Buyers Guide: Dog Toys for All!
Some enticing new playthings for your favorite canines.
It’s important for dogs to have access to a well-stocked toy box filled with interesting items that will keep them mentally and physically engaged.
Dog toys are typically divided into three main categories: action, distraction and comfort. Action toys keep dogs engaged in on-going play either with other dogs or with their favorite people. Distraction toys keep them busy when they are home alone and help to relieve anxiety. Comfort toys are most often plush toys that dogs like to shake around, honing their play and prey skills; they can also provide a sense of security when dogs curl up and sleep with them.
Here are seven of the latest toys (one for every day of the week) that I saw at SuperZoo 2016 in Las Vegas. You can buy some of the toys directly from the manufacturers or you can use their websites to find them at a store near you.
Petmate WWE Sports Superstars
Superstar wrestlers are brought to life with printed canvas and rubber chew toys that are tough and rugged, just like the WWE sports superstars they portray. Treat your dog to wrestling fun with The Rock, John Cena and Stone Cold Steve Austin. The collection also features WWE Championship belts, as well as a “Money in the Bank” rope tug for your canine champion. They are available in different sizes. petmate.com
Fuzzy Flyers
Fuzzy Flyers from Cycle Dog are durable plush toys designed for both indoor and outdoor play sessions. They have a soft plush outer covering that dogs love with a bonded inner laminate for durability. They are made from post-consumer recycled materials and are hand made in Portland, Oregon. cycledog.com
The American Classic Collection
The American Classic plush toy collection by P.L.A.Y. is for the canine junk foodie in your life. There are no calories involved so it’s easy to indulge him with a good ol’ juicy burger, a chicken drumstick or a hot dog with a side of fries. The collection also includes a strawberry milkshake. The toys are available individually or as a set. petplay.com
goDog™ Sonic Stick
The new goDog retrieval line from Worldwise Inc. is ideal for interactive play or for some fun alone time. The goDog™ Sonic Stick has lights and sound and is made from a soft and durable material that is safe for teeth and gums. The size is ideal of both large and small breeds. It’s bright yellow making it easy to see from afar. It’s also waterproof and floats. godogfun.com
Yard Games
Kurgo’s new outdoor toys are based on classic yard games. The Wapple Ball was inspired by the classic 1953 game of Whiffle Ball. Use a bat, tennis racquet or a lacrosse stick to get the game going. The Tossing Disc is the rough and tough version of the traditional Frisbee and glides through the air with ease. The Target Jack is designed to land with its point up no matter how hard or how far you throw it, making it easy for your dog to spot, even in the water. This versatile toy pairs well with the Tossing Ring. The Doggie Darts are durable, chew-safe, and non- toxic darts ideal for a game of fetch at the park. Huck-It Horseshoe is a dog-friendly version of the traditional game. Put a few stakes in the ground to get some accuracy practice while your dog gets his exercise. Lastly, the Backyard Birdie replicates the Badminton birdie. If you can’t remember how to play these games, the company has produced a booklet available in stores and also on line to remind you of the rules. kurgo.com
The Zinger
Petlogix a new dog toy brand from Hyper Pet. Unlike other dog toy launchers on the market, the Zinger offers a variety of interchangeable throw accessories making playtime more fun and exciting for dogs and their owners alike. There are two versions, one for medium and large dogs and the Zinger Junior for small dogs and puppies.
