Best Fetch Toys for Energetic Dogs
By Steve Holloway | Updated February 21, 2022
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If you have a very energetic dog, the best way to wear them out quickly is to get a fetch toy that allows you to throw the ball long distances without straining your body. You want to get a durable and fun toy that will last through several sessions without breaking down, and it can be hard to find the best one.
We've rounded up the best fetch toys for dogs and compiled mini-reviews of our five top picks to help you see what is available, and we've all pulled together a buyer's guide. This will help outline what you want in your dog's new toy, and it can help take some of the confusion away as well.
In a Hurry? Here's our Top 5 Picks at a Glance
Chuckit! Sport Launcher Dog Ball Thrower at Chewy
"The flexible plastic design combined with the lightweight but durable ball ensures that this ball flies far each time you throw it, and it's also durable enough to last through repeated use without and issue."
Jolly Pets Romp-n-Roll Ball at Chewy
"The ball is a solid rubber material that is very durable, and it won't deflate if your dog happens to puncture it when they chew on it or pull on it. "
West Paw Zogoflex Zisc Durable Dog Frisbee at Chewy
"The disc comes designed to be very durable and able to withstand chewing and wear and tear without breaking or cracking. "
iFetch Interactive Ball Launcher at Chewy
"The launcher has a broad and stable base that makes it difficult for your dog to knock over when they drop the ball in, and it'll toss the ball until you shut it off. "
West Paw Zogoflex Tizzi Interactive Treat Dispensing Fetch Toy at Chewy
"You can stuff dog treats into the inside compartment of the toy's legs that act like a puzzle that your dog has to figure out if they want to get the treats."
Types of Dog Fetch Toys
One of the first things you want to do is decide on a type of fetch toy for your dog because there are a few available. Once you do this, it's relatively easy to start narrowing down your final choice when you first start shopping.
1.Plush
Plush or stuffed toys are great for smaller dog breeds because they're generally lighter weight and easy for your dog to pick up and carry around. You can also get plush toys that feature rope insides to add to the durability factor of the toy without adding much weight if your dog likes to chew things.
2. Ball
The ball is one of the most common fetch toys that come in a huge range of weights, materials, colors, and styles. Ideally, you want a ball that is slightly larger than your dog's mouth so it won't slip to the back of their mouths and choke them when they chew on it.
3. Fetch Stick
A lot of fetch sticks mimic pieces of wood or antlers, and they're durable enough to withstand constant chewing from your dog. You can get them in a variety of sizes, shapes, and styles, and the toys remove the danger of splinters and punctures because they usually don't shatter.
4. Frisbees and Discs
Frisbees and discs are another good option for your dog, and they're a classic toy that can work in both water and on land. You want to find a disc or Frisbee that is lightweight enough to fly far when you get it, durable enough to withstand heavy use, and safe for your dog to play with.
Dog Fetch Toy Buying Considerations
Once you decide on a type of fetch toy, you can keep narrowing your search using these buying considerations. They'll help ensure that you get a safe toy that your dog will enjoy.
Size
Size is going to be a big factor when it comes with picking out your dog's new toy because you don't want it to be too big or too small for them to enjoy. Most toys come with a chart that has the size settings compared to the dog's weight, and you can use this to help decide which size is best for your dog.
Material
You want to get a toy that comes made with safe and non-toxic materials that won't make your dog sick when they play with them and carry them around. Ideally, the toy shouldn't have any BPA, PVC, Lead, Phthalates, Melamine, Chromium, Bromine, Arsenic, or Formaldehyde. You can search the FDA's list to see if the toy in questions has had recalls in the past.
Durability
Most toys will have a durability rating ranging from moderate chewers to aggressive chewers, and you can use this guide to find the best option for your dog. The more aggressive the chewing rating the toy has, the more durable it will be. However, they're also heavier and thicker as well.
Ease of Use
How easy is it to use your new fetch toy with your dog? Interactive fetch toys usually have a very slight learning curve associated with them, and manual fetch toys are just toss and let your dog chase them. Take a look at any special recommendations or settings and see how it matches up with your lifestyle.
Cleaning
You'll eventually have to clean your dog toy, and you want something that is quick and easy. Finding a toy that you can toss in the washing machine or dishwasher is a great way to clean and sanitize them at the same time. Make sure that you keep an eye on these things when you shop.
Cost
Fetch toys can range anywhere from a few dollars each up into the $100 range when you get to the higher-end interactive toys. Set a budget before you start to shop and stick to it. You can set price ranges on Amazon that'll filter out products out of your price range.
Our Top 5 Picks for the Best Dog Fetch Toys
1. Chuckit! Sport Launcher Dog Ball Thrower
The ChuckIt! Sport Launcher comes in six different sizes and a multi-pack that lets you find the best option for your dog to play with when you throw it. The large launcher is 26 inches long, and this allows you to whip the ball a great distance for your dog to chase.
The flexible plastic design combined with the lightweight but durable ball ensures that this ball flies far each time you throw it, and it's also durable enough to last through repeated use without and issue. The ball has a very bright orange color that makes it very easy to spot outside, and this reduces the chances of losing it.
You also get the choice of different ball sizes and handle lengths that makes it easy to customize your order to suit your dog's size. The arm also reduces strain on your body because you won't have to bend over to pick up the ball each time your dog brings it back to you.
What Other Dog Parents Thought About This Toy...
Dog parents who purchased this item liked that it came with several different size options for both the handle and the ball that they could customize to their dog. Dog parents did mention that the longer handle seemed to be less durable than the shorter one.
