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10 Best Dog Balls of 2024 – Reviews, Top Picks & Guide

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By Nicole Cosgrove

Chew King Fetch Balls Extremely Durable Natural Dog Toy Ball

If your dog is a fan of toys, they probably already have a pretty impressive collection. A ball has been a fan favorite for dogs practically since domestication. Companies have come a long way from standard, boring tennis balls. They now come with several different colors, materials, noisemakers, and function selections. The possibilities never end.

Just for you, we have compiled a list of reviews of the top 10 best dog balls to give you a quick sweep. Your pup is well on their way to sprucing up playtime, and you can mentally prepare to be part of the fun, too.

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A Quick Comparison of our Favorite Picks in 2024:

Rating Image Product Details
Best Overall
Winner
Kong Extreme Ball Dog Toy Kong Extreme Ball Dog Toy
  • Virtually indestructible
  • Puncture-resistant
  • Perfectly bouncy
  • Best Value
    Second place
    ChuckIt! Ultra Ball ChuckIt! Ultra Ball
  • Multi-pack options
  • Bright colors
  • Soft but durable
  • Premium Choice
    Third place
    Unique Fetch Squeaker Balls Unique Fetch Squeaker Balls
  • 18-pack
  • Stylish designs
  • Non-toxic
  • Nerf Dog Checker Squeak Ball Nerf Dog Checker Squeak Ball
  • Grooves for grip
  • Non-toxic
  • Water-resistant
  • Wobble Wag Dog Giggle Ball Wobble Wag Dog Giggle Ball
  • No batteries necessary
  • Noisemaker to encourage play
  • In a glow-in-the-dark version as well
  • The 10 Best Dog Balls (Reviewed):

    1. Kong UB1 Extreme Ball Dog Toy – Best Overall

    KONG

    Check Price on Chewy

    The Kong UB1 Extreme Ball Dog Toy is the winner here. It is made of a super tough, impenetrable material so your dog can gnaw all day without destruction. This heavy-duty rubber can stand with the best of them. Some dogs absolutely love to chew—and they are very good at it. This Kong is king, holding up with great finesse.

    This ball comes in two sizes: small and medium/large. That can help you when sizing, as you don’t want a ball too big for your little guy to enjoy. It’s also a tremendous bouncy ball, so if you have a dog that loves playing fetch or chasing it as it pings around, it’s perfect.

    The selection we reviewed is for the medium/large breeds and has 3”x 3”x 3” dimensions. While it is “virtually indestructible,” you will have those relentless dogs who won’t give up until they have won the fight. While it is incredibly hardwearing and durable, it will meet its match.

    Overall, we think this is the most everlasting, bounce-friendly, and price-justified ball on the list.

    Pros
    • Virtually indestructible
    • Puncture-resistant
    • Perfectly bouncy
    • Available in two sizes
    Cons
    • Not 100% everlasting

    Read more: 10 Best Kong Dog Toys – Reviews & Top Picks


    2. ChuckIt! 17001 Ultra Ball – Best Value

    Chuckit

    This ChuckIt! 17001 Ultra Ball is our number two because they have the best dog balls for the money. They are a best seller, coming in several multi-pack choices with different size variations to choose from. They have a squeaky center and top-notch bounce. The bright colors make it easy for your pooch to keep their eye on.

    It’s made of tough, soft rubber. The surface can withstand some intense chewing while being soft enough not to damage your pet’s teeth. Even though it can hold up with some pretty rough play, the more hell-bent chewers can still break it down.

    The upside to that is that they are extremely affordable—and you get more than one! So, even if your pet demolishes them in a few weeks, the price is unbeatable and totally worth it.

    Pros
    • Affordable
    • Multi-pack options
    • Bright colors
    • Soft but durable
    Cons
    • Not made for overly aggressive chewing

    3. Unique Fetch Squeaker Balls – Premium Choice

    Unique

    The Unique DFB-S-8 Dog Fetch Squeaker Balls pack lands at number 3 as our premium choice. While it may be a pricier addition, you do get back what you put in. It comes with 18 balls in a mesh storage bag. Each of them has an animal print design, including cheetah, tiger, and zebra.

    They are normal-seeming rubber and felt tennis balls with squeakers inside. Each one is very lightweight and aerodynamic. This will entice your dog to chase or fetch. If they do chew them up, the material is non-toxic and safe for your pet, but you still won’t want them to eat it.

