A Vet Reveals Which Toys Your Dog Loves Best—And Why

From bouncing balls to tug ropes, there are plenty of dog toys to choose from to treat your canine friend. But one woman recently vowed to only buy one color toy for her pet after learning that dogs can only see certain colors.

A dog’s rod-dominated retinas mean that their eyes are highly sensitive to light and are particularly suited for low-light conditions. Although this means that our pets can see very well in low light, their ability to see colors is reduced, seeing only blue, yellow and some orange shades clearly.

Your dog’s favorite toy may be a red ball or bright pink teddy bear, but PDSA Vet Lynne James says Newsweek with colors that dogs are more likely to enjoy.

What Color Toys Should You Give Your Dog?

“When it comes to choosing toys for your dog, blue and purple—which also look blue to them—probably stand out to them,” says James.

The color of the toy your pet is most interested in has become a viral conversation as a TikTok filter called Dog Vision has become popular on the video sharing platform.

Created by TrustedHousesitters, a pet-sitting community site, the filter has been used on over 65,000 videos. Dog Vision mutes colors, and people are stunned to see how dogs see the world. Many said they would just buy blue and yellow toys for their pets. Others are offended to learn that their animals cannot see their brightly colored decorations or clothes.

But the color of your dog’s toy isn’t the most important thing, explains James.

“While dogs may struggle to tell the difference between a red toy and the background grass by sight when playing fetch, their sense of smell usually means they have no problem finding it,” says James. “In the end, the color of the toy is less important than the fun you have with it.”

What Are the Best Dog Toys?

The best toy for your dog depends on several factors, usually including their breed, size and energy level.

“Make sure the toy is a safe size for your dog, and can’t be swallowed. For example, if you own a large breed, small toys or balls can be a choking hazard, or cause of an intestinal obstruction if swallowed,” James said. “As a rule of thumb, if your dog can easily pick up and carry the whole toy around in their mouth, there is a risk that they will accidentally swallow it.”

A toy that your dog can easily carry without the whole thing in his mouth is the safest option. Rubber rings and large squashy balls are good for this.

“Always choose toys designed specifically for dogs,” says James. “They’re more likely to withstand the rough and tumble of playing time.”

Depending on the type of activity your dog enjoys the most, James suggests the perfect toy for your pet.

Dog toys should always be made from a non-toxic material and built to handle some serious playtime. Parts that are easy to bite and swallow can be dangerous.

“Most dogs love to chew, so it’s important to give them toys to allow them to do so safely,” added James. “But look for a sturdy chew-toy designed for your dog’s age and breed—puppies need softer chew-toys to prevent damage to their delicate baby teeth.”

Regardless of your dog’s favorite toy, it’s important to do a frequent check of your puppy’s toy box and throw out any broken ones to prevent broken items from being swallowed.

“If your dog likes to chew on their toys, keep a close eye on them, to make sure they don’t accidentally chew and swallow part of the toy,” says James.

Do you have funny and adorable videos or photos of your pet that you want to share? Send them to [email protected] with some details about your best friend, and they may appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.