The 10 Best Gifts for Your Dog in 2026: Spoil Your Pup Right

Your dog gives you unconditional love, endless entertainment, and the motivation to actually leave the house. The least you can do is spoil them with something better than another basic tennis ball from the grocery store.

We've spent months testing toys, beds, feeders, and gear with dogs of all sizes and temperaments—from gentle seniors to destructive puppies who view every object as a challenge. Here are the gifts that actually survived and genuinely improved our test dogs' lives.

Quick Picks at a Glance

1. Kong Classic — Best Indestructible Toy

Price: $8-$18 | Sizes: XS to XXL | Best For: All dogs

The Kong Classic has been the gold standard in dog toys for over 40 years, and nothing has dethroned it. If you only buy one toy for your dog, this is it.

What makes it stand out:

The genius of the Kong is its simplicity. It's a hollow rubber snowman shape that bounces unpredictably and can be stuffed with treats. That's it. And that simplicity is why it works for virtually every dog.

The natural red rubber is nearly indestructible for normal chewers. We've had the same Kong survive three years with a determined Lab mix who destroys most toys in minutes. For extreme chewers, the black Kong Extreme version ups the durability even further.

Stuffing possibilities are endless. Peanut butter is classic, but try freezing a mixture of kibble, banana, and plain yogurt for a longer-lasting challenge. On hot days, fill it with low-sodium chicken broth and freeze for a cooling treat. The Kong becomes a puzzle, a treat dispenser, and a chew toy all in one.

The unpredictable bounce keeps fetch interesting. Unlike balls that bounce predictably, the Kong's shape sends it careening in random directions, engaging your dog's natural prey drive and keeping them mentally stimulated.

The downsides:

Some dogs figure out the treat extraction too quickly and lose interest. The red rubber can leave marks on light-colored carpets when wet. Not truly indestructible for the most determined power chewers—though the Extreme version comes close.

Who should buy it:

Every dog owner. Seriously. At under $20, there's no reason not to have a Kong in your arsenal. It's equally valuable for puppies learning to self-soothe and seniors who need mental stimulation.

The verdict:

The Kong Classic is the most recommended dog toy by trainers, vets, and behaviorists for good reason. Forty years of dogs can't be wrong.

Rating: 9.5/10

2. Casper Dog Bed — Best Premium Comfort

Price: $149-$349 | Sizes: Small to Large | Best For: Dogs who deserve the best

If your dog sleeps on your $2,000 mattress, it only seems fair they get their own premium bed. The Casper Dog Bed brings the company's human mattress technology to the four-legged crowd.

What makes it stand out:

The construction mirrors Casper's human mattresses: a supportive foam base layer topped with a pressure-relieving memory foam layer. Dogs with joint issues, arthritis, or hip dysplasia noticeably appreciate the support. Our senior test dog with arthritis started choosing this bed over the couch within days.

The bolstered edges serve multiple purposes. Dogs who like to curl up get a built-in pillow. Dogs who sprawl get something to press against. The bolsters also help anxious dogs feel more secure, mimicking the pressure of being held.

The microfiber cover is machine washable—a requirement, not a luxury, for any dog bed. It's held up through dozens of wash cycles without pilling or losing shape. The water-resistant liner beneath protects the foam from accidents.

The aesthetic is genuinely attractive. Unlike most dog beds that look like they belong hidden in a corner, the Casper's clean design integrates into home decor. Available in multiple colors to match your space.

The downsides:

The price is significant for a dog bed—you could buy five basic beds for the cost of one Casper. Destructive dogs will eventually defeat the cover, and replacement covers aren't cheap ($65-$85). Not suitable for crate use given the bolstered design.

Who should buy it:

Dog owners who view their pets as family members worthy of quality sleep, especially those with older dogs or breeds prone to joint issues. Also ideal for living rooms where the dog bed is visible.

The verdict:

The Casper Dog Bed is expensive because it's genuinely well-made and thoughtfully designed. Your dog will notice the difference—and so will you when they stop trying to steal your pillow.

Rating: 9/10

3. Furbo Dog Camera — Best for Pet Parents

Price: $149 | Features: 1080p video, treat tossing, bark alerts | Best For: Dogs who suffer from separation anxiety (and their humans)

Leaving your dog home alone doesn't have to mean complete disconnection. The Furbo lets you see, speak to, and treat your dog from anywhere with your phone.

What makes it stand out:

The treat-tossing mechanism is the killer feature. Fill the top with your dog's favorite kibble-sized treats, and fling them remotely via the app. Dogs figure out the association quickly—the Furbo beeps, a treat appears, and suddenly they love that weird cylinder on the shelf. It's also fantastic for reinforcing training or just brightening their day.

