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In a better ordered universe, our pups would prefer nice soundless playthings—but in this world, our dogs are drawn to toys that make interesting noises, no matter what their pet parents might prefer. Crinkle toys, with their crackly crunch, are a favorite for lots of pups.
Some experts speculate it’s because the noise stimulates natural hunting instincts, mimicking the sounds of prey and prey destruction. Others point to a broad appeal to the senses—feedback from interaction with an appealing object.
Whatever the reason, crinkle toys are ideal for pups with a high prey drive. And they’re great for redirecting dogs who love to snatch plastic bags, paper, and water bottles.
To please a crunch-loving pup, we’ve rounded up our favorite crinkle toys for dogs of all sizes and play styles.
- Best for Large Dogs: ZippyPaws Spencer the Crinkle Monkey
- Best for Tug-of-War: Ethical Pets Skinneeez Crinklers Dog Toy
- Best for Puppies: PetStages Cool Teething Stick
- Best for Small Breeds: Outward Hound Fetchtablez
- Best for Chewers: KONG Dyno Plush T-Rex Dog Toy
- Best Crinkle Ball: KONG Squeez Crackle Ball
- Best Crinkle Plush: KONG Cruncheez Barnyard Dog Toys
- Best for Fetch: RuffDawg Crunch Stick
- Best Water Bottle Toy: ZippyPaws Bottle Crusherz
- Best Crinkle Squirrel Toy: HuggleHounds Plush Feller
- Best Scented Dog Toy: Playology Crinkle Egg
- Best Outdoor Crinkle Toy: NERF Bash Crunch Ball Dog Toy
Best for Large Dogs: ZippyPaws Spencer the Crinkle Monkey
For dogs who like extra feedback from their toys, this monkey sports crinkly arms, a rattle, and an interior squeaker.
Available in pink and standard brown, the ZippyPaws crinkle toys come in sizes for medium and big breeds. The extra-large size, at 20 inches long, is a full three inches longer than the next size down. That’s a hefty toy for bigger breeds, who will be able to shake, cuddle, and chew without dwarfing the toy.
That said, these toys aren’t designed for intense chewing—power chewers should look elsewhere.
Key Features:
- Comes in medium and extra-large
- Floppy limbs with crinkle sound
- Ribbed plush exterior over internal rattle and squeaker
Best for Tug: Ethical Pets Skinneeez Crinklers Dog Toy
The Skinneez crinkle toys are soft, floppy, elongated animal shapes designed for tug. The 14-inch version is better for small dogs, while the longer 23-inch toy is great for large breeds. We like how soft it is to hold during games of indoor tug-of-war.
The interior crinkle and squeakers will keep dogs interested during solo play, too.
These are among the easiest soft dog toys to clean as they’re machine washable and thin enough to line dry quickly. If your dog manages to tear through the fuzzy exterior, there’s no stuffing inside to make a mess (or eat!)
Key Features:
- Stuffing-free
- Available in 14-inch and 23-inch versions
- Plush exterior; squeaker and crinkle inside
Best for Puppies: PetStages Cool Teething Stick Dog Toy
The PetStages teething stick does double duty as chew toy and teething aid. The design is simple: brightly colored fabric covers dense stuffing. Streamers and ribbons add additional mouth-feel for curious puppies. To achieve the soothing, crunchy effect, soak the toy in water and let it freeze.
Most puppies start teething around 12 weeks and get all their adult teeth by 24 weeks (six months). During that time, chew toys can provide relief; when those puppy toys are cold or frozen, they may help reduce swelling, too.
The PetStages Cool Teething Stick isn’t crinkly or crunchy until frozen. However, once it’s frozen, it provides a highly satisfying crunch. It has more give than harder plastic or rubber puppy toys, including those you can freeze, like the KONG.
Key Features:
- Soak and freeze for soothing effect
- Ribbons and streamers add textures
- Lead- and phthalate-free
- One size only: 6 inches long
Best for Small Breeds: Outward Hound Fetchtablez Toys
Best for small to medium dogs, these soft vegetable-shaped dog toys offer both crinkle and squeak sounds. Trusted brand Outward Hound is known for their strong construction, and these plush toys follow suit. Their fuzzy exterior covers a braided jersey fabric layer that protects the interior noisemakers.
At 12 inches long, they’re an ideal size for small to medium dogs, who will be able to carry and shake the toys without trouble. Tiny breeds can still get a good grip thanks to the plush feel and the wider shape.
Key Features:
- Two layer construction for durability
- Squeaks and crinkles
- 12 inches long
Best for Chewers: KONG Dynos Plush T-Rex Dog Toy
The majority of crinkle dog toys aren’t designed for aggressive chewing, but the KONG Dynos toy is sturdier than many. Its reinforced lining adds durability. Though it’s not designed for power chewers like certain tough toys, this dino stands up to plenty of tugging and chewing, per many reviewers.
We tried this with our Terrier mix who loves plush toys but also tears holes in them quite easily. The KONG T-Rex lasted a whole year. Your mileage may vary, depending on your dog’s level of chew.
It’s not just the crinkles and squeaker inside of this toy that get your dog’s attention, but also the different textures of the fabric on the outside of the toy. This dino comes in a small and large size, plus in three other dinosaur types: pterodactyl, stegosaurus, and triceratops.
Key Features:
- Reinforced lining for durability
- Four dino types; sizes S and L
- Crinkles and squeaks when bitten
Best Ball Dog Toy: KONG Squeezz Crackle Ball
KONG is known for their interactive dog toys and clever designs. Like their classic pet toys, the Squeezz Crackle Ball is constructed from durable rubber that’s easy to clean. Its bright exterior encases a smaller ball that crinkles with play. We like it as an alternative to louder squeaky toys.
