Ultimate players love their discs, and many assume that if a disc is good enough for a high-level game of ultimate, it must be great for playing with a dog too. Unfortunately, that’s not the case. While ultimate discs are designed for human hands and competition play, they are not safe for dogs. In fact, no canine disc organization approves ultimate discs for dog use, and for good reason.
What Makes an Ultimate Disc Unsafe for Dogs?
- Too Heavy for Safe Catching
Ultimate discs typically weigh 175 grams, which is far too heavy for a dog’s mouth and jaw. When a dog jumps to catch an ultimate disc, the weight combined with its speed can put immense stress on their teeth and jaw, potentially leading to chipped teeth, dental fractures, or even jaw injuries. - Hard Plastic That Can Damage Teeth
Ultimate discs are made from a hard, stiff plastic that is designed for durability and flight stability. While that makes them great for ultimate, it makes them dangerous for dogs. Unlike dog-safe discs, which are softer and have more give, an ultimate disc doesn’t compress on impact. This rigidity can result in broken teeth, gum injuries, or even serious mouth trauma over time. - Deep Rim That Can Catch a Dog’s Jaw
The deep rim of an ultimate disc is another issue. It’s designed to be gripped and thrown easily by human hands, but for a dog, it can create a problem. Some dogs, especially those with smaller muzzles, can get their lower jaw stuck inside the rim, leading to discomfort, panic, or even injury if they try to shake it off. - Slippery When Wet
Ultimate players know how an ultimate disc gets extra slippery when wet, and dog slobber makes it even worse. When a dog bites down on a saliva-covered ultimate disc, they might not get a solid grip, increasing the risk of missed catches and awkward landings. This makes it harder for dogs to safely play and can even lead to muscle or joint injuries from bad jumps.
What Disc Should You Use Instead?
If you want to play frisbee with your dog, you need a disc designed for canine use. The best options come from Hero Disc USA, which makes discs specifically for dogs, ensuring safety, durability, and performance. Here are two great choices:
Hero Xtra 235 – This disc is lightweight, and flexible, making it a great option for medium to large dogs. It flies well while also being soft enough to protect your dog’s teeth and mouth.
Hero Supersonic 215 – A slightly smaller disc than the Xtra 235, the Supersonic 215 is perfect for all dogs. It’s more durable than the Xtra 235 and is the disc I used to go endzone-to-endzone with Sailor the Touchdown Dog (video below).
Conclusion
While ultimate discs are fantastic for human gameplay, they are simply not designed for canine use. The weight, hard plastic, deep rim, and slipperiness make them unsafe for dogs, increasing the risk of injury. If you love playing frisbee with your dog, choose a disc that’s specifically designed for canine athletes, like the Hero Xtra 235 or the Supersonic 215. Your dog’s safety should always come first—so leave the ultimate discs for the field and grab a dog-safe disc for your furry teammate!