The Zingers throw up to 100ft, and the angle at the top can easily be adjusted to match the throwers style and alter each throw’s trajectory. Dog owners will enjoy both a comfort handle and hands free pick-up. pet-logix.com
The Buster ActivityMat
The Buster ActivityMat is a problem-solving interactive play center designed to mentally challenge dogs and get them to interact with their owners through play. The mat comes with three activities that snap on and can be moved around the mat to counteract predictability and boredom. The activities offer dogs varying levels of difficulty as they work to retrieve that snacks or toys that are hidden in the various pouches. Additional activities can also be bought separately. kruuse247.com
About the Author: Sandy Robins is the 2013 winner of the “Excellence in Journalism and Outstanding Contribution to the Pet Industry Award.” Her work appears on many of the country’s leading pet platforms, such as MSNBC.com, MSN.com and TODAYShow.com. She is a regular contributor and columnist in multiple national and international publications, including Catster, as well as the author of the award-winning books “Fabulous Felines: Health and Beauty Secrets for the Pampered Cat” and “For The Love of Cats.” Learn more about Sandy on her website or Facebook page. #welovecats
Squeakimals™ dog toys from Outward Hound feature cute characters packed with noisemakers to keep dogs engaged and entertained. Filled with squeakers, peepers, honkers and grunters, along with engaging crinkle material, the stuffing-free soft toys help make playtime much more fun and exciting. As an added bonus for tough chewers, the squeakers will still squeak when punctured. Available in two sizes, 9 in. and 21 in., the toys come in four cute designs: Moose, Monkey, 3-Eyed Monster and Lip Monster. 
Petstages’ lnvironment Scratch N Roll cat scratcher and lounge combines scratch, roll and rest activities with the look and feel of nature to keep cats engaged. It features rugged sisal and durable carpet sides for vigorous claw sharpening, a sloped grassy area for rolling and resting (and scratching, too) and durable construction for long-lasting enjoyment. The scratcher/lounger is 16x7x11 inches in size, making it large enough for most cats yet small enough to fit anywhere. 
Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning their nutritional needs can only be met through the consumption of animal-based diets. TikiPets’ Tiki Cat Born Carnivore dry cat food is made with more than 30 percent fresh chicken and/or fish (herring and salmon), along with chicken and fish meals, whole peas and chickpeas, pumpkin and salmon oil. The high-protein, low-carbohydrate kibble is baked to preserve key nutrients. It comes in three formulas—Fish Luau, Chicken Luau and Chicken & Fish Luau in 3-, 6- or 12-lb. bags. 
The new and improved Pill-Masker from Tomlyn is formulated to make giving your pet pills much easier. The moist, shapeable, highly palatable bacon-flavored paste fits all pill sizes, doesn’t dry out, won’t stick to floors or furniture and can even be used as a treat and/or for training purposes. Available in two formulas, Paste for Cats and Paste for Dogs & Cats, Pill-Masker comes in 4-oz. jar that holds approximately 56 servings. 
Muse is a brand new line of all-natural cat food from Purina, offering 26 delicious recipes including, five With Toppers, five In Broth, two In Chowder, six In Gravy, six Paté and two Dry. All recipes are made with real fish or poultry and contain no corn, soy, artificial flavors, colors or preservatives. All but the In Gravy recipes are grain-free and the dry recipes are also gluten-free. The wet food comes in 3-oz. cans or 2.1-oz. tubs and the dry in 1-, 4- and 9-lb. bags. And, if your cats don’t love Muse, it will refund your money via the brand’s 
Spike™ Grain-Free Jerky for Dogs and Snack Bars for Dogs are part of a new line of treats from Petcurean, a manufacturer of high quality, premium pet food. Each all-natural jerky recipe is made with premium quality novel protein (catfish, grass-fed vension and cage-free duck and turkey) and chia, pomegranate and kale to provide your dogs with nutrient-rich, high-fiber and vitamin-, mineral- and antioxidant-packed treats. The Chicken Meal & Sweet Potato snack bars are individually wrapped for dogs on the go, made with all natural ingredients and packed with meat protein and carbohydrates to refuel your active pup. 
Tomlyn’s Daily Multi-Vitamin Plus Probiotics & Enzymes are soft chews specifically created for cats and dogs of all ages and sizes. The multi-vitamins are scientifically formulated to provide nutrients essential for healthy eyes, bones, teeth, skin, brain and heart, help maintain overall health and keep pets in peak condition. They also are a good source of vitamin E, digestive enzymes, omega 3 fatty acids and selenium. Formula include Chews for Cats, Puppies, Small Dogs, Medium & Large Dogs and Senior Dogs. 
