If you’ve ever walked into Dollar General for dish soap and walked out with a squeaky taco and a rope bone, you already know the magic of their pet aisle. For 2025, the retailer is doubling down on value-priced enrichment—think tougher materials, planet-friendlier ingredients, and designs that finally acknowledge dogs have personalities, not just chew drives. Whether you’re budgeting for a teething puppy, a power-chewer who annihilates “indestructible” claims, or a senior pup whose idea of a wild Friday is a gentle game of plush fetch, Dollar General’s incoming stock promises something wag-worthy at a price that won’t make your wallet whimper.
Before you toss the cutest $3 rainbow into your cart, though, it pays to shop like a trainer, not just a bargain hunter. The difference between a toy that lasts one zoomie and one that survives a thousand is rarely luck—it’s knowing which fabrics, squeaker chambers, and stuffing densities match your dog’s age, bite force, and play style. Below, we’re diving deep into what makes a Dollar General dog toy a smart buy in 2025, how to decode the newest labels, and how to avoid the duds hiding behind adorable prints.
Top 10 Dog Toys At Dollar General
Detailed Product Reviews
1. Multipet International Original Loofa Dog Mini 6-Inch Dog Toy (Assorted colors)
Overview:
The Multipet Loofa Dog Mini is a 6-inch plush squeaker built for pint-sized power chewers and fetch addicts. Its long, skinny body is easy for small mouths to carry, yet still big enough to trigger a satisfying chomp-squeak sequence.
What Makes It Stand Out:
The toy’s oblong “sausage” shape flops unpredictably when tossed, adding chase excitement that round plushies can’t match. The single-note squeaker is loud enough to thrill dogs but not drive owners insane.
Value for Money:
At $2.75 it’s cheaper than a coffee—ideal for multi-dog households or puppies that surgically remove squeakers within minutes.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Pros: dirt-cheap, lightweight for tiny jaws, color surprises add novelty.
Cons: fabric is thin; heavy chewers will gut it in under an hour, and the stuffing can scatter like confetti.
Bottom Line:
Perfect disposable entertainment for supervised small dogs; buy a handful, enjoy the squeaks, and don’t mourn when it dies.
2. Multipet Gumby Dog Plush Toy – Squeaky Toy for All Dogs – Extra Soft Plush w/ Flexible Legs & Arms – Stuffed Animal for Cuddling & Playing – Cute Dog Pet Toy (9″, Green)
Overview:
Gumby jumps off the retro TV screen and into your living room as a 9-inch green plush dog toy, complete with bendy arms, legs, and an embedded squeaker that invites gnawing, whip-shaking, and nostalgic selfies.
What Makes It Stand Out:
The flexible wire-free limbs let dogs thrash the toy safely while humans get an irresistible photo prop—Gumby doing yoga with your pup never gets old.
Value for Money:
Four dollars buys officially licensed nostalgia and moderate durability; cheaper than most character toys and sturdier than dollar-store knock-offs.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Pros: limbs survive tug-of-war better than expected, squeaker is well-sewn, flat body easy to carry.
Cons: white felt eyes disappear quickly, and heavy chewers will de-stuff the torso after a week of determined chewing.
Bottom Line:
A charming, mid-budget pick for gentle to moderate chewers who need a floppy friend; supervise and you’ll get weeks of thrash-and-cuddle fun.
3. Tamu style Funny Dog Toy with Interactive Squeaky Sound and Plush Cotton Filled Softness for Small, Medium, and Large Puppies and Dogs, Fun Novelty Play
Overview:
Tamu Style’s “funny” plush line trades traditional animals for cartoonish human faces and chunky bodies stuffed with pearl cotton, delivering a loud squeaker wrapped in meme-worthy cuteness for dogs of all sizes.
What Makes It Stand Out:
The exaggerated embroidered expressions turn every carry-session into a comedy show; the EPE cotton filler rebounds after compressions, maintaining shape longer than standard poly-fill.
Value for Money:
$6.99 sits in the sweet spot between budget disposables and premium plush—machine-washable durability justifies the extra couple of bucks.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Pros: reinforced inner liner slows shredding, washable, size range suits Chihuahuas to Labs.
