The 11 Best Outdoor Dog Toys of 2024

Whether the weather is nice or not, our furry family members seem to want to go outside anyway. 

And they do have to go outside at least a couple of times a day to do their business. But what about playing outdoors? You want your dog to have some fun outside too, not just inside. 

We reviewed a bunch of dog toys for the outdoors and found quite a few that we thought your doggie would enjoy. And you probably will enjoy them too. Some of them are meant for you and your pup to play together while others are just fun to sit and watch him play. However, you do it, make sure you get the ones that are safe as well as fun. 

After evaluating more than 50 outdoor dog toys, we chose the XiaZ Retractable Interactive Dog Toy as our favorite because all you have to do is to attach it to a tree and let your dog play with it all day and night if you want and all you have to do is watch. 

But I understand you might have different needs, whether you’re looking for an outdoor dog toy for agility training or for playing fetch with your doggie  That is why I prepared a shortlist of our favorite puppy toys that address different styles & needs. 

But, before we dive into the reviews section below, we’ll guide you on what criteria you should use to make the best selection for your needs.

In addition, we’ll answer some common questions from dog parents and provide you with some quick tips for playing outdoors with your dog. 

So let’s get started.

10 Rules Of Thumb When Buying an Outdoor Dog Toy

There are a lot of outdoor dog toys on the market and they all seem so fun and exciting. But you have to make sure that they are safe for your pooch to play with. You may think tennis balls or rope toys are fine to just toss out in the yard with him. Those are the toys that you cannot leave him alone with though. 

There are special toys that are safe for your pooch to play with outside. 

When choosing an outdoor dog toy, think about your pup’s likes, energy level, chewing type, size, and age. 

Certain toys are made just for puppies, some are made for extreme chewers, and others are only made for playing with around or with pet parents. You have to know what you are getting before you get it and if you are ordering it online, make sure it is a reputable source. 

• Helpful tip, make it personal: Before chew-sing a toy for your fur baby, make it personal. Think about your dog’s breed because certain breeds play differently than others. Retrievers like to play fetch and Terriers like to chase squirrels and other prey. Get what they like but, of course, make sure it is safe for their age, size, and the type of chewer they are. 
• Safety: Make sure you look at the toy label and manufacturer’s suggestion of how to play with the toy and who can play with the toy. You would not give a teether toy for a Chihuahua to an adult Great Dane or vice versa. You should also check Google to see if the toy you are interested in is on any kind of recall list.
• Purpose of the toy: An outdoor toy should be something that is safe to play with outside. Preferably, the toy should be safe to put in the washing machine or dishwasher to sanitize it after your dog has dragged it all over the yard. And get your pooch something that is for outdoor play. A ball launcher is a fantastic toy for a dog who loves fetch and they have amazing tug toys that you can attach to a tree for him to play tug by himself. 
• Material: Make sure the toy is not made of any type of toxic or dangerous material like Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), phthalates, bisphenol A (BPA), lead, chromium, formaldehyde, cadmium, or bromine. And make sure the material is safe for outdoor play. The safest toys for all dogs are made of rubber, nylon, or firehose material.
  Durability: All dog toys have a durability level that you should know about. If your dog is a heavy chewer, you need to look for a toy that is for that kind of play. Check the package and the reviews to make sure what you get is durable enough for your pup.
• Your Dog’s Age: Some toys are made for puppies with a softer rubber that will not break their teeth and adult dog toys are made with a stronger rubber that can withstand extreme chewing. Certain toys are just not good for pups to take outside because they can be easily ruined or may become dangerous if they get wet. 
• Size: Most dog toys come in different sizes because not all dogs are the same size. As your dog grows, the toys should grow with him. Because dogs use their mouth to play with toys, you have to make sure that the size is right for your dog’s particular breed and size. 
• Washability: When it comes to outdoor dog toys, getting those that can be washed in the washing machine or dishwasher is kind of im-paw-tant. After all, you know your pooch is going to drag it through the dirt, bury it in the mud, and get it wet and slobbery. Being able to wash it in water hot enough to sanitize it is a plus.
  Entertainment: You want your dog to enjoy whatever toy you give him so try to think like your dog for a minute. Does he enjoy playing fetch? Try an automatic ball launcher. Is he a fan of tug? Get him one of those tug of war rope toys that attaches to a tree.
  Warranty: Even if you are not worried about taking the toy back or getting a refund, it is good to know when a company stands behind its product. If they are willing to back their products up with a guarantee, you know it is probably a good toy.
• Made In The USA: It may not matter to you whether the toy is made in China or the USA, but the United States has strict guidelines to follow when it comes to pet toys. Other countries may not have to follow those rules so it is better to be safe than sorry. 

