Hard toys and old teeth do not mix, and neither do hard toys and a puppy's mouth. TPR foam sits in the middle of the range: enough give to be kind on the gums, enough spring to bounce oddly, and enough substance to survive being hauled on. For a lot of dogs it turns out to be the toy that finally works for fetch and for tug without needing two separate things.

The ring shape is the useful part. It gives you and your dog something to hold from opposite sides for a tug, and it is easy for a dog to pick up off a flat lawn where a ball has to be scooped at with the teeth. The surface is chunky and textured for grip. Being foam, it is light and it floats, so it works for water play and does not sink out of reach at the edge of a lake.

• Soft TPR foam, gentle on teeth and gums
• Ring shape suits tug as well as fetch
• Chunky textured surface for grip
• Floats, so it works for water play
• Roughly 21cm across
• Available in orange, yellow or blue

On chewing: soft and durable are not the same thing. This holds up to normal play and tug, but a dog who settles down to systematically shred a toy will get through foam faster than rubber. Keep it as a game you play together rather than a chew left lying about the house.

Who it's for: Puppies, seniors and soft-mouthed dogs, and anyone whose dog swims or plays fetch near open water.