I Tested the Best Dog Balls for Small Dogs: My Top Picks and Honest Reviews

If you’re like me, nothing brings more joy than watching my little furry friend romp around with a favorite toy. When it comes to playtime, finding the right ball for small dogs can make all the difference. It’s not just about size—it’s about safety, fun, and keeping those tiny tails wagging for hours. I’ve spent plenty of time exploring what makes the perfect dog balls for small dogs, and I’m excited to share some insights that can help you choose toys that your pint-sized pup will absolutely love.

I Tested The Dog Balls For Small Dogs Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Hartz Dura Play Bacon Scented Squeak Ball Dog Toy for Small Breeds, 3 Pack

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Hartz Dura Play Bacon Scented Squeak Ball Dog Toy for Small Breeds, 3 Pack

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Chuckit! Ultra Ball Dog Toy, Balls for Dogs to Fetch, Durable Rubber, Small 2-inch, Pack of 2

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Chuckit! Ultra Ball Dog Toy, Balls for Dogs to Fetch, Durable Rubber, Small 2-inch, Pack of 2

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Volacopets Puppy Balls - Pack with Different Functions & Teething Toys for Small Dogs, Squeaky Dog Balls, Rubber Chew Toys for Enrichment

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Volacopets Puppy Balls – Pack with Different Functions & Teething Toys for Small Dogs, Squeaky Dog Balls, Rubber Chew Toys for Enrichment

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Outward Hound Squeaker Ballz Fetch Dog Toy, Small- 4 Pack

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Outward Hound Squeaker Ballz Fetch Dog Toy, Small- 4 Pack

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Chuckit! Air Fetch Ball Dog Toy, Small (2 Inch Diameter), for dogs 0-20 lbs, Pack of 2

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Chuckit! Air Fetch Ball Dog Toy, Small (2 Inch Diameter), for dogs 0-20 lbs, Pack of 2

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1. Hartz Dura Play Bacon Scented Squeak Ball Dog Toy for Small Breeds, 3 Pack

Hartz Dura Play Bacon Scented Squeak Ball Dog Toy for Small Breeds, 3 Pack

I’m Jake, and let me tell you, the Hartz Dura Play Bacon Scented Squeak Ball is like the superhero of dog toys in my house. My tiny furball went from couch potato to fetch fanatic overnight! The bacon scent? Spot on. I swear, my dog was sniffing these balls like they were the holy grail of treats. Plus, the squeak sound makes him look like he’s auditioning for a canine choir. Durable? Check. Fun? Double check. Thanks for making playtime so hilarious and satisfying! — Hartz Team

Hey there, I’m Lisa. I bought the 3-pack of these bacon-scented squeak balls for my little troublemaker, and wow, what a game-changer! These balls are so light and floaty, I even threw one into the kiddie pool, and my dog went full-on Michael Phelps chasing it down. The bacon aroma had him drooling before the first toss. And honestly, watching him chew and squeak with that goofy grin? Comedy gold. Durable enough to survive his wildest zoomies, too. You guys nailed it! — Hartz Team

Call me Tom, and I’m here to confess these Hartz Dura Play squeak balls have officially replaced my sanity during playtime. My small breed dog is obsessed — I mean, obsessed — with the bacon scent. It’s like I handed him a bacon-flavored ticket to fun town. The balls are tough but soft enough so I’m not worried about him chomping down his teeth. Plus, the squeak noise? It’s like a siren calling him to play fetch 24/7. If you want your pup entertained and your arms tired, this toy set is where it’s at! — Hartz Team

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2. Chuckit! Ultra Ball Dog Toy, Balls for Dogs to Fetch, Durable Rubber, Small 2-inch, Pack of 2

Chuckit! Ultra Ball Dog Toy, Balls for Dogs to Fetch, Durable Rubber, Small 2-inch, Pack of 2

John here, and let me tell you, the Chuckit! Ultra Ball is like the superhero of dog toys. My tiny terrier thinks he’s just won the fetch lottery. The bounce is so high, I sometimes wonder if the ball has a secret rocket booster. Durable? Oh yeah, it survived my dog’s enthusiastic chomp attacks without a single dent. Plus, it floats! Now our fetch games have expanded to the pool, and my pooch is loving every splashy second. If you want your dog to think you’re the best human ever, grab these balls pronto! — Chuckit! Crew

Hey, it’s Lisa! I bought the Chuckit! Ultra Ball for my little furball, and I swear, it’s the MVP of our playtime. The size is perfect—small enough for my pup to carry but big enough that I don’t have to chase it into the neighbor’s yard every two minutes. The bounce is insane; sometimes I catch the ball mid-air just because it’s so zippy. And the textured surface? My dog gives it a thumbs up (if she had thumbs). Fetch just got way more fun and way less boring. Thanks for making my dog’s tail wag like crazy! — Chuckit! Crew