Things We Liked
- Comes in several different sizes
- Reduces strain on your back and body
- Has a lightweight but flexible design
Things We Didn't Like
- Balls run small to size
- Longer handles can wear out faster than shorter handles
- May have trouble picking up the ball
2. Jolly Pets Romp-n-Roll Ball
This fetch toy comes in three different sizes ranging from just over four inches around to over eight inches that lets you find the perfect size to fit your dog's mouth. The easy-grip rope allows you to fling this ball toy a good distance each time you throw it to get your dog moving and wear them out.
The ball is a solid rubber material that is very durable, and it won't deflate if your dog happens to puncture it when they chew on it or pull on it. You get the choice of four different colors ranging from a bright red to purple and two shades of blue that make the toy easy to see.
All of the materials come from sources in the United States, and this helps to reassure you of the quality of these toys when you buy them. The toy is also very lightweight and compact, and this makes it easy to pack it up and take it with you when you take your dog on adventures.
What Other Dog Parents Thought About This Toy...
Dog parents who bought this fetch toy for their dog liked that the ball was a solid rubber material because they didn't have to worry about their dog popping it. They did mention that the ball tended to get slimy after a few tosses.
Things We Liked
- Has a solid rubber design
- Made in the USA to strict quality control standards
- Has a compact and lightweight feel
Things We Didn't Like
- Rope tends to shred if your dog chews on it
- May be too large for tiny breeds
- Can get slimy when your dog carries it around
3. West Paw Zogoflex Zisc Durable Dog Frisbee
This durable Frisbee comes in two different sizes and six different colors that ensure that you'll find the best option for your dog, and the color options range from black up to bright red for high visibility. The disc comes designed to be very durable and able to withstand chewing and wear and tear without breaking or cracking.
The edges are slightly rounded to be comfortable and safe for your dog to chew on, and the manufacturer guarantees this product 100% against defects or damage. This toy comes with a non-toxic material that is free of BPA and Phthalates, and this makes it healthier for your dog to play with.
When it's time to clean this toy, you can either wash it by hand or toss it into your dishwasher and let it run through a cycle. You can play with your dog in the water with this toy too because it's lightweight enough to float in both shallow and deep water.
What Other Dog Parents Thought About This Toy...
People who bought this disc for their dog liked that it has rounded edges that are safe for your dog to chew on without worrying about it splintering or breaking apart. People who bought this for their dog did say that the smaller size is still rather large for some breeds.
Things We Liked
- Features a manufacturer-backed guarantee
- Available in two sizes and a few color choices
- Free of BPA and Phthlates for a safe and healthy toy
Things We Didn't Like
- May be too big for smaller breeds
- Not built to withstand heavy chewing
- Comes with a heavier design that can make it fly less
4. iFetch Interactive Ball Launcher
This automatic ball launcher features a mini tennis ball and full-size tennis ball option to dogs of all sizes can play, and it also has three launching distances of 10, 20, and 30-feet that you can easily set. The opening to load the balls is low to the ground, and this means your dog can load it themselves.
The launcher has a broad and stable base that makes it difficult for your dog to knock over when they drop the ball in, and it'll toss the ball until you shut it off. The compact design makes it easy to leave it sitting out or store it when it's not in use.
The distances on this fetch machine are very easy to set and adjust with the touch of a button, and it comes designed to run quietly in the background when you have it on. There is also an option to set the ball launching distance at variable speeds that keeps your dog interested.
What Other Dog Parents Thought About This Toy...
Dog parents who bought this toy liked that they could choose different distances for the machine to launch the ball. Dog parents did point out that balls that come with this machine aren't the most durable build.
Things We Liked
- Very easy to program distances
- Has a wide opening to put the balls in
- Comes in a compact build with two size options
Things We Didn't Like
- Balls that come with it aren't very durable
- Can only fit certain ball sizes into the launcher
- Tends to drain the batteries quickly
5. West Paw Zogoflex Tizzi Interactive Treat Dispensing Toy
This flexible but durable fetch toy by West Paw features a main body that is easy for your dog to grab and two longer hollow leg portions. You get the choice of three fun colours and two different sizes that let you customize your order to suit your dog's needs.
You can stuff dog treats into the inside compartment of the toy's legs that act like a puzzle that your dog has to figure out if they want to get the treats. The lightweight design is also great for playing in the water because it floats and allows your dog to pick it up easily.
The toy is completely non-toxic with FDA compliant materials that contain no BPAs or Phthalates, and this makes it safe for your dog to chew on and carry around. Additionally, you can toss it into the dishwasher when you want to clean it between play sessions.
What Other Dog Parents Thought About This Toy...
People who purchased West Paw's fetch toy for their dog liked that it was compliant with FDA regulations to ensure that their dog stayed safe when they played with it. They did say that this fetch toy's legs were less durable than the body due to them being hollow.
Things We Liked
- Made with safe and non-toxic materials in compliance with the FDA
- Allows you to stuff treats into the legs for added stimulation
- Able to play with it in the water and on land
Things We Didn't Like
- Legs may be slightly less durable than the body
- Can be too awkward for smaller dogs to carry
- May come with a slight smell when you first get it
Our Top Dog Fetch Toy Pick
Our pick for the best fetch toys for dogs is the Chuckit! Sport Launcher Dog Ball Thrower because it comes in so many different size options that make it easy to tailor it to your dog. We also liked that it came with a very lightweight and flexible design that allowed you to whip the ball far distances.
The fact that it helps to reduce the strain on your body when you pick up the ball was another large plus. Finally, the bright color options made it easy to spot the ball in different lighting conditions without a problem.