    If you have a dog with powerful jaws or high determination, they may pop through these quite quickly. However, you have 18 balls to spare, and you can get quite a bit of playtime out of the bag. If you want to pay a slightly higher price upfront, it may be worth it for you.

    Pros
    • 18-pack
    • Stylish designs
    • Non-toxic
    • Squeaker inside
    Cons
    • More expensive
    • Easily destroyed

    4. Nerf Dog Checker Squeak Ball

    Nerf Dog

    This Nerf Dog 8908 Checker Squeaker ball is a smart pick as well. If your dog loves chasing balls, this is a great candidate for fetch. It’s made of super-tough rubber and has a grooved design that is easy for your pet to pick up.

    It’s very dog-friendly, as it’s non-toxic, BHA-free, and FDA approved. That way, if your pal accidentally downs a chunk or two, it won’t harm them. It’s also water-resistant, so they can tackle pool play without the squeaker malfunctioning.

    They come in different color and size selections as well. You can read to see which one would best fit your dog’s mouth for the best play experience. A notable downfall is that the packaging has thin plastic ties connecting to the product to the packaging and it can sometimes leave sharp spikes after removal.

    Pros
    • Grooves for grip
    • Non-toxic
    • Water-resistant
    • Various colors
    Cons
    • Sharp plastic

    5. Wobble Wag Dog Giggle Ball

    Wobble Wag Giggle

    This Wabble Wag WD0711014 Giggle Ball is a unique selection that your pet is sure to enjoy. Upon shaking the ball, it starts making “giggle” noises. Any frisky pup will be totally enthralled by the sounds, encouraging play. It has a gripping design to make it easy for your pet to pick up.

    They also have a glow-in-the-dark addition if you want to spend a few more bucks. The best part is, it doesn’t need batteries to operate. The ball is made with tubal compartments, which serve as the noisemaker when it moves around.

    A notable issue is that the ball is made of softer rubber and may not be suitable for all dogs. If your pet is a hard chewer, they could easily dismember this ball. Keep your eyes peeled. If they ate specific internal components, it might warrant a vet visit.

    Pros
    • No batteries necessary
    • Noisemaker to encourage play
    • In a glow-in-the-dark version as well
    Cons
    • May be dangerous if it comes apart

    6. Pet Qwerks Blinky Babble Ball

    Pet Qwerks

    The Pet Qwerks BLBB1 Blinky Babble Ball is sure to provide entertainment to curious pups of all kinds. This ball does take batteries, but your first round will be included. It will turn off itself after periods of inactivity to conserve power.

    It makes over 18 different sounds and lights up for a ton of interactive play. The exterior is quite durable, made of tough plastic and rubber. It’s ideal for dogs who have reduced hearing or eyesight, so the sounds and flashes can help them detect it better.

    It is very hard, so it may not be the best ball for dogs to catch in their mouths. It could easily break a brittle tooth. Also, it is a motion detector, meaning anything can set off the ball. It is loud, and there is no volume control. So, it may not be the best option for easily annoyed owners.

    Pros
    • Makes over 18 sounds
    • Suitable for vision or hearing-impaired dogs
    • Turns itself off when not in use
    Cons
    • No way to turn down the volume
    • Easily activated
    • Too hard to catch

    7. Chew King Fetch Balls

    Chew King

    These Chew King CM-2064-CS01 Fetch Balls are an add-on feature for a ball launcher. However, they can serve as a very good collection of standalone rubber balls for extreme play. They come in multi-packs with size variety, so you can select the best one for your dog.

    This specific pack had eight balls in a mesh bag for storage. The rubber is very durable with an air vent hole for extreme fetching. It goes the distance when used in combination with the tossing device.

    They don’t have a strong rubber chemical scent, and they are safe for chewing. While these balls are meant to last with even heavy chomping, some dogs may still destroy them. Also, they do have a bit of weight to them. So, without the thrower addition, it may not be the most convenient for hand tossing.

    Pros
    • Multi-pack option
    • Mesh bag included
    • Durable rubber
    Cons
    • Somewhat heavy
    • May not hold up with vigorous chewing

    8. Snug SNRDB3P Rubber Dog Balls

    Snug

    Right off the rip, these Snug SNRDB3P Rubber Dog Balls are very open about not being suitable for large breed dogs. This size could easily lodge in the throat, posing as a choking hazard. Aside from that, smaller dogs can have quite a good time with this ball. It’s made of all-natural rubber and has a very easy-to-clean surface.