Our 2024 Review For 11 Best Outdoor Dog Toys

After reviewing more than 50 dog toys for the outdoors using our aforementioned criteria, we chose 11 that we think are the best and the safest for your dog. We also went ahead and rated them as what we feel are the best in each specific category listed below. 

XiaZ Retractable Interactive Dog Toy

• Material: Polyester
• Type of toy: Tug toy
• Safety Level: 5
• Floats: No
• Guarantee: Yes, lifetime guarantee
• Self Entertainment: Yes
• Your Puppy Can Play Alone: Yes
• Bounces: Yes
• Made in the USA: No
• Best for: Our Overall Top Pick / Playing Tug of War

If you have a dog who wears you out playing tug-of-war, you need this toy. Or if you have a pooch that needs to get some exercise, the tug rope is great for that too. In fact, this tug rope toy is a pawesome toy all around. 

All you have to do is attach it to a tree or some other sturdy item, wrap it around a branch, and watch your pooch try to pull it off the tree. The bungee cord keeps it just out of your dog’s reach and you can hang it at the right level for your dog since it is adjustable. 

Keeping it just out of reach so your dog has to jump for it is a paw-fect way to get him moving around and it keeps him from being able to sit and chew on the rope. This is not a chew toy, so you cannot let him just chew on it. But it sure is fun to watch your pup play with.

What We Like: 

• It is adjustable for any sized dog
• Your pooch gets a workout while you sit and relax

What Dogs Love about it?

• It bounces away every time he tugs on it
• The constant chasing is fun and works off excess energy

What We Don’t like:

• The bungee can wear out after a while but it is replaceable

Outward Hound ZipZoom Outdoor Dog Agility Training

• Material: Plastic, rubber, and nylon
• Type of toy: Agility training
• Safety Level: 4
• Floats: No
• Warranty: Yes, for 45 days
• Self Entertainment: Yes
• Your Puppy Can Play Alone: No
• Bounces: No
• Made in the USA: No
• Best for: Agility Training 

Get your dog up and moving around outside with this fun outdoor agility set from Outward Hound. They are a reputable company with a lot of excellent toys and other products for pets and this is just one of many that are pawfect for outdoor fun. 

The set comes with a collapsable tunnel that is 28 inches long and 24 inches in diameter, six 21.5 inch tall weave poles, and a jump hoop that is 21.5 inches tall and 21 inches in diameter. 

Everything fits into one lightweight carrying case so you can take it to the park, beach, or a furry friend’s house. Although your fur baby can play by himself with these toys once he knows how to use them, it is best to play with him for a great bonding activity. And never leave him alone with these toys because they are not made for chewing and you know all dogs love to chew.

What We Like: 

• Teaches your dog agility and commands
• Gives your pup some exercise

What Dogs Love about it?

