If you've ever lost count of how many tennis balls your dog has destroyed, buried or launched into a river, you're not alone. Tennis balls have a habit of disappearing — and buying them one at a time quickly adds up. Here's a practical guide to how many you actually need, and how to make your money go further.
How Quickly Do Dogs Go Through Tennis Balls?
It depends on the dog. A gentle retriever might keep a ball for weeks. A determined Border Collie or Labrador can destroy one in an afternoon. On average, most active dogs go through around 2–4 balls per week when playing regularly outdoors.
Factor in balls lost to long grass, ponds, fences and enthusiastic throws, and a household with one active dog can easily get through 10–20 balls a month.
How Many Should You Have at Once?
A good rule of thumb:
- Single household dog — keep 12–20 balls in rotation
- Multiple dogs — 20–40 balls, depending on how competitive they get
- Dog walkers — 50–100 balls minimum; you'll thank yourself later
- Kennels and training centres — 100–200+ balls, restocked regularly
Why Buying in Bulk Makes Sense
Buying individual packs of tennis balls is the most expensive way to keep your dog supplied. The more you buy at once, the lower the cost per ball — and with used tennis balls, the savings are even more significant.
Our Grade D 100-pack works out at a fraction of the cost of buying new balls, and our 200-pack is our best value option for heavy users.
Do You Need New or Used Tennis Balls?
For dogs, used tennis balls are the obvious choice. Dogs don't care about pressure ratings or felt quality — they care about the chase. Used balls are:
- Significantly cheaper than new
- Just as safe for fetch and play
- Better for the environment
- Available in bulk quantities
Our Grade F budget balls are the most popular choice for dog owners — more balls for less money, and your dog genuinely won't notice the difference.
What About a Subscription?
If you go through balls regularly, a subscription means you never have to think about it. Set up a regular delivery and a fresh batch arrives automatically — no running out mid-walk.
Tips for Making Balls Last Longer
- Rotate your stock — don't use the same ball every day
- Store balls somewhere dry when not in use
- Replace any ball that has been chewed into pieces
- Avoid leaving balls in direct sunlight for long periods
The bottom line: buy more than you think you need, buy used, and buy in bulk. Your dog will be happy, and your wallet will thank you.