Whether you call it a frisbee, a throwing disc, or a flier, these toys are the epitome of outdoor fun for your dog! Frisbees are the quintessential dog toy, representing that iconic imagery of dog park fun and pure canine bliss!
Most dogs want nothing more than to chase a frisbee around the yard. Simple by design, throwing discs feed into your pup's natural prey drive. Pair that with the chance to earn praise from you, and it's a beloved pastime any dog will jump at the opportunity to do.
Disc-oriented games are also a great way to get your dog moving! With the growing issue of canine obesity, you can use the frisbee to burn some calories and encourage your dog to get rid of some of that pent-up energy.
Before you can take advantage of the many frisbee benefits, you have to find one that will hold up to your pup's vigorous play!
Frisbees can vary quite a bit in terms of quality and overall ruggedness. Old-school models are made for human use, presenting potential safety problems once your dog comes into the mix.
To ensure that your dog stays safe and happy, here are some of the most durable dog frisbees on the market.
7 Best Frisbees for Dogs (4 Hard & 3 Soft Options)
- 4 Best Hard Dog Frisbees
1. Hyperflite Jawz Worlds Toughest Flying Disc
The Hyperflite Jawz disc was purpose-built with durability in mind. Best for dogs with strong jaws, this toy will hold up well to just about anything!
It's made of puncture-resistant plastic. The material is noticeably thicker than what you see on flimsy discs. Yet, it still maintains that signature concave design and lip for good air travel.
Hyperflit made this disc for competition-level play. It's super aerodynamic and tough enough to withstand tons of wear and tear. The material is also easy on your dog's eyes. It has X-Flash Anti-Glare technology, which prevents eye strain even in ultra-bright environments.
2. Petstages Orka Flyer Tough Dog Frisbee Toy
Measuring about 8.5 inches in diameter, the Petstages Orka disc is just the right size for large and medium-sized dogs. Thanks to the 1-inch rim, most canines will have no problem catching it in the air.
For material, Petstages used a non-toxic synthetic rubber. It's surprisingly tough, outlasting flimsy plastic any day! Not only does it hold up well to gnashing teeth during a catch, but it can hold up well to calm gnawing as your dog cools off! The frisbee even has textured shapes to add a unique experience as they chew.
3. West Paw Zogoflex Zisc Flying Disc Dog Toy
Measuring about 8.5 inches in diameter, the Petstages Orka disc is just the right size for large and medium-sized dogs. Thanks to the 1-inch rim, most canines will have no problem catching it in the air.
For material, Petstages used a non-toxic synthetic rubber. It's surprisingly tough, outlasting flimsy plastic any day! Not only does it hold up well to gnashing teeth during a catch, but it can hold up well to calm gnawing as your dog cools off! The frisbee even has textured shapes to add a unique experience as they chew.
4. Planet Dog Orbee-Tuff ZOOM Flyer Dog Toy
This disc from Planet Dog looks pretty simple at face value. But you'll realize it's special the moment you hold it in your hands! The frisbee has a dual-density design that incorporates two materials.
In the center, you have a weighted core. It helps facilitate longer throw distances and a better flight path. Meanwhile, the perimeter is soft and pliable.
Safe for teeth and gums, it cushions the blow and makes the frisbee safer to catch. As always, all materials are non-toxic and safe. They even have a bit of peppermint essential oil for a minty scent.
- 3 Best Soft Dog Frisbees
1. KONG Classic Flyer Durable Rubber Frisbee Dog Toy
KONG is no stranger to durable toys. The brand continues to knock it out of the park, and this flying disc is a perfect extension of the lineup! The KONG Flyer is made of soft rubber. It's the same durable rubber that KONG is famous for.
The material is noticeably thick. However, it's also surprisingly pliable. The disc can flex and scrunch up while still maintaining its shape. Not only that, but it has impressive flight capabilities.
2. Hyper Pet Flippy Flopper Frisbee Dog Toy
If you're looking for a super-safe alternative to plastic frisbees, check out this toy from Hyper Pet. It's made of soft rubber and nylon. Multiple layers of nylon material cover the exterior, creating a soft texture that's easy on your pup's teeth and gums. The rubber helps maintain the shape.
Overall, the disc is lightweight and fun to use. It floats in the water and comes in a handful of bright colors for ultimate visibility. While not as tough as some rubber or plastic alternatives, the frisbee does come in multi-packs to ensure that you always have one on hand.
3. Monster K9 Indestructible Frisbee Dog Toy
The frisbee dog toy from Monster K9 is simple but tough! It's marketed as "indestructible," and as far as we can tell, it fits the bill! The disc is made of industrial-grade natural rubber. It's puncture-resistant and non-toxic. Furthermore, the resilient material can absorb some shock for added safety.