• Running and jumping is fun for all dogs
• They can run through the tunnel all day long

What We Don’t like:

• It is rather expensive for what you get

Outward Hound Tail Teaser Durable Dog Wand with Soft Plush Toys

• Material: Plastic wand, nylon cord, plush teasing toys
• Type of toy: Teaser or training toy
• Safety Level: 4
• Floats: No
• Warranty: Yes, for 45 days
• Self Entertainment: No
• Your Puppy Can Play Alone: No
• Bounces: No
• Made in the USA: No
• Best for: High-Energy Dogs

Whether you are training or playing with your dog, the Tail Teaser Wand is furfect. If your dog likes to chase or has a lot of energy to get rid of, take him outside and let him chase this around for a while. You will get some exercise too since you have to be the handler but that is the fun bonding part. 

This toy comes with two different toys that squeak and rattle, making sounds like real prey to get your pup excited to play. Keep the toy just out of his reach with the pole and he will chase it all day if you are up to it. Or use it as a training toy to teach him commands. 

This is not a chew toy. Do not let your fur baby chew on the toys because they can easily be ripped apart and become a choking hazard. Always watch your pup while playing with this toy.

What We Like: 

• The fuzzy little toys feel like real fur
• The wand is easy to hold and play keep-away with your pup

What Dogs Love about it?

• The squeaking and rattling gets all dogs excited
• Chasing anything and bonding with pet parents is always fun

What We Don’t like:

• The toys can be torn apart and become dangerous

Ruff Dawg FlyingFish Dog Fetch Toy

• Material: Rubber
• Type of toy: Water toy
• Safety Level: 4
• Floats: Yes
• Guarantee: Yes, for 30 days
• Self Entertainment: No
• Your Puppy Can Play Alone: No
• Bounces: No
• Made in the USA: Yes
• Best for: Water-Toy

The minnow is a fun toy for those water-loving fur babies. At just over 6.4 inches long and about .75 inches thick, this is the fur-fect size for most small and medium dogs. However, it is probably not so good for larger dogs or dogs with a stronger bite. 

This is not a chew toy. It is a fetch toy meant to be played with for you and your pooch together. And it floats so it is great for tossing it around in the lake or pool.

However, be sure that your dog can swim if you throw it out too far. It also has a hole at the top where you can tie a string enabling you to pull it back in if it goes too far out. Or you can use the hole to play keep-away with your pup in the yard or even indoors. 

What We Like: 

• The minnow comes in one of four bright colors, pink, red, green, or yellow
• It is gentle on your dog’s teeth and gums

What Dogs Love about it?

• It is fun to chase into the water
• It fits into the mouth perfectly – it is not too thick or too thin

What We Don’t like:

• It is really not for giant breeds
• It can be chewed through pretty easily (it is NOT a chew toy)

iFetch Interactive Ball Launchers  

• Material: Plastic
• Type of toy: Automatic ball launcher
• Safety Level: 5
• Floats: No
• Warranty: Yes, for up to one year
• Self Entertainment: Yes
• Your Puppy Can Play Alone: Yes
• Bounces: No, but the balls do
• Made in the USA: Yes
• Best for: automatic ball launcher

Every pup likes playing fetch but sometimes you are just too busy or worn out to keep throwing the ball all day long. With that endless energy that most dogs have, the iFetch ball launcher is fantastic to keep them busy while you work or just sit back and watch. 

After showing your pup how to drop the ball in the hole a few times, he should be playing on his own in no time at all. And you can get some paw-sitively adorable videos for TkTok or Instagram. They may even go viral and make your fur baby an internet star. 

There are two sizes. The small one is for small to medium dogs with mini-tennis balls about 1.6 inches and the large is for medium to giant breed dogs with standard 2.5-inch tennis balls. The small throws the ball 10, 20, and 30 feet while the large throws it 10, 25, or 40 feet. 

The warranty is great because the price is pretty high. But it is worth it to watch your dog have so much fun while you relax.

What We Like: 

• You can store the balls in a compartment underneath
• The large iFetch has a rechargeable battery
• It gets your dog up and moving to work off excess energy

What Dogs Love about it?

