Goldendoodles come from two very active breeds; golden retrievers and poodles. Thus, they need a lot of exercise to stay healthy.
At the same time, these cute dog breeds are also very intelligent and curious. They love discovering and researching things and are always looking for stuff that’ll keep them busy.
Buying a good toy for your Goldendoodle helps it stay physically active and not bored. The toy will also help in its physical and mental well-being. And in this article, we look at some of the best toys you can buy for your Goldendoodle.
What to Consider Before Buying a Dog Toy?
First things first, here are the things you need to consider when buying a dog toy:
Toy Size
A toy that can fit comfortably inside a dog’s mouth is a potential choking hazard. However, the toy shouldn’t be too big such that it’s difficult for the dog to hold.
Added Ruffles
Some toys can come with frills such as strings, ribbons, bells, etc. And no matter how strongly they’re attracted to the surface, they could always break and block your dog’s airways. Hence, you must avoid them.
The Dog’s Playing Style and Situation
Goldendoodles are generally high-energy dogs; thus, your pet will most likely require a durable toy. On the other hand, if your pet is a gentle player, you should consider getting a softer squeaky toy.
The Constituents of the Dog Toy
Dog toys can consist of various toxins, which is harmful, especially because these animals play with their mouth. You’ll need to avoid the following chemicals in dog toys:
- Polyvinyl Chloride
- Phthalates
- Bisphenol A (BPA)
- Lead
- Chromium
- Formaldehyde
- Cadmium
- Bromine
Note: It’s best to buy cotton or 100% natural rubber toys. Some experts recommend getting products made in the USA since you can rely on the quality of the products.
Type of Toy
Many types of dog toys are available, these days all made for different purposes. And while it’s better to buy all of them for variation, it’s a good idea to know about all of them and what they’re helpful for:
Chew Toys
Chew toys are soft and fun to chew on. They help with teething puppies and are made for highly chewy dogs. In addition to keeping your dog busy for a long time, they also help to protect your pair of slippers and pants!
Rope Toys
Rope toys have several benefits; first, you could play tug and war, which could help improve the dog’s physical strength. Similarly, the threads in the ropes act like floss when bitten, reducing the chances of bacterial overgrowth or plaque in the teeth.
Squeaky Toys
Squeaky toys are essentially chew toys that make a squeak when pressed. They make your dog more active since they trigger a psychological message that it’s time to play.
These toys also bring the ‘wolf part’ of your dog out. In the wild, rodents and other animals let out a shriek when caught. And the squeaky sound from a toy could be perceived as the sound of the prey, giving your dog an intense feeling of satisfaction when playing.
Interactive Toys
Goldendoodles are highly intelligent dogs, so you should also consider getting an interactive puzzle toy for mental stimulation. In addition to being fun, these toys can also help build skills such as patience, logic, and persistence.
Ball Toys
A ball is the most classic dog toy. And there are several reasons this kind of toy will always be in the market; they’re fun and can be used for various purposes like playing fetch, chewing, running around and exercising, etc.
They also help cognitive development and concentration, as the dog will need to focus on them and not let them fall.
Top Best Toys for Goldendoodles
Here are the best Goldendoodle toys you can find today:
Jolly Pets Romp-n-Roll Rope and Ball Dog Toy
A ball or a rope? Why not get both? Jolly Pets Romp-n-Roll is essentially a rope tied to a ball that’s 6 inches in diameter.
The ball is made with the ‘Jolly Flex’ material, which is non-toxic and doesn’t deflate when punctured. In addition, the rope is large enough not to cause choking like smaller shingles.
One thing that makes this ball perfect for Goldendoodles is that it floats in water. Thus, your dog can chase and fetch it even when it’s swimming.
Pros
- Strong material
- Your dog can play it in water and on land
Cons
- The rope can be unbraided and untied
Planet Dog Orbee-Tuff Squeak Ball
The planet dog Orbee-Tuff squeak ball may just have one of the most satisfying squeaks in a dog chew toy. It’s made of TPE, which is also a rubber used to make medical tubes, so it’s very safe for your dog to hold.
The Planet Dog Orbee-Tuff is also very bouncy and can float. The manufacturer has also found an extra use for the toy- they’ve embedded a minty scent in the ball, meaning that it may help freshen the breath of your Goldendoodle as it chews on the toy.
This ball is 3 inches and is available in blue and orange. Finally, it’s made by Planet Dog, which also runs the Planet Dog Foundation, which funds dogs to help people in need.
Pros
- Squeaky and Bouncy
- Doesn’t have BPA, Lead, or Phthalate
Cons
- Some very chewy dogs can break the ball and remove the squeaker.
Chuckit! Breathe Right Fetch Ball
A dog may find it difficult to breathe when holding the ball with its mouth. Hence, Chuckit!, one of the most popular manufacturers of fetch toys, has devised an innovative solution- to construct the ball in a mesh-like open weave shape so that the air can pass through it.
Chuckit! is especially recommended for active dogs like Goldendoodles since they’ll help regulate breathing and improve stamina while playing. They’re also easy to hold and also float on water.
All Chuckit! products are made with safe materials for dogs’ mouths. In addition, you can also buy the Chuckit! launcher that’ll help you through the ball without using your hand while playing fetch.