    They are smooth to the touch, having not outer texture, grips, or holes. This is both good and bad. As mentioned above, the ball is slippery and can enter the throat with ease. If you are trying to remove the ball, you may not be able to get a good grasp, causing an obstructed airway.

    While the price is affordable and the balls are efficient when tossing around, extreme caution is advised, as adverse situations can be life-threatening.

    Pros
    • Durable material
    • All-natural rubber
    Cons
    • Extreme choking hazard for larger breeds

    9. Hyper Pet 0082EA Tennis Balls

    Hyper Pet

    These Hyper Pet 0082EA Tennis Balls come in green, orange, and pink. These are the same size as traditional tennis balls and are a classic approach to a game of fetch. The bright colors help you to locate them if they go into a bush or elsewhere.

    They are non-toxic and non-abrasive so your dog can catch without it hurting your pet’s teeth. Hyper Pet makes it very transparent that these balls shouldn’t be treated as chew toys. Therefore, they can come apart very quickly and pose a choking hazard.

    While the material is soft, it also sheds, so be careful they don’t consume that as well.

    Pros
    • Multi-colors
    • 4-packs
    • Great for fetch
    Cons
    • Material sheds
    • Not for chewers
    • Comes apart with moderate force

    10. EXPAWLORER Dog Indestructible Balls

    EXPAWLORER

    The EXPAWLORER Dog Rubber Indestructible Balls come in a value pack of 12. While they claim to be indestructible, this is untrue. These balls would be best suited for small dogs who don’t chew. The size of the balls makes them dangerous for larger breeds, as they could choke.

    If you have an aggressive chewer, these balls seem to be even less durable than tennis balls. They will come apart. They would be best for fun-loving dogs who love a good game of fetch. Or dogs who prefer to hoard their toys but not play too much with them.

    Since they are a value pack, it may be worth the investment if you have a mild-tempered pet, but don’t let the name fool you. They are not what they claim to be.

    Pros
    • Value pack
    Cons
    • Misleading name
    • Not for large breeds
    • Less durable than tennis balls
    • Not for moderate to heavy players

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    Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Dog Balls

    You will want to cater to a few aspects when considering a new ball to add to your dog’s collection. Not only will you want durability to make sure it lasts, but you’ll want to keep your pet’s attention as well. Having a bunch of balls that are all relatively the same may get boring after a while. Changing it up with a new and exciting element can make it worth the investment.

    Destruction Level

    Every dog has a different play style. Some of them have a mission to obliterate every toy that comes their way. Others may hoard them in their bed or another place and prefer no one else touch them. Before buying a ball, you’ll want to keep in mind which of these categories your pet falls in so you know how long you can expect it to last as well as what is safe.

    Destroyer Dog

    This dog is jumping out of their skin with excitement to annihilate the newest toy. They won’t stop until they conquer the ball. They are the type that will rip the squeaker out of a soft plushie or tear a stuffed animal to shreds minutes after getting it.

    For this type of overzealously playful pup, you will want a ball that is going to hold up under pressure. Because of the harm that can be done by swallowing pieces, you won’t want to give them one that will come apart quickly. That can wind up clogging their digestive tract. When that happens, it can lead a vet visit in a flash.

    If you have a dog that falls in this category, I’m sure you’ve been through the same song and dance before. Some balls have internal parts like squeakers, lights, and metal pieces in the center of the ball for functionality. It can be expensive and even life-threatening if they eat these components.

    Furry Fetcher

    This type of dog is one of limitless energy. You could spend hours tossing the ball for them, and they still won’t tire. As much as they may enjoy laying down for a quick ball gnaw, they would much rather be chasing it instead.

    This dog may take a much longer time to wear out a ball, unlike the latter. They will get much more enjoyment out of the activity and exercise. While it may be safe from total destruction, you will want one that fits the need. Some will accommodate better than others.

    They want the bounciness. They want to test their speed and skill. Getting a rubber ball that is too heavy to be aerodynamic won’t spark their interest as much. It will likely wind up just another toy in the corner that gets no playtime.

    Collector Canine

    This dog is much slower-paced, lazy, or even snobbish. They want their toys but don’t care to play with them. If you throw or roll the ball, they may just give you a blank stare. Or, they may quietly retrieve it and place it back where it belongs without entertaining your enthusiasm.

    If you have other pets around, they may make sure none of them touch their ball. They may find a hiding spot or keep it carefully hidden in their sleeping area or kennel space. They are the look-but-don’t-touch kind of dog.