If you’re looking for a grain free, all-natural food your cat will love, check out By Nature Active Defense+ Canned Stews for Cats. The super-premium stews contain a tasty combination of high-quality proteins—wholesome, tender meat, poultry or fish—and nutrient-packed vegetables for a nutritionally balanced meal. Formulated for all breed and life stages, the canned stews come in three varieties: Beef & Chicken Stew, Tuna & Salmon Stew and Ocean Fish & Shrimp Stew. 
FetchFuel™ liquid supplement is formulated to provide a simple way to deliver tasty nutrition for your dog. One squeeze on top of a dog’s food gives a delicious, daily dose of important nutrients that provide additional support for dogs’ joints, coats and overall health. Produced in the USA, the supplemental sauce contains glucosamine, omegas 3, 6 and 9, vitamins A, B, C, D and E, zinc, calcium, biotin and more. It is available in an 18-oz. squeezable bottle as well as single-serve packets in five- or 10-packs. 
Pioneer Pet’s Bootsies Bunk Bed and Playroom is an all-inclusive cat activity center for playing, hiding and sleeping. The attractive unit combines cats’ two favorite pastimes: playing and sleeping. After a vigorous workout batting two spring action toys, your cat can sack out on the top bunk for a nap on a durable, quilted pad or escape into a secluded, dual-entry hideaway. A handy roof accessory (not shown) provides yet another healthy and popular feline activity: scratching. (The activity center is not recommended for kittens.) 
Let your dog go thoroughly modern with P.L.A.Y.’s Moroccan Lounge Bed. Made with 100 percent natural cotton canvas, the dog bed features a leather logo and lead-free zipper to keep avid chewers safe from toxins and is filled with just the right amount of high-loft, eco-friendly PlanetFill, creating the perfect sanctuary for tranquil naptimes. Its furniture-grade craftsmanship and even-basting stitching ensures dog-years of use, it’s also machine washable and dryer friendly. The Moroccan Lounge Bed comes in four sizes (small, medium, large and extra-large) and four colors: teal, ash gray, marsala and navy blue. In addition, through P.L.A.Y.’s Warm Bellies’ Initiative, every dog bed purchase helps provide a bed to shelter dogs. 
Light up your cat’s world with SmartyKat Twinkle Tippers. The fun-inducing, light-up balance cat toys twinkle and blink with every touch. The toys’ self-righting balls wobble and roll with the flick of a paw, causing the dangling teasers to enticingly dance and sway. The new cat toys come in two designs: pink with an adorable owl design and dangling feathers and in blue with a cute moon motif with dangling stars and ribbons. 
Stewart’s® Fresh to Home™ Freeze Dried Patties provide a new simply way to feed your dog a raw diet. The nutrition-packed, easy-to-feed, pre-measured meals are made with single-source proteins, fruits, vegetables and other natural ingredients, which are then freeze-dried to retain natural vitamins, minerals and amino acids. Cold-process pasteurization is used to destroy harmful bacterial and pathogens for added safety. The grain-free patties are made in the USA and are available in Chicken and Beef recipes for small, medium and large dogs. 
The V-Base—part of Hagen’s Vesper V-Line cat furniture line—is an eye-catching, modern take on the traditional cat tree. Featuring natural scratching surfaces made with durable woven seaweed and plush, memory-foam cushions, it provides an ideal place for your cat(s) to play and rest. Other materials include MDF high-quality from New Zealand pine, wood-finished laminate with scratch-resistant surface and a water-based lacquer. Just over 32-inches in height, the V-Base is available in walnut or black. 
Kong Tuff-n-Lite dog toys are remarkably tough and ultra-light. The whimsical-looking dog toys are designed to be durable enough for power chewers while delivering big fun for any dog. Their lightweight construction and erratic bounce make for exciting games of fetch; and the extra loud squeakers provide added fun. The toys come in three shapes—Pink Pig, Green Frog and Blue Octopus—and two sizes: small and large. 
