Since the profoundly heartwarming, sob-worthy tale of Hachikō the Akita spread worldwide in 1932, people have regarded the dog breed as among the most loyal companions that go above and beyond the “man’s best friend” moniker. And it’s true: Akitas are loyal, noble canines devoted to their owners and protective of their homes.
But while Akitas tend to be aloof and guarded towards strangers, they freely express their playful and mischievous side with their owners! These active dogs have high levels of energy that they need to expend daily, whether through long walks or hours of playtime.
As such, Akitas need high-quality toys that mentally and physically stimulate them! If you’re having trouble looking for the right toy for your Akitas unique needs and temperament, we’re here to help. We’ve gathered our top 5 picks for the best dog toys that ensure hours of fun for your active Akita.
1. HOL-ee Roller Puzzle Ball
A do-it-all toy, the HOL-ee Roller Puzzle Ball acts as a fetch toy, a chew toy, and a treat dispenser all rolled into one! It’s made with stretchy natural rubber that’s both soft and durable that lasts through many chew time sessions.
This toy is also a superb choice for Akitas who love to run and fetch, whether you toss, roll, or tug it. It’s light and easy to pack for outdoor adventures or playtime at the park: perfect for your Akitas daily exercise.
Its open design also makes it effective as a treat-dispensing toy, providing mental stimulation
and helping hone your Akitas problem-solving skills. With its holes and stretchy material, you can be sure your pup can breathe well and stay comfortable as he tries to get all its treats.
Take note that this toy may not be suitable as a chew toy for Akitas who are aggressive chewers, and should be used as a puzzle feeder or fetch toy for them instead. While some pet parents of aggressive chewers claim that this toy holds up well to their pup’s bites, it may still be best for Akita puppies who are teething or more gentle chewers.
- Three-in-one chew toy, fetch toy, and treat-dispensing toy
- Great for daily playtime, exercise, or meals
- Made with stretchy, durable material
2. Nina Ottosson Interactive Puzzle Dog Toy
As one of the highest-rated puzzle feeders on the online market, the Nina Ottoson Interactive Puzzle Dog Toy from Outward Hound is expertly designed to improve focus and mental stimulation in dogs! It features 3 types of hiding compartments where you can conceal your pup’s food or treats to challenge his cognitive skills, keeping his mind focused and engaged.
This rewarding toy helps fast eaters slow down, reducing the risk of bloat or gastric torsion. It’s ideal as a weight management tool for Akitas who may suffer from obesity. Better yet, it can also defend against dementia or mental decline in older Akitas.
Made with food-safe, BPA-free material, this puzzle feeder is suitable for all types of dog food and treats. Some pet parents use it to relieve boredom and anxiety in their pups, while others praise it as a highly effective training tool.
- Puzzle feeder for mental stimulation, slow eating, and increased activity
- Helps reduce the risk of several health conditions
- Used for training, playing, and feeding
3. Bmag Twisted Rope Toy
Many Akitas tend to be aggressive chewers, meaning they can completely eviscerate and leave nothing but shreds of a new toy in a matter of hours. The Bmag Twisted Rope Toy is designed to withstand aggressive chewing, ensuring your pup can enjoy it for years to come!
With a twisted close-knit design, this 3-ft. long rope is suitable for games of tug-of-war, fetching, or chasing—giving you and your Akita endless possibilities with playtime. For pups who have destructive tendencies and tend to wreak havoc on shoes and furniture, this toy makes the perfect distraction that catches their attention and allows them to release pent-up energy safely.
Many pet parents have praised this product for enduring rough play and aggressive chewing from large, active dogs. It’s also ideal to stave off boredom and keep dogs at home occupied while their owners are away.
- Durable rope with a close-knit design that makes it outlast aggressive chewing
- Great for fun tug-of-war games
- Keeps dogs active, occupied, and engaged
4. Petphil Rubber Dog Bone
Of course, no dog toy list is complete without the dog bone—and the Petphil Rubber Dog Bone is among the best products you’ll find on the market! Created to mimic the look and feel of a real animal bone, it’s specially designed for large dogs and aggressive chewers.
This dog bone is made with 100% natural rubber, making it completely safe for dogs to chew on. Its enticing beef flavor and squeaky sound is irresistible to dogs; pups can play with it for hours without getting bored! It’s also ideal for behavioral training and boredom relief for pups who exhibit destructive tendencies.
Best of all, this dog bone can help clean your dog’s teeth and promote good oral health while giving him a fun and rewarding play time experience.
- Has the look, feel, and texture of real bones
- Makes a squeaky sound that instantly attracts and engages dogs
- Helps clean dogs’ teeth and correct unwanted behaviors with proper training
5. KONG Cross Knots Monkey Toy
Sometimes your Akita just needs a cuddle buddy, and the KONG Cross Knots Monkey Toy just might be his new best friend! KONG is known for producing high-quality toys that dogs love, and this stuffed animal is sure to make playtime a blast and bedtime more cozy for your Akita.
This soft and durable monkey has an adorable animated face and an internal knotted rope that satisfies your dog’s instincts for chewing. It also makes a squeaky sound that’s quick to grab your pup’s attention when you need to distract him from a stressful situation or have him focus on an activity.
It’s also made with minimal stuffing, guaranteeing a less messy playtime. It also reduces the risk of him choking on stuffing—so he can enjoy chewing on and cuddling up with his favorite snuggle bug safely and comfortably!
- Adorable stuffed animal that’s perfect for chewing or cuddling
- Features a squeaky sound that catches your dog’s attention
- Made with less stuffing for choking prevention
Tips on Keeping Your Akita Active
A large, powerful dog originally bred for hunting and protecting Japanese royalty, Akitas are active dogs by nature. They are highly intelligent and energetic, which means they need mental and physical stimulation daily to keep their minds sharp and their bodies in perfect shape.
Here are a few ways to ensure your Akita stays happy and active:
Find the right toy
Each Akita has his own unique personality and preferences, so you can try different kinds of toys to see which one truly keeps him on his toes. Puzzles are typically a great choice for Akitas since they enjoy having their intellectual skills challenged. Akitas also love chew toys in general, but make sure to find one suited for aggressive chewing if your pup tends to play rough.
Play with your Akita every day
An adult Akita needs around 2 hours of exercise every day. You can take him on walks or runs, but it’s also important to play with him to ensure he gets the mental and physical workout he needs. Games like tug-of-war and fetch are enjoyable for Akitas, although they may need more attention when it comes to learning how to fetch.
Take your Akita to different places
Akitas tend to become bored easily due to their high intelligence, so rotating activities or places can help keep them engaged physically and mentally. Some Akitas love hiking with their owners, while others may prefer going for a quick run in a park. Many Akita parents also say that these pups make great camping buddies!
You can try different activities in different places with your dog; just make sure he’s properly socialized as Akitas can be aggressive with strangers without the right training.
In Closing
Akitas are active, energetic dogs who love playing with their owners! Giving your Akita toys and playing games with him helps keep him alert and healthy and fends off boredom that can lead to destructive behaviors. Make sure to consult this guide to find the best toy options for your pup that will challenge his skills—and also help you strengthen your bond with your beloved pup!