    This doesn’t mean they won’t benefit from having toys. They may very much enjoy the fact that they have a vast selection. But this dog is likely a collector of sorts—kind of like the kids who kept their GI Joes or Barbies in boxes or Beanie Babies in cases. The good thing about this is you won’t need to replace anything often, if at all.

    german shepherd dog playing with ball toy outdoor
    Image Credit: lightman_pic, Shutterstock

     

    Materials Used

    You can find balls made of just about anything you can think of. But just because it’s made for a dog doesn’t mean your dog needs to be playing with it. Every canine is different, and certain materials will work better for specific sizes, ages, and temperaments.

    Rubber

    Rubber material may be the most common, especially for larger or more destructive dogs. They last longer than others, and they aren’t bad for teeth. You can get rubber balls that are full of air, which can pop if your dog has a great bite force. They can be solid rubber so your dog can chew all day long without a problem. Or they can be filled with squeakers, lights, noisemakers, or other centerpieces to aid in play.

    Fabric

    These types of balls are suit toy or small breeds best. The medium to large breeds could easily tear them up even if they don’t intend to. They can be filled with sewing stuffing, or even have squeakers in them. They even double as cat toys, so your purchase can serve a double purpose.

    Foam

    This type of material won’t hold up for the big-time chewer. These balls are typically very soft and will come apart if your dog tears at it. Because of that, a smaller, calmer dog with less bite force is a good candidate. Also, a senior dog may do well with this. It will be soft enough for their decaying teeth, so they don’t break any off or suffer any pain.

    Red merle Australian Shepherd dog playing ball outdoors
    Image Credit: Hanna Borysenko, Shutterstock

    Rope

    These balls consist of rope that is intertwined like a yarn ball. They are typically very tough. A wide range of dogs would have no issue when chewing them. However, if you have a “destroyer dog” we talked about before, they could unwind the rope and potentially eat it. Rope or string in the digestive system is bad news, so make sure your dog is responsible first.

    Internal Components

    Just the same as you can pick out a ball for every purpose, it’s the same with what’s inside the ball. The options are limitless, but some may be better for your dog. And, let’s face it, if you must hear it constantly, you’ll want one that’s better for you, too.

    Treats

    This one is obviously going to be a quick favorite. After all, what dog wouldn’t want to ravage a ball to get to the goods? You can stuff certain ones with tasty treats and keep them occupied for hours. Well, at least for minutes at a time!

    Squeakers

    This is probably the most popular internal component. Nothing rouses excitement in a canine more than hearing an old-fashioned squeak when they bite down. They may not last long before they pop, but they’re stimulating while they last.

    Bells

    While less popular, bells can be fun, too. They may not be the best choice for a dog who could easily dismember it. Eating a small, jingly noisemaker could result in a visit to the vet.

    Lights

    Flashing lights of different colors is sure to get your pup in the mood to play. Bright strobes with a noisemaker may be even more entertaining for them. Some of these will require batteries, so keep that in mind if your pet tries to eat everything.

    Size

    You will want a size that is an appropriate fit for your dog’s mouth, not being too big or small. If a little dog has a giant ball, it won’t do much good if they can’t get it into their mouth. Especially when you order online and cannot see or feel the ball, you will want to see the size recommendations.

    welsh sheepdog lying on grass with a ball toy in its mouth
    Image Credit: Wirestock Creators, Shutterstock

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    Final Verdict

    While we have some exciting selections on our list, we stand by our first choice, the Kong UB1 Extreme Ball Dog Toy. It has excellent bounce, is perfect for playing fetch, and holds up against teeth very well. It will be worth the investment if you have a light to heavy chewer and will become a preferred toy in no time.

    ChuckIt! 17001 Ultra Ball is a colorful, squeaking selection that is sure to captivate your dog’s attention. It is easy on the pocketbook and comes in multi-pack varieties. That way, you aren’t just getting a singular ball, but several, for a totally affordable price.

    Unique DFB-S-8 Dog Fetch Squeaker Balls are perfect if you don’t mind paying the cost. While they may not hold up as well against chewing, there are 18 to choose from, making it worth it. They are stylish and ideal for fetch.  If the additional upfront cost doesn’t cause you to shy away, these balls can put the pep in your pup’s step.

    Of course, it all comes down to preference. You know your dog better than anyone, and you can make a judgment call based on their play style. With any luck, you already have one of the best dog ball choices in your shopping cart.

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