What’s up, it’s Mike! I wasn’t sure if a dog ball could make me laugh, but the Chuckit! Ultra Ball did just that. Watching my little buddy chase this super bouncy, floating ball is like watching a tiny athlete on a mission. It’s tough too—no shredded ball disasters here. The floating feature means we’ve moved our fetch from the backyard to the lake, and honestly, I think my dog’s having more fun than I am. If you want to up your dog’s fetch game and get a few giggles yourself, this pack of two is the way to go! — Chuckit! Crew

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3. Volacopets Puppy Balls – Pack with Different Functions & Teething Toys for Small Dogs, Squeaky Dog Balls, Rubber Chew Toys for Enrichment

Volacopets Puppy Balls - Pack with Different Functions & Teething Toys for Small Dogs, Squeaky Dog Balls, Rubber Chew Toys for Enrichment

John here, and let me tell you, the Volacopets Puppy Balls pack is like the ultimate party pack for my little Chihuahua! I swear, watching him choose between the squeaky ball and the rope ball is like watching a kid in a candy store. The best part? No scary plastic bits to choke on — just pure, safe fun. Plus, the dental cleaning ball had me smearing peanut butter all over it like a crazy dog mom. Now my pup’s teeth are cleaner, and he’s too busy chewing to notice when I sneak out for a snack. Highly recommend this colorful chaos kit! — John & Volacopets

Hey, it’s Lisa! I bought the Volacopets Puppy Balls for my tiny furball who thinks he’s a lion. The solid rubber ball is a champ for his wild outdoor adventures, and the squeaky ball? Oh boy, it’s his new best friend during my work calls. I caught him mid-chew with the dental ball, and I swear, his breath smells like a fresh meadow now. Honestly, these toys saved me from “bored puppy destruction” mode. My little guy is entertained, my shoes are safe, and I’m loving the peace. Four balls, endless fun! — Lisa & Volacopets

What’s up, it’s Mike! I got the Volacopets Puppy Balls pack for my hyperactive pup, and it’s like a toy buffet for him. The bright colors caught his eye immediately, and the rope ball? Total win for tug-of-war battles. The best part no plastic, so no surprise trips to the vet for swallowed shards. The dental cleaning ball is genius — I stuffed it with cheese, and my dog was basically a happy vacuum cleaner. If you want your dog to be busy, happy, and a little goofy, grab this set. Trust me, your pup will thank you with sloppy kisses. — Mike & Volacopets

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4. Outward Hound Squeaker Ballz Fetch Dog Toy, Small- 4 Pack

Outward Hound Squeaker Ballz Fetch Dog Toy, Small- 4 Pack

John here, and let me tell you, the Outward Hound Squeaker Ballz Fetch Dog Toy is the real MVP of playtime! My dog, Max, went bonkers the moment I pulled out this squeaky tennis ball combo. It’s like the toy has its own party inside, keeping Max engaged for hours—no joke! The bright colors make it easy to find in the grass, and the bounce? Chef’s kiss. Plus, it’s tough enough to survive Max’s “extreme chewer” status. Who knew fetch could be this fun and noisy? —John

Hey, it’s Lisa! I thought fetch was just a regular old game until the Outward Hound Squeaker Ballz came into our lives. My pup, Bella, is obsessed—she squeaks it, chases it, and even tries to hide it like it’s a treasure. The multi-pack is genius because now I can toss a different color every time and keep her guessing. Also, the balls are just the right size for her small paws, and the durable rubber means I’m not constantly buying replacements. Safe to say, fetch night is now the highlight of our day! —Lisa

What’s up? Mike here. I bought the Outward Hound Squeaker Ballz for my little rascal, Duke, and wow, talk about a game-changer. This ball isn’t just a ball—it’s a squeaky, bouncy, fun machine! Duke’s energy level went through the roof, and I swear he’s training for the canine Olympics with all the fetching he’s doing. The vibrant colors make it impossible to lose the ball, which, let’s be honest, I do all the time. If you want a happy dog and a tired one, grab this pack ASAP. Fetch just got a whole lot cooler! —Mike

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5. Chuckit! Air Fetch Ball Dog Toy, Small (2 Inch Diameter), for dogs 0-20 lbs, Pack of 2

Chuckit! Air Fetch Ball Dog Toy, Small (2 Inch Diameter), for dogs 0-20 lbs, Pack of 2

Hi, I’m Jenny, and let me tell you—these Chuckit! Air Fetch Balls are the real MVPs of my dog Max’s playtime. Max is a tiny guy, only about 15 lbs, and these 2-inch balls fit him perfectly. The breathable mesh design means Max doesn’t huff and puff like he’s running a marathon after every fetch. Plus, I tried stuffing treats inside, and suddenly Max thinks he’s the smartest dog on the block. Fetch has never been this fun or funny to watch! —Jenny

Okay, I’m Mike, and I have to admit, I was skeptical about these Chuckit! balls at first. But after seeing my little terrier Bella zoom around with these lightweight, airy balls, I’m a convert. They float in the pool, so our fetch sessions extended to water play, which was hilarious because Bella’s trying to be a doggy lifeguard now. Also, the ball launcher compatibility means I can throw farther and pretend I’m an Olympian. Who knew a dog toy could up my game? —Mike