Video quality is crisp at 1080p with a wide-angle lens that captures most rooms. Night vision works well for checking on dogs after dark. Two-way audio lets you talk to your dog (and hear their responses, for better or worse).

Bark alerts notify you when your dog is making noise, with optional cloud recording to see what triggered the outburst. This has genuine utility for diagnosing separation anxiety—seeing what your dog does when you leave provides insights a trainer can use.

The app is well-designed with quick access to the live feed, treat tossing, and historical clips. Connecting multiple family members works seamlessly.

The downsides:

The bark alert can be overly sensitive, notifying you of every truck that passes by. Full functionality requires a subscription ($7/month) for cloud storage and smart alerts. Treat capacity is limited—heavy use requires frequent refills. Dogs have been known to knock over the Furbo trying to get treats directly.

Who should buy it:

Dog owners who work outside the home and worry about their pet, especially those dealing with separation anxiety. Also valuable for puppy owners monitoring their new friend during crate training.

The verdict:

The Furbo transforms the anxiety of leaving your dog into the joy of checking in on them. The treat-tossing alone justifies the price for many owners.

Rating: 8.5/10

4. Outward Hound Hide-A-Squirrel — Best for Mental Stimulation

Price: $15-$25 | Sizes: Junior to Ginormous | Best For: Dogs who need a job

Physical exercise gets attention, but mental exercise is equally important for a happy dog. The Hide-A-Squirrel puzzle toy engages your dog's brain and natural hunting instincts.

What makes it stand out:

The concept is brilliantly simple: a plush tree trunk contains several squeaky squirrels that your dog must extract. It taps into the prey-finding instincts that make dogs dogs. Watching a dog systematically work through each hole, determined to evict every squirrel, is endlessly entertaining.

Difficulty scales with your dog's experience. New dogs might take 20 minutes to clear the trunk; experienced puzzle-solvers do it in seconds but still enjoy the process. Refilling and hiding the trunk around the house extends the game further.

The squirrels work as standalone fetch toys, each with a durable squeaker that survives moderate chewing. When the original squirrels inevitably become victims of dog enthusiasm, replacement packs are available.

Construction is reasonably durable for a plush toy. Reinforced seams and quality stitching mean it lasts longer than typical stuffed toys, though power chewers will eventually defeat it.

The downsides:

Not for dogs who destroy plush toys instantly—they'll have the squirrels shredded before you finish reading this review. Squeakers are loud and will be activated repeatedly. Inevitably, squirrels end up under furniture requiring human retrieval.

Who should buy it:

Dogs who need mental stimulation beyond physical exercise—especially smart breeds like Border Collies, Poodles, and Australian Shepherds. Also excellent for rainy days when outdoor exercise isn't possible.

The verdict:

At under $25, the Hide-A-Squirrel provides hours of entertainment and genuine cognitive enrichment. It's one of the few toys that exercises your dog's brain as much as their body.

Rating: 9/10

5. Ruffwear Front Range Harness — Best Walking Gear

Price: $45 | Sizes: XXS to XXL | Best For: Dogs who walk (so, all dogs)

Collars work for some dogs, but a quality harness transforms walks for pullers, small breeds, and dogs with respiratory concerns. The Ruffwear Front Range is the harness other harnesses wish they were.

What makes it stand out:

The padded chest and belly panels distribute pressure across your dog's body rather than concentrating it on the neck. For dogs who pull, this means no more coughing and gagging. For breeds prone to tracheal issues (looking at you, Bulldogs and Pugs), it's a health necessity.

Two leash attachment points provide training versatility. The back clip works for well-behaved walkers; the front clip redirects pulling dogs by turning them toward you. The difference in walk quality with a chronic puller is dramatic.

The fit system uses four adjustment points to dial in the perfect fit for any body shape. Barrel-chested dogs, deep-chested dogs, and everything in between can be accommodated. Once adjusted, the fit stays consistent through movement.

Build quality justifies the price. Anodized aluminum hardware, reinforced webbing, and quality stitching create a harness that survives years of daily use. The reflective trim provides visibility during evening walks.

The downsides:

Initial fitting takes patience—rushing leads to a poor fit. At $45, it's significantly more expensive than basic harnesses. Can cause matting in long-haired dogs if worn constantly. Not escape-proof for determined Houdini dogs.

Who should buy it:

Any dog owner tired of fighting leash walks. Essential for pullers, small breeds, brachycephalic breeds, and dogs with neck sensitivity. Worth the investment for daily walkers.

