Outdoor Toys Your Dog Will Love
from Sam Groves
Even though your dog really wants to bring their plush toys outside, they’re not meant for outdoor play. Not to mention, a yard adorned with wet plush toys isn’t the fabulous lawn decor your dog thinks it is. Lucky for you (and your HOA), plenty of toys are designed for the great outdoors. Whether you’re playing fetch, playing tug-of-war, or going for a swim, these toys can accompany you wherever the walk takes you.
“What do you mean I can’t take Marvin Moose outside with me?” your dog asks. Or at least that’s what you imagine they’re trying to ask you with those big, sad eyes.
How do you explain to your dog that some toys shouldn’t be brought outside while others are great for indoors and outdoors? What about those outdoor toys that shouldn’t come inside with them?
Meanwhile, your dog is standing there, confused about why they’re not allowed to bring their new tree branch into the house.
The concept of “outdoor toys” is probably confusing for a dog. In their mind, a toy is a toy! Even things that aren’t toys are toys to them. A loose sock? Toy! A plastic soda bottle? Toy! A big rock they dug up? Weird, but still, toy!
Dogs will find a way to play no matter what. By giving them outdoor toys specifically designed to endure the elements—water, dirt, heat, and slobber—you’re making sure safety takes priority as the weather gets warmer.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN OUTDOOR TOYS
- Weather resistance: One of the most important things to look for in an outdoor dog toy is its ability to withstand the elements! A quality dog toy not only stands up to rowdy play—it’s also resistant to water, snow, heat, and cold. Unless your little diva claims to be “allergic to getting their paws wet,” playtime shouldn’t be limited to pleasant weather days.
- Safety: Outdoor toys should be built with dog safety in mind. Regular tennis balls, for example, are made for tennis courts, not dogs’ teeth. Their outer material is actually quite abrasive and can wear down their teeth and gums! Also, regular plastic frisbees may seem harmless, but they can chip your dog’s teeth while leaping to catch it! When played with correctly, your dog’s toys should minimize the risks of injury.
- Durability: The best toy for your dog should be able to withstand their play style. While plenty of durable choices are out there, rubber toys are a great all-around option that combine durability and functionality! It’s also important to understand how your dog plays. If they’re a fetching pro but don’t chew much, the KONG Flyer and SqueakAir are great options! However, if they’re both a fetcher and a chewer, KONG Ball, KONG Classic, and KONG Extreme are your best bets.
Ready to get outside? Here are six toys that your dog will love:
KONG® FLYER
Regular ol’ plastic frisbees may fly, but they don’t fly when it comes to doggie dental health. Hard plastic can chip dogs’ teeth as they snatch it out of the air. Not to mention, hard plastic can splinter! The KONG Flyer is made from natural rubber, doesn’t splinter, and is gentle on teeth.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Flexible natural rubber makes catching safer
- Lands gently, doesn’t roll away
- Comes in puppy, classic, and extreme rubber strengths
Best for:
- Fetching, chasing
KONG® SQUEAKAIR®
You know what would make a tennis ball even better? If it squeaked! And that’s exactly the thought behind the SqueakAir. Squeaking sparks longer and livelier play by encouraging dogs’ natural instincts. Plus, these toys are made of non-abrasive material, unlike regular tennis balls—making them gentle on teeth and gums.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Fetch toy for healthy, active play
- Made with non-abrasive KONG tennis material
- Squeaker makes play sessions livelier
Best for:
- Fetching, chasing
KONG® AQUA
For dogs who love water, a KONG Aqua is the perfect toy! Made with easy-to-spot orange natural rubber, a floating foam core, and a rope for easy grabbing, this outdoor water toy will have your dog splashing and fetching all day long.
Why You’ll Love It:
- KONG Classic shape with rope for water retrieving
- Floats to easily find in the water
- Rope helps you throw it further for healthy exercise
Best for:
- Fetching, chasing, and water play
KONG® REFLEX 
What’s in a name? Well, for one thing, “Reflex” describes exactly what this toy does! It’s designed with bite-defying material that withstands rowdy play and enthusiastic fetching sessions. KONG Reflex includes varieties for dogs that love specific toy shapes like Football, Flyer, Tug, Tug ‘n Fetch, Stick, and Ball.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Bite-defying material stands up to rowdy play
- Floats for water fetching
- Endures exposure to the elements, perfect for all seasons
Best for:
- Fetching, chasing, chewing, and water play
KONG® BALL AND BALL W/ HOLE 
What dog doesn’t love the most classic fetching toy of all time: a ball? And when that ball is made with durable, puncture-resistant natural rubber? Even better! The KONG Ball and Ball w/ Hole are fantastic options for fetching fanatics. Plus, they’re strong enough for even the most enthusiastic chewers.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Made with durable, puncture-resistant KONG natural rubber
- Epic bounce makes games of fetch wildly fun
- Comes in puppy, classic, and extreme strengths
Best for:
- Chewing, fetching, and chasing
KONG® BUNJI ROPE 
Tugging and thrashing are integral parts of playtime. And the Bunji rope helps make playtime even better with a springy internal bungee to soften tugging motion. If your dog loves interactive play, tug this toy off the shelf for your next play session!
Why You’ll Love It:
- Springy bungee makes tugging and tossing more fun
- Easy-grab loops handy for interactive play
- Bungee softens tugging motion
- Ideal for indoor and outdoor play
Best for:
- Tugging, chewing, and fetching
Outdoor play is a great bonding experience for you and your pooch—and with the right toys, you can bring even more fun and enrichment to playtime!
With KONG toys for nearly all play types, ages, and chewing styles, you can now be prepared for warm-weather adventures with your furry friend.
