Best Dog Toys in NZ: The Ultimate Guide for Every Dog

Posted by Petdirect on 15th Apr 2026

Choosing the right toy for your dog is about more than just keeping them entertained. The right toy can help with dental health, reduce anxiety, build confidence, strengthen your bond, and give your dog the mental and physical stimulation they need to stay happy and healthy.

But with so many options available, it can be hard to know where to start. This guide covers every type of dog toy available in New Zealand, how to choose the right one for your dog's size, age, and play style, and our top picks across every category. Whether you have a teething puppy, a power chewer, a fetch-obsessed retriever, or a gentle senior, there is something here for every dog.

How to Choose the Right Toy for Your Dog

Not every toy suits every dog. Here are the key things to consider before you buy. For a deeper dive, see our full dog toy buying guide.

Size

A toy that is too small can be a choking hazard, while one that is too large may be hard for your dog to pick up and enjoy. Always match the toy size to your dog's breed and jaw size. Most brands offer small, medium, and large options.

Age and life stage

Puppies need softer toys for teething. Adult dogs can handle tougher materials. Senior dogs benefit from gentler, lighter toys that are easy on ageing joints and teeth. See our guides to puppy toys and senior dog toys.

Play style

Does your dog love to chase, chew, tug, solve puzzles, or snuggle? Matching the toy to their natural play style means they are far more likely to actually use it. Some dogs love variety, while others have a clear favourite type.

Chewing strength

Light chewers can enjoy plush and rubber toys. Moderate chewers do well with rope and nylon. Power chewers need heavy-duty materials like solid rubber or reinforced nylon. See our heavy chewer toy guide.

Safety

Always supervise your dog with a new toy. Check regularly for loose parts, tears, or pieces that could be swallowed. Replace toys as soon as they show signs of wear. Avoid toys with small parts that could come off.

Purpose

Some toys are designed for specific needs: dental health, anxiety relief, training rewards, or mental stimulation. Choosing a toy with a purpose means your dog gets more than just playtime.

Best Chew Toys

Chew toys satisfy your dog's natural urge to gnaw, help clean teeth, and can keep them occupied for hours. They come in a range of toughness levels, from soft rubber for puppies to ultra-durable nylon for power chewers. Top brands include KONG, Benebone, and Nylabone. For a full breakdown, see our Benebone guide, KONG size guide, and indestructible dog toys guide.

Best Plush and Soft Toys

Plush toys are perfect for dogs that love to carry, cuddle, or gently mouth their toys. They are especially popular with puppies, small breeds, and senior dogs. Look for reinforced stitching and double-layered fabric if your dog is a moderate chewer. Brands like Pup & Purr, Coco & Cooper, and M-PETS offer great options at every price point. See our guide to the best toys for small dogs.

Best Fetch Toys

Fetch toys are ideal for active dogs that love to run and retrieve. From classic tennis balls to launchers that let you throw further with less effort, fetch toys provide great exercise and bonding time. Chuckit! is the go-to brand for fetch, with a range of balls, launchers, and floating toys. For tips on safe play, see our guide to playing fetch safely and our Chuckit! guide.

Best Interactive and Puzzle Toys

Interactive toys challenge your dog's brain and reward problem-solving with treats. They are brilliant for keeping dogs occupied when you are busy, reducing boredom-related behaviours, and slowing down fast eaters. Nina Ottosson puzzle toys come in different difficulty levels, while KONG Classic and West Paw Toppl are great for stuffing with treats. For more, see our interactive dog toys guide and West Paw guide.

Best Rope and Tug Toys

Rope toys are great for tug-of-war, which builds your dog's confidence and strengthens the bond between you. They also help clean teeth as the fibres work like floss. Look for toys made from natural cotton or durable synthetic rope. Pup & Purr and Mammoth offer a range of sizes. Always supervise tug play and teach a reliable "drop" command.

Best Squeaky Toys

The squeak triggers your dog's prey drive and makes playtime more exciting. Squeaky toys come in all shapes, from plush food shapes to rubber balls. They are great for dogs that love to pounce, shake, and carry their toys around. Pup & Purr offers a fun range of squeaky food-shaped toys that are popular with dogs of all sizes.

Best Enrichment Toys: Snuffle Mats and Lick Mats

Enrichment toys slow your dog down, engage their senses, and promote calm behaviour. Snuffle mats tap into your dog's natural foraging instincts, while lick mats provide a soothing, repetitive activity that can help with anxiety and stress. These are especially useful for dogs that eat too fast, get anxious when left alone, or need help settling down. LickiMat is the leading brand for lick mats. For more, see our guides to snuffle mats and lick mat recipes.

Best Toys by Dog Size

Small dogs

Small breeds need appropriately sized toys they can carry and chew comfortably. Look for small KONG sizes, mini Benebones, and lightweight plush toys. Avoid anything too large or heavy for their jaw. See our full guide to the best toys for small dogs.

