This is an unsolicited review with no affiliate links. I bought two balls from this company and Lewis and I think they are great.Shoutout to a company with great product and customer service.
I’m always on the lookout for sturdy, throwable pull toys for Lewis. I think I saw an ad for these, or maybe a friend shared them. In any case, Foam Dog Balls toys look perfect.
They have two sizes of balls and a remarkable variety of color combinations (12 ball colors and 4 strap colors that you can mix and match). The larger size is 3.25 inches wide and the smaller is 2.75 inches. I believe they are working on a smaller one as well. I chose a color combo that passed the “dog vision” test and looked like it would go well with Mr. Photogenic.
Unfortunately, I guessed the size wrong, and the large I ordered was too big for Lewis. I emailed their customer service and received a quick email response from an actual person (thanks Greg!) with a return authorization number. After I returned the balls, I received an email saying that instead of issuing a refund and requiring another purchase, they would just send me the smaller size (same price). They did it even though it was my mistake. This saved me a second shipping cost. It made a big difference to me because I was thinking about the hassle of returning them. I’m so glad I did!
I like their website too. Professional, but not flashy or manipulative. And a miracle: no popups or other annoyances. These qualities tell me, “Hey, we have a great product and we have confidence in it. Look.”
The balls
Lewis clearly likes the way they feel. The weight of the ball was just right, and with the long strap, I really had to be careful not to drop it (in my neighbor’s yard). Very different from his Jolly Ball, another favorite but I’m awkward to throw. They feel great to throw; the balance is perfect for me. I’m late to the BioThane® party but oh man, do I love the strap!
For people who play with their dogs in and around water—the balls float like bobbers!
I bought two because for a long time I needed two identical throwables to return one. But Fetching Boy only needs one. He thinks it’s worth giving me things back, which makes me warm and happy. When you have mutts, it’s the holy grail to get a fetcher, and I love it my dog thinks I’m happy!
Product Comparison
I have several types of this style of toy. I used to buy KONG Squeakair balls on a string for Zani. They are cheaper, but so light weight with nylon ropes that I don’t want to touch again after BioThane® straps on Foam Dog Balls. KONG balls are relatively easy to tear and can come off the rope. I have some heavier plastic balls on the braided handles (like in this header photo). Lewis and I are the same, but one time I threw a stone at him and the ball hit him in the eye and it obviously hurt! They are heavy and relatively hard rubber or plastic. I still have more balls and other toys on ropes but the Foam Dog Ball hits the Goldilocks spot.
Safety
The company warns, appropriately, that their balls are not chew toys. I’d say both Lewis and Clara are ready to chew them out, given the chance. So they end up in the “for playing with one person only” box. I appreciate the company’s transparency. I was recently scammed by another company that advertised their toy was for “super chewers” but promptly fell apart.
Lewis analysis
I’ll let Lewis show you his response. These clips are from his very first foam ball session.
Critic
My goal is always to provide a true assessment of the pros and cons of the things I write about. But few criticized it.
I thought a little thing, but it is a matter of taste. The packaging is sleek and looks expensive, with a sturdy plastic zipper bag (maybe BioThane® too?) for each toy. They spend money here. The zipper bags are nice enough that you don’t want to throw them away, but I don’t need individual plastic pouches for dog toys. But maybe they are perfect for some people. I will use them for something else. And I have to admit, opening the brightly colored mailer and getting these sleek bags was fun. The balls, at $16–20 each (depending on occasional discounts), are well priced, considering the quality.
Summary
It’s a well-designed toy that’s fun for both team members. It was lovely for me to hold and toss, and Lewis wanted to keep it in his mouth forever, with short breaks to chase it.
Thumbs and paws up!
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Copyright 2024 Eileen Anderson
