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Shiba Inus may not be as renowned in the US as other dog breeds, but they are the most popular in their country of origin, Japan. Their popularity is on the rise in the US as more and more owners are won over by their charm.
While Shiba Inus are not overly destructive when left alone, they do require regular exercise, either in the form of a yard or daily walks.
Since you can’t always be there to offer attention, toys come in handy, you only need to know which ones to select, particularly for Shibas.
We are thrilled to share our top nine picks for the best toys for your Shiba Inu. These toys will help engage, calm, and exercise your beloved pup from their younger years through their senior years.
Table of Contents
Types Of Shiba Inu Toys
1. Puzzles for Shiba Inu
These types of toys are designed to encourage your pet to use their problem-solving skills and mental abilities while keeping them occupied for extended periods.
These puzzle toys are an excellent way to channel your dog’s natural energy and drive for independence into a fun and enjoyable solo activity.
Not only will they help keep your pet entertained and happy, but they can also help prevent destructive behaviors that may arise due to boredom or lack of stimulation. So, give your Shiba Inu the mental stimulation they need with interactive toys and doggy puzzles.
2. Fetch Toys and Balls
To keep Shiba Inus in good shape, they require a considerable amount of exercise. In case your yard is insufficient to allow them to run around, throwing toys or balls can serve as a great substitute.
You may either play with them inside the house or take them to the dog park.
3. Treat-Dispensing Toys
The training technique using treats and toys is highly effective with Shiba Inus.
These toys serve as a diversion that keeps your furry friend occupied, making it an excellent tool to incorporate in their crate while you are away or a delightful way to motivate your pet to exercise.
4. Chew Toys
Chew toys are specially designed toys made of durable materials that are meant to be chewed on by dogs.
They are essential for Shiba Inu dogs as they have a strong desire to chew, and giving them chew toys helps to keep their teeth clean, jaw muscles strong, and provides mental stimulation.
7Additionally, chew toys can help reduce destructive behavior by providing a healthy outlet for the dog’s chewing needs, and can also help alleviate boredom and anxiety in dogs.
Best Shiba Inu Toys
4 Best Puzzle/Interactive Toys
The Nina Ottosson by Outward Hound MultiPuzzle Dog Toy is a great way to keep your furry friend engaged and mentally stimulated.
With its intermediate level 2 design, it includes additional obstacles and combinations of steps that will keep your dog focused as they search and sniff out the tasty treats.
The toy comes with 3 types of treat hiding compartments, including flip lid compartments, slide compartments, and removable brick bones, making it a fun and rewarding puzzle for your dog.
Not only does it reduce anxious behavior and redirect destructive behavior, but it is also BPA, PVC, and phthalate-free, making it a safe and healthy option for your pet. Overall, a great purchase for any pet owner!
Pros
- Deals with boredom
- Has 3 types of treat hiding compartments
- Encourages positive play habits
The Nina Ottosson by Outward Hound MultiPuzzle Dog Toy is a mentally-stimulating and challenging puzzle game perfect for ultra-smart dogs.
With four different challenges in one puzzle, it keeps pups busy for a while. The game involves hiding treats in various compartments and sliding tiles to reveal them.
The materials used are food safe and can be hand washed. However, it is important to play it safe and not leave toys with unsupervised pets.
Pros
- Mentally stimulating
- Made with food safe materials
- It’s a multi-puzzle
As a dog owner, I highly recommend the Dog Puzzle Toys for any pup in need of mental enrichment and IQ training.
The upgraded puzzle is challenging yet engaging, allowing dogs to exercise their mind while hunting for hidden treats. The bigger size and multiple steps are perfect for smart dogs, but also suitable for smaller breeds.
This puzzle is a boredom buster, reducing destructive behavior and encouraging natural hunting instincts.
I appreciate that there are no removable parts, making it safe for solo play, and the toxic-free materials are durable and easy to clean. Overall, an interactive treat puzzle that promotes bonding and fun for both owner and dog.