Medium dogs

Medium breeds like Border Collies, Beagles, and Staffies have the widest range of toy options. They can handle most standard-sized toys. Match the durability to their chewing strength and choose toys that suit their play style.

Large dogs

Large and giant breeds need bigger, tougher toys. Standard-sized toys can be a choking hazard. Look for XL KONG, large Benebones, and heavy-duty rope toys. See our guide to toys for destructive dogs.

Best Toys by Life Stage

Puppies

Puppies need softer toys for teething, plus toys that help with training and socialisation. Rubber teething toys, small plush toys, and puppy-specific KONGs are all great choices. Avoid hard nylon chews until their adult teeth come in. See our puppy toy guide.

Adult dogs

Adult dogs can handle the full range of toy types. Match the toy to their play style and chewing strength. A good rotation of chew toys, fetch toys, and puzzle toys keeps things interesting and covers all their needs.

Senior dogs

Older dogs benefit from softer toys that are gentle on ageing teeth and joints. Plush toys, gentle puzzle feeders, and lick mats are ideal. Avoid hard chews and high-impact fetch toys. See our senior dog toy guide.

Best Toys for Specific Needs

Anxious dogs

Lick mats, snuffle mats, and stuffable toys like KONG Classic help anxious dogs self-soothe. The repetitive licking and foraging actions release calming endorphins. See our guide to toys for nervous and anxious dogs.

Heavy chewers

Power chewers need toys made from solid rubber, reinforced nylon, or ultra-tough materials. KONG Extreme, Benebone, and Nylabone DuraChew are designed to withstand aggressive chewing. See our indestructible toy guide.

Dogs home alone

Puzzle toys, treat-dispensing toys, and frozen stuffed KONGs keep dogs occupied when you are out. Snuffle mats and lick mats are also great for solo enrichment. Rotate toys to keep things fresh.

Budget-friendly options

Great dog toys do not have to be expensive. Pup & Purr, M-PETS, and Coco & Cooper offer quality toys at accessible prices. See our guide to the best dog toys under $20.

Top Dog Toy Brands in NZ

KONG

The gold standard for stuffable, durable dog toys. Available in puppy, classic, and extreme versions for every chewing strength. See our KONG size guide.

Chuckit!

The go-to brand for fetch. Launchers, ultra balls, and floating toys for dogs that love to chase and retrieve. See our Chuckit! guide.

Benebone

Real-flavour infused nylon chews in unique shapes designed for a satisfying chewing experience. See our Benebone guide.

Nina Ottosson

Puzzle toys in multiple difficulty levels that challenge your dog's problem-solving skills and reward them with treats.

Pup & Purr

Affordable, fun toys including rope toys, plush toys, treat dispensers, and the popular squeaky food range. Great value for everyday play.

West Paw

Eco-friendly Zogoflex toys including the popular Toppl and Qwizl. Durable, dishwasher-safe, and made from recycled materials. See our West Paw guide.

Toy Safety Tips

Always supervise your dog with a new toy until you know how they interact with it
Choose the right size: too small is a choking risk, too large is frustrating
Check toys regularly for wear, loose parts, or pieces that could be swallowed
Replace toys as soon as they start to break down
Avoid toys with small removable parts, buttons, or ribbons
Match the toy's durability to your dog's chewing strength
Wash toys regularly to prevent bacteria build-up

Frequently Asked Questions

How many toys does a dog need?

Most dogs do well with 3 to 5 toys available at a time, rotated regularly to keep things interesting. Having a mix of types (one chew, one fetch, one puzzle, one comfort) covers all their needs.

How often should I replace my dog's toys?

Replace toys as soon as they show signs of significant wear, such as tears, loose stuffing, or pieces breaking off. For heavy chewers, this might be every few weeks. For gentle players, toys can last months.

Are squeaky toys safe for dogs?

Squeaky toys are generally safe for supervised play. The risk comes if your dog manages to tear the toy open and swallow the squeaker. Always supervise and replace squeaky toys once they start to tear.

What is the best toy for a dog that destroys everything?

KONG Extreme, Benebone, and Nylabone DuraChew are designed for power chewers. Solid rubber and reinforced nylon are the most durable materials. Avoid plush and rope toys for aggressive chewers.

Can toys help with dog anxiety?

Yes. Lick mats, snuffle mats, and stuffable toys like KONG Classic provide calming, repetitive activities that help reduce stress. They are especially useful for separation anxiety and during stressful events like fireworks or thunderstorms.

What toys are best for puppies?

Soft rubber teething toys, puppy-specific KONGs, small plush toys, and gentle rope toys are all great for puppies. Avoid hard nylon chews until their adult teeth have fully come in, usually around 6 to 7 months.

Find the Perfect Toy for Your Dog

From tough chew toys and fetch balls to puzzle feeders and calming lick mats, Petdirect has something for every dog. Save with Autodeliver and earn Airpoints Dollars on every order with Pet Perks.

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