Fun and Affordable Dog Toys Under $20
by Carol Bryant
Updated on May 06, 2025
As a dog mom of several decades, I’m always looking for affordable dog toys that my Cocker Spaniels love. You don’t have to splurge and go overboard to keep your dogs happy. Many affordably priced dog toys enable modern dog moms and dads to rotate their stash without breaking the bank.
We’ve all been there. You start scrolling online, and you fully intend to buy only the toys and treats your dog needs. But then you find yourself perusing the different options, and oh, wouldn’t Lilly love that chew toy? And that tossing toy is so cute! And if you’re picking toys up for one dog, naturally, you’ll need to grab something for the rest of your canine crew, too, right?
You’re not alone if you have difficulty cruising through the toy aisle or online shops without loading up. But the good news is that tons of inexpensive dog toys still deliver big fun. Check out these affordable dog toys I own, tried, or gifted to friends.
All featured products are chosen at the discretion of the Vetstreet editorial team and do not reflect a direct endorsement by the author. However, Vetstreet may make a small affiliate commission if you click through and make a purchase.
How to Choose the Right Dog Toys for Your Pooch
Before buying, think about your dog’s age, play style, and chewing habits. Puppies may benefit from soft, teething-friendly toys, while adult dogs with strong jaws need tougher materials. And let’s not forget the dogs who want a plush companion for naptime. Matching the toy to your dog’s personality ensures safety and satisfaction.
There is no need to splurge to keep your dog happy. Many affordable toys are just as stimulating, durable, and loved as premium brands. Whether your pup is a chewer, a cuddler, or a fetch fanatic, finding quality dog toys under $20 means staying in budget while having fun.
10 Editor-Approved Fun and Affordable Dog Toys
Multipet Lamb Chop Plush Dog Toy
I love this toy because it is soft, nostalgic, and squeaky. It is perfect for light chewers and cuddly companions. Multipet offers Lamb Chop in different outfits and sizes for various occasions.
Omega Paw Tricky Treat Ball
We all know that mental stimulation is hugely essential for dogs; especially dogs who tend to have a lot of excess energy. Treat-dispensing toys and food puzzles are a spectacular way to engage your pup’s brain in a way that offers an automatic reward. Plus, watching your dog try to figure out how to get to the kibble inside is so much fun. If this is your first foray into the world of treat-dispensing toys, start slow with something like the Atomic Treat Ball — save the “genius” level toys for later.
West Paw Zogoflex Tizzi Treat Dispensing Toy
The Tizzi’s handles can be twisted to create a spiral when thrown, and the handles can be untwisted to hide yummy treats inside. It’s guaranteed against dog damage (although it’s still recommended you supervise your pup during play), buoyant, dishwasher-safe, eco-friendly, and made in the U.S.A. Available in small or large (and my dog is still playing with a 3-year-old Tizzi that looks new).
ChuckIt! Flying Squirrel Dog Toy
Available in small, medium, and large, I’ve gifted this to fellow sporting dog moms and dads. Their dogs love playing with it on land and in water. The aerodynamic shape makes it soar further, while the durable rubber feet on each corner give it buoyancy in water. A little heads up: Dogs can rip into this toy if left unsupervised.
Best Pet Supplies Stuffless Set of 4 Dog Toys
KONG Classic Stuffable Dog Toy
Need to keep your pup stimulated and busy for a while? Dog owners have long hailed the Kong for its durability and stuffability. Putting a little peanut butter inside is enough to keep many dogs out of your hair for half an hour, but there are plenty of ways to get even more creative! I give the KONG stuffable dog toy to new puppy parents all the time. Sir Alvin still plays with his!
Multipet Loofa Dog The Original Squeaky Plush Toy
The Multipet Loofa Dog Toy with Squeaker is an all-time fave in our household. The funky (and floppy) Loofa Dog has become ubiquitous in recent years, and this stuffing-free version means you won’t wake up to a trail of cotton ball toy innards when your mischievous pooch pulls her beloved toy out of storage overnight. Not that this has happened to us. (As always, we recommend supervised play for toys that can be torn apart and swallowed. Safety first!)
Wobble Wag Giggle Ball
Okay, this giggle ball is not fun to hear at 3 a.m., so I recommend you store it away at bedtime. My dogs love the sounds and texture of this noisy but affordable dog toy. Four clutch pockets allow dogs to pick it up and carry it around the house.
Outward Hound Triple Jack Squeaky Dog Toy
Made with three different squeakers to keep dogs entertained, it works great as a toss-around or chew toy. I love toys that do more than one thing and are still affordable. You can use it indoors or outdoors, as we do at the park. It has a funky bounce pattern to keep your dog guessing.
WOOF Party Pupsicle
The WOOF line is a two-in-one treat/toy combination with a low-mess design. Fill the inside with a WOOF treat ball or make your own following our WOOF Pupsicle recipes. Created from natural rubber, your dog will be busy licking the contents. It cleans up easily and is dishwasher safe. Available in multiple sizes, so all dogs can have fun.
Bonus Dog Toy: Snuffle Mat for Dogs
Although it is slightly over $20, the Soft Snuffle Mat for Dogs from Luft Pets is in a league of its own. Dogs are meant to forage for treats that you place in different spots in the snuffle mat. It is machine washable, keeps dogs busy, and improves their mental acuity. Sir Alvin plays with the Luft Pets snuffle mat for an hour at a time. I love this when working and want him to have a fun activity.
My Dog’s Favorites (And What Didn’t Work)
Did you ever buy your dog a toy and think they would love it, but alas, it is not meant to be? My dog, Sir Alvin, is like that, too! He will play with an empty water bottle for half an hour and then ignore Lamb Chop. I mean, of all things, Lambchop? Pet parents are more drawn to some cute toys than others on the shelf.
I am aware that not all toys are winners. Some plush toys are shredded within minutes (looking at you, mystery off-brand elephant), so I learned to stick with trusted names or brands with great reviews. Once you get a feel for your dog’s likes and dislikes, it’s much easier to discern which affordable toys they’ll like.
Top Tips to Get More Life Out of Dog Toys
- Rotate toys weekly to keep your dog interested.
- Supervise play with plush toys to avoid stuffing accidents.
- Wash soft toys in a mesh laundry bag to extend their life.
- Freeze toys for teething pups or hot days.
- Use indoor toys and outdoor toys for versatility (and so dogs don’t get bored).
- Avoid toys with weak stitching, which will lead to more in home surgeries.
- Clean rubber toys with vinegar and water, then rinse well, to remove bacteria and extend the lifespan.
- Choose the right size for your dog. My Cocker Spaniel prefers medium to large toys, but likes smaller squeaky balls. Each dog has their own likes and dislikes.
- Use canine puzzles to keep your dog’s mental acuity up and have lots of fun, too!
- Consider a washable snuffle mat that dogs use to forage for treats.
Why Simple Toys for Dogs Work Best
I’ve learned that your dogs really want time with you. Many dogs gravitate toward simple things like a knotted rope, a crinkly fabric, or a ball that bounces unpredictably. Simplicity allows your dog to focus on the play, rather than being overstimulated by lights or sounds. When toys are intuitive and safe, dogs are more likely to engage with them for an extended period. For me, and millions like me, that’s the true value of affordable play.
Your dog doesn’t know how much a tot costs; they know how it feels to chase, tug, chew, and play by your side. And that’s what truly makes a toy priceless.
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