A detailed look at the ZippyPaws Donutz Mint Chip, a stuffing-free plush squeaky toy with two Crescent squeakers and a donut-shaped design made for fetching, carrying, shaking, and interactive play.
Quick Verdict
What makes Donutz different?
The ZippyPaws Donutz is a plush squeaky toy with an unusual construction. Unlike many plush dog toys, the Regular Donutz does not contain traditional stuffing. Instead, its circular shape houses two ZippyPaws Crescent squeakers that wrap around much of the toy’s interior.
ZippyPaws says the Crescent squeakers are specifically designed for Donutz and allow the toy to remain stuffing-free while still producing a strong squeak. The company describes the current Donutz construction as two Crescent squeakers with no stuffing.
Why the shape matters
The donut shape gives dogs several ways to interact with the toy. They can grab the outer edge, carry it around, shake it, push their nose through the center opening, or play fetch with it.
That makes Donutz feel different from a traditional rectangular plush toy or a long stuffed animal. The hole in the center also creates a natural grip point that some dogs may find particularly interesting.
The main limitation
Although the no-stuffing construction can reduce the mess associated with torn plush toys, Donutz is still a plush fabric toy. It should not be treated as an indestructible chew toy or as a dedicated heavy-chewer product.
What Is the ZippyPaws Donutz Mint Chip?
A plush donut made for dogs
The product in this review is the ZippyPaws Donutz – Mint Chip, identified by ZippyPaws as SKU ZP655.
ZippyPaws’ catalog identifies the Regular Donutz as approximately 7 × 7 × 2 inches. The Mint Chip version is one of the regular Donutz flavors alongside other designs such as Chocolate, Strawberry, Blueberry, Cherry, Rainbow, and seasonal varieties.
Of course, the “Mint Chip” name is purely a visual theme. This is a dog toy, not a food product. The exterior uses colorful embroidered topping and sprinkle details to make the toy resemble a decorated donut.
The no-stuffing concept
The most important technical feature is that Regular Donutz are stuffing-free.
Instead of filling the donut with polyester stuffing, ZippyPaws uses two Crescent-shaped squeakers. The company’s catalog specifically describes Regular Donutz as stuffing-free because of the unique shape of these squeakers.
This gives the product a different failure profile from a conventional stuffed plush toy. If a traditional stuffed toy develops a large opening, stuffing may come out and spread around the house. With Donutz, there is no large mass of traditional stuffing inside the Regular version.
However, the fabric itself can still be damaged, and the squeakers can still be punctured or otherwise damaged by aggressive chewing.
Designed around interactive play
Donutz is best viewed as an interactive plush toy rather than a chew toy. The shape lends itself naturally to fetch, carrying, shaking, and short tug sessions.
The center opening also creates an interesting grip. A dog may grab the outside edge or put its muzzle through the center and carry the donut that way.
ZippyPaws Donutz Features and Design
Two exclusive Crescent squeakers
The two Crescent squeakers are arguably the most important feature of the Regular Donutz.
ZippyPaws describes these as its exclusive Crescent squeakers, and the company explains that they wrap around the toy to provide the sound-producing structure without requiring stuffing.
Having two squeakers also means the toy can produce sound from different parts of its body. For a dog that enjoys squeezing and repositioning plush toys to find the squeak, that can add interest during play.
The Crescent design is also different from the conventional small round squeaker found in many plush toys. It is specifically part of the Donutz concept.
The donut ring shape
The Regular Donutz measures approximately 7 inches across and about 2 inches thick according to ZippyPaws catalog information.
The ring shape gives dogs a central opening that can be used as a grip. This can be particularly convenient during fetch because both the dog and the owner have multiple areas to grab.
It can also create a different kind of movement when the toy is thrown. Rather than rolling like a solid ball, a soft donut can bounce, flop, or slide depending on how it lands.
Embroidered sprinkle details
The exterior includes embroidered sprinkle and topping details that give Donutz its dessert-inspired appearance. ZippyPaws uses this visual design across its Donutz line.
These details are primarily aesthetic, but they contribute to the toy’s distinctive appearance. If you want a dog toy that looks noticeably different from standard balls, bones, and stuffed animals, the Donutz shape is easy to recognize.
The Mint Chip theme
The specific Amazon listing you provided is the Mint Chip version, SKU ZP655. ZippyPaws’ catalog lists Mint Chip among its Regular Donutz flavors.
Availability of individual colors and flavors can change, so the exact Amazon variation should always be checked before ordering.
How Does the ZippyPaws Donutz Perform During Play?