• He can play fetch all day long
• The excitement is real because it shoots out randomly

What We Don’t like:

• It uses AAA batteries
• The balls wear out fast
• It is expensive

West Paw Zogoflex Tizzi Treat Dispensing Dog Toy

• Material: Plastic
• Type of toy: Fetch treat toy
• Safety Level: 3
• Floats: Yes
• Warranty: Yes, for 30 days
• Self Entertainment: Yes
• Your Puppy Can Play Alone: No
• Bounces: Yes
• Made in the USA: Yes
• Best for: Playing Fetch

This unusual-looking toy is a hit with all dogs but should only be used with gentle chewers. Some pet parents have made the mistake of using these with their extreme chewers and it just does not hold up well. After all, it says “gentle chewers” on the package and it is not made to be a chew toy anyway. 

But, for dogs that like to play fetch and are gentle with their toys, this toy is great. You can hide toys in the middle and lock its legs so your pup has to figure out how to get to them. Put some soft food in there and put it in the freezer for a while and it will last even longer. 

Or just toss it around the yard and watch him chase it. You can even toss it in the water because it floats. It comes in small and large so you can play with any size dog and as long as you supervise, your dog will love this toy. 

What We Like: 

• The locking legs make it a fun hidden treat toy
• It is an aerodynamic toy that throws well 

What Dogs Love about it?

• Bright fun colors make it easy to find
• The erratic bounce is like chasing prey

What We Don’t like:

• It can be easily damaged by aggressive chewers

iDig Digging Toy by iFetch

• Material: Plastic and polyester
• Type of toy: Digging toy
• Safety Level: 4
• Floats: No
• Warranty: Yes, 30 day guarantee and a one year manufacturer’s warranty
• Self Entertainment: Yes
• Your Puppy Can Play Alone: Yes
• Bounces: No
• Made in the USA: Yes
• Best for: Digging 

All dogs like to dig. It is built into their DNA from way back when they had to search for food in the wild. This iDig toy is like digging for a clean pet. Your pooch can dig into it all day long without getting dirty, even playing outside. However, do not leave it outside in the rain or snow as it could damage the material. 

There are several layers of material that snap on and have pockets to hide treats and toys in. All you have to do is attach the snaps and watch him play. It is fairly safe for your dog to play alone with, although if he is an aggressive chewer, he may chew up the tabs trying to get them apart. 

What We Like: 

• You can just toss the flaps in the washer
• Attach all the tabs or just a few for different levels of play

What Dogs Love about it?

• It is a blast to dig for treats and toys
• The material is easier on their feet than digging in the dirt

What We Don’t like:

• The price is a bit steep for what it does
• It is not safe for aggressive chewers

Chuckit! Amphibious Bumper Dog Toy

• Material: Nylon, rubber, and EVA foam
• Type of toy: Floating fetch toy
• Safety Level: 3
• Floats: Yes
• Guarantee: Yes, for 30 days
• Self Entertainment: No
• Your Puppy Can Play Alone: No
• Bounces: No
• Made in the USA: Yes/No
• Best for: Floating Fetch Toy

Another fun fetch toy but this one comes with a rope for you to direct the throw better. It floats high up on the water so your pup can find it easier because it is made with a special EVA foam. The bright colors also make it easier to spot. 

There is only one size though, and that is medium but it seems to work for most fur babies. It is 2.25 inches wide by 9.75 inches long and about two inches thick so it should fit in almost any dog’s mouth no matter the breed. 

However, this is not a chew toy and you cannot play tug with it. Just because it has a rope on it does not mean it is a tug toy. The rope will come off and make it dangerous to play with afterward. This is for you and your furry friend to play fetch with together, not for him to play with alone.

What We Like: 

• It really does float high on the water
• The rope makes it easy to throw

What Dogs Love about it?

