Dog discs—more commonly known as frisbees, after the Frisbee brand name—come in a wide range of sizes and materials, but the best frisbee for you and your dog will be the one that most encourages consistent and rewarding play to encourage bonding. “It’s like playing the ultimate game of fetch with your best friend,” says Lily Martinez, a dog trainer at K9 Academy based in Fernandina Beach, Florida. Martinez competes in disc sport and her dog has placed in three disc world championships.
Playing with a flying disc helps exercise very high-energy dogs, Martinez says. Discs are also more interactive toys, providing more mental enrichment than fetching a ball since your dog has to track the disc and consider the exact moment to jump to make a catch. “This game engages the dog’s mind and body, thus making them more tired than a regular game of fetch,” she told The Spruce Pets.
Best Overall
KONG Classic Flyer Frisbee Dog Toy
Available in two sizes
Nearly indestructible
Soft rubber material
Easy to clean
Doesn't float
Made from the same durable Kong material found in the classic toy, this very popular soft rubber disc is both very tough and softer than classic frisbees. It can be folded in half to stash in a pocket or a backpack and springs back when ready to use—a solid choice for regular backyard games or to take on an adventure. It's heavier than a lot of discs, but once you master the right wrist flick, it can soar, and even if you aren’t very coordinated, it still can be tossed with a pretty impressive bounce.
The discs come in two sizes: a 7-inch diameter for dogs up to 20 pounds, and a 9-inch size for bigger dogs—Kong suggests if you’re not sure about the size, size up for safety. It’s sturdy, stands up to lots of use, and is easy to clean. It doesn’t float, so it’s not the best option for taking to the lake, but otherwise, this is an all-around great toy.
Diameter: 7 inches (small), 9 inches (large) | Material: Rubber | Colors: Red
Best Lightweight
Earth Rated Fly Toy
Durable enough for rough play and chewing
Soft and pleasing in a dog's mouth
Bright yellow color makes it easy to spot
Fun to throw
Doesn't really fly like a frisbee
The unique rolled edge and hollow center of this rubbery dog toy are designed to make it easy for both humans and canines to pick up. While the molded rubber is extremely durable—ideal for rough play and chewing—it's also soft in your dog's mouth. Our tester found the floppy ring fun to play tug-of-war with and to throw like a frisbee, though it doesn't quite fly like a frisbee—plus the bright yellow color makes it easy to spot anywhere.
We loved that this rubbery disc, unlike a ball, has an erratic bounce that our tester's dog found thoroughly engaging. We also appreciate that it's dishwasher-safe, BPA-free, and easy to rinse off—making it the "least gross toy," according to our tester.
Diameter: 7.2 inches (small), 8.7 inches (large) | Material: Thermoplastic rubber | Colors: Yellow
Best for Water
Ruffwear Floating Disc
Floats
Large is bigger than most other large discs
Two colors
Rugged
Doesn't fly very high or far
This rugged brand is known for colorful and sturdy harnesses, backpacks, and other outdoorsy dog gear. It also offers a couple of flying discs, and the Hydro Plane is geared particularly toward water use. The buoyant nylon with foam padding construction ensures it won't get lost in the water and is soft on your dog’s mouth.
The Hydro Plane comes in two sizes—9-inch medium and 12-inch large—and comes in bright orange or a more muted teal. The large version is especially easy to spot in the water. This disc doesn’t sail as far and as high as some of the others, but people who have water dogs love this because it floats so well.
Diameter: 9 inches (medium), 12 inches (large) | Material: Nylon, foam | Colors: Orange, teal
Best for Frisbee Beginners
Hyper Pet Flippy Flopper Dog Frisbee
Bright colors
Floats in water
Lightweight and soft
Not incredibly durable
Only one size
If your pup is just learning to catch a flying disc, then the Hyper Pet Flippy Flopper is a great start. It’s made of very lightweight nylon, so it’s not painful if your dog gets bonked on the nose, which helps build their confidence and doesn’t cause fear. Martinez uses these soft discs for puppies and dogs that don’t like hard plastic in their mouth.
The disc soars far and high with the right flick of the wrist. It also floats in water and comes in a range of very bright colors (loud pink, blue, and green) so it’s harder to lose it in the tall grass or the snow. It only comes in one size and might not stand up to a very aggressive game of tug.
Diameter: 9 inches | Material: Nylon | Colors: Blue, pink, green, camouflage
Best for Competition
Hyperflite Jawz Disc
Very durable
Comes in five colors
Smaller size for puppies
Anti-glare feature
Doesn't float
If your dog is serious about frisbee and you’re eyeing disc dog sports, Hyperflite Jawz discs are a good place to start. These durable plastic toys are billed by the manufacturer as the toughest competition-approved discs in the world. They are very durable and hard to puncture when they’re snatched by an eager pup.