Petchup’s two new condiments for pets—Bark-B-Q (pork flavor) and Mutt-n-aise (turkey flavor)—offer a savory blend of vitamins, minerals, glucosamine, omega 3, 6 and 9, and prebiotics in a delicious and healthful sauce that helps make kibble even tastier. The low-calorie condiments are made in the USA from natural food-grade, nutritional ingredients and contain no artificial colors or flavors. 
Natures Variety Instinct Raw Boost Indoor Health for cats is specially formulated to meet the nutritional needs of indoor cats. The formulas are reduced in calories to help maintain a healthful weight, and they include highly digestible protein as well as fructooligosaccharides to help provide stool odor control. The cat food is comprised of high-protein, grain- and gluten-free kibble combined with protein-packed freeze-dried raw bites. It is available in two formulas—Rabbit Meal and Chicken Meal—and comes in 5.1-lb bags. 
Petmate’s Zoobilee Mighty Meaties dog toys will bring out the meat lover in your pet; The soft, plush toys are shaped like a cartoon ham bone and are great for a variety of activities, including playing indoor fetch, chewing and cuddling, Each “meat bone” features a squeaker and crackle paper to catch the attention of any pooch. The toys are available in four wild-animal print designs and come in small and large sizes. 
Coastal Pet Products Mega Turbo Cat Toy doubles the fun your cat can have with two activity-inducing sides. On one side boasts a super-sized 14-inch corrugated-cardboard scratch pad (it’s big enough for scratching and sleeping) and a smooth-motion track ball; the other side (shown) features a peek-a-boo game with a jingle ball. High quality catnip is included. 
Solvit’s CareLift™ lifting harness is designed to provide pet owners with a simple and safe method to lift and aid movement for dogs suffering from injuries or old age. The harness’ rear section is designed to lift evenly from both the hips and the waist. Its rear-section bellyband has a specially shaped protector panel to ensure a comfortable fit for male dogs and can be removed for females. The bellyband can also be stowed out of the way during elimination, which allows for continued support via the hip straps. The harness comes in three sizes: small (7 to 35 lb.), medium (35 to 70 lb.) and large (70 to 130 lb.) 
Feline Cafe™ Grain & Gluten Free Dinners from Bravo are complete-and-balanced, natural dinners for cats. The new canned cat food features delicious cuts of meat or poultry as the first ingredient plus tasty cranberries, a medley of garden greens and salmon oil. The canned dinners come in two varieties: Feline 95% Meat or Poultry Dinners, which features three flavors—Beef, Turkey & Liver, Chicken & Liver and Duck, Turkey & Liver; and Feline Meat or Poultry Fricassees in Beef, Chicken or Turkey flavors. 
Pogo Plush from PetSafe
Hear, Doggy! from Quaker Pet Group
Tuggo Toys from TuggoDogToys
Skin Spritzer from Dermagic 
Winter Coats from Ruffwear 
Holiday Themed Sweater from UpCountry
Nuzzle Duck and Cherry Treats from The Honest Kitchen
Hemp Treats from Treatibles 
The Dean Russo Rescue Collection from The Mountain
DogIsGood
Wine for Your Dog Lover Host/Hostess
Eclectic Gifts for Your Dog Loving Friend
PodTrackers
Arm & Hammer Dual Scrubbers Nubbies dental treats feature “nubbies” and ridges that help scrub away plaque and tartar from a dog’s teeth. Their shape and texture also acts as a tongue scraper, providing dogs with great benefits when it comes to their favorite treat. Just like the original Nubbies, Dual Scrubbers are made with baking soda and chlorophyll for a more complete clean and extra fresh breath. The treats are highly digestible and available in chicken and peanut butter flavors at 
Messy Mutts Silicone Double Feeders for dogs and cats
Orbee-Tuff® Nooks from Planet Dog feature a whimsical shape and a nook, which is perfect for stuffing it with tiny treat bits, peanut butter, cheese or any favorite filling. Available in Yellow Smiley Face, Green Peace sign and a Red Heart, the Nook’s 2.5-inch size also makes the toy a perfect fit for the Orbee-Tuff Snoop® or Wood Chuck®. As with all Orbee-Tuff products, the new dog toys are durable, bouncy, minty and made in the USA. 
