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- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
Puppies are chew monsters. If they’re not supplied with engaging toys of their own, they’ll find them—usually among your possessions. We know from experience how tricky it can be to find the right toys for a teething pup. That’s why we’ve rounded up our favorites for different ages, stages, breeds, and needs.
New to puppy parenthood? Hop to the end of this article, where we’ve consulted veterinarian Sophie Whoriskey, DVM, to get her take on how to pick the best puppy chew toys for your particular toothy fuzzball.
These puppy chew toys put safety first: quality materials, medium density, and not too small or easily cracked. They also offer variety—as Whoriskey puts it, “different sensations for puppies to explore help to keep their minds active and engaged.”
The result? We gathered up a range of quality puppy chews to suit a growing dog.
- Best Overall Chew Toy for Puppies: Puppy KONG
- Best Freezable Chew Toy: Nylabone Chew and Chill
- Best for Teething Puppies: Nylabone Teething Pacifier
- Best Chew Toy for Small Breed Puppies: KONG Wild Knots Bear Toy
- Best Chew Toy for Large Breed Puppies: Benebone Wishbone
- Best Hollow Puppy Chew Toy: JW Hol-ee Roller Treat Dispensing Ball
- Best Bone for Puppies: Nylabone Puppy Starter Pack
- Best Chew Toy for Puppies 3-6 Months: KONG Puppy Binkie
- Best Chew Toy for Puppies 6-12 Months: West Paw Zogoflex Tux Toy
- Best Natural Chew Toy for Puppies: Lucas B Spider Toy
- Best Plush Puppy Chew Toy: Outward Hound Tough Seamz Plush Puppy Chew Toy
- Best Edible Puppy Chews: N-Bone Puppy Teething Rings
Best Overall Chew Toy for Puppies: Puppy KONG
Puppy KONG Toy
Durable and stuffable, the soft rubber KONG is a versatile puppy-safe chew toy.
This pick is a no-brainer; KONG has long been king of the chew toy world, and for a good reason. The durable rubber of the puppy toys is softer than the adult versions, giving pups the pressure they need without hurting them.
They’re also ideal for stuffing with treats to keep a puppy engaged. For an extra-long-lasting distraction, fill the KONG with dog-safe peanut butter and freeze it before giving it to your puppy. Your furry friend will have something to focus on while you work, and the cold can even soothe inflamed gums.
One note of caution for new pet parents: If you’re using your puppy’s KONG a lot, consider swapping peanut butter for a low-calorie filler like pumpkin, sweet potato, or unsweetened apple sauce.
Key Takeaways
- Durable natural rubber
- Stuff with treats or kibble
- Dishwasher-safe
- Freeze for an added challenge
Best Freezable Chew Toy for Puppies: Nylabone Chew and Chill for Puppies
Nylabone Chew and Chill
Soothing toy for teething puppies can be frozen for added relief.
Teething makes puppies chew furiously to relieve tooth pain. Freezable chew toys are designed to add soothing cold to your pup’s chew session—and calm their gums.
We’re fans of the Chew and Chill by trusted brand Nylabone because it’s softer than similar options for larger dogs. Unlike harder freezable toys, it relies on a soft attached cloth for the frozen element.
You’ll want to remove when it warms up so your puppy doesn’t lose interest.
Key Takeaways:
- Attached cloth can be soaked and frozen
- Nubby ring texture helps with dental health
- Available in peanut butter, lamb, and chicken flavors
- For puppies up to 24 pounds
- Not for puppies with adult teeth
Best for Teething Puppies: Nylabone Teething Pacifier
Nylabone Teething Pacifier
With flexible material for safe chewing, this adorable toy can also be frozen.
Before 12 weeks of age, most puppies don’t need chew toys. That’s because they don’t begin