While many dogs like to play outside, many indoor toys simply aren’t designed to stand up to the outdoor elements. Stuffed toys get absolutely destroyed by the moisture of the outdoors, which can cause them to decay and become quite nasty, honestly—no one wants to play with a dog toy that has been left outside.
Luckily, there are some toys that are specifically designed for the outdoors. These are designed to hold up to the elements, so you don’t have to worry about dealing with mold and mildew.
However, just because a toy is supposed to go outdoors doesn’t actually mean that it is suitable for outdoor use. Therefore, it is vital to use reviews like ours to determine which toys are actually best suited for your canine.
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites of 2023
Image Product Details
Best Overall
West Paw Skamp Fetch Dog Toy
For moderate chewers
Recyclable
Dishwasher safe
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Best Value
Multipet Nuts for Knots
Water-resistant
Tough construction
Interesting design
Check Price
Premium Choice
West Paw Zogoflex Zisc Flying Disc
Floats
Flexible material
Durable
Check Price
Hartz Frisky Frolic Squeaky Dog Toy
Durable squeaker
Interesting texture for chewing
Durable latex material
Check Price
Petique Eco Pet Ball Python
For medium-sized dogs
Fun squeaker included
Made of natural fabrics
Check Price
The 10 Best Outdoor Dog Toys
If you’re looking for a general toy to play with outside, we highly recommend taking a look at the West Paw Skamp Fetch Dog Toy. This toy is perfect for moderate chewers and larger breeds. It can withstand aggressive chewers, especially larger breeds. It is designed to be both a chew toy and a fetch toy and bounces erratically to make it very fun for dogs to chase.
Breed Size: Large
Waterproof: Yes
Check Price on Chewy
This toy is made in the USA, so it is a safer alternative to other options on the market. It is an extremely exciting toy that can keep your puppy happy and healthy without needing to worry about mold and mildew.
Plus, this toy is also completely dishwasher safe, recyclable and it floats in water. Therefore, you could also use it in ponds, pools, and other bodies of water.
Based on these options, this is the best overall outdoor dog toy out there.
Pros
Made in the USA
Recyclable
For moderate chewers
Erratic bounce for fun games of fetch
Dishwasher safe
Floats in water
Cons
A bit expensive
If your dog likes to play fetch, you may want to try these Multipet Nuts for Knots. They are small balls of rope that can withstand quite a bit of wear. Plus, they are pretty water-resistant, though they aren’t completely waterproof. These knots are a bit more interesting than tennis balls, which are typically the ball type used outside.
Made in the USA
Recyclable
For moderate chewers
Erratic bounce for fun games of fetch
Dishwasher safe
Floats in water
- Made in the USA
- Recyclable
- For moderate chewers
- Erratic bounce for fun games of fetch
- Dishwasher safe
- Floats in water
A bit expensive
- A bit expensive
Breed Size: Medium
Waterproof: No
With that said, you should carefully supervise dogs when they are playing with these toys. They can come undone and become a choking hazard, though they are generally pretty sturdy.
Plus, we found these toys to be very cheap—one of the cheapest on the market. With that said, it is easily the best outdoor dog toy for the money available.
Pros
Water-resistant
Tough construction
Interesting design
Inexpensive
Cons
Monitor for loose strands
Can come undone easily
For playing frisbee, you can’t get much better than the West Paw Zogoflex Zisc Flying Disc Dog Toy. This toy is made from recycled materials and plastic, which also means that it floats. You can play with it in larger bodies of water, like ponds and lakes, thanks to its ability to float. Plus, it is also completely waterproof so you don’t have to worry about it breaking down and becoming moldy.
Water-resistant
Tough construction
Interesting design
Inexpensive
- Water-resistant
- Tough construction
- Interesting design
- Inexpensive
Monitor for loose strands
Can come undone easily
- Monitor for loose strands
- Can come undone easily
The flexible material makes it extremely easy on your pet’s mouth, even if they aren’t used to playing fetch.
While this toy is not designed to be a chew toy, it can withstand plenty of active play and is quite durable compared to other options on the market. There are two different sizing options, so you can choose the best size to fit your needs. The smaller disc isn’t only smaller, but it is also thinner to make it easier for smaller dogs to catch.
