The Weekend Hobbyist

If you know my dog, you know one thing for sure: fetch is life. Morning, afternoon, evening— he’s always ready to play. For years, that meant one thing: tennis balls. Lots and lots of tennis balls.

And then we learned the hard way that tennis balls aren’t always the best choice.

After years of enthusiastic chewing and constant retrieving, my dog had actually ground down his canines and front teeth. The abrasive felt on tennis balls can be surprisingly rough over time, especially for dogs who love to chew on them between throws. That realization sent me on a mission to find a tennis ball alternative that would protect his teeth—without ruining the game he loves.

Enter: the KONG Dog Squeezz Ball (affiliate link).

This ball has become our go-to, and honestly, I wish I’d found it sooner.

First, let’s talk about size. We use the medium, which is the same size as a traditional tennis ball. That means no adjustment period—he picked it up immediately and took off like it was business as usual. If your dog is particular about ball size (and let’s be real, many are), this is a big win.

Unlike tennis balls, the KONG Squeezz Ball (affiliate link) is made of a smooth, durable rubber that’s much gentler on teeth. It doesn’t have that gritty exterior that causes wear over time, so I feel much better about him carrying it around, chewing on it, and dropping it at my feet over and over again.

And yes—it squeaks. Not an obnoxious, nonstop squeak, but just enough to keep him fully invested in the game. Somehow, months later, the squeaker is still going strong, which feels like a small miracle.

Another underrated feature: it’s easy to clean. No more soggy, muddy tennis balls living on the porch. A quick rinse, and it’s good as new. The rubber doesn’t hold onto dirt or drool, which I appreciate more than I ever thought I would.

Most importantly, this ball is long-lasting. This one has held up through countless games of fetch, chewing sessions, and enthusiastic zoomies. We’ve gone through far fewer replacements compared to tennis balls, which makes it a better value in the long run.

If your dog is obsessed with fetch but you’re worried about tooth wear—or you’re just tired of replacing destroyed tennis balls—this is a swap I genuinely recommend. The KONG Dog Squeezz Ball keeps the game exactly the same for your dog, but much safer and more durable for everyday play.

It’s officially my dog’s favorite tennis ball alternative—and one product I feel really good about throwing, again and again.