The Independent recently reviewed some of their favourite dog toys on the market:
The Ultimate Guide to Buying Dog Toys That Really Work
Keeping your four-legged friend entertained, mentally stimulated and physically active can make all the difference — and the right toys go a long way. Whether your dog loves tugging, chewing, chasing or puzzling — there’s something out there for every type of play style. The editors at The Independent ran a hands-on test of a variety of toys — and here’s what they found (and what you should look for).
Why the right toy matters
Dogs don’t just play for fun. Play is essential: it helps with physical exercise, mental stimulation, and by giving them the right outlet it can reduce unwanted behaviours such as destructive chewing or boredom-related mischief.
When choosing a toy, consider:
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What type of play your dog prefers (fetch? tug? chew?)
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Your dog’s size, strength and breed (some toys won’t survive the hardest chewers)
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Materials and safety (non-toxic, well-made, easy to clean)
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Longevity and value (a cheap toy that falls apart quickly can cost more in the long run)
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Special features (puzzles, treat‐dispensers, eco-credentials)
What the testers found
The Independent’s testers used three dogs (two labradors and a springador) to try out a wide array of toys. They looked at durability, ease of cleaning, fun-factor and how suitable each toy was for different types of dogs.
Here are some of the standout categories and what they uncovered:
https://www.independent.co.uk/extras/indybest/house-garden/pets/best-dog-toys-a9413131.html
Giving the Wickedbone a favourable review. 'The interactive mode, designed for dogs left to their own devices for short periods, was a godsend – the bone rolled and span in response to the gentlest of nudges.'
The Independent join a long list of positive reviewers for the Wickedbone and Wickedball, including 'off the leash', 'mrgadget' and 'barkytech'.