• They can find it easy in the water or in the grass
• It is easy to carry back to you

What We Don’t like:

• It only comes in one size so tiny breeds would have a hard time playing with it

Swift Paws Home

• Material: Plastic base and nylon line
• Type of toy: Exercise toy
• Safety Level: 4
• Floats: No
• Warranty: Yes for up to 30 days and a manufacturer’s warranty for a year
• Self Entertainment: No
• Your Puppy Can Play Alone: No
• Bounces: No
• Made in the USA: Yes
• Best for: Exercise Toy

This very unique exercise toy is pawfect for all sizes, ages, and breeds of dogs. If your dog likes to chase squirrels or anything else he can find, Swift Paws is going to be extremely fun for both of you. It contains a home base and three other bases to set up like a baseball diamond. Whether you have a small or large yard, you can tailor it to fit. 

Stick the home base in the ground and run the 250 feet of line around the bases and back to home base. Attach the flag and use the handheld remote control to make it go. You can make it go either direction at the flick of a button and it reaches up to 30 miles per hour. Your dog will be chasing it whichever way you make it go. 

It comes with a set of three bases and a home base, 250 feet of nylon line, a roll of 20 flags, stakes and tethers, a line winder, a rechargeable battery, and a battery charger. You can even get compostable flags but they are sold separately.  

What We Like: 

• It fits any yard no matter the size
• You can use it for any dog size, age, or breed

What Dogs Love about it?

• They love to chase the flag
• It gets rid of the zoomies

What We Don’t like:

• The price is really high

Classic Flyer Frisbee 

• Material: Rubber
• Type of toy: Flying disc
• Safety Level: 5
• Floats: No
• Warranty: Yes, for 60 days
• Self Entertainment: Yes
• Your Puppy Can Play Alone: No
• Bounces: Yes
• Made in the USA: Yes
• Best for: Playing Frisbee

Playing fetch with a Frisbee is one of the most paw-pular games for dogs and their pet parents and this is the pawfect shape and size for any kind of fetch. KONG has been selling trustworthy dog toys and products since 1970 so they know what they are doing. 

The rubber is softer than a real Frisbee so it will not harm your pup’s jaws or damage his teeth if he catches it in the air. The disc comes in two sizes: one for dogs up to 35 pounds that is 7.5 inches and one for dogs up to 85 pounds that is about nine inches. 

Although your dog will love to chew on this toy, it is not a chew toy so you should not let him chew on it excessively. And it is important to supervise him as he plays as well, which should be easy if you are playing fetch together. 

What We Like: 

• You can wash it on the top shelf of your dishwasher
• It flies better than a Frisbee 
• It is the most affordable toy on the list

What Dogs Love about it?

• Your pooch can catch it easily without it hurting his mouth
• He can pick it up easier with the wide rim

What We Don’t like:

• It does not float

KOPEKS Outdoor Portable Dog Swimming Pool

• Material: High-grade industrial strength PVC
• Type of toy: Swimming pool
• Safety Level: 3
• Floats: No
• Guarantee: Yes, for 30 days
• Self Entertainment: Yes
• Your Puppy Can Play Alone: No
• Bounces: No
• Made in the USA: No
• Best for: Water Dogs

Whether your dog wants to go swimming or if he just needs a bath, make water fun with one of these pawesome pools by Kopeks. They come in three sizes. The small is eight inches deep and 32 inches around, the large is 12 inches deep and 47 inches around, and the extra large is 12 inches deep and 63 inches around. 

The whole thing sets up in minutes by just unfolding it and filling it with water. And it drains easily too with a side drain that screws off. It is made of extra tuff PVC with thick sides and the bottom is extra thick to protect from doggy nails. 

When you are done with it, just drain it and fold it back up and it fits into its handy carrying bag. Take it to the dog park or beach for a nice way for your fur baby to cool off on the go. Just remember that it is not a chew toy or a digger so it will not stand up to chewing or digging. And never let your pup swim or bathe alone. 

What We Like: 

• Portable and easy to set up and break down
• No need to inflate or deflate

What Dogs Love about it?

• Dogs who love water will love it
• Dogs that don’t love water will probably love it too

What We Don’t like:

• It can be chewed up easily
• Diggers can put holes in the liner

Common Questions from Dog Parents

How do I keep my dog entertained outside?

