Irish Setter

Irish Setter · Dog Toys

Best Dog Toys for Irish Setters

Irish Setters have specific needs when it comes to dog toys, and the "best overall" pick for most dogs isn't always the right choice for this breed. Their high energy and predisposition to hip dysplasia shape which products actually work long-term. Below are our research-backed dog toys picks for Irish Setters, based on deep analysis of verified owner reviews, veterinary guidance, and breed-specific considerations. We read the reviews so you don't have to.

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Budget:
KONG Classic (Large)
Top Pick

KONG Classic (Large)

💰 Best Budget
4.8

The KONG Classic is the single best dog toy ever made. Stuffed with frozen peanut butter or kibble, it can occupy a dog for 20-30 minutes and is the gold standard for managing separation anxiety and boredom. Every dog owner should own at least two.

Compare vs #3 →

Pros

  • ✓Nearly indestructible natural rubber
  • ✓Stuffable with treats or peanut butter
  • ✓Vet recommended for 50+ years

Cons

  • ✗Needs to be refilled to maintain interest
  • ✗Aggressive chewers can eventually destroy it

Type

Chew / Treat Dispenser

Durability

Extreme

Size Options

XS / S / M / L / XL / XXL

Material

Natural Rubber

Best For

Power chewers

Outward Hound Hide-A-Squirrel (Large)
Great Value

Outward Hound Hide-A-Squirrel (Large)

💰 Best Budget
4.6

The Hide-A-Squirrel is the most loved plush puzzle toy on the market. Dogs love pulling the squeaky squirrels out of the tree trunk, and the activity mentally tires them out far more than physical play alone. Great for intelligent breeds that need mental stimulation.

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Pros

  • ✓Engaging puzzle that encourages natural foraging
  • ✓Squeaky squirrels provide audio reward
  • ✓Multiple sizes for all breeds

Cons

  • ✗Squirrels get lost under furniture
  • ✗Not for aggressive chewers

Type

Puzzle / Plush

Durability

Moderate

Size Options

S / M / L / XL

Material

Plush Polyester

Best For

Mental stimulation

Chuckit! Ultra Ball (Large)
Runner Up

Chuckit! Ultra Ball (Large)

💰 Best Budget
4.7

The Chuckit! Ultra Ball is the best fetch ball for dogs. It outlasts tennis balls by 10x, bounces higher, floats in water, and is easy to spot in tall grass. Pair it with a Chuckit! launcher for effortless long-distance throws.

Compare vs #4 →

Pros

  • ✓High-bounce natural rubber
  • ✓Floats in water
  • ✓Compatible with Chuckit! launchers

Cons

  • ✗Can be too bouncy for indoor play
  • ✗Aggressive chewers can deflate it

Type

Fetch Ball

Durability

High

Size Options

S / M / L / XL

Material

High-Bounce Rubber

Best For

Outdoor fetch

West Paw Zogoflex Tux
#4

West Paw Zogoflex Tux

💰 Best Budget
4.5

West Paw's Tux combines treat dispensing with serious durability. The Zogoflex material is the most dog-safe we've tested and West Paw's lifetime guarantee is real — they'll replace it free if your dog destroys it. A premium alternative to the classic KONG.

Compare vs #5 →

Pros

  • ✓Non-toxic, recyclable material
  • ✓Dishwasher safe
  • ✓Guaranteed tough — West Paw replaces if destroyed

Cons

  • ✗Small treat opening can be frustrating for some dogs
  • ✗Pricier than basic Kong

Type

Chew / Treat Dispenser

Durability

High

Size Options

S / L

Material

Zogoflex (BPA-free)

Best For

Moderate to heavy chewers

Benebone Wishbone (Large)
#5

Benebone Wishbone (Large)

💰 Best Budget
4.5

Benebone's Wishbone is the best single-ingredient chew toy for medium chewers. The ergonomic design lets dogs grip and gnaw comfortably, and the real flavor keeps them interested for weeks. Replace when the chew becomes small enough to swallow.