Pros
Floats
Flexible material
Durable
Two size options
Cons
Expensive
For dogs that like to play fetch and chase squeaky toys, the Hartz Frisky Frolic Squeaky Dog Toy is a great option. It is made for chewing and chasing with a durable squeaker to keep your dog interested and engaged. It is also made from a rugged latex material, which makes it a durable, long-lasting toy. It can withstand the outdoor elements pretty well, even if it isn’t technically waterproof.
Floats
Flexible material
Durable
Two size options
- Floats
- Flexible material
- Durable
- Two size options
Expensive
- Expensive
It is textured to make it fun for chewing as well. If your dog likes chew toys, this toy is a great option. It is one of the few outdoor toys that is specifically designed for chewing on the top of chasing.
This toy ships in many different colors, though they are random—you can’t choose what colors you get.
Pros
Durable squeaker
Interesting texture for chewing
Durable latex material
Cons
Cannot choose the color you receive
Not as durable as other options
For dogs that like to play tug, we do recommend getting the Petique Eco Pet Ball Python. It is specifically designed for tugging. It features a natural hemp material, which is designed to withstand tougher chewers. However, this toy is only for medium breeds, as it probably won’t be able to withstand larger-sized dogs.
Durable squeaker
Interesting texture for chewing
Durable latex material
- Durable squeaker
- Interesting texture for chewing
- Durable latex material
Cannot choose the color you receive
Not as durable as other options
- Cannot choose the color you receive
- Not as durable as other options
It features a fun squeaker that is designed to keep your dog interested. It is completely machine-washable, which makes it a great option for toys that are going to be used outside.
With that said, these toys are not specifically designed for outdoor use. Therefore, you preferably shouldn’t leave it outside in the rain or moisture, as it simply isn’t designed for that. It is more durable than other options, but it isn’t the most outdoor-worthy toy out there.
Pros
For medium-sized dogs
Fun squeaker included
Made of natural fabrics
Cons
Not waterproof
Not resistant to mildew and mold
For dogs that like to play fetch, then the Hartz Dura Play Ball Squeaky Dog Toy may be a great option. It is specifically designed for playing fetch, so it is a great option for dogs with a high prey drive, plus, it is made from natural latex, which is both safe and durable. It also features a bacon scent to entice your dog into playing.
For medium-sized dogs
Fun squeaker included
Made of natural fabrics
- For medium-sized dogs
- Fun squeaker included
- Made of natural fabrics
Not waterproof
Not resistant to mildew and mold
- Not waterproof
- Not resistant to mildew and mold
Breed Size: Medium
Waterproof: Yes
This toy is perfect for tossing as it bounces quite well. Plus, it also floats on water so if your dog likes to play fetch and swim, you may not get much better than this squeaky dog toy.
We particularly like that this toy is flexible enough to be chewed on easily, which also makes it a great option for puppies that are teething.
Pros
Flexible
Perfect for tossing
Bacon-scented
Cons
Not for larger breeds
Not as durable as other options
Like many toys on this list, the Hartz Zoo Balloons Squeaky Latex Dog Toy is waterproof and suitable for playing fetch outside. It is made from high-quality dura play material, which means that it should withstand quite a bit of play. However, it is not designed for use with larger dogs and likely won’t be able to withstand their force.
Flexible
Perfect for tossing
Bacon-scented
- Flexible
- Perfect for tossing
- Bacon-scented
Not for larger breeds
Not as durable as other options
- Not for larger breeds
- Not as durable as other options
This toy is extremely soft and can also be used for chewing. It is great for canines that are a bit rougher with their balls and other fetch toys.
While this toy is rubber, it does not smell like rubber. Therefore, it may be a good option for canines that seem to be a bit sensitive to the heavy rubber smell. However, the rubber design makes it extremely durable, especially for canines that like to chew.
Pros
Soft and flexible rubber
For medium dogs only
Rubber
Cons
Not super durable
Squeakers commonly wear down
For dogs that like to chew, you may want to look at the Benebone Bacon Flavor Wishbone. It is a chew toy, first and foremost. Therefore, it is a great option for dogs that like to do a lot of chewing. However, it isn’t really designed for playing—it is simply designed for chewing. The durable nylon is completely waterproof, so it makes it extremely useful for outdoor use.
