental stimulation, and chewing. Easy to stuff and easy to wash (you can throw it in the dishwasher!), it comes in a variety of sizes (from x-small to xx-large) that will suit every dog from Chihuahuas to Newfoundlands.
Best Kong Toy for Puppies
Puppies have instinctual needs to chew. But puppy teeth and gums are more sensitive than older dogs—so it’s important to choose a dog chew that soothes that soreness.
Kong’s Puppy Goodie Bone is a slam dunk for puppies. It’s made out of a softer, puppy-friendly rubber than other Kong toys and eases the aches and pains that come along with teething. It also helps solve behavioral issues by teaching puppies proper chewing behavior—which is an essential part of raising a healthy, happy dog.
Best Kong Toy for Older Dogs
Similar to puppies, senior dogs also struggle with tooth and gum issues—but for a completely different reason. After a lifetime of chewing, older dogs need something that’s gentle and easy on the gums—and Kong created this senior toy with those needs in mind.
The Kong Senior is formulated using rubber that’s customized to fulfill even the oldest dog’s needs for chew and play—without causing any damage or pain to the teeth and gums. If your dog has spent years chewing—but isn’t showing any signs of slowing down—the Kong Senior is a great fit. Just stuff with some peanut butter or bits of kibble and give it to your pet. It’s relaxing, engaging, and even mentally stimulating for your older doggo.
Best Kong Toy for Super Chewers
Kong toys have a reputation for being durable. But if you have a super chewer with serious chompers, you need something that’s extra durable.
The Kong Extreme was created with power chewers in mind and is formulated with the strongest, most durable rubber in Kong’s arsenal. It doesn’t matter how quickly your dog rips apart other toys—the Kong Extreme will keep them (and their teeth) occupied for hours at a time.
(Bonus tip: if you want to add an extra chewing challenge for your dog, stuff the Extreme with peanut butter and pop it into the freezer for four to six hours before you give it to your pet).
Best Kong Toy for Fetch-Obsessed Dogs
If your dog’s favorite activities include running, fetching, and chasing, the Kong Squeezz Ball dog toys are your best bet. Not only do these balls have serious bounce—making for a lively game of fetch—but they also have a hidden squeaker inside, adding an extra layer of fun every time your dog picks up the ball to return it to you.
Best Kong Toy for Dogs Who Love Tug-of-War
If your dog loves a good old-fashioned game of tug-of-war, the Kong Wubba is the toy for you. This rope dog toy has long, floppy tails that encourage your dog to tug. Wubbas also feature squeakers, which ups the engagement value of this dog toy and encourages your dog to play with it even when you’re not available for tug time.
Finding the Best Kong for Your Dog
This list features many standbys when it comes to Kong toys, but if none feel like the right fit for your pet, Kong has plenty of other toy options (like plush and floppy knot toys)—all of which are of similar high quality to their classic rubber line.