Despite its toughness, the frisbee is still flexible. It'll fold in half, crinkle as your dog chews on it, and fall into any shape. But even still, it bounces back and maintains that smooth, aerodynamic shape.
What Makes a Good Dog Frisbee?
Choosing a suitable frisbee might not seem like a huge deal. But in reality, this toy is going to play a big part in your dog's life. You wouldn't take an important decision about food or collars lightly, would you?
Flying discs go through the wringer. There's no denying that. The goal is to choose one that will last as long as possible while staying safe enough for your pup to enjoy. Here are some things to consider in your search.
An "Indestructible" Build
You're going to come across this label a lot! Many brands claim their products are "indestructible" or "dog-proof." Some of those frisbees very well may have a rugged build that can hold up well to excitable dogs. But never take those marketing claims at face value!
Examine the build quality closely. There are very few things on this planet that are genuinely "indestructible." However, toy manufacturers can go to great lengths to ensure that the goods last.
The most significant telltale sign of durability is thickness. Avoid any flimsy frisbees that will obviously break apart after a few minutes with your dog. That means steering clear of free promotional discs and dollar-store finds.
Keep an eye out for thick materials and some extra reinforcement. Full plastic frisbees are tougher than they look. This is especially true if they have substantial lips or prominent curves.
The same goes for softer fabric-based or rubber frisbees. The thicker the material, the more rugged it will be!
A Dog-Friendly Grip
Here's something that dog owners famously overlook. Can your pooch pick the frisbee up? This element is what sets dog frisbees apart from human frisbees.
Those made for canine use typically have a dog-friendly design that maximizes grip. For example, you might see an exaggerated lip or some thicker material around the circumference. Anything that makes things easier for your dog to get their jaw around is a welcome addition.
Remember: Many dogs will attempt to catch these toys midair! Dog-focused design features make those attempts more feasible, which will work wonders to enhance your dog's self-esteem.
Good "Throwability
What good is a frisbee if it's not going to glide through the air?
Decent flight is crucial to developing your pup's skills. Your flying disc should have a predictable flight pattern that you can easily control.
Cheap frisbees aren't going to sail very far, which won't do much to help your dog as they learn to play!
A Compatible Design
Last but not least, you have to consider how the frisbee will work for your dog.
Not all dogs are going to enjoy using a frisbee. Not only that, but how a dog interacts with it varies pretty dramatically. That's why you see both hard and soft frisbees.
Harder models are best for larger dogs with a bit more bite. They can handle the more rugged build and all that comes with it. Meanwhile, smaller canines may not fair well with a super hard frisbee. They could accidentally crack a tooth as they attempt to catch it!
Match your frisbee with your dog's skills and lifestyle. There's no right or wrong here. The best choice for your dog will depend entirely on them. It may take a little trial and error to settle on the best one. But, use your best judgment to find that perfect match!
Hard vs. Soft Frisbees
Contrary to popular belief, harder does not always mean tougher! You don't have to settle on one kind of frisbee if durability is your top priority! Hard and soft discs both have their pros and cons. Before you settle on one, it's important to consider what they bring to the table.
Hard Frisbees
Most people are familiar with hard frisbees. These are the plastic-made discs with a concave shape and a pronounced lip. As mentioned earlier, the more rigid texture is not going to work with every dog. Generally, larger breeds can handle them without any issues.
The biggest perk of hard frisbees is their predictability and impressive flight capabilities. The harder build makes it less flimsy. As a result, they fly longer and farther.
For this reason, hard models are usually the toy of choice for true frisbee junkies! They're best for dogs with some experience and major skills.
The downside? The hard texture could pose some safety problems if you're not careful. All it takes is one distraction for your dog to get whacked in the face by hard plastic! Losing a tooth and experience severe injuries is more common than most think!
Soft Frisbees
Soft frisbees usually contain fabric or rubber. Some models feature thick synthetic materials with a semi-rigid frame. They are flimsy by nature, making them easier to grip and much safer in the event of an accident.
Soft frisbees are best for beginners or dogs that aren't the best at disc-oriented play. It's a good choice for canines still learning the ropes. The soft texture will keep them safe while still providing that signature chasing experience.
Now, soft frisbees aren't going to provide the best performance out there. They don't fly nearly as far as harder alternatives. Most won't give you that signature arc, either.
Conclusion
Frisbees can do a lot to enrich your dog's life. However, that's only true if your dog can stay safe and happy as they play! Whether your pup is still learning how to catch these flying discs or they're an old pro with years of experience, the right frisbee can make a world of difference!
Also Read: 5 Best Insulated Outdoor Dog Houses