Good for fetch
The circular shape makes Donutz naturally compatible with fetch games.
The center opening gives the dog a convenient place to grip the toy, while the lightweight plush construction makes it easy to carry. For indoor play, a soft plush donut can also be more forgiving around furniture than a hard rubber toy.
Of course, indoor throwing should still be done in an appropriate space where the dog can move safely.
Good for carrying
Dogs that enjoy carrying toys around the house may find the Donutz shape particularly appealing.
The dog can grip the outer ring with its mouth or potentially carry it through the center opening. The toy is also large enough to feel substantial without being a heavy solid object.
This makes it useful not only for structured games with an owner but also for dogs that simply enjoy having a favorite plush toy to carry from room to room.
Good for shaking and squeaking
The soft circular body and two Crescent squeakers give dogs plenty of opportunity to squeeze, shake, and reposition the toy.
Some dogs enjoy squeaky toys because the sound itself becomes part of the reward. Others use the squeaker primarily during fetch or shaking. Donutz can accommodate both styles.
ZippyPaws’ current explanation of the Crescent squeaker specifically highlights the distinctive sound and the way the two squeakers are incorporated into the stuffing-free design.
Useful for interactive play
The donut shape can also work during short interactive games between a dog and owner.
An owner can roll or toss the toy, invite the dog to retrieve it, or use the center opening as a grip during a gentle game. The important word is gentle: the Regular Donutz should not be treated as a heavy-duty tug toy for a powerful chewer.
Is ZippyPaws Donutz Durable?
No stuffing does not mean indestructible
This is the most important distinction when reviewing Donutz.
The absence of stuffing is a genuine design advantage for owners who dislike the mess created when dogs tear open plush toys. But it does not make the exterior fabric impossible to damage.
A determined dog can still chew through the fabric, damage seams, pull at embroidered details, or puncture the squeakers.
ZippyPaws itself offers a separate ZippyTuff Donutz made from flexible TPR specifically for chewing, fetching, and tugging. That product is positioned as a tougher alternative to the plush Donutz.
The existence of that separate product is useful context: Regular Donutz and ZippyTuff Donutz should not be treated as equivalent in terms of intended use.
Some dogs may get much longer use than others
Real-world durability depends heavily on the individual dog’s behavior.
ZippyPaws customer reviews illustrate this variability. On the company’s Chocolate Donutz page, one owner reported that a small dog used the toy mainly for fetch and carrying and found the squeaker very durable.
By contrast, a review on the Americana Donutz page describes a dog pulling out the outer fuzzy material, while a recent Strawberry Donutz review describes a dog chewing off fuzz and gagging. These are individual customer experiences rather than universal characteristics, but they demonstrate why plush toys should be monitored for fabric damage.
Best for moderate interactive play
The most sensible way to use Regular Donutz is as an interactive plush toy.
Fetch, carrying, shaking, and short play sessions are more consistent with the product’s construction than leaving it with a determined heavy chewer for hours.
If your dog immediately starts attacking seams and trying to reach the internal squeakers, a tougher toy category is likely more appropriate.
Which Dogs Are a Good Match for ZippyPaws Donutz?
Small and medium dogs
ZippyPaws’ Regular Donutz products are generally listed for small and medium dogs. The company’s Chocolate and Strawberry versions, for example, are listed for Small and Medium dogs and measure roughly 6.5–7 inches across.
The approximately 7-inch Regular size provides a reasonable middle ground: large enough to be interesting for a medium dog while still being manageable for many smaller dogs.
As always, the individual dog’s mouth size and play behavior matter more than a generic size label.
Dogs that love squeaky toys
Donutz is particularly suited to dogs that are attracted to squeaking.
Two Crescent squeakers give the toy multiple sound-producing areas, and the unusual shape means the dog can manipulate the toy in several ways to produce sound.
If your dog ignores squeaky toys entirely, however, the donut shape alone may not be enough to create interest.
Dogs that enjoy carrying and fetching
The lightweight ring shape is especially useful for dogs that enjoy retrieving plush toys.
The center hole can also give dogs a convenient grip and may make the toy easier to carry than a large stuffed animal with no obvious handle.
Dogs that prefer plush over hard toys
Some dogs simply prefer the feel of fabric. For these dogs, Donutz offers a plush alternative to rubber or plastic toys.
The stuffing-free construction provides another advantage: the dog can get the soft plush experience without the conventional mass of stuffing found inside many plush animals.
Pros and Cons of ZippyPaws Donutz
Pros
- Stuffing-free design: Regular Donutz contain no traditional stuffing.