Pros
- Mesh-like shape improves stamina
- You can use it as a treat ball dog toy
- Lightweight
- Easy to clean despite the shape
Cons
- Not very strong and can break easily if your dog is very chewy
Nina Ottosson by Outward Hound
Nina Ottoson by Outward Hound is a plate that’s also a puzzle. You hide the treats in the toy, and your Goldendoodle can get its hand on them as it solves the puzzle.
The toy is made of toy-wood composite and is BPA, PVC, and Phthalate free. In addition, there are flippers to make it easier for the dog to solve the puzzle, and the parts are non-removable for safety.
In addition to being useful for cognitive development, you can also use this puzzle to teach your Goldendoodle puppy what and what not to eat.
As you remove the toy after the treat is gone, the pup will understand the difference between food and a toy.
Pros
- A great concept
- No harmful chemicals
- Easy to clean
- Can slow down meal time for fast eaters
- Material is durable
Cons
- Some dogs may figure the toy out too easily
- The flippers can be mistaken for the prize
Mammoth Flossy Premium Tug Toy
One of the most basic requirements for a rope toy is that it should be strong and durable. As it’s used for games such as tug and war, it may be destroyed easily if not constructed properly.
Flossy toys have kept exactly this in mind while creating their rope toy; it uses super tough fibers, and the knots are tied very tightly.
The material used in this toy is American Cotton-Poly, meaning that it doesn’t have any harmful chemicals. Thus, your dog can also use it as a chew toy, subsequently helping strengthen its teeth.
The mammoth flossy rope toy is available in various sizes, and the medium one (20”) should be perfect for a Goldendoodle.
Pros
- Won’t snap or fray easily
- Aesthetically pleasing
Cons
- You may need to retie the knots frequently
Best Pet Supplies Crinkle Dog Toy
A plush toy has several uses; your dog can snuggle with it, and it can also be chewed on. And with a duck design and squeaker, the Best Pet Supplies Crinkle Dog toy is one of the cutest and most entertaining plush toys available today.
The toy is about 15 inches in length and 7 inches in breadth. It’s available in six colors and is light enough to carry around easily. Another benefit of this toy is that the material doesn’t have stuffing, meaning that its bits don’t fall or create a mess.
An animal-shaped toy like this can also help manage separation anxiety and can also be used by your dog to channel aggression. It’s almost like a friend that doesn’t leave your dog’s side no matter what.
Pros
- Can be used for several purposes
- Very comfortable for your dog to snuggle
- The color won’t fade while washing
Cons
- Not very cheap
Pet Craft Supply Hide and Seek Toy
The Pet Craft Supply Hide and Seek is another one of the best puzzle toys for Goldendoodles.
The set consists of a cute little gym bag and three small stuffed squeaky toys which you hide in the bag. And your dog’s goal is to remove the smaller toys from the bag.
What we liked about this toy setup is that it has a complete package; the smaller underwear and socks can also be used as squeaky toys on their own. But be careful; their shapes can trick your dog into tearing your actual underwear or socks!
Jokes aside, the Pet Craft Supply Hide and Seek is made of toxin-free materials. At the same time, you can also fit snacks along with the toys to test your dog’s sniffing skills.
Pros
- Can protect your real clothes
- A complete package consisting of a puzzle and plush toys
Cons
- May not be the best option for aggressive chewers
Nylabone Ergonomic Hold & Chew
The Nylabone Ergonomic Hold & Chew is one of the most durable dog chew toys, particularly targeted toward aggressive chewers. It’s got three textured ends, meaning that your dog can chew from anywhere, and the dynamic shape makes it easily holdable by dogs.
The Nylabone Power Chew can be in bison and chicken flavors, with the latter having a higher concentration of the taste.
The food essence can also help to reduce destructive chewing in the absence of the toy since your dog will only learn to chew on food. Moreover, it’s made of nylon and doesn’t have harmful chemicals.
Remember to get a ‘large’ size of this toy for your Goldendoodle to avoid a choking hazard.
Pros
- Made for very chewy dogs, so it is long-lasting
- Can help in dental care
- Helpful for teething puppies
Cons
- Like any other toy, it isn’t indestructible and can break
- Supervision needed
- Could be stinky for some dog owners, and the smell could transfer to your couch or bed
King Classic Dog Toy
The final one on our list is the Kong Classic Dog Toy. It’s primarily a chew toy; however, it is also helpful in physical and mental stimulation, as it’s also seen to address separation anxiety and stress.
The Kong Classic Dog Toy is made of natural rubber and has a unique cylindrical shape. And while it may not seem so, it’s got an unexpected bounce and can be used to play fetch.
In addition, this uniquely shaped toy can also be filled with treats and sealed, giving your dog a steady flow of snacks throughout the day.
Pros
- Highly durable
- Multipurpose toy
Cons
- Some have reported little chunks of the toy falling off.
Conclusion
If we’re honest, toys mean much more to dogs than humans. After all, they can be very helpful in maintaining physical and mental well-being and keeping them happy. For some dogs with conditions like stress and anxiety, toys can even be lifesavers.
When buying toys for your Goldendoodle, you have to ensure you’ve bought the right product with no harmful chemicals and one that doesn’t fall apart easily. Furthermore, you should try to introduce variety by getting toys of different kinds.
All the above toys have been carefully selected based on countless online reviews and our own experience. Hopefully, your Goldendoodle will love them, and if it does, tell us which one it liked the most.