Petlinks’ Flitter Fly™ offers a new take on motion cat toys. The whirl-and-catch wind toy blows colorful butterflies and lightweight feathers around a clear bowl with a gentle fan that’s safe for cats. Cats delight in poking a paw through the top opening, trying to catch the swirling butterflies or flying feathers. The variable speed fan speeds up, slows down and occasionally stops to keep cats entranced, and the timed auto-shutoff feature helps preserve the life of the included replaceable batteries. Sprinkle in a bit of the complimentary Pure Bliss™ organic catnip into the bowl to ramp up the excitement of playtime. 
Richell USA’s new Flip To Play Pet Crate is an ideal way to provide your dog with a crate as well as a separate playpen area. As a crate, the Flip To Play offers a secure area with a built-in wire top and lockable doggy door, which can be secured with a latch to stay open at 180 degrees. To use the play area, simply flip the top outward for a separate playpen. You can also close the doggy door to create a divider between the crate and play area. The new crate comes with a sliding tray that is easy to take out for cleaning, and a stopper keeps it in place when your dog is using the crate. 
Give your cats something to swoon over with Pioneer Pets Nip Nibblers. The deceptively simple-looking cat toys combine irresistible catnip with a fun texture to captivate cats’ attention. The durable, 5-inch-long nylon pouches release just the right amount of catnip when chewed, squeezed or kicked. Safe and nontoxic, the Nip Nibblers come three to a pack. 
Beco Pets’ eco-friendly cat toys are made from recycled plastic bottles, stuffed with alluring catnip, double stitched for extra durability and look adorably cute. Whether your cat prefers Bertie the Budgie, Millie the Mouse or Freddie the Fish, the toys can provide hours of chasing and cuddling fun. 
Chuckit! offers a new way to play with your dog. The Ultra Sling is a versatile fetch device for long or short distances—its range is adjustable for small yards or open parks. There are four Ultra Dart styles—Spin (included with the Ultra Sling), Speed, Rugged and Float—and one Ultra Wing. The Spin and Speed come in three colors—blue/white, orange/white and green/white—and the Rugged and Float come in high-visibility orange. 
Feline Yogi’s Yoga Cat Mat is a great, no-mess place for cats to scratch and sharpen claws as well as lounge around while showing off their most sophisticated yoga poses. Handmade from traditional human yoga mat material, the mats have an attached sisal rope with a catnip-filled natural twine ball at the end to help keep cats from becoming bored. The mat can also be used to serve catnip and treats without messing up carpets or floors. Measuring 17x 24x ¼-in., it is water-resistant and wipes clean easily. 
Tiger Seamz stuffed dog toys from Outward Hound feature flat, striped seatbelt seams, extra-strong Kevlar-reinforced stitching, mega-soft stuffing and Invincibles squeakers that keep squeaking even when punctured. These adorable toys could become your best friend’s favorites; they are durably designed in an engaging array of shapes, sounds, textures and shapes—squirrel, gator, elephant, fox, tiger, duck and owl. 
P.L.A.Y.’s Purr & Pounce cat tunnel combines fun and luxury. The tunnel’s durable fabric incorporates crinkle paper and features a super-soft plush interior, a whimsical peephole for spying on humans and an interactive hanging mouse with a catnip pouch that will leave cats purring for more. The tunnel is light, portable and collapsible for easy storage and comes in two colors: sepia/espresso and ash gray/chocolate. 
Richell’s Easy-Clean Pet Crate helps make cleaning up after your dog easier than ever. The crate comes with a sliding tray that can be removed for an easy wipe down. Additional features include a specially designed sliding door that opens smoothly for easy pet access and tension locking-system to keeps your dog secure in his/her crate. A wire top is also included for extra safety. The crate has enough space for a bed, training tray and/or toys, and comes in two sizes: small for pets up to 17.6 lb. and large for pets up to 44 lb. 