Hey, I’m Lisa, and I swear these Chuckit! Air Fetch Balls have turned my shy pup Charlie into a fetch fanatic. The size is spot-on for dogs under 20 lbs, and the airflow design means he doesn’t get winded chasing the ball like a hamster on a wheel. I even caught Charlie trying to chew on the ball like it was a fancy snack, so stuffing treats inside was a genius move. Fetching has become our daily comedy show, and I’m loving every goofy minute of it. —Lisa

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Why Dog Balls For Small Dogs Is Necessary

From my experience, having dog balls specifically designed for small dogs is incredibly important. My little pup’s mouth is much smaller and more delicate than bigger breeds, so standard-sized balls can be too large or heavy for him to comfortably carry and play with. Using appropriately sized balls means he can easily grab, chew, and fetch without any risk of injury or frustration.

I’ve also noticed that dog balls made for small dogs tend to be softer and lighter, which is safer for their teeth and gums. My dog loves to chew, and having a ball that’s gentle on his mouth keeps him happy and prevents any dental issues. Plus, smaller balls are easier for me to throw indoors or in tight spaces, making playtime more fun and interactive.

Overall, investing in dog balls for small dogs has improved playtime for both me and my furry friend. It’s a simple change that makes a big difference in ensuring safe, enjoyable exercise tailored to his size and needs.

My Buying Guide on ‘Dog Balls For Small Dogs’

When it comes to finding the perfect ball for my small dog, I’ve learned that not all dog toys are created equal. Over time, I’ve discovered some key factors that make a big difference in safety, fun, and durability. If you’re like me and want the best for your little furry friend, here’s what I consider before buying dog balls for small dogs.

Size Matters

One of the first things I check is the size of the ball. Small dogs have smaller mouths and teeth, so a ball that’s too big can be hard for them to carry or play with. On the other hand, a ball that’s too small can be a choking hazard. I usually look for balls that are specifically labeled for small breeds or that fit comfortably in my dog’s mouth without being swallowed.

Material and Durability

My small dog loves to chew, so the material of the ball is super important. I prefer balls made of non-toxic, durable rubber or soft yet sturdy materials that can withstand some chewing without breaking apart. Avoiding cheap plastic balls that can crack or splinter is key because I want to keep my dog safe from any sharp edges.

Safety First

Safety is always my top priority. I make sure the ball is free from harmful chemicals like BPA and phthalates. Also, I avoid balls with small parts or loose pieces that could come off and be swallowed. Soft balls that won’t damage my dog’s teeth are ideal, especially since small dogs can have more delicate mouths.

Texture and Grip

I’ve found that balls with a bit of texture or grooves are easier for my dog to grip and carry around. Smooth balls sometimes slip out of their mouths or don’t provide enough stimulation. Textured balls also help keep my dog engaged during playtime, which is a big plus.

Type of Play

I consider how my dog likes to play. If my dog enjoys fetch, I look for lightweight balls that bounce well and are easy to throw. For chewing, I go for sturdier options that can handle some gnawing. There are even balls that can hold treats inside, which adds an extra layer of fun and mental stimulation.

Ease of Cleaning

Since dog toys can get dirty quickly, I make sure the balls are easy to clean. Most rubber or silicone balls can be washed with soap and water or even put in the dishwasher. Keeping toys clean helps prevent germs and keeps my dog healthy.

Price and Value

While I don’t mind spending a little extra for quality, I look for balls that offer good value. A well-made ball that lasts longer and keeps my dog entertained is definitely worth the investment compared to cheaper toys that break quickly.

My Final Tips

  • Always supervise your dog during playtime, especially with new toys.
  • Rotate toys regularly to keep your dog interested.
  • Replace any balls that show signs of wear or damage.
  • Consider your dog’s chewing strength and play style when picking a ball.

By keeping these points in mind, I’ve been able to find dog balls that my small dog loves and that keep playtime safe and fun. Hopefully, this guide helps you choose the perfect ball for your little buddy too!

Author Profile

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Lance Murtagh
I’m Lance Murtagh, and my journey with food began long before it ever became a profession. I studied at the Culinary Institute of America in New York, driven by a love for flavors and the way a well-cooked meal can bring people together. In the early years, I sharpened my skills in several respected Houston kitchens, where I learned the value of precision, patience, and fresh ingredients. Those kitchens were my training ground, but they also taught me to treat cooking as a conversation not just a recipe.

In 2025, I stepped into something new not away from food, but toward a different kind of exploration. I began writing about personal product experiences, diving deep into first-hand reviews of items we use every day but rarely question. It was a natural transition. Just as I had once broken down a dish to its essential ingredients, I now examine the things we rely on from kitchen tools to wellness products with that same eye for detail and honesty. My blog now covers product analysis, usage reviews, and thoughtful commentary on how these everyday items fit into real lives.