- Two Crescent squeakers: The exclusive squeaker design creates the toy’s sound while helping eliminate the need for stuffing.
- Distinctive donut shape: The center opening provides a natural grip for many dogs.
- Good for fetch: The ring shape works well for tossing and retrieving.
- Good for carrying: Dogs can grab the outer ring or center opening.
- Soft plush exterior: A good alternative for dogs that prefer fabric toys.
- Multiple designs: The Donutz line comes in different colors and dessert-inspired themes.
- Less stuffing mess: There is no large volume of traditional filling inside the Regular version.
Cons
- Not indestructible: The fabric and squeakers can still be damaged.
- Not a dedicated heavy-chew toy: Strong chewers may need a tougher material such as ZippyTuff.
- Fabric can shed: Some customer reviews report dogs pulling at the fuzzy exterior.
- Squeakers can eventually fail: Repeated chewing or puncturing can damage any squeaker.
- Regular size may not suit every dog: Very small dogs may prefer Mini Donutz, while larger dogs may prefer Jumbo Donutz.
Is the no-stuffing design actually useful?
Yes, especially if your main complaint about plush toys is the stuffing mess.
It does not solve every durability problem, but it removes one common failure mode. If a traditional stuffed animal gets a large hole, stuffing can quickly end up throughout the room. Regular Donutz avoid that particular issue because there is no traditional stuffing inside.
That is a practical difference rather than simply a marketing feature.
ZippyPaws Donutz vs. Other Dog Toys
Donutz vs. Skinny Peltz
Both products are stuffing-free plush toys from ZippyPaws, but they create very different play experiences.
Skinny Peltz uses a long, floppy animal shape with multiple squeakers. It is especially suited to carrying, shaking, and animal-style plush play.
Donutz uses a circular ring shape with two Crescent squeakers. Its center opening creates a natural grip and gives the toy a different feel during fetch and carrying.
So while both are stuffing-free, the shape is the major reason a dog might prefer one over the other.
Donutz vs. traditional stuffed plush toys
The main difference is the interior.
Traditional plush toys are generally filled with stuffing. Regular Donutz are not. ZippyPaws specifically designed the Crescent squeakers so the donut can remain stuffing-free.
This can make Donutz attractive to owners who want plush play without the cleanup associated with torn stuffing.
Donutz vs. ZippyTuff Donutz
These products share the same basic donut concept but use different materials.
Regular Donutz are plush and stuffing-free. ZippyTuff Donutz are made from flexible TPR and are specifically marketed for chewing, fetching, and tugging.
If your dog’s main activity is soft-toy play, Regular Donutz makes more sense. If your dog needs a more durable material for chewing, the ZippyTuff version belongs in a different category.
Donutz vs. Burrow toys
The Donutz and Zippy Burrow products also have very different purposes.
Donutz is a single-piece plush toy designed for squeaking, fetching, carrying, and shaking. Burrow toys create a hide-and-seek activity by placing smaller toys inside a larger plush structure.
That means Donutz is primarily about physical interaction with one toy, while Burrow products are about searching and retrieving multiple hidden toys.
How to Use and Care for ZippyPaws Donutz
Use Donutz for active play
Donutz works particularly well when incorporated into short interactive sessions.
You can toss it for your dog to retrieve, encourage your dog to carry it, or use it during a gentle game of tug. The ring shape gives you several possible grip points.
Because it is a plush toy, avoid treating it like a rope or heavy-duty tug toy with a strong dog pulling at maximum force.
Inspect the fabric and squeakers
Regular inspection is important because the toy contains fabric, embroidered details, and internal squeakers.
Check for:
- Loose fabric
- Damaged seams
- Detached embroidered details
- Exposed squeaker components
- Large tears around the center opening
If the toy becomes significantly damaged, remove it from play rather than assuming that the absence of stuffing makes it automatically safe.
Match the toy to the dog’s chewing style
A gentle plush-toy player may use Donutz primarily for fetch and carrying. A determined chewer may immediately target the fabric and squeakers.
If your dog belongs to the second group, consider limiting Donutz to supervised play sessions and choosing a dedicated durable chew toy for unsupervised chewing.
Consider the different Donutz sizes
ZippyPaws has produced several Donutz formats. Regular Donutz are approximately 7 inches across, while Mini Donutz are approximately 5 inches and Jumbo Donutz approximately 10 inches. The construction also differs: Regular Donutz use two Crescent squeakers and no stuffing, Mini versions use Mini Crescent squeakers and no stuffing, while Jumbo Donutz use larger Blaster squeakers and are stuffed.