Sureflap’s® Surefeed Microchip Pet Feeder is designed to control access to a cat’s feeding bowl and keep pet food fresh. The feeder’s lid seals over the food bowl and only opens when it recognizes and identifies the cat who is trying to access the food. Easily programmed for individual cats, the feeder is customizable via different colored mats and bowls, both of which are removable for cleaning. The feeder is battery powered and will operate for up to six months on four C-cell batteries. 
PetSafe’s new Sliding Glass Pet Door automatically adjusts to fit within your existing sliding glass door for a simple and quick installation with no cutting required. The door is modular and collapsible, making it convenient to carry and transport, and enabling pet owners to take the door with them if they move. Other features include a heavy-duty aluminum frame with tempered glass; weatherstripping; a glass sweep and closing panel for weather resistance; left- or right-sided fitment; and two latches for secure locking. 
Weruva’s Cats in the Kitchen line of canned cat food was inspired by cat owners’ tendency to feed their cats in the kitchen. The carnivore-pleasing, grain-free formulas features all-natural, high-quality ingredients, such as boneless, skinless white chicken breast meat, tuna, mackerel and salmon loins, lean cuts of beef, lamb and turkey, as well as fish oil and the occasional pumpkin to promote healthy digestion. The 10 varieties (all cleverly named) come in 3-oz. cans. For the curious, the name WeRuVa is derived from the founders’ cats: Webster, Rudi and Vanessa. 
The Original PoopBags’ Orange Scented PoopBags epi Rolls are eco- and wallet- friendly. The bags are made with 30 percent post-consumer material that is blended with Totally Degradable Plastic Additives (TDPA®). The mildly orange-scented bags measure 9 x 13 in. and fit dispensers that attach to leash handles. They come 15 pages to a paper-cored roll and are offered in eight-roll packs. 
Stewart® by MiracleCorp presents its Raw Naturals™ Fresh to Home™ Freeze Dried Puppy Formula, a nutrient-rich raw diet for young dogs. Made in the USA with human-grade, wholesome ingredients, the formula is enriched with DHA for brain development, calcium for strong bone development and antioxidants to help build a strong immune system. A wholesome option for all breeds, the Freeze Dried Puppy Formula boasts chicken as the No. 1 ingredient and is available in a 12-oz bag or 3.75-oz trial size. 
New from PetSafe, the Cheese toy offers cats an exciting game of peek-a-boo with two mice that pop out of each side of the Swiss cheese block. For surprise play sessions, you can use the Play While You Are Away mode to keep your cats engaged throughout the day. And during single play sessions, the timer automatically turns the toy off after 10 to 15 minutes. Requires 3 AA batteries. 
JW® Slide ‘N Snacks™ Toys are made of durable rubber and are designed to easily slide treats on and off. This helps to prevent a dog from destroying the toy as the focus is shifted to the treat. The four shapes—Ball, Bone, Jack and Maze—come in one side and in red, blue and green colors. Of course, the toys aren’t complete without JW Slide ‘N Snacks Treats. Made in the USA, the 100 percent all-natural, low-calorie treats contain rice, flour and other natural ingredients and flavoring. They are come in chicken or bacon flavors in a 4.23-oz. bag. Both are available from 
Pioneer Pet presents a fountain that is designed to encourage cats to drink more water and complement a kitchen’s décor. The Raindrop Ceramic Drinking Fountain is made from durable ceramic material; is easy to dissemble for cleaning and maintenance; and comes with a replaceable charcoal filter. Dishwasher-safe, the Raindrop is available in either black or white and can hold up to 60-oz. of circulating water. 
BioSilk® For Dogs line of salon-quality grooming products includes shampoos, conditioners, sprays, leave-in treatment and cleansing wipes. Featuring some of the same classic ingredients and innovative technology as the original BioSilk Silk Therapy line for humans, the grooming products are formulated with silk and enriching vitamins that work together to help restore the moisture balance to the coat for a silky smooth finish. All formulas are pH-balanced and safe for use with topical flea and tick treatments. 
