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Best Toys for Anxiety

By PetEssentialist Team ยท Updated July 2026 ยท How we review

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๐Ÿ† Quick answer

Our top pick is KONG Classic Dog Toy โ€” best for High-energy breeds. Why it wins: Durable and long-lasting.

Separation anxiety affects up to 15% of dogs, with breeds like German Shepherds, Australian Shepherds, and Labradors being more prone to it. Anxious dogs often exhibit destructive behavior, such as chewing or digging, which can be detrimental to their well-being and the owner's property. Providing the right toys can help alleviate anxiety and stress in dogs, keeping them calm and engaged. Dogs with high energy levels, like working breeds, require durable and stimulating toys to keep them occupied, while smaller breeds, such as toy breeds, need softer and smaller toys to avoid choking hazards. The key to selecting the best toy for an anxious dog is to match the toy's durability and stimulation level to the dog's energy and intelligence. By choosing the right toy, owners can help reduce their dog's anxiety and create a more peaceful environment for both the dog and the owner. Breeds that are most prone to anxiety, such as Border Collies and Corgis, will benefit greatly from toys that provide mental stimulation and comfort.

What to look for

Durability

Durable toys are essential for high-energy breeds, as they can withstand aggressive chewing and playing. Look for toys made from tough materials, such as rubber or nylon, that can resist damage. For smaller breeds, softer materials, like plush or fabric, are more suitable to avoid choking hazards.

Stimulation Level

Toys with varying stimulation levels can help keep dogs engaged and calm. Puzzle toys, for example, challenge dogs to figure out how to get a treat out, providing mental stimulation and reducing anxiety. For less intelligent breeds, simpler toys with fewer features may be more effective.

Size

The size of the toy is crucial to avoid choking hazards, especially for smaller breeds. Choose toys that are proportionate to the dog's size and mouth shape. Larger breeds require bigger toys, while smaller breeds need smaller ones.

Comfort

Toys that provide comfort, such as plush toys or toys with a soft texture, can help anxious dogs feel more secure and calm. These toys can be especially beneficial for breeds that are prone to separation anxiety.

Interactive Features

Toys with interactive features, such as squeakers or treat-dispensing mechanisms, can help keep dogs engaged and stimulated, reducing anxiety and stress. For breeds that are highly intelligent, toys with complex features may be more effective.

Our top picks

SponsoredHow we choose โ†’
#ProductBest for
1KONG Classic Dog ToyHigh-energy breeds
2Outward Hound Nina Ottosson Dog Tornado Puzzle ToyIntelligent breeds
3West Paw Zogoflex Tux Treat Dispensing ToySmaller breeds
4Outward Hound Hide-A-Squirrel Puzzle PlushBreeds prone to separation anxiety
5KONG Extreme Dog ToyAggressive chewers
1

KONG Classic Dog Toy

Best for High-energy breeds

The KONG Classic Dog Toy is a versatile and durable toy that can be stuffed with treats or peanut butter, providing mental stimulation and calming anxious dogs. Its hollow center and bouncy design make it perfect for high-energy breeds that need to expend their energy. The KONG Classic is also easy to clean and durable, making it a great value for owners.

  • โœ“ Durable and long-lasting
  • โœ“ Can be stuffed with treats or peanut butter
  • โœ“ Bouncy design provides entertainment
  • โœ• May be too large for smaller breeds
Check price โ†’
2

Outward Hound Nina Ottosson Dog Tornado Puzzle Toy

Best for Intelligent breeds

The Nina Ottosson Dog Tornado Puzzle Toy is a challenging and interactive toy that provides mental stimulation and calms anxious dogs. Its rotating layers and treat-dispensing mechanism make it perfect for intelligent breeds that need to problem-solve. The toy is also dishwasher safe and durable, making it easy to clean and maintain.

