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My new dog Willa is obsessed with rope toys. She loves to toss them around by herself, drag them around the house, and play tug with her doggy friends. If it’s a rope toy, she’s all about it. But as a discerning pet parent, I know that some rope toys are better than others.
From soft rope toys, to heavy-duty knotted rope toys, to flossing rope toys and rope toys ideal for tugging, here’s a look at some of the best options on the market.
Benefits of Rope Toys for Dogs
One of the things we love most about rope toys for dogs is their versatility when it comes to play. You can use them for fetch, tug-of-war, or as a chew toy (with supervision, of course). But rope toys offer more than just fun—they come with some pretty serious physical and mental benefits for your pooch.
1. They’re good for dental health: Chewing on rope helps remove stubborn plaque and massages your dog’s gums. The cotton threads can also act as floss for dogs.
2. They offer good exercise: A vigorous round of tug-of-war offers quite the workout: for you and your dog! Introducing a rope toy is an easy way to get your dog moving and help them maintain a healthy weight.
3. They strengthen the pet-pet parent bond: Playing tug-of-war with your furry pal can solidify the bond you share. It can also offer your pup a boost of confidence, which is especially valuable for shy or timid dogs.
4. They redirect undesirable biting: Even though chewing is a natural dog behavior, we’d still prefer to keep our slippers and furniture intact. Rope toys offer a simple solution for dogs with a penchant for nipping or biting. By giving your dog something to gnaw on, you may be able to discourage them from chewing things that are off-limits.
Choosing the Best Rope Toy: What to Look For
With all the options available, how do you choose the best rope toy for your dog? Here are a few helpful metrics to guide your search.
Material
When it comes to rope toys, durability is the name of the game. Especially if your dog is a heavy chewer or puller. Look for tightly woven cotton fibers that will be less likely to unravel. In longer ropes, knots can prevent unraveling as well. Cotton tends to hold up well under pressure, while fleece offers a softer option that’s ideal for dogs with weaker teeth or gums.
Of course, no toy is ever 100% indestructible, no matter how good the quality is. Always watch for frayed ropes and dispose of toys once they’ve become damaged, as long strands of string can be swallowed and cause choking.
Design
As you’ll see in our round-up, rope toys vary widely in design: there are braided ropes, ropes with balls attached at the ends, and ropes in plush toys. The rope toy that’s best for your pet will depend largely on their chewing habits and preferred mode of play. Plush toy attachments score big with puppies and senior dogs, while ropes with ball attachments make a good choice for active dogs who like to play fetch.
Size
Not only do they vary in design, but rope toys also range in thickness and weight. Ropes that are too thin will be chewed through quickly by heavy chewers like Labs. And a rope that’s too thick and heavy will be impossible for your tiny Yorkshire Terrier to play with. To get it right, consider your dog’s size and weight before purchasing a rope toy—you’re also going to have some trial and error along the way!
The Best Dog Rope Toys for Fetch, Tug of War (and Even Dental Hygiene)
From soft rope toys to more heavy-duty models (and everything in between), here are our picks for the best rope toys for dogs.
1. Mammoth Cottonblend 5-Knot Rope Toy (Verified Review)
This extra-long rope toy was one of certified dog trainer Shoshi Park’s top toys of the year (check out her review). It’s made from 100% cotton that’s gentle on your dog’s gums. And the five chunky knots give it extra durability and chew. It’s ideal for an enthusiastic game of tug!
2. Kong Aqua Dog Toy
Do you have a water dog? This combination rope toy and floater is perfect for playing fetch and tug at the water’s edge. The rope is tough, long, and ideal for flinging the toy out into the water. And the classic Kong shape at the end is filled with foam to keep it floating.
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3. Soft Fleece Rope Toy
Fleece rope toys are a great pick for puppies and older dogs who love rope toys but need something extra gentle on their teeth. This one’s a great choice because it includes an attached ball for fetch and play.
Tip: You can also make your own fleece rope toy from recycled materials. Find instructions in our article on DIY Dog Toys.
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4. Cotton Rope Elephant Toy
An adorable elephant with a long, braided trunk? Yes, please! This hybrid toy combines the toughness and chewability of a rope toy with the cute factor of a plushy. Your dog will love tossing the elephant around and playing tug with its trunk.
Shop on Amazon5. Antler Rope Toy
Here’s another hybrid rope toy for the super-chewer in your life. This combination rope toy and antler chew will keep a dog busy for hours. The naturally-shed antler cleans teeth and gums while your dog chews, and the natural rope offers a fun tug toy. This is one rope toy that will last a loooooong time.
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6. Mammoth Flossy Chews Cotton Rope Toy
This classic rope toy is made from 100% undyed cotton, making it the perfect choice for your all-natural dog or the all-white, modern interior of your Instagram-ready house. Whether you choose it for function or aesthetics, it’s a durable, safe rope toy for your pup to play with.
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7. Booda Fresh N Floss Rope Toy
This dental rope toy is made with mint-scented floss and baking soda to clean your dog’s teeth while they play. The combo of wax-coated nylon and all-natural cotton in this rope is perfect for playing tug and lasts a long time without fraying. Plus, it comes in three different sizes for dogs of all types and tooth strength.
For more on dental chews and your dog’s dental health, check out our article, “Are Dental Chews Enough of a Replacement for Dog Tooth Brushing?”
8. Planet Dog Ball + Rope Toy
For the dog who loves to fetch and tug, this ball and rope toy combo is a dream. The bouncy ball is made from extra-durable, minty-fresh material. And the rope is super strong and perfect for tossing the ball out into a pool (yup, the whole thing floats).
Shop on Chewy9. Kong Tuggernots Frog
Here’s a rope toy with something for everyone: a cute plushy, satisfying squeakers, and a durable rope loop for tugging and tossing. The rope is knotted inside the frog (there’s a phrase I never thought I’d write), making it durable and fun for your dog to chew.
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10. Jolly Pets Romp-n-Roll Rope and Ball Toy
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The Romp-n-Roll combines a strong, flexible rope with a durable, floating ball that can be bounced, bitten, kicked, and tugged. It’s the ideal toy for chase, tug, and even playing in water. Plus, it comes in three sizes to suit tiny pups up to massive dogs.
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11. Playology Protein Scented Dri-Tech Rope
If plain old rope toys are too boring for your dog, check out this one, with embedded beef scent. You read that right: this non-toxic, tear-resistant, slobber-wicking rope smells like beef. It’s designed to stimulate your dog’s senses and encourage them to play hard. Bonus: the whole toy is dishwasher safe.
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12. Dog Rope Toy Assortment (Verified Review)
This set of rope chews comes with seven different toys all designed for fetch and tug-of-war. Made with natural cotton fibers, these ropes are intended for small and medium breeds and are non-toxic, as well as washable.
We tested them on Rover office pup Cicero, who panned them in favor of stinkier chews, but in general, we found them to be quite popular with a range of other Rover office dogs, including our blog strategist’s Schnauzer mix, Vera, and our social media coordinator’s Boston, Olive.
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