KONG Classic Dog Toy
All dog owners — the gold standard chew toy that doubles as a treat dispenser
PetSafe Automatic Ball Launcher
Fetch-obsessed dogs whose owners want hands-free play and adjustable distance settings
Score Comparison
Pricing & Features
Making Your Decision
When to Choose KONG Classic Dog Toy
All dog owners — the gold standard chew toy that doubles as a treat dispenser
The KONG Classic is the most versatile dog toy ever made — and that is not hyperbole. Its natural rubber construction survives power chewers, the fillable center turns it into a puzzle toy, and it comes in every size imaginable. At under $13, the price-to-durability ratio is unmatched. Every dog should own one.
Strengths
- Nearly indestructible natural rubber withstands even power chewers
- Fillable center provides hours of enrichment with treats, peanut butter, or kibble
- Available in six sizes from XS to XXL to fit any dog breed
Limitations
- Plain design may not excite dogs who prefer interactive or plush toys
- Unfilled KONG bounces unpredictably — not ideal for structured fetch
- Red classic version may stain light-colored carpets when stuffed
When to Choose PetSafe Automatic Ball Launcher
Fetch-obsessed dogs whose owners want hands-free play and adjustable distance settings
The PetSafe Automatic Ball Launcher is the most ambitious toy in this comparison — it genuinely enables independent fetch play, and the built-in safety sensor shows thoughtful engineering. Nine distance settings make it adaptable from apartment hallways to backyards. The $170 price and reliance on electronics are real drawbacks, but for fetch-obsessed dogs, it provides unmatched autonomous play value.
Strengths
- Automatic fetch enables independent play — dogs can load and launch balls on their own
- Nine distance settings from 8 to 30 feet adapt to indoor and outdoor spaces
- Built-in motion sensor pauses launch when dogs are too close for safety
Limitations
- Most expensive toy in this comparison at $170 — significant investment for a single toy
- Requires standard-size tennis balls — not compatible with smaller or oversized balls
- Electronic components can fail and are not field-serviceable
