6 Best Dog Frisbees for Outdoor Fetching
Published on July 27, 2023
What furry, fun-loving goofball doesn’t start bouncing with excitement at the sight of a dog frisbee? Whether your pup loves the occasional game of fetch with a flying disc or is a bona-fide frisbee addict, these toys are an essential part of every dog’s collection.
But if you’re shopping for a new frisbee for your dog, how do you choose between a soft, squishy one that floats in water and a harder rubber disc designed for long-distance chases? To make that decision a bit easier, we’ve rounded up the six best dog frisbees out there right now. They’re all great options guaranteed for some great outdoor fun!
What Makes a Good Dog Frisbee?
When it comes to dog frisbees, there are tons of options available, with the main types including:
Soft frisbees
Ideal for dogs with sensitive gums, or those that prefer quick runs, these frisbees fly fairly short distances. They’re usually made out of a blend of foam and fabric, and are a great choice for puppies or dogs just learning to play with a frisbee.
Rubber frisbees
These frisbees are semi-rigid, with some flex. Flying faster, higher, and longer than soft frisbees, they’re a great choice for competitive Disc Dog events, as well as dogs who love to jump and catch. They’re also usually harder-wearing than soft frisbees.
Floating frisbees
If your dog loves playing with their frisbee on the beach or by the lake, then a floating frisbee is essential. This style can be soft or rubber.
Glow-in-the-dark frisbees
For late-night walks, or a dog who never (ever) seems to tire, having a glow-in-the-dark or light-up frisbee is a great way to make sure they still get plenty of exercise on those dark winter nights.
Frisbees with holes
Some dogs love to flip a frisbee over when they carry it (which looks extremely cute!); however, a solid frisbee isn’t great in this case, as they can’t see where they’re going. You’ll find frisbees with a central hole (perfect for seeing through!) in both soft and rubber styles. The hole also makes them easier to pick up and carry.
How We Chose Our Top Frisbees for Dogs
In addition to our extensive experience as dog parents who adore nothing more than spending our days chasing flying discs, we considered a variety of factors when selecting which frisbees would make the cut, including:
Material and durability. We took a look at the construction of each dog frisbee, noting those that are great (and not so great) for heavy chewers, as well as pups with teeth sensitivities. We also highlighted when an option may be better for large or small dogs.
Activity level. Some of the frisbees on our list are great for dogs who love to run for hours, while others are perfect for pups who prefer a quick frolic and swim at the beach. That’s why we called out scenarios in which each option would work best when we could.
Reviews. We’re not the only ones whose opinions matter here, which is why we searched ratings and reviews. For any brands/products we don’t have personal experience using, we took a look at the customer reviews, only choosing toys with a high number of positive reviews. (For some frisbees, these are into the tens of thousands!)
Price. Finally, we kept budget in mind as we compiled our list. Most of the frisbees we chose come in under $20, but there are a few that may be a bit more of a splurge.
Our List
All featured products are chosen at the discretion of the author. However, Vetstreet may make a small affiliate commission if you click through and make a purchase.
- Overall Best Dog Frisbee: KONG Flyer Durable Rubber Flying Disc
- Best Soft Frisbee for Dogs: Ruffwear Hydro Plane Soft Frisbee
- Best Dog Frisbee with Hole: Nerf Dog Elite Tire Flyer
- Best Glow in the Dark Dog Frisbee: Chuckit! Zipflight Flyer Dog Frisbee
- Best Dog Frisbee for Chewers: Monster K9 Ultra Durable Flying Disc
- Best Floating Dog Frisbee: West Paw Zogoflex Zisc Dog Toy
6 Best Dog Frisbees to Consider
Overall Best Dog Frisbee
Our pick: KONG Flyer Durable Rubber Flying Disc
This is one of the most popular dog frisbees out there — and with good reason! The natural rubber used to make it is durable but also soft on your dog’s mouth. This frisbee is quite heavy, which means it’s a good choice for windy locations where a lighter disc would get blown off course. It also has a huge number of positive reviews from happy pet parents who appreciate the combination of quality, durability, and (most importantly) the fact that their dogs LOVE it!
Pros
- Two sizes available
- Durable and flexible
- Also comes in a puppy size
- Good price point
- Made in the USA
Cons
- Doesn’t float
Best Soft Frisbee for Dogs
Our pick: Ruffwear Hydro Plane Soft Frisbee
This soft fabric and foam frisbee is a great choice for dogs who may have more sensitive teeth and gums. It might be soft, but it’s made with long-lasting, abrasion-resistant materials designed to stand up to chewing. This frisbee flies well (especially when wet!) but doesn’t go as far or as fast as more rigid plastic or rubber discs. It does float, however, which makes it perfect for the beach or lake; just bear in mind that the teal color can make this frisbee hard to spot when it lands on water!