Pros

  • ✓Real flavor infused throughout (bacon, chicken, peanut)
  • ✓Ergonomic wishbone shape easy to hold
  • ✓Made in the USA

Cons

  • ✗Not for powerful chewers (splinter risk)
  • ✗Wears down over time

Type

Chew Bone

Durability

Extreme

Size Options

S / M / L

Material

Nylon & Real Flavor

Best For

Aggressive chewers

Spec
#1💰 Best Budget
KONG Classic (Large)
4.8
#3💰 Best Budget
Outward Hound Hide-A-Squirrel (Large)
4.6
#2💰 Best Budget
Chuckit! Ultra Ball (Large)
4.7
#4💰 Best Budget
West Paw Zogoflex Tux
4.5
#5💰 Best Budget
Benebone Wishbone (Large)
4.5
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Scores
Overall
9.6
Value
9.3
Quality
9.7
Durability
9.1
Overall
9.2
Value
9.2
Quality
9.2
Durability
8.8
Overall
9.4
Value
9.5
Quality
9.5
Durability
9
Overall
9
Value
9.1
Quality
9.1
Durability
8.6
Overall
9
Value
9.2
Quality
9.1
Durability
8.6
TypeChew / Treat DispenserPuzzle / PlushFetch BallChew / Treat DispenserChew Bone
DurabilityExtremeModerateHighHighExtreme
Size OptionsXS / S / M / L / XL / XXLS / M / L / XLS / M / L / XLS / LS / M / L
MaterialNatural RubberPlush PolyesterHigh-Bounce RubberZogoflex (BPA-free)Nylon & Real Flavor
Best ForPower chewersMental stimulationOutdoor fetchModerate to heavy chewersAggressive chewers

* Prices may vary. Click to see latest pricing at each retailer.

Why toy selection matters for Irish Setters

Toys aren't just entertainment for Irish Setters — they're enrichment, exercise, and behavior management all in one. The wrong toys either get destroyed in minutes (wasting money) or become choking hazards and aren't engaging enough to actually hold the dog's interest.

As a high-energy breed, Irish Setters particularly need mentally stimulating toys. A physically tired dog is only half the equation — without mental work, high-drive breeds become destructive toward furniture, shoes, and anything else they can reach. Puzzle feeders, treat-dispensing toys, and tug ropes should be in heavy rotation.

What to look for in toys for Irish Setters

Use this checklist whenever you're considering a new toy:

  • Durability: For Irish Setters at 60–90 lbs, only buy toys rated for "power chewers" or "extreme chewers." Normal-duty toys will be destroyed within a single play session.
  • Size: The toy should be too large to fit fully in the dog's mouth — if they can swallow it, it's a choking hazard. Larger is safer.
  • Material: Natural rubber (Kong), tough nylon (Nylabone, West Paw Zogoflex), and rope are the three safest material families. Avoid soft plastic, painted surfaces, and anything with small detachable parts.
  • Mental engagement: At least 1–2 toys in rotation should be puzzles or treat-dispensers. For high-drive breeds like this one, mental work is as tiring as physical exercise — arguably more.
  • Washability: Dishwasher-safe or washing-machine-safe toys stay sanitary much longer. Rope toys can be microwaved wet to sanitize.

Common toy mistakes with Irish Setters

The biggest mistake is leaving rope toys, plush toys, or destructible toys unsupervised. Many emergency vet visits come from dogs swallowing squeakers, rope strands, or stuffing. Treat destructible toys as supervised-only items.

Another common mistake is buying the same few toy types repeatedly. Irish Setters get bored with identical toys even if they're not destroyed, and rotation is free — put half the toys away for a week, then swap them back in. It's a fresh experience every time without buying anything new.

Finally, don't assume a toy is safe just because it's sold for dogs. Inspect stitching, squeakers, and seams before giving a new toy to your Irish Setter. If you wouldn't let a toddler play with it, you probably shouldn't let a determined Irish Setter either.

Frequently asked questions

What toys are safe for Irish Setters?
Safe options for Irish Setters include Kong Classic (natural rubber), Nylabone DuraChew products (nylon), West Paw Zogoflex (durable rubber), and rope toys used only during supervised play. For this breed's size, only buy toys rated for large or extreme chewers — regular-duty toys get destroyed in minutes and become choking hazards. Avoid soft plush toys if your Irish Setter is a destroyer — they'll shred the fabric and can swallow stuffing.
How many toys should a Irish Setter have?
High-energy breeds like Irish Setters do best with 6–10 toys in active rotation, covering a mix of chew toys, puzzle toys, tug ropes, and fetch toys. Rotate half out every 1–2 weeks to keep things novel.
Do Irish Setters need puzzle toys?
Absolutely — puzzle toys are essential for high-drive Irish Setters. Mental stimulation tires them out as effectively as physical exercise, and a well-chosen puzzle feeder can occupy them for 20–30 minutes per meal. Without mental work, this breed often becomes destructive when left alone.