  • โœ“ Challenging and interactive
  • โœ“ Provides mental stimulation
  • โœ“ Dishwasher safe
  • โœ• May be too complex for less intelligent breeds
Check price โ†’
3

West Paw Zogoflex Tux Treat Dispensing Toy

Best for Smaller breeds

The West Paw Zogoflex Tux Treat Dispensing Toy is a soft and gentle toy that provides comfort and mental stimulation to anxious dogs. Its treat-dispensing mechanism and soft texture make it perfect for smaller breeds that need a calming and engaging toy. The toy is also dishwasher safe and durable, making it easy to clean and maintain.

  • โœ“ Soft and gentle
  • โœ“ Provides comfort and mental stimulation
  • โœ“ Dishwasher safe
  • โœ• May be too small for larger breeds
Check price โ†’
4

Outward Hound Hide-A-Squirrel Puzzle Plush

Best for Breeds prone to separation anxiety

The Outward Hound Hide-A-Squirrel Puzzle Plush is a comforting and interactive toy that provides mental stimulation and calms anxious dogs. Its hide-and-seek design and soft plush material make it perfect for breeds that are prone to separation anxiety. The toy is also easy to clean and durable, making it a great value for owners.

  • โœ“ Comforting and interactive
  • โœ“ Provides mental stimulation
  • โœ“ Soft plush material
  • โœ• May be too simple for highly intelligent breeds
Check price โ†’
5

KONG Extreme Dog Toy

Best for Aggressive chewers

The KONG Extreme Dog Toy is a durable and long-lasting toy that can withstand aggressive chewing and playing. Its ultra-durable black natural rubber and hollow center make it perfect for breeds that are aggressive chewers. The toy is also easy to clean and durable, making it a great value for owners.

  • โœ“ Durable and long-lasting
  • โœ“ Can withstand aggressive chewing
  • โœ“ Hollow center for stuffing with treats
  • โœ• May be too large for smaller breeds
Check price โ†’

Frequently asked questions

What is the best toy for a dog with separation anxiety?

The best toy for a dog with separation anxiety is one that provides comfort and mental stimulation, such as a puzzle toy or a plush toy with a calming scent. The Outward Hound Hide-A-Squirrel Puzzle Plush is a great option, as it provides a hide-and-seek game that can help distract the dog from its anxiety.

How do I choose the right size toy for my dog?

To choose the right size toy for your dog, consider your dog's mouth shape and size. A toy that is too small can be a choking hazard, while a toy that is too large can be intimidating. Choose a toy that is proportionate to your dog's size and mouth shape, and always supervise your dog during playtime.

Can I use a toy to help with my dog's anxiety during fireworks or thunderstorms?

Yes, toys can be a great help in calming anxious dogs during fireworks or thunderstorms. Choose a toy that provides comfort and mental stimulation, such as a puzzle toy or a plush toy with a calming scent. You can also try using a toy with a treat-dispensing mechanism to distract your dog from the noise.

How often should I rotate my dog's toys to keep them interesting?

It's a good idea to rotate your dog's toys every few days to keep them interesting and prevent boredom. You can also try introducing new toys or hiding old ones to make them seem new again. Rotating toys can help keep your dog engaged and stimulated, reducing anxiety and stress.

Can I use a toy to help with my dog's anxiety during travel?

Yes, toys can be a great help in calming anxious dogs during travel. Choose a toy that provides comfort and mental stimulation, such as a puzzle toy or a plush toy with a calming scent. You can also try using a toy with a treat-dispensing mechanism to distract your dog from the stress of travel.

When it comes to choosing the best toy for an anxious dog, it's essential to consider the dog's size, energy level, and intelligence. By selecting a toy that provides mental stimulation, comfort, and durability, owners can help reduce their dog's anxiety and create a more peaceful environment for both the dog and the owner. The KONG Classic Dog Toy and the Nina Ottosson Dog Tornado Puzzle Toy are great options for high-energy breeds, while the West Paw Zogoflex Tux Treat Dispensing Toy is perfect for smaller breeds. Ultimately, the best toy for an anxious dog is one that provides a calming and engaging experience, reducing stress and anxiety and promoting a happier, healthier dog.