Dog toys for small dogs
A toy sized for a small dog needs to fit a smaller mouth and jaw comfortably, without being so small it becomes a choking hazard on its own — the balance is different from simply buying the smallest toy on the shelf. Weight, grip and durability all matter too, since small dogs still play with real enthusiasm even if they bite with less force than a larger breed.
Why sizing matters both ways
A toy that is too large for a small dog to comfortably pick up or carry gets ignored, while a toy that is genuinely too small can become a choking risk if a small dog manages to fit the whole thing in their mouth at once. The right size sits between those two, scaled to the dog rather than assumed from a generic "small dog" label alone.
Weight is worth considering too — a toy that is technically small but unexpectedly heavy can be awkward or even mildly injurious for a small dog to carry and shake the way they naturally want to play with it.
What else changes for small breeds
Small dogs often have proportionally smaller jaws and more delicate teeth than larger breeds, so a toy that is genuinely soft plush or a lighter rubber is often more appropriate than something built to withstand a large dog's stronger bite, which can simply be uncomfortable for a small dog to use.
Squeaky toys and plush toys tend to be popular with small breeds who enjoy the noise and texture without needing the durability a large, powerful chewer would require. That does not mean small dogs never chew hard — some do, and a genuinely determined small chewer may still need a tougher toy than their size alone would suggest.
Toys with a handle or an easy-to-grip shape help small dogs carry and interact with a toy independently, which matters more for a small dog whose mouth simply cannot manage the same range of shapes and sizes as a larger one.
Keeping play safe
Check any toy regularly for small parts working loose, such as squeakers, eyes, or other attachments, since a small dog's mouth can more easily swallow something that would simply be mouthed by a larger dog. Retire a toy as soon as it starts to come apart rather than waiting for it to fail completely.
Supervise a new toy for the first few sessions with any small dog, particularly if they are an enthusiastic or determined chewer, so you know how the toy actually holds up before leaving them with it unsupervised.
What we stock
Everything below is in stock with us, priced with delivery worked out, and packed and posted by hand in the UK.
Happy Pet Lamb Chop Dog Toy
A cuddly plush Lamb Chop dog toy with hidden squeakers, for snuggling or a game of fetch
From£4.99
Inflatable Herding Ball for Dogs with Pump
A large inflatable herding ball with pump that taps into your dog's chase instinct.
From£19.99
Classic Rubber Ring
A solid rubber ring for dogs, in large and small sizes, assorted colours
From£1.93
Pedigree DentaStix Daily Dental Chews Small Dog
Daily Pedigree DentaStix dental chews for small dogs over the label age limit
£2.35
Good Boy Keep Um Busy Bar Small Chews Chicken
Long-lasting chew bars for dogs, pea-starch based with 26% chicken, pack of 4
£1.99
Pedigree Jumbone Small Dog Treats with Chicken and Lamb
Pedigree Jumbone chicken and lamb filled chews for small adult dogs
£2.65
Dentalife Oral Care Dental Chew Small Dog Chicken
Twenty-one soft daily dental sticks for small dogs, sized to Purina’s 7 to 12kg guide
£4.35
Ancol Small Bite Teddy Donut Sage
A 70cm sage sherpa fleece donut bed with raised sides, for small dogs, puppies and cats
£29.99
Forthglade Cold Pressed Small Dog Turkey
Cold-pressed grain-free dry food for small dogs and puppies, built on turkey
£16.99
Wahl Pro Small Slicker Brush
A small slicker with firm stainless steel pins and a non-slip gel handle, for coats that mat
£10.99
Iams Adult Dog Advanced Nutrition Small Medium Breed Chicken
Complete chicken dry food for small and medium adult dogs, 2.5KG
£8.05
Tarhong Paw Ikat Small Melamine Dog Bowl
A compact 13cm melamine dog bowl with a stylish ikat paw design — BPA-free, non-slip, shatterproof, and dishwasher safe.
£12.99
Common questions
- Are small dog toys just smaller versions of regular toys?
- Not always, and it is worth checking rather than assuming. A genuinely well-made small-dog toy is scaled for a smaller jaw and mouth in proportion, not simply a shrunk copy of a large-dog design, and the material is often softer to suit a smaller dog's teeth.
- Can small toys be a choking risk for small dogs?
- Yes, if a toy is small enough that a dog can fit the whole thing in their mouth and attempt to swallow it. The right size sits between too big to use comfortably and small enough to be a hazard, rather than simply choosing the smallest option available.
- Do small dogs need softer toys than large dogs?
- Often, yes, since small breeds tend to have more delicate jaws and teeth, and a toy built to withstand a large dog's bite can be uncomfortable to use. Some small dogs are still determined chewers, though, so match the toy to your individual dog rather than assuming softness always applies.
- What toys work best for small dogs that like to carry things?
- Lightweight toys with an easy-to-grip shape, such as a handle or a soft plush body, tend to suit small dogs who like to carry and shake toys rather than heavier options built for a large dog's stronger play style.
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Written by Matt Garnett, who runs Giddy Pets and is a lifelong pet owner — not a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your animal. How we write these guides.