Soft and flexible rubber
For medium dogs only
Rubber
- Soft and flexible rubber
- For medium dogs only
- Rubber
Not super durable
Squeakers commonly wear down
- Not super durable
- Squeakers commonly wear down
If you need to leave your dog outdoors, this chew toy can help them stay entertained. Each prong is flavored like bacon to encourage chewing. The shape also makes it easy for dogs to hold onto—it’s shaped like a wishbone, which means that your canine can easily wrap their paws around it.
Furthermore, this bone is made in the USA, including all of the packaging, and all of the ingredients are sourced from the USA too.
Pros
Waterproof
Durable nylon
Bacon flavored
Cons
Not for playing
Not necessarily very durable
Outside, there is plenty of room to play with the Hyper Pet Flippy Flopper Flying Disc Dog Toy. This one is designed to be lighter weight than other options, which makes it a great choice for those on the go. It is made from both soft rubber and nylon. The toy is about 9 inches in all, and it comes in a variety of different colors.
Waterproof
Durable nylon
Bacon flavored
- Waterproof
- Durable nylon
- Bacon flavored
Not for playing
Not necessarily very durable
- Not for playing
- Not necessarily very durable
Breed Size: All
Waterproof: Yes
Because of the nylon design, it is extremely lightweight and floats in water. It also complies with children’s toy standards, which means that it is extremely safe, and the nylon design makes it extremely safe for your dog’s teeth.
With that said, this toy is not nearly as durable as others out there. It can tear very easily, so some dogs can easily rip through it. Based on the expensive price, this toy may not be worth it.
Pros
Lightweight
Floats on water
Comes in many different colors
Cons
Expensive
Tears easily
- Petique Paw Me! Ball Dog Treat Dispenser Toy
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Breed Size: Small
Waterproof: Yes
For more intelligent dogs, you may want to look at the Petique Paw Me! Ball Dog Treat Dispenser Toy. It is a puzzle toy, so it does challenge your dog’s intelligence, making it a great option for dogs that need a bit of mental stimulation. You put treats in it, and then the dog tries to get them out. In this way, it keeps them entertained and challenges their mind.
Lightweight
Floats on water
Comes in many different colors
- Lightweight
- Floats on water
- Comes in many different colors
Expensive
Tears easily
- Expensive
- Tears easily
Check Latest Price
Breed Size: Small
Waterproof: Yes
This ball has an easy-to-clean surface, and the interior can be rinsed with fresh water and then wiped down. Plus, it features completely non-toxic materials and is completely BPA-free. It is scented lightly in vanilla, which does attract some dogs to it.
This ball should withstand the elements outside well enough. However, you do have to load it back up with treats whenever your dog wants to use it. Plus, it may also lead to obesity since it does require treats to work. This toy isn’t great for interactive play with your dog. It is more something that you set and forget about.
Pros
Encourages dog’s intelligence
Easy to clean
Withstands the elements
Cons
Requires continuous loading with treats
May lead to obesity
Not interactive
Encourages dog’s intelligence
Easy to clean
Withstands the elements
- Encourages dog’s intelligence
- Easy to clean
- Withstands the elements
Requires continuous loading with treats
May lead to obesity
Not interactive
- Requires continuous loading with treats
- May lead to obesity
- Not interactive
Buyer’s Guide: Selecting The Best Outdoor Dog Toy
Choosing an outdoor toy for your dog is challenging. Many toys are either boring or not fit to withstand the outdoor elements, and are sensitive to molds and mildew. Therefore, you can’t just put any old toy outside and expect it to stand up.
Not only does no one want to play with a wet, moldy toy, but it also is a health hazard for your dog. It isn’t odd for dogs to play with moldy toys, only to get sick later.
Below, we’ve reviewed some of the most important factors to consider when looking for an outdoor toy.
Durability
One of the most essential factors to keep in mind is the durability of the toy. It’s vital that you carefully choose a toy that can withstand the outdoor elements. The most essential element they need to stand up to is moisture and water. Toys can easily mold if they allow water to penetrate them. Therefore, it is vital that the toy can keep water out and prevent itself from becoming moldy.
