I love Planet Dog products, not only because the toys are innovative and fun, but they are planet friendly made from recycled products. The Orbee-tuff® material is durable to stand up to gnawing and play--and 100% satisfaction guaranteed. In addition, the toys are made in the USA and the company donates a percentage of profits to the Planet Dog Foundation that funds programs for training service dogs.
Puppies need an outlet for play, as well as for chewing. And for newly rehomed puppies that are lonely for siblings and mom, something to snuggle can help ease the transition to the new home. You'll find good options for all these needs here.
ORBEE-TUFF CHEW-O-METER
Not all puppies play the same, and big guys can chew up toys that little ones simply toss about. Planet Dog has created this tool to help dog parents match the right toy size/shape to your dog’s chew habits and jaw mechanics.
Because the most chew-damage occurs using the molars at the back of the mouth, toys shaped appropriately won’t fit/reach into this area and so may last longer. For example, a round ball toy can be grabbed by the front of the pup’s mouth and last much longer than a bone-shaped toy he can munch and gnaw and shred with those strong molars. Many of the Planet Dog toys come in different sizes so it’s important to choose an appropriate size toy to avoid potential choking, and to supervise your puppy.
The CHEW-O-METER rates toys on a scale of 1-5 CHOMPERS. Elongated toys like bone shapes rate 3 CHOMPERS and are appropriate for average chewers, while perfectly round shapes get 5 CHOMPERS ranking and work well for the most aggressive chewers. “Roundish” shaped toys like footballs or fun veggie shapes receive a 4 CHOMPERS rating for fairly aggressive chewers. Toys that have no CHEW-O-METER rating means they’re intended for games like tug or disk-tossing fetch games and are not appropriate for chewing.
Orbee-tuff® Glow for Good Ball
Image © Planet Dog
3" diameter. $11.95. This is the flagship toy that started it all. The material is doggie-durable, buoyant for pups that enjoy floating toys in wading pools, and has a mint flavor (yum!). An added bonus is the ball glows in the dark, so games in the evening become more fun. It easily rinses clean, and has become one of my German shepherd dog's all-time favorites! On the Chomp-o-meter scale it rates a 5 out of 5 chompers--for the most aggressive chewers.
100 percent of the proceeds from sales of this ball go to the Planet Dog Foundation that supports service dog organizations.
Orbee-tuff® Whistle Ball
Image © Amy Shojai, CABC
2.5" diameter. $12.95. This fun ball glows in the dark, floats in water, has a minty aroma, and makes a whirring whistle sound when thrown. Dogs love this toy! It also fits into standard ball tossers, including the Woodchuck (see below). The harder you throw it the louder it whistles, and this is particularly fun for young puppies. Since it's meant for games of fetch and not chewing, it's not rated on the Chew-o-meter scale.
Orbee-tuff® Orbo with Treat Spot
Image © Amy Shojai, CABC
Available in Purple/Teal or Teal/Pink combinations, and in two sizes:
- lil' pup: 3" high. $6.95
- big pup: 4" high. $10.95
Bamboo Wood Chuck®
Image © Planet Dog
$19.95 alone, or $24.95 with a ball. There are a number of "ball tosser" products on the market but this is the best I've seen. It's light weight, strong and not flimsy and holds the ball easily with a smooth release action that gets the toy flung long and deep.
Planet Dog has chosen to use sustainable and recycled materials--durable bamboo that flexes, and comfortable cork handle that makes it a pleasure to handle. Wood Chuck’s® 4-pronged claw naturally grips standard balls, but works even better with the pliant Orbee-Tuff® 2.5" balls.
Orbee-tuff® Bone
Image © Amy Shojai, CABC
- Colors: Pink, Teal, Purple
- Size for "lil' pup" 3½" long. $6.45
- Size for "big pup" 5" long. $9.45
As with the other products, these flexible bone-shaped toys are minty and floatable, designed especially to help soothe teething puppies. Choose the right size. Older pups will easily chew through or even swallow these toys, so be aware these are designed for the little chompers.
Squeaky Baby Blanket Buddy
Image © Amy Shojai, CABC
- Sized for "lil pup" 5½" high. $5.95
- Sized for "big pup" 8" high. $7.95
Baby Blanket Buddies are soft and snuggly, and designed for the new baby dog away from his litter mates and needing a soothing toy. The fabric absorbs scent, so it can be rubbed on the momma dog before you bring the new puppy home as a nice familiar reminder. It also has a squeaker so the puppy can chomp down and get busy and ferocious during play. The fabric is machine washable--a terrific plus because your pup will carry this around everywhere and drag through the mud like a little kid's blankee. Highly recommended!
Orbee-Tuff® Raspberry with Treat Spot™
Image © Planet Dog
4 out of 5 Chompers, this fun shape offers little pups lots of fun and can be stuffed with aromatic treats. It rinses clean, and rolls and bounces in unexpected ways. CAUTION: Small puppies only--the size can be a choking hazard with larger pups or adult dogs. 1¾" high. $6.95
Orbee-Tuff Eggplant® with Treat Spot®
Image © Planet Dog
This toy also can be stuffed with treats but should be offered only under supervision. The big size means small pups won't be able to chew (hence, no Chew-O-Meter rating) but it'll be fun to roll around and pounce on. 5¾" high. $14.95
Orbee-Tuff® Artichoke with Treat Spot™
Image © Planet Dog
4 out of 5 Chompers with this fun shaped toy, and the rough surface gives pups some extra traction to grab and carry it around. This is another opportunity to offer your baby dog a puzzle toy with treats inside to keep him busy and out of mayhem. 3¾" high. $12.45
Orbee-Tuff® Strawberry with Treat Spot™
Image © Planet Dog
4 out of 5 Chompers for this gorgeous toy, and I love the look of the Strawberry. However, the green "cap" on the toy quickly came off when my German shepherd played and carried it around. That may not be an issue with smaller dogs or pups, but be aware and take away any chewed off pieces to avoid potential choke hazards. 3" high. $10.45