The Crackle Ball is a bouncy, flexible ball that works well for indoor play. The smallest size is around the size of an average tennis ball, so it’s likely to work with small breeds along with medium dogs.
If your dog is a moderate to heavy chewer, you may want to skip this one. Reviewers note it’s not as sturdy as some of the traditional KONG toys.
Key Features:
- Flexible, bouncy ball with interior crackle
- Non toxic rubber construction
- Comes in medium and large
Best Plush Toy: KONG Cruncheez Barnyard Dog Toy
The Cruncheez toys are ideal “lovies” for dogs who like to cuddle with their toys (before or after a good play session). They’re not as soft as a traditional noiseless plush, but they’re much softer than the typical crinkle toy.
The design makes it extra crinkly for playtime, too. The plush exterior encases a plastic bottle that crunches loudly when bitten. An additional rattle adds fun when a pup shakes or tosses the toy.
While they’re not as tough as other KONG toys, the Cruncheez line is safe for rough play. We appreciate that the rattle is made of safe cornstarch beads, which dogs can digest if they’re accidentally swallowed.
Lastly, we think the pig and cow designs would make a great themed gift for herding breeds like heelers and Aussies.
Key Features:
- Available in small and large
- Interior plastic bottle and rattle (no squeaker)
- Minimal stuffing
Best for Fetch: RuffDawg Crunch Stick
Made of non-toxic, heavy-duty rubber, this fetch toy makes a satisfying crunching noise when it’s bitten. If your dog likes to chomp into a plastic water bottle for the noise it makes, the Crunch Stick is a safer alternative.
The irregular, curvy shape is fun for both tug-of-war and games of fetch. Available in sizes for small, medium, and large dogs.
If the interior plastic tube falls out from wear and tear, this toy can be filled with dog treats instead.
Key Features:
- Crunches when bitten
- Durable plastic can bend and float
- Can be filled with treats
Best Water Bottle Toy: ZippyPaws Bottle Crusherz Dog Toys
Empty plastic water bottles intrigue many dogs for their loud, satisfying crunch. If your dog wants to chomp down on plastic, and you want a safe alternative, ZippyPaws has an intriguing solution in their Bottle Cruncherz toy line.
Available in a variety of clever designs from lobsters and dolphins to hot sauce and champagne bottles, these toys feature reinforced fabric layers that hold an empty water bottle. A hook-and-loop flap “top” contains a squeaker for extra noise.
Reviewers note that you can replace the included bottle with many different, common water bottle brands.
Key Features:
- Durable toy cover for plastic water bottles
- Comes with bottle and squeaker top
- Available in multiple designs
Best Crinkle Squirrel Toy: HuggleHounds Plush Lil Feller Dog Toy
HuggleHounds makes a variety of plush animal toys for dogs that feature hand-stitched three-layer lining. We’re partial to their fuzzy squirrel toy, thanks to its realistic fur and strong construction.
In fact, the HuggleHounds squirrel looks an awful lot like your friendly neighborhood squirrel—which makes it ideal for pets with a strong prey drive. The small size, at eight inches long, most closely mimics the real thing. But the Big Feller offers more room to chew at a full 22 inches long, fitting for bigger breeds.
The body contains a squeaker, while the furry tail crinkles when bitten.
Key Features:
- Two sizes: S and L
- Machine washable
- Internal squeaker and crinkle tail
- Realistic faux fur
Best Scented Toy: Playology Large Crinkle Egg Dog Toy
Playology makes a crinkle disc and a crinkle egg toy for dogs who love to crunch; we happen to think the egg version is easier to throw and grip, so it’s our pick of the two. Proprietary scented technology adds interest and helps this one stand out in the toy bin.
Durable corduroy crinkles when bitten on the outside; it covers a bite-resistant middle layer of felt, along with a squeaker.
Choose from peanut butter or beef scents. Playology emphasizes their rigorous safety testing for all materials, including their all-natural added scents.
Key Features:
- Durable crinkly cover
- Interior squeaker
- Beef or peanut butter scent
- Machine washable (cold)
Best Outdoor Crinkle Toy: Nerf Bash Crunch Ball Dog Toy
Grippy, bouncy, and interactive, the Nerf Bash Crunch Ball is a fun option for fetch-obsessed dogs. A tough rubber exterior covers a crinkling nylon center.
Some dog parents note that they had to remove the nylon center after their dogs started to chew it apart. Power chewers may need to stick with classic rubber—no crunchy additions.
Because it’s water-resistant and brightly colored, this Nerf ball toy is a hardy option for the backyard or the beach. It also comes in a football shape for sporty pet parents.
Key Features:
- Two textures: rubber and crinkly nylon
- Designed for indoor and outdoor use
- Available in sizes S and L
- Dishwasher safe
How We Chose Our Crinkle Dog Toys
The toys featured here were selected based on a combination of our own hands-on testing and a comprehensive look at customer reviews across a wide variety of retail platforms. We prioritized crinkle toys with durability, compelling sounds, and a variety of textures. We’re also guided by the experience of living and playing alongside our own much-loved and strongly opinionated pets, who are never stingy with their feedback.
Further Reading
- The 17 Best Dog Toys of the Year, from Balls and Plushes to Puzzles and Ropes
- The Best Indestructible Dog Toys for Power Chewers
- The 19 Best Puzzle Toys That Actually Help Bored Dogs