Pros
- Available in two sizes
- Brightly colored
- Floats in water
- Easy to pick up
Cons
- Higher price point
- Too large for small dogs
Best Dog Frisbee with Hole
Our pick: Nerf Dog Elite Tire Flyer
Some dogs definitely prefer a frisbee with a central hole, and if that sounds like your pup, they’re in for a treat! This Nerf frisbee is designed for dogs that love to tug and pull their toys. Made with hardwearing TPR, it’s durable enough to withstand rough play sessions but also soft enough that it won’t hurt your dog’s mouth when they catch it. The semi-rigid design of this frisbee also means it flies both far and fast!
Pros
- Lightweight design with a hole in the center
- Easy to wipe clean
- Easy for dogs to pick up and carry
- Great price point
Cons
- Only available in one size
- Not suitable for chewers
Best Glow-in-the-Dark Dog Frisbee
Our pick: Chuckit! Zipflight Flyer Dog Frisbee
Perfect for late-day winter walks when your dog wants to play, this glow-in-the-dark frisbee is designed specifically for low-light sessions. To power up the glow, hold the frisbee under a bright light for five minutes; the charge will last for 20 minutes before gradually fading away. The soft material is comfortable for your dog to catch, while a central hole makes it easy for them to carry this frisbee back to you — so you can chuck it again!
Pros
- Glows in the dark for up to 20 minutes at a time
- Designed for long-distance flight
- Floats in water
- Available in two sizes
- Great price point
Cons
- Fabric covering can get dirty
- May not last as long as some other frisbees
Best Dog Frisbee for Chewers
Our pick: Monster K9 Ultra Durable Flying Disc
If your dog adores frisbees but is also a little “enthusiastic” when it comes to chewing, then this ultra-durable disc is the answer. It might look a little less eye-catching than some of our other picks, but it delivers unmatched durability for aggressive chewers. Plus, the non-toxic rubber material is tough yet still flexible. One thing to bear in mind is that this frisbee is a little harder to throw than more lightweight options.
Pros
- Made with durable, nontoxic natural rubber
- Lifetime replacement guarantee
- Made in the USA
Cons
- Strong rubber smell when new
- Only available in one size
Best Floating Dog Frisbee
Our pick: West Paw Zogoflex Zisc Dog Toy
This lightweight frisbee comes in two sizes, making it ideal for both small and large dogs. When thrown, the frisbee flies high and fast thanks to its aerodynamic design. It also floats, so it’s a perfect option for days at the beach or lake. And if you forget your dog’s water or food bowl, you can simply flip it upside down and use it as a travel bowl!
Pros
- Choose from four colors and two sizes
- Made with non-toxic, FDA-compliant materials
- Dishwasher safe
- Made in the USA
Cons
- Not suitable for chewers
Dog Frisbee Buyer’s Guide
What is the best frisbee for dogs? Well, not all dog frisbees are created equal, so it makes sense to consider the type of disc that will suit your dog best before you go out and buy one. Here are a few questions you should ask yourself while shopping around.
How active is your dog? Some dogs love to chase a disc over long distances before jumping up to catch it. Others will prefer to catch a disc after a shorter throw before bringing it back for even more fun! If your dog loves to swim, then a floating frisbee is a must.
What material(s) will work best? For puppies or dogs with sensitive gums, a softer frisbee will suit them better. And if you’ve got a heavy chewer on your hands, then a solid rubber frisbee is probably going to stand up to their teeth best. Those made with black rubber are usually the most robust and will usually be marketed for aggressive chewers; some (like the Monster K9) even come with a replacement guarantee.
Always choose frisbees made with dog-safe materials, and try to find manufacturers that state if the materials they’ve used are BPA free, FDA compliant, and nontoxic.
How much frisbee experience does your pup have? If your dog hasn’t played with frisbees before, a soft version can be a good place to start. Then you can work out their play style and add other types of frisbees to their toy box if it seems like the kind of toy they enjoy. And if they’re anything like my frisbee-mad dog, you’ll need to buy a variety of options for all eventualities!
Is color a consideration? When it comes to color, there are a lot of choices out there! Just remember that dogs tend to see shades of blue and yellow best.
Dog Frisbee Safety Tips
Dog frisbees are great fun for our furry friends, but there are a few safety tips to bear in mind. When introducing a frisbee, start with slow, low throws while your dog gets used to chasing and catching a different type of toy.
If you’re worried about your dog getting hit by a frisbee, make sure you allow them time to see it before you throw, so they don’t get taken by surprise. Always keep sessions short to begin with, and if your dog isn’t used to jumping up to catch things, don’t expect them to manage those athletic leaps you might have seen from other pups. But if your dog does seem to particularly love playing with their frisbee, look for local dog frisbee training sessions for some expert tips and tricks.
Lastly, when playtime is over, remember that frisbees aren’t chew toys. Some dogs will find it hard to resist a bit of a chomp, so storing your dog’s frisbee out of reach should help it last longer — and keep it ready to go for your next throwing session!