The best toys will be made from rubber or plastic as these materials are resistant to water. Many outdoor toys are also able to be used in bodies of water. We highly recommend choosing one of the toys we’ve mentioned above, as we have carefully reviewed them for durability.
While you need to consider how well toys withstand the outdoor elements, you also need to consider whether they can withstand your dog’s teeth. These two traits are not mutually exclusive. Just because a toy can float doesn’t mean that it can withstand your dog’s teeth. In some cases, plastic may withstand water and moisture just fine, only to be destroyed by your pet’s teeth.
Cost
You should select a toy that fits within your budget. Luckily, there are plenty of different toys at different price points, so you should be able to find a toy at any price point. We’ve included toys that are as much as $30, as well as toys that are as cheap as $3.
We recommend being well aware of your maximum price point before you begin. However, you may find something cheaper that is also suitable. Price isn’t necessarily congruent with the quality of the item. Therefore, just because something is cheap, it doesn’t mean it’s poor quality.
Safety
There is no central agency that regulates the safety of dog toys. Therefore, it is vital that you check for safety before purchasing any toy—the last thing you want is for your canine to get sick or even die from a poorly designed toy.
In this way, we recommend that you choose a toy made from safe, non-toxic materials. It should also be durable enough not to break into pieces. After all, if it does, then you may find your dog eating the pieces which can cause impactions and all sorts of other problems.
Furthermore, you should also be very cautious about BPAs and other unsafe materials. Because no one tells companies what materials can be used in dog toys, they can use literally anything. Therefore, you should carefully select safe materials that are sourced from quality places. The last thing you want is for your dog to lick on unsafe materials.
- See Also: 10 Best Squeaky Dog Toys in 2022 – Reviews & Top Picks
Cleanliness
Since these toys are going to be used outside, it is vital that they are cleaned easily. You don’t want to choose a toy that can’t be cleaned as this will minimize its lifespan. It will get dirt in its crevices and cracks, which can eventually lead to bacteria and even mold. The toy itself might resist mold, but that doesn’t mean everything that gets stuck in its crevices will.
We highly recommend that you choose a dishwasher-safe toy as you can ensure that they are cleaned and sterilized without having to do much work yourself.
However, if the toy isn’t dishwasher safe, that doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to be wary of purchasing it. Just ensure that all of the cracks are reachable and can be cleaned easily by hand. Wipeable surfaces are best, as they are the easiest option to clean.
- See Also: 10 Best Dog Toys for Chewers in 2022 – Reviews & Top Picks
Scented
Many toys are scented, which draws dogs to them. If they are chew toys, it’s particularly essential that they are scented, as they may not actually chew on them otherwise. Dogs often need some sort of encouragement to chew on toys.
Either way, scented toys are a great option, as they encourage dogs to chew and play with them. However, not all dogs like all scents. Your dog may absolutely love vanilla, or they may not pay any attention to the scent. Either way, having a scent typically doesn’t turn dogs off, even if they don’t pay any attention to it.
Based on this information, it isn’t necessarily vital to choose a scented toy—just recommended. If a toy isn’t scented, that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t purchase it for your dog.
Form of Play
There are many different ways dogs play. However, they can be broken into three different categories: chewing, chasing, and tugging. Your dog will likely do a bit of all three. However, they may particularly like one form of play. If this is the case, consider purchasing a toy that is made for that form of play. Don’t buy your dog a chew toy if they don’t like to chew!
Conclusion
Choosing an outdoor toy does require some extra considerations, but it doesn’t have to be terribly difficult. There are plenty of different options out there.
For general outdoor use, we recommend West Paw Skamp Fetch Dog Toy. It can be used as a chew toy and a chase toy, which makes it plenty versatile. Plus, it is completely waterproof and can easily withstand most outdoor elements.
If you’re on a budget, we do recommend choosing the Multipet Nuts for Knots if your dog likes to play fetch. They are inexpensive, but their texture is interesting, which is exactly why we recommend them.
Hopefully, you were able to find the perfect toy for your canine thanks to the suggestions in our article. With so many toys to choose from, your dog will likely benefit from having a few different toys.
Featured Image Credit: Nata Bene, Shutterstock