Not all dogs are the same so keeping your fur baby entertained outside may be dif-fur-ent than other pups. Is your pooch a digger? Try the iDig or one of the other digging toys on the market. For a dog who likes to play tug-of-war, get the XiaZ Retractable Interactive Dog Toy. And of course, all dogs love to fetch so the iFetch automatic ball thrower is great. 

How long should I let my dog play outside?

Although it really depends on your dog and the weather, most dogs need at least 15 minutes to get out there and run around or do their business. But you really should let them stay out for about 30 minutes or more if the weather is nice. On the other hand, you should never leave your dog out long in extremely hot or cold temperatures. 

Is it OK to leave your dog outside all day?

You should not leave your dog outside all day and never leave him out when you leave the house. You may think your yard is escape-proof and safe, but you never know what might happen. A big storm could hit while you are away and then what is your dog supposed to do? And leaving your pup outside all day can lead to behavior issues as well like excessive barking and digging.

Expert Tips For Playing Outdoors With Your Dog 

All dogs love playing outside and we love to take our fur baby out to play. But there are certain things that you need to think about whether you take him outside or whether he goes out by himself. There are safety concerns with your dog just like there would be if you let a toddler out to play in the yard. 

Make Sure the Gates Are Closed: You cannot just open the door and let your dog run free no matter how well trained he is. Dogs are like kids and will often forget those rules if they see something exciting going on like a squirrel running across the street. Only let your dog out in a fenced yard that he cannot get out of. Dogs can jump pretty high so make sure it is a tall fence. 

Clean Up the Place: Go through the yard and look at everything. Check for toxic plants, sharp edges of metal or plastic fencing or other items, bee and wasp nests, and any kind of standing water. Even lawn edging that you used to decorate the yard can be a hazard for your fur baby. You should also pick up any sticks or rocks that your dog may decide to chew on. Don’t forget, dogs explore the world with their mouth so make sure there is nothing dangerous he can eat or choke on. 

Do Not Feed Your Pup: While it may be nice to give your dog a meal while he is outside, food attracts pests. You may be inviting insects as well as raccoons, opossums for dinner. That can lead to a disagreement between your pooch and whoever is trying to steal his kibble. So, wait until he comes in to feed him his dinner. 

Give Him Water: Although you do not want to feed him outside, you can and should leave him some water. Especially when it is hot outside, your pet needs to have access to clean water all the time. If it is cold out, make sure his water does not freeze up. 

Check the Temperature: If it is too cold or hot for you to be outside, chances are good that your pup is not going to want to be out there either. Or they will want to go out because they do not know any better. It’s your job to make sure they are safe so check the temperature as well as the forecast before letting him out. It may be getting ready to storm. 

No Chains: Do not chain or otherwise tether your pup outside and leave him out there alone. If you are going to have him on a lead, stay out there with him. He could get twisted up around a tree or on a fence where he could choke or get some other type of injury. 

ID Your Dog: It is best to have your dog microchipped and keep an ID tag with updated phone numbers on it. Even if you think he is safe and cannot get out of the yard, you never know what may happen and it is better to be safe than sorry. 

Keep the Gates Locked: Besides your dog getting out on his own, there is a growing crime of animal theft so make sure you keep your gates or fences locked. And keep an eye on your pooch. Do not leave him out there for hours without checking on him. And never leave him outside if you are leaving the house.

The Final Woof

It was really hard to “chews” between all of these pawesome outdoor toys for your pup because they are all really pretty great. 

But the safest one that has a lifetime guarantee with the best features is the XiaZ Retractable Interactive Dog Toy. You can attach it to a tree and let your dog play with it all day and night if you want and all you have to do is watch. 

The only downside of this one is that the bungee cord can wear out after several months (and maybe years) of play. But you can buy a replacement from the company for a small fee. 

The whole contraption is more affordable than most of these toys and it is a hit with all dogs.