The verdict:

The Front Range Harness is the last harness most owners will ever need. It's comfortable, durable, and genuinely improves the walking experience for both ends of the leash.

Rating: 9/10

6. PetSafe Automatic Feeder — Best for Scheduled Meals

Price: $90 | Capacity: 24 cups | Best For: Busy owners and dogs on schedules

Dogs thrive on routine, and nothing disrupts routine like your unpredictable human schedule. The PetSafe Automatic Feeder ensures meals happen on time, every time.

What makes it stand out:

Programming is straightforward: set up to 12 meals per day with portions ranging from 1/8 cup to 4 cups. For most dogs, two meals work perfectly, but dogs on prescription diets requiring multiple small meals benefit enormously from the flexibility.

The slow-feed option dispenses food over 15 minutes rather than all at once, preventing the inhale-and-vomit cycle familiar to fast eater owners. This feature alone has improved mealtime for several of our test dogs.

The 24-cup hopper capacity means weeks between refills for most dogs. A low-food indicator prevents accidental empty meals. The hopper detaches for washing, and the bowl is dishwasher safe—both features that sound basic but are surprisingly uncommon.

Battery backup ensures feeding continues during power outages. After Hurricane Ian left our test home without power for three days, the feeder kept dispensing on schedule.

The downsides:

Only works with dry kibble—no wet food compatibility. Clever dogs learn to paw at the dispenser for extra food (a lid lock helps). The dispensing sound is audible and becomes a Pavlovian trigger your dog will respond to regardless of hunger. No WiFi connectivity or app control—this is deliberately simple technology.

Who should buy it:

Owners with unpredictable schedules, multi-pet households requiring individual portions, and dogs on prescription diets needing precise feeding amounts. Also excellent for portion control in weight management.

The verdict:

The PetSafe Automatic Feeder removes feeding stress from your life and gives your dog the consistency they crave. It's not the most feature-rich feeder available, but its reliability is unmatched.

Rating: 8.5/10

7. ChuckIt! Ultra Ball Launcher — Best for Fetch Enthusiasts

Price: $15 | Throwing Distance: Up to 140 feet | Best For: Dogs with unlimited fetch energy

If your dog's idea of heaven involves chasing balls until you can't throw anymore, the ChuckIt! launcher shifts that limit from your arm to their legs.

What makes it stand out:

The lever-action launcher triples your throwing distance without arm strain. A gentle flick sends the ball sailing; a full swing approaches 140 feet. Dogs who wear out human arms in five minutes face an opponent who can match their energy indefinitely.

The hands-free pickup is underrated genius. Press the launcher over the ball, and it clicks securely inside—no more touching a slobber-covered ball. On muddy days, this alone justifies the purchase.

ChuckIt! Ultra Balls are purpose-built for the launcher. The high-bounce rubber survives relentless chewing, the bright orange is visible in tall grass, and they float for water retrieval. Standard tennis balls work but wear faster.

The design is simple because it doesn't need to be complex. Plastic lever, rubber grip, secure ball seat. No batteries, no apps, no failure points. Our test launcher has survived three years of near-daily use.

The downsides:

The extended range can be problematic in unfenced areas—dogs chase far and may not respond to recall when ball-focused. Not suitable for indoor play. Dogs often become launcher-obsessed, ignoring regular balls.

Who should buy it:

Owners of high-energy breeds who need to burn excess energy efficiently. Also valuable for older owners or those with shoulder issues who struggle with traditional throwing.

The verdict:

For $15, the ChuckIt! launcher transforms fetch from an arm workout into actual fun. It's the simplest and most cost-effective way to tire out an energetic dog.

Rating: 9/10

8. BarkBox Subscription — Best Monthly Surprises

Price: $29/month | Contents: 2 toys, 2 bags treats, 1 chew | Best For: Dogs who love variety

Opening a package of toys and treats brings dogs joy—and watching that joy brings their humans joy. BarkBox delivers that experience monthly.

What makes it stand out:

The themed boxes are genuinely creative. Past themes include "Chewrassic Bark" with dinosaur toys, "Stranger Sniffs" with 80s-themed treats, and countless seasonal celebrations. The effort put into themes shows—these aren't generic products thrown in a box.

Toy quality exceeds expectations for the price. Plush toys feature reinforced stitching and multiple squeakers. Rope toys and rubber toys rotate in for variety. For heavy chewers, upgrading to Super Chewer replaces plush with durable rubber and nylon options.

Treat selection introduces variety most owners wouldn't discover on their own. Different proteins, textures, and formats keep dogs interested. Treats are made in the USA or Canada with limited ingredients.

The customization options are comprehensive. Specify allergies, toy preferences, and chewing style during signup. If a product doesn't work for your dog, customer service replaces it without hassle.