Pros
- It’s a multiple steps puzzle
- Offers mental exercise and boredom buster
- It’s interactive
As a dog, I have to say that the Pet Qwerks Talking Babble Ball is a fantastic toy! It’s small enough for dogs under 12 pounds, making it perfect for smaller pups like me.
The best part is that its motion activated and talks, growls, and interacts with me, which keeps me entertained and engaged for hours on end. I love how it makes more than 20 different sounds, from wisecracks to sayings, so it never gets old.
Plus, it satisfies my natural instinct to chew and helps reduce my anxiety, preventing me from getting bored. It’s also incredibly durable, even with my aggressive chewing habits.
I highly recommend the Pet Qwerks Talking Babble Ball to all my fellow furry friends!
Pros
- Interactive dog toy
- Keeps your Shiba Inu busy
- Strong and Durable
3 Best Fetch Toys and Balls
As a dog owner, I highly recommend the Ultra Ball Fetch Toy for Dogs, Medium Size 8 Pack with Cleaning Bucket. These balls are compatible with any Medium size Chuckit.
Launcher and come in high contrast colors that make them easy to spot. They have a high impact bounce and are perfect for playing fetch at the lake or pool thanks to their floating, lightweight design.
Not only are they fun for dogs to play with, but they are also durable and can withstand aggressive chewers.
The carrying bucket is also a nice touch and makes cleaning up a breeze. I appreciate that Chuckit. creates toys that enrich the human-animal bond and encourage active play. This product is a great investment for any dog owner.
Pros
- Compatible with any medium size Chuckit.
- Durable
- Available in different sizes
I recently purchased the Chuckit! Ultra Ball Dog Toy, Medium (2.5 Inch) 1 Pack for my energetic furry friend and I am thoroughly impressed with its durability and design.
The high contrast colors and high impact bounce of the ball entices my dog to play fetch for hours on end. Its lightweight and floating design makes it perfect for playtime at the pool or lake.
The thick rubber exterior is tough and durable, outlasting any average tennis ball. The textured surface also provides extra grip for my aggressive chewer. With a variety of sizes to choose from, there is a perfect fit for every dog.
I highly recommend the Chuckit! Ultra Ball Dog Toy for any pet owner looking for a quality fetch toy that will last.
Pros
- Strong and durable
- Size for every dog
- Enriches the human-dog bond
I recently purchased the Outward Hound Squeaker Ballz Fetch Dog Toy, Medium, 4-Pack for my furry friend and I must say, I am thoroughly impressed!
The Squeaker Ballz combine the fun of a tennis ball with the excitement of a squeaky toy, making for an exciting fetch experience.
The bright colors of the balls make them highly visible, making it a great option for both indoor and outdoor play.
The rubber material provides superior bounce and makes for a long-lasting playtime that doesn’t end up flat.
It’s great that the pack comes with 4 balls, ensuring that my dog always has a toy to play with. Overall, a fantastic purchase for any Shiba Inu owner!
Pros
- A squeaky, fun fetch toy
- Good for both indoor and outdoor fun
- Made of premium rubber for superior bounce
3 Best Treat-Dispensing Toys
The Kong Wobbler dog toy is made of a food-grade polymer, which makes it safe for food use and is of a high quality.
It’s also stated that the container is dishwasher safe, meaning that it can be easily cleaned and maintained.
The top of the container can be unscrewed from the bottom, making it easy to refill or add more ingredients. These features make for a convenient and functional product for food storage or seasoning.
Pros
- It’s durable
- Small in size perfect for a Shiba Inu
- Available in different sizes
The Outward Hound Squeaker Ballz Fetch Dog Toy, Medium, 4-Pack is a fantastic way to keep your furry friend mentally and physically active.
It’s customizable and adjustable interior disc allows for a smarter and more challenging playtime. The ball is easy to use and clean, and it conveniently uses your dog’s favorite dry treats or kibble.
It promotes slower and healthier eating and encourages prolonged playtime. It’s made from hard plastic that disassembles for easy cleaning. Also, always supervise your pet while in use. I highly recommend the Outward Hound Squeaker Ballz Fetch Dog Toy for all dog lovers!