The discs come in four bright colors as well as a glow-in-the-dark version. They have an anti-glare feature so the colors aren’t overwhelming in bright light. Martinez likes these discs because they come in different sizes—a standard 8.75 inches and a smaller 7-inch puppy version.
Diameter: 7 inches, 8.75 inches | Material: Plastic | Colors: Blueberry, black, mango, lemon-lime, glow-in-the-dark
Best Light Up
Nite Ize Dog Discuit Flying Disc
Lights from rim to rim
Long-lasting battery with two replacements
Floats
Some users had issues with the light falling off
The fun doesn’t have to stop when it gets dark outside—not with the Nite Ize Flashflight Discuit, a soft plastic disc that has a bright LED that makes it shine in the dark. There’s a simple push button that turns the light on and off. It has a battery that lasts for 20 hours and comes with two replaceable lithium batteries, and a cap over the battery to prevent accidental chewing—but the toy should always be supervised.
The disc is made from a durable material that’s between a hard plastic and softer, pliable plastic. It floats for water play. The light changes colors as you play and illuminates the entire toy.
Diameter: 8.25 inches | Material: Plastic | Colors: Clear with color-changing light
Best for Small Dogs
West Paw Zogoflex Zisc
Two sizes
Three bright colors
Made of recyclable plastic
Dishwasher-safe
Not as durable as some
If a disc is too big for a small dog, the game is just no fun, if they have a hard time catching it and it makes them stumble when they run. The Zogoflex Zisc from West Paw is made from a soft, recyclable plastic that is BPA- and phthalate-free. It comes in two sizes: a standard 8.5-inch, and a smaller 6.5-inch version for tinier athletes, with the small disc lighter and thinner than the large one.
The disc can be washed in the top rack of the dishwasher. It’s softer than many hard plastic frisbees, yet can soar further than some of the nylon ones.
Diameter: 6.5 inches (small), 8.5 inches (large) | Material: Plastic | Colors: Tangerine, aqua blue, granny smith
Best for Large Dogs
Booda Soft-Bite Tailspin Flyer
Three sizes
Doubles as a water bowl
Gentle on dog's teeth and gums
New ring is plastic instead of rubber
This lightweight pink and green nylon flyer from Booda comes in three sizes, including a large 12-inch toy for bigger pups. The soft nylon is gentle on a dog’s teeth and gums, but it's not particularly durable, so it’s not a tug toy. It flies high and is buoyant, plus it’s flexible enough to fold and put in your back pocket.
The disc doubles as a water bowl, so you can make sure your pet stays hydrated while playing fetch. The newer version features a plastic ring instead of a rubber one, which some users say breaks more easily and isn’t as soft on a pup’s mouth.
Diameter: 7 inches (small), 10 inches (medium), 12 inches (large) | Material: Nylon | Colors: Pink and green
Best With Squeaker
Hartz Tuff Stuff Flyer
Frisbee, tug, and squeaker toy
Lightweight nylon makes it fly far
Washes well
Can't choose color when purchasing online
The Hartz Tuff Stuff Flyer is a very versatile toy—a frisbee, a tug, and a squeaky toy all in one! It’s made of lightweight but relatively rugged nylon so it sails pretty far, and built-in grips make for a sturdy tug toy. And, if your pup chomps down in the middle, there’s a great squeaker for lots of interactive, noisy play.
The flyer floats, so you can take it to the beach or the lake. It comes in one size and several colors, but you can’t choose which color you receive. Fans say it cleans well in the washing machine.
Diameter: 9.06 inches | Material: Nylon | Colors: Blue, green, orange, red
Best Glow in the Dark
Chuckit! Zipflight Max Glow Toy
Available in two sizes
Floats in water
Lightweight
Rechargeable glow
Can get damaged if dog uses it as a chew toy
With the Zipflight Max Glow Dog Toy, you and your dog can play fetch into the evening hours. The lightweight toy has a glow-in-the-dark print on both sides that charges (without a battery!) under a bright light or in direct sunlight. With a five-minute charge, the soaring toy will glow for up to 30 minutes.
It's made with strong nylon and a rubber edge so it flies through the air and floats on water. Smaller breeds will enjoy the small 6-inch toy, while medium to large breeds are better suited to the medium 8.5-inch disc. Keep your pet under supervision when playing with this toy, though, as it is not chew-proof, and although it is made of durable polyester canvas, it can still get damaged.
Diameter: 8.5 inches | Material: Polyester canvas | Colors: Green and white
Best Disc Alternative
Chuckit! Flying Squirrel Dog Toy
Water-resistant polyester
Fabric covering is gentler on dogs' teeth and gums than traditional frisbee
Bright colors and glowing corners make it easy to see
Not chew-proof
The Flying Squirrel from Chuckit! makes it easy to play fetch from just about anywhere, including near water and in low-light environments. Resembling the shape of a flying squirrel with four corners (also referred to as "Paws") that can easily be grasped for tossing, the nature-inspired shape of this fetching flying object makes it easier to pick up off the ground, and the bottom of each corner (paw) picks up a glow-in-the-dark charge when placed in direct sunlight.
