Dog enrichment toys that suit how your pet plays
Your dog might chew, chase or sniff. Your cat might stalk and pounce. The right dog enrichment toys and cat toys start with that, then pass a few plain safety checks for size, materials and supervision.
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Start with how your pet plays
Pick the tab that sounds like your dog or cat. Each one covers the toys that suit that kind of play and what to check before you buy.
Chewing
Chewing is how many dogs explore and settle. Choose a chew toy too big to fit fully in your dog's mouth or slip towards the throat. Firm rubber that gives a little is a common choice. Very hard chews can be tough on teeth, so ask your vet what suits your dog. Throw out any chew that splits, cracks or loses chunks.
Chasing
Chasers love balls, tug toys and anything that flies. Pick a ball too large to lodge in your dog's throat, and size up for big breeds. Check tug ropes for fraying and loose threads, which can be swallowed. Chasing toys work best as games you play together. Put them away when the game ends so they do not turn into chew toys.
Puzzles and sniffing
Puzzle feeders, treat-dispensing toys and snuffle mats give your dog a job for its nose and brain. Start with an easy setting so your dog wins early, then make it harder. Count any treats or kibble in the toy as part of the day's food. Our food buying guide explains how to keep portions right for your dog's size and life stage.
Cat hunting play
Cats play like hunters, so wand and teaser toys, small balls and food puzzles suit them well. Move the toy away from your cat, the way prey would. String, ribbon and feathers are for supervised play only. Store wand toys out of reach afterwards, and call your vet straight away if you think your cat has swallowed string.
No toy is chew-proof. Your attention is the safety feature.
Labels like tough or durable describe the toy, not your dog. Watch, check and replace, and any toy becomes a safer one.
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Buying Guides
Pet product buying guides for Australian dog and cat owners: food, health, gear and life stages. Pick the guide that fits your pet.
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