Pros
- Offers mental stimulation
- Keeps your canine busy
- Good for free feeding
I recently purchased the Outward Hound Nina Ottosson Treat Tumble Blue Interactive Treat-Dispensing Puzzle Dog Toy for my furry friend, and I must say, it has been a hit!
As a beginner’s puzzle challenge, it was perfect for introducing my pup to the world of puzzle games.
The bright blue and yellow ball kept my dog entertained and engaged for hours as they pawed and nudged it around to get their favorite treats.
I also loved that it was suitable for both indoor and outdoor playtime, and was easy to clean with warm water and soap. Overall, a fantastic and safe treat-dispensing toy for my pup to enjoy!
Pros
- Good for Puppies
- Highly interactive
- Encourages solo play
3 Best Chew Toys
As a dog owner, I can confidently say that the KONG Extreme black rubber toy is one of the best toys out there.
It satisfies my natural instincts and provides mental stimulation that keeps me entertained for hours. The unpredictable bounce of the toy makes it perfect for games of fetch and other interactive playtime with my human.
It’s specifically designed for super power chewers like myself and helps me get the exercise I need. The treat dispensing puzzle is even more enticing when filled with my favorite snacks.
My vet recommends it, and it’s made in the USA with globally sourced materials. I highly recommend this durable and fun toy for all dogs!
Pros
- Satisfies your Shibas instinctual needs
- Also works well as a fetch toy
- Great for stuffing
I am a huge fan of the Nylabone Power Chew Flavored Durable Chew Toy! Not only is it made of durable nylon that can withstand even the most aggressive chewers, but it also features a comfortable hold-and-chew design that makes it easy to play with.
The nubs and ridges on the textured chew toy help reduce plaque and tartar, keeping your Shibas teeth clean and healthy.
Best of all, the delicious allergen-free peanut butter flavor throughout the toy keeps your canine entertained for hours. It’s perfect for any dog under 50 pounds.
Pros
- Durable
- Has nubs and ridges to clean your canine’s teeth
- Has a good design to hold for your canine
I have to say, the Nylabone Power Chew Flavored Durable Chew Toy for Dogs is an exceptional product.
As a canine owner, I can confirm that it is indeed safe and non-toxic. The REAL Beef aroma is irresistible, and the Bent Bone shape makes it an interactive experience for your Shiba.
It’s perfect for teething dogs, as it helps promote oral health and reduces discomfort. If you have an aggressive chewer, you must put this toy to the test, and it truly is durable.
Plus, the Lifetime Replacement Warranty is an added bonus. I highly recommend this toy for all young and mature dogs.
Pros
- Safe and non-toxic
- It’s interactive
- Perfect for teething dogs
What To Look for When Looking for Shiba Inu Toys
When choosing a Shiba Inu dog toy, there are several factors to consider to ensure that it is safe, fun, and appropriate for your furry friend.
Here are five factors to keep in mind:
- Size
- Durability
- Texture
- Interactive
- Safety
What’s more;
1. Size:
Shiba Inus are medium-sized dogs, so it’s important to choose a toy that’s the right size for them. The toy should be small enough for them to pick up and carry around, but not so small that they could accidentally swallow it.
2. Durability:
Shiba Inus are known for being strong chewers, so it’s important to choose a toy that’s durable enough to withstand their chewing. Look for toys made from tough materials, such as rubber or nylon, that can withstand their strong jaws.
3. Texture:
Shiba Inus love to chew and play with toys that have different textures. Look for toys with ridges, bumps, and different materials that will keep them engaged and entertained.
4. Interactive:
Shiba Inus are intelligent and active dogs, so it’s important to choose a toy that will stimulate their minds and keep them active. Look for toys that are interactive, such as puzzle toys or toys that dispense treats.
5. Safety:
Finally, it’s important to choose a toy that’s safe for your Shiba Inu. Avoid toys with small parts that could be swallowed or sharp edges that could cause injury. Always supervise your Shiba Inu when they’re playing with toys to ensure their safety.