The downsides:

The ongoing cost adds up—$350/year is significant. Many dogs have clear preferences that random boxes may not match. Environmentally conscious owners may object to the packaging waste. Canceling requires contacting customer service rather than a simple online option.

Who should buy it:

Owners who enjoy the unboxing experience and want variety in their dog's life without the effort of selection. Also excellent as gifts for dog-owning friends and family.

The verdict:

BarkBox brings genuine joy to dogs and their humans monthly. Whether the subscription model fits your lifestyle is a personal choice, but the product quality and creativity are undeniable.

Rating: 8/10

9. K9 Sport Sack — Best for Adventure Dogs

Price: $99-$175 | Sizes: XS to XL (up to 30 lbs) | Best For: Hiking with small dogs

Small dogs have small legs, and those legs tire before their adventure-loving spirits do. The K9 Sport Sack lets them join the adventure comfortably.

What makes it stand out:

The backpack design keeps your dog secure while distributing weight across your back and hips. It's more comfortable than carrying a dog in your arms and more secure than a standard bag. Dogs ride facing forward, taking in the scenery with you.

The "Sport" isn't marketing—this is built for activity. Padded shoulder straps, adjustable sternum and waist straps, and breathable mesh panels make extended hikes comfortable. The Air Plus version adds increased ventilation for hot weather.

Dogs enter easily from the top and are secured with an internal harness attachment. The structure is rigid enough that dogs can't slump into uncomfortable positions. Mesh windows on all sides provide ventilation and visibility.

Interior measurements are generous for the weight ratings. Our 18-pound test dog fit comfortably in the medium, with room to shift positions slightly.

The downsides:

Limited to dogs under 30 pounds—larger breeds need a stroller or their own legs. Getting dogs comfortable with the sack requires patience and positive association training. At full capacity, you're hiking with significant additional weight. Warm weather requires the more expensive Air Plus version.

Who should buy it:

Owners of small dogs who want to include their pets in longer adventures than little legs can handle. Excellent for senior small dogs who can no longer manage full hikes but still enjoy the outdoors.

The verdict:

The K9 Sport Sack expands what's possible with a small dog. Hikes, bike trails, and travel become accessible when tired legs aren't a limiting factor.

Rating: 8.5/10

10. Burrow Blanket — Best for Cozy Nesters

Price: $40-$60 | Sizes: Small to Large | Best For: Dogs who love to burrow

Some dogs circle three times and plop down anywhere. Others need to tunnel under every available blanket before they can relax. The Burrow Blanket is for the tunnelers.

What makes it stand out:

The integrated pocket creates a ready-made cave. No more fighting with flat blankets that won't stay draped—the Burrow Blanket holds its shape, providing the enclosed feeling burrowing dogs crave.

The construction uses a plush outer layer with a smooth interior lining that lets dogs slide in easily. The materials are soft without being fragile; machine washing hasn't degraded our test blanket after six months of use.

The calming effect on anxious dogs is noticeable. The gentle pressure of the blanket mimics the effect of swaddling, helping nervous dogs settle. Several test dogs who struggled with anxiety showed reduced symptoms when given access to the Burrow Blanket.

Available in multiple sizes to match your dog. The small suits dogs under 15 pounds; the large works for dogs up to 50 pounds who enjoy folding themselves into tight spaces.

The downsides:

Only appeals to dogs who naturally burrow—non-burrowers ignore it entirely. The synthetic materials don't breathe particularly well, making it better for cooler weather. White and light color options show dirt quickly.

Who should buy it:

Owners of burrowing breeds (Dachshunds, Terriers, Chihuahuas, Beagles) and any dogs who regularly tunnel under bed covers. Also excellent for anxious dogs who benefit from the enclosed feeling.

The verdict:

For dogs who love to burrow, the Burrow Blanket is an immediate favorite. It satisfies an instinct that flat blankets can't match and provides genuine comfort.

Rating: 8/10

Final Thoughts

The best gift for your dog depends on knowing your dog. A Kong works for nearly everyone, but a K9 Sport Sack only makes sense for specific lifestyles. A Casper Bed delights comfort-loving loungers, while a ChuckIt! launcher speaks to ball-obsessed athletes.

Consider what your dog actually enjoys rather than what looks cute on Instagram. The most expensive gift isn't always the best—sometimes a $15 puzzle toy provides more joy than a $200 gadget.

Whatever you choose, the fact that you're thinking about what would make your dog happy already makes you a good dog owner. They'd be happy with a cardboard box and your attention. Everything else is bonus.

Now go spoil your pup. They've earned it.