It's made with durable polyester and canvas fabric, making it more gentle on the inside of a dog's mouth and water resistant, but not as chew-proof as a more dense disc or frisbee. The brightly colored orange-and-blue Flying Squirrel comes in three sizes to accommodate dog mouths of all shapes.
Diameter: 8.25 inches (small), 9.5 inches (medium), 11 inches (large) | Material: Polyester canvas | Colors: Orange and blue
Best Natural Rubber
HEVEA Planet Throw & Fetch Disc
Made of natural rubber that is free of BPA, PVC, petroleum, silicone, and phthalates
Floats in water
Soft on teeth and gums, yet durable
Not recommended for heavy chewers
Only one size
HEVEA Planet (named after the species of the rubber tree, Hevea brasiliensis) makes natural rubber products for your home, baby, and pets, and the brand's Galaxy Throw & Fetch Disc is a great toy for dogs who love to play fetch. To prevent your dog from ingesting chemicals, this vegan-certified frisbee is free of petroleum, plastic, silicone, heavy metals, BPAs, PVC, and phthalates. Plus, the natural rubber is biodegradable and the coloring used to make the toy (natural or hunter green) is FDA-approved food-grade color pigments.
The Galaxy Throw & Fetch Disc folds up neatly to fit in most adult-size jacket pockets, so you can easily bring it along on your next walk, and once you're done playing, the disc is easy to rinse clean with soap and water. Designed to be caught mid-flight, this frisbee flies effortlessly and floats in water. The soft rubber is durable and resilient, but due to its natural composition, this frisbee is not recommended for heavy chewers.
Diameter: 4.7 inches | Material: Natural rubber | Colors: Hunter green, natural
Final Verdict
Our favorite dog frisbee is the Kong Flyer, which is a bright red disc made from durable Kong material, so it’s nearly indestructible. It’s also easy to clean and available in two sizes. For a lightweight disc that floats and glows in the dark, check out the Chuckit! Ziplight Max Glow Toy. It’s made from nylon and can soar great distances.
What to Look For in a Dog Frisbee
Size
Many flying discs are about 9 to 10 inches in diameter, which is too large for puppies or small dogs. For smaller breeds, look for a disc between 6 and 8 inches in diameter. The most essential consideration is whether or not your pup can carry the frisbee in its mouth without scraping along the ground.
Material
There are discs made of both soft and hard plastic, as well as those made of nylon and lighter materials. Durable plastic is typically heavier and lasts longer, says Martinez, but it’s not the best choice for every dog.
“If your dog doesn't like the feel of hard plastic in their mouth there are some cloth discs that fly very well and are suited for softer mouths,” she told The Spruce Pets.
Water and Weather
If you are going to play near or in water, make sure you choose a disc that floats, but if "all you want is to throw the disc as far as you can on land, then go for a lighter plastic disc,” Martinez suggests. If it’s a very windy day, she typically opts for heavier discs because they are easier to use in strong winds. You’ll likely want a combination of both characteristics for beach play—a frisbee that floats but is still heavy enough not to be carried away by the wind.
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How do you teach a dog to catch a frisbee?
Martinez starts teaching dogs and puppies to play by first dragging the disc around on the ground. Once she gets their attention and they are trying to grab it or tug it, she rolls the flying disc on the ground away from them and has them chase and grab it while it’s moving.
“Once they're successfully doing that, you can move on to short and low air throws,” she says. She suggests teaching your dog to circle you before throwing the disc so that you have enough time to get it in the air. Be sure to wash and store toys when not in use.
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At what age can a dog catch a frisbee?
A dog can play at any age, but Martinez recommends waiting until they’re fully grown (between 12 and 18 months of age) before doing big jumps or playing a lot. This allows the growth plates on a dog’s long bones to close and they are less likely to injure themselves.
“Any dog of any size or age can learn how to play frisbee. As long as your dog likes toys/fetching and playing with you then you can transfer that toy drive to a frisbee,” Martinez says. “It's all about building that relationship, making it fun, and enjoying playing with your best friend.”
Why Trust The Spruce Pets
This article was written by Mary Jo DiLonardo, who often reviews dog products for Spruce Pets. The proud mom of a rescue dog, she has fostered around 60 dogs and puppies. For more than 25 years, Mary Jo has covered a wide range of topics focused on nature, pets, science, and anything that helps make the world a better place.
For this roundup, we talked to dog owners, fosters, and people who participate in disc dog sports, including Lily Martinez, a dog trainer at K9 Academy whose dog has placed in three world disc championships. We also combed through hundreds of reviews to find the best dog frisbees and evaluated them based on materials, size, visibility, durability, how well they fly, and whether they float.