Best Fetch and Chew Toys for Active Dogs
Two toys cover most of what a busy dog needs: something that burns energy outdoors and something that burns brainpower indoors. Both are simple, long-lived designs. Here is who each one is for, and what to watch out for.
Updated October 27, 2026. Research by The Pet Gear Lab team.
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The short answer
Most active dogs need two toys: one for fetch and one for chewing. The Chuckit! Classic Launcher (26M) is the fetch pick for dogs of 20 to 60 pounds and fits standard 2.5 inch tennis-size balls. For indoor chewing, the KONG Classic is a stuffable natural-rubber toy for average chewers.
Key facts
- Consumer Reports lists the Chuckit! Classic Launcher among the dog accessories it has tested.
If your dog destroys toys rather than plays with them, see our guide to the best dog toys for aggressive chewers.
Quick picks
Fetch for dogs 20 to 60 pounds
Stuffable chew for average chewers
How to match a toy to your dog
Know your chewing style. Gentle mouthers, average chewers and power chewers need different materials. A toy that suits a gentle dog can be destroyed in minutes by a determined one, and swallowed pieces are a genuine safety risk. If your dog shreds toys, buy a tougher option, not a bigger one.
Size it to the mouth. A toy should be too large to swallow and small enough to carry. Both picks here come in more than one size, so check the maker’s weight guidance.
Rotate and inspect. Swap toys every few days to keep them interesting, and throw out anything cracked, torn or missing pieces.
What to know about these picks
The Chuckit! Classic launcher does one thing well: it throws a ball farther than your arm can and scoops it up so your hands stay dry. The 26M size is built for dogs of roughly 20 to 60 pounds and fits standard 2.5 inch balls. Dogs that chew the handle will damage it, so put it away after the game.
The KONG Classic is a stuffable rubber toy. Fill it with kibble, a little paste or treats, and it becomes a puzzle that can keep a dog occupied for a while. The red Classic is made for average chewers. Heavy chewers should look at a tougher rubber from the same brand.
Fetch is an easy way to overdo it. Keep sessions short on hot days, and give young or older dogs rest between throws.
Specs compared
| Pick | Best for | Type | Size | Material | Care |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chuckit! Classic Launcher (26M) | Fetch dogs, 20 to 60 lb | Ball launcher | Fits 2.5 in tennis-size balls | Not listed | Store out of reach after play |
| KONG Classic | Average chewers | Stuffable chew toy | Extra small to extra extra large | Natural rubber | Retire if it cracks or breaks |
Specs from the guide’s pick notes, October 2026. Check the maker’s size and weight guidance on the listing.
The picks in detail
Play Dogs Research pick
Chuckit! Classic Launcher (26M)
Fetch-obsessed dogs between 20 and 60 pounds
A long-handled ball thrower that lets you launch farther with less effort, and pick the ball up without touching it.
- Cupped end scoops the ball, so your hands stay clean
- Fits standard 2.5 inch tennis-size balls
- Consumer Reports lists it among its tested dog accessories
Watch for: Dogs that like to chew the handle will find it. Store it out of reach when the game ends.
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Play Dogs Research pick
KONG Classic
Average chewers who need something to do
A stuffable natural-rubber toy with an unpredictable bounce. Fill it, freeze it if you like, and it turns a snack into a puzzle.
- Hollow center holds kibble, paste or treats
- Bounces unpredictably for fetch
- Available from extra small to extra extra large
Watch for: The red Classic is made for average chewers. Heavy chewers should look at a tougher rubber from the same brand. Retire any toy that cracks or breaks apart.
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Questions people ask
What is a good first toy for a high-energy dog?
Pair a fetch toy for outdoor exercise with a stuffable toy for mental work. Physical exercise alone often leaves a smart dog bored.
How do I know if a toy is too small?
If your dog can fit the whole toy or a large piece in its mouth and swallow, it is too small. Follow the maker’s weight guidance and size up when unsure.
How often should I replace chew toys?
Replace them as soon as they crack, tear, or lose pieces. Heavy chewers may go through toys quickly, so inspect them often.
Sources and further reading
Product details change. Confirm size, version and availability on the retailer page before you buy. General information, not veterinary advice.
Keep reading
- Best Dog Toys for Aggressive Chewers: tough rubber toys and the vet fingernail test
- Best Dog Crates: wire, plastic, heavy-duty and crash-tested crates
- Best Crash-Tested Dog Car Harnesses and Crates: Center for Pet Safety certified harnesses, crates and carriers
- All dog gear and every buying guide
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