This means shoppers should pay attention to the exact Donutz version rather than assuming every donut-shaped ZippyPaws toy has identical construction.
Final Verdict: Is ZippyPaws Donutz Worth It?
A fun twist on the classic squeaky plush
The ZippyPaws Donutz Mint Chip stands out because it takes several familiar dog-toy features and combines them in an unusual shape.
You get a soft plush exterior, two squeakers, a stuffing-free interior, and a circular shape with a center opening. None of those features alone is revolutionary, but together they create a toy that feels different from a conventional stuffed animal.
The Crescent squeakers are particularly important because they allow ZippyPaws to maintain the stuffing-free design while still giving the dog plenty of squeaking interaction. ZippyPaws describes these squeakers as a signature part of the Donutz concept.
Where it works best
Donutz makes the most sense for dogs that enjoy fetching, carrying, shaking, squeaking, and interactive plush play.
The no-stuffing construction is especially appealing if you have previously dealt with plush toys being opened and leaving stuffing all over the house.
The approximately 7-inch Regular version is also positioned for small and medium dogs, although individual size and play style should always be considered.
Where expectations matter
The main thing not to assume is that stuffing-free means chew-proof.
The outer fabric can still be pulled apart, embroidered details can be damaged, and the squeakers can eventually fail. Customer feedback on ZippyPaws’ own Donutz pages shows that some dogs are gentle with the toy while others quickly target the exterior fabric.
For serious chewing, ZippyPaws offers the separate ZippyTuff Donutz made from flexible TPR, which is specifically marketed for chewing, fetching, and tugging.
Our overall take
If you want a plush squeaky toy that is visually distinctive and avoids traditional stuffing, the ZippyPaws Donutz is an interesting option. The Mint Chip version keeps the recognizable donut design while using the same stuffing-free Regular Donutz construction.
It is best viewed as a play toy rather than a chew toy. For the right dog, the combination of the soft exterior, two Crescent squeakers, and donut-shaped grip can make it a fun addition to a toy rotation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ZippyPaws Donutz stuffed?
The Regular ZippyPaws Donutz is not stuffed. It uses two Crescent squeakers instead of traditional stuffing.
How many squeakers are in ZippyPaws Donutz?
The Regular Donutz contains two ZippyPaws exclusive Crescent squeakers.
What size is the ZippyPaws Donutz Mint Chip?
The ZP655 Mint Chip Regular Donutz is listed at approximately 7 × 7 × 2 inches.
What dogs is Regular Donutz designed for?
ZippyPaws lists Regular Donutz such as Chocolate and Strawberry for small and medium dogs.
Is ZippyPaws Donutz good for aggressive chewers?
Regular Donutz should not be considered a dedicated aggressive-chewer toy. The plush exterior can still be damaged by determined chewing.
Does the Donutz toy have a squeaker?
Yes. The Regular version contains two Crescent squeakers, which are a signature part of the Donutz construction.
Is the Mint Chip Donutz different from Chocolate or Strawberry Donutz?
The main difference is the flavor-themed appearance and color. ZippyPaws lists Mint Chip as SKU ZP655 among its Regular Donutz designs.
Is ZippyPaws Donutz washable?
Care instructions can vary by specific Donutz version and should be checked against the product packaging or current manufacturer’s instructions. Because the toy contains internal squeakers, avoid assuming that every cleaning method is appropriate.
What is the difference between Regular and Jumbo Donutz?
Regular Donutz are approximately 7 inches across, use two Crescent squeakers, and contain no stuffing. Jumbo Donutz are approximately 10 inches across, use two larger Blaster squeakers, and are stuffed.
What is the difference between Regular Donutz and ZippyTuff Donutz?
Regular Donutz have a plush, stuffing-free construction and are intended primarily for plush-style play. ZippyTuff Donutz are made from flexible TPR and are specifically marketed for chewing, fetching, and tugging.
Related Dog Toy Guides
Choose the right toy for your dog
If you’re deciding whether a squeaky plush toy is appropriate for your dog’s play style, these guides can help:
- How to Choose the Right Dog Toy
- How to Choose Safer Dog Toys
- How to Choose the Right Dog Toy Size
- How Often Should You Replace Dog Toys?
Explore related toy categories
Donutz fits naturally into several DogToyChoice categories because it combines plush construction, squeaking, and interactive play.
Ready to Try ZippyPaws Donutz?
If your dog enjoys squeaky plush toys, carrying, fetching, and shaking, the stuffing-free ZippyPaws Donutz offers a fun alternative to traditional stuffed toys.