Cons: squeaker housing isn’t recessed, so power chewers pierce it quickly; fuzzy fabric pills after multiple washes.
Bottom Line:
Buy it for the Instagram laughs; keep it because it survives more wash cycles than most novelty toys—great for moderate chewers who love a good squeak.
4. Outward Hound Hedgehogz Plush Dog Toy, Small
Overview:
Outward Hound Hedgehogz small is a rounded, faux-fur hedgehog whose minimal-seam body and internal grunt-squeaker replicate the rustle and squeal of real prey, captivating terriers and cuddlers alike.
What Makes It Stand Out:
The rounded silhouette rolls erratically, encouraging natural chase instincts, while short “spines” provide texture without hard points that shred mouths.
Value for Money:
$6.95 aligns with mid-tier plush pricing, but denser stuffing and reinforced seam taping extend lifespan enough to outlast three bargain hedgehogs.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Pros: ultra-soft for napping, grunter+squeaker combo keeps interest high, size small ideal for 10–25 lb dogs.
Cons: faux fur mats when wet; determined chewers still rip the nose stitching first, leading to rapid unstuffing.
Bottom Line:
A superior “prey” toy for supervised play—expect weeks of fetching and nursing before retirement; not indestructible, but better built than most critter clones.
5. Claws Awoof Dog Toy – Funny Durable Unique Plush Toy with Squeaker for Small Medium for Birthday – Cute Toy with Squeaky – Durable Tough Puppy Accessory
Overview:
Claws Awoof’s birthday-themed plush sports a cartoon tuxedo or party hat and markets itself as the photo-op toy that survives squeaker-ectomies thanks to double-layer fabric and stitched stress points.
What Makes It Stand Out:
The gift-ready packaging and festive design make it an instant dog-birthday centerpiece; the hidden squeaker is offset-center, so punctures don’t immediately silence it.
Value for Money:
Ten dollars is steep for single plush, but included washing bag and reinforced limbs mean you’ll reuse it for future foster dogs or social-media shoots.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Pros: adorable prop, machine-washable with supplied bag, limbs tolerate tug.
Cons: still plush—aggressive chewers demolish it in days; dye can bleed on light carpets when slobber-soaked.
Bottom Line:
Splurge if you value cute birthday pics and gentle play; otherwise choose a tougher rubber toy for destructo-dogs.
6. Nestpark Toto’s Plush Squeaky Crinkle Dog Toy – Funny Dog Gifts for Medium, Small and Large Dogs – Cute Stuffed Toys for Dog Birthdays
Overview: The Nestpark Toto’s Plush Squeaky Crinkle Dog Toy is a humorous wine-bottle-shaped plush that invites owners and pets to “party” together. At 9.5 inches, it combines a squeaker with crinkle paper and targets dogs of every size.
What Makes It Stand Out: The parody design—complete with a “Get Lit” neck label—turns an everyday play session into a photo-op. Dual sound sources (squeaker + crinkle) extend interest longer than single-noise toys, and the universal 9.5-inch length suits both Chihuahuas and Labradors.
Value for Money: $11.95 lands you a conversation-starting toy plus Nestpark’s satisfaction guarantee. Comparable novelty plush toys run $13-$16, so the price is fair for a gift-ready item that arrives tagged and retail-packed.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Pros: funny branding owners love to share on social; two sound types keep dogs engaged; size works for multi-dog households.
Cons: plush fabric and stitching tolerate only light-to-moderate chewers; heavy shredders will gut the bottle quickly; white fleece shows dirt easily.
Bottom Line: Buy it for the laughs and cute photos, but supervise closely if your dog destroys plush. It’s an entertaining novelty gift, not an indestructible chew.
7. PetHomey No Stuffing Squeaky Dog Toys Plush Chew Toy for Small Medium Puppy Large Breed, Stuffless Cute Animal Plush Toy for Indoor Play, Tough Durable Teething Interactive Gift, Raccoon,Gray
Overview: PetHomey’s No-Stuffing Raccoon is a 5.9″ × 5.5″ flat plush built for dogs that de-fluff everything. A single squeaker sits inside the crinkly “butt,” giving auditory feedback without the mess of traditional stuffing.
What Makes It Stand Out: The stuffless body means no white snowstorm when (not if) your dog tears in. The cheeky animal-butt graphics add personality, while soft yet dense fabric survives mouthing better than ultra-cheap flat toys.
Value for Money: At $9.99 you’re paying for two things: cleaner floors and a toy that lasts beyond the first play session. Given vet-risk and cleanup time avoided, the price easily justifies itself for moderate chewers.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Pros: zero stuffing mess; squeaker + crinkle combo; small footprint ideal for apartment play; non-toxic, puppy-safe cloth.
Cons: size too petite for giant breeds; only one squeaker—once it’s pierced entertainment drops; sewn edges can fray under obsessive pulling.
Bottom Line: Perfect for small-to-medium dogs or puppies learning appropriate chew items. Heavy power-chewers will still dissect it, but at least your living room won’t resemble a winter wonderland.
8. Nestpark Parody Star Pups Coffee Dog Toy Pup’kin Spice Latte – Funny Plush Squeaky Crinkle Dog Toys for Medium, Small and Large for Dog Birthday
Overview: The Nestpark Star Pups “Pup’kin Spice Latte” is a 6.5-inch coffee-cup plush sporting autumn-themed puns and a built-in squeaker. It’s marketed as a seasonal gag gift that lets your dog join the PSL craze.
What Makes It Stand Out: Few dog toys tap basic-fall-girl culture; the embroidered Starbucks-style logo photographs hilariously next to a real cup. Despite the small stature, internal crinkle film plus squeaker give it a two-texture sound profile dogs notice.
Value for Money: $12.95 is premium for a toy this size, but you’re buying novelty collectability. Comparable licensed coffee toys cost $15+, and Nestpark backs it with a no-questions refund.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Pros: instant Instagram fodder; dual sound enrichment; compact enough for tiny breeds; sturdy stitching around the “lid.”
Cons: 6.5″ length can be swallowed whole by large dogs; plush surface gathers slobber stains; price-per-inch higher than non-novelty options.
Bottom Line: Grab it as a seasonal stocking stuffer or birthday prize for small-to-medium pups. Entertaining for people, fun for dogs, but supervise bigger jaws and wash regularly to keep the latte look fresh.
9. Nestpark Chill Pup Funny Dog Toy – Parody Plush Squeaky Crinkle Dog Toy
Overview: The Nestpark Chill Pup toy parodies a certain iconic relaxation drink. Measuring 8 inches, it combines squeaker and crinkle layers, plus an inner mesh liner marketed toward “tough chewers.”
What Makes It Stand Out: The calming purple can graphics are a tongue-in-cheek nod to over-stressed pet parents, while the internal mesh aims to slow shredding. It hits a middle size—big enough for Labs, light enough for Yorkies.
Value for Money: Matching the brand’s other parodies at $11.95, you get the same satisfaction guarantee. The added mesh elevates durability slightly over cheaper plush, nudging value into the fair zone.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Pros: humorous design; dual sound; mesh layer buys extra minutes before destruction; moderate size suits many breeds.
Cons: still plush—power chewers will defeat the mesh; fuzzy texture traps hair and dirt; squeaker placement near edge makes it an early casualty.
Bottom Line: A cute stress-relief gag that entertains mild-to-moderate chewers. Don’t expect miracles for heavy shredders, but it’s a respectable novelty that lasts longer than single-layer plush.
10. Multipet Duckworth Mini Plush Dog Toy, Assorted Colors, for small breeds
Overview: Multipet’s Duckworth Mini is a palm-size plush duck sold in assorted colors. At roughly 6 inches and $7.49, it targets puppies and small breeds that need a soft retrieve toy without heavy stuffing bulk.
What Makes It Stand Out: Simplicity is the charm—one squeaker, minimal fill, lightweight floppiness that puppies can carry. The bright dye lot surprises add a “blind bag” element kids enjoy when ordering multiples.
Value for Money: $7.49 sits at the low end for branded plush. Given that specialty pet stores charge similar prices for no-name ducks, Duckworth offers recognizable quality control and consistent sizing.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Pros: bargain priced; ideal mouth-feel for tiny jaws; easy to squeak, encouraging play; color variety keeps photos fresh.
Cons: too small for medium-plus dogs (choking risk); thin fabric punctures quickly; no crinkle or secondary stimulus for bored pups.
Bottom Line: Excellent starter toy for puppies, teacup breeds, or senior dogs who crave soft prey. Supervise closely and discard once the squeaker is exposed—it’s cheap enough to replace without tears.
Understanding Dollar General’s 2025 Pet Toy Strategy
Dollar General’s merchant team has publicly committed to “pet parent priorities” for 2025: safety certifications, sustainable components, and tiered pricing that stays under $10 even as inflation nudges competitors north. Expect smaller batch drops, exclusive colorways, and QR codes on packaging that link to sourcing videos—an unexpected dash of transparency for a value chain.
Why Budget Doesn’t Have to Mean “Cheap”
A lower price tag rarely equates to lower quality when you know how margins work. Dollar General leverages direct-to-factory orders, stripped-back packaging, and high-volume buys to hit impulse-buy price points. The trick is recognizing which corners were cut (color-fast dyes? double stitching?) and which ones matter to your individual dog.
Key Safety Certifications to Look For
Flip every package: if you see CPSIA-compliant inks, ASTM F963 labeling for children’s-toy equivalency, or a “tested for 0% heavy metals” badge, you’re holding a product that crossed at least one external safety bridge. In 2025, DG’s private-label Paw & Play line is adding a green “SGS Verified” sticker—scan it and the certificate pops up online.
Material Matters: Plush, Rubber, Rope, or Nylon?
Plush Pros and Cons
Plush remains the impulse favorite, but microfiber density and seam reinforcement vary wildly. Look for 7- or 9-inch stitch spacing—anything wider unravels fast. New for 2025: some plush skins are sewn inside-out then reversed, hiding seam edges from canine canines.
Rubber Durability Grades
Rubber compounds are graded on the Shore A scale. A 60-rating flexes enough for tug; 90+ survives power chewers but can fracture teeth if your dog is an aggressive chomper. Dollar General’s new bin of “level 85” rubber rings is marketed with a paw-print hardness icon—match it to your vet’s dental chart.
Rope Fibers and Dental Benefits
Unbleached cotton or bamboo ropes fray into dental floss; synthetic blends last longer but can splinter into plastic threads. The 2025 rope bins feature color-coded ends: green for natural fiber, blue for synthetic. Pick the one that matches your pup’s chewing intensity and your tolerance for stringy lawn surprises.
Nylon and Composite Strength
Infused nylon with mint or bacon scent masks chemical odors, but check the infusion method. Cold-pressed aromas last longer than surface sprays; give it a sniff—if you can smell it through the wrapper, it’s likely sprayed and will fade in days.
Size & Breed Considerations: From Chihuahua to Great Dane
Ignore the “small/medium/large” cartoon icons; flip to the weight range on the back. A 20-lb terrier can have a wider jaw than a lazy 30-lb spaniel. When in doubt, choose a toy whose diameter exceeds the distance between your dog’s canine teeth to reduce swallowing risk.
Durability Testing: How to Read Packaging Claims
Phrases like “chew-proof,” “heavy duty,” or “for aggressive chewers” aren’t regulated. Instead, look for micro-copy: “survived 250 lb pull test” or “300+ compressions at 1,000 psi.” If the package lists zero numbers, assume marketing fluff.
Interactive vs. Solo Play Styles
Interactive toys—tug ropes, fetch balls—require your participation and usually forego stuffing to minimize mess. Solo toys rely on textures, treat cavities, or unpredictable bounce. Buy at least one of each to prevent over-dependence on human-initiated play, especially if you return to office work in 2025.
Eco-Friendly Shifts: Recycled Fill and Plant-Based Dyes
Dollar General’s 2025 sustainability push includes polyester fill sourced from recycled water bottles and soy-based printed patterns. The feel is indistinguishable, but the price can jump 50¢; decide if the eco bragging rights justify the extra two quarters.
Sensory Enrichment: Crinkle, Squeak, Light, or Scent?
Layered sensory inputs prevent habituation. Crinkle film sewn between plush layers, dual-tone squeakers, LED cores that activate on impact, or proteins baked into nylon extend novelty. Rotate toys weekly to keep each sense “fresh.”
Seasonal & Limited-Edition Drops: When to Shop
Valentine’s hearts, summer pineapples, Halloween bats—Dollar General cycles seasonal stock every six to eight weeks. Shipments hit Tuesdays; markdowns start the following Sunday. Set a phone reminder for Tuesday nights if you collect themes.
Price Points Explained: $1 vs $3 vs $5 Tiers
Dollar Spot Finds
Single-layer fleece, minimal stuffing, surface squeaker—perfect for photo ops, not for jaws. Stock up for foster-kits or as distraction toys during nail trims.
Mid-Range Multi-Packs
Three-for-$3 ropes or two-pack tennis balls shrink the per-unit cost to pocket change. Quality parity is high; the savings come from bulk packaging.
Premium Under-$10 Innovations
Look for treat-dispensing puzzles or glow-fetch balls. They rival pet-specialty SKUs at half price, but inspect the closure mechanism—cheap twist-caps can pop off under sharp canines.
Washing & Sanitizing Tips to Extend Toy Life
Machine-wash plush on cold in a pillowcase, then air-dry to save the squeaker. Rubber and nylon go on the top rack of the dishwasher, no heat-dry. Monthly sanitizing kills the bacteria that weaken fibers from the inside out.
Red Flags: What to Avoid in Value-Aisle Toys
Loose button eyes, glued-on felt, squeakers you can pinch through a single layer, or chemical smells reminiscent of a new shower curtain—all predict early failure or worse, GI obstruction. If the seam gaps when you tug gently in-store, leave it.
Making the Most of Dollar General’s Digital Coupons
Download the DG app and add the weekly “$2 off $10 pet purchase” digital coupon—then stack it with manufacturers’ coupons printed inside the package (yes, Dollar General allows both). The savings often knock premium-tier toys down to dollar-spot pricing.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are Dollar General dog toys safe for aggressive chewers?
Look for stated pull-test data or “level 85+” rubber; otherwise supervise closely and remove at first sign of chunking.
2. How often does Dollar General restock their pet aisle?
Core items weekly, seasonal items bi-weekly—Tuesday evenings are your best bet for first pick.
3. Can I return a destroyed toy?
Yes, with receipt within 30 days. Pro tip: snap a photo of the damage and bring the pieces; managers rarely refuse pet-product returns.
4. Do they carry hypoallergenic toys?
Select 2025 SKUs use undyed cotton and plant-based rubber—check for “no artificial colors or latex” on the back panel.
5. What size toy fits a puppy that will grow 40 pounds?
Start with medium-sized, pliable rubber; avoid tiny squeakers that could be swallowed during teething.
6. Are the scented toys overpowering in small apartments?
Cold-pressed scents are milder; give the toy a sniff test in-store—if you can smell it through plastic, it’ll perfume your studio.
7. Is there a loyalty program for pet purchases?
DG’s Rewards program occasionally offers 10× points on pet aisles—activate offers in the app before checkout.
8. How do I sanitize rope toys without a dishwasher?
Soak in 1:10 vinegar-water, microwave damp for 45 seconds, then air-dry; heat kills most bacteria and loosens grime.
9. Can I donate Dollar General toys to my local shelter?
Absolutely. Shelters love fleece tug toys and tennis balls. Leave tags on so staff can verify safety info.
10. Why do some identical-looking toys cost more at other stores?
Dollar General’s private-label versions often skip exterior hang-tags and use thinner blister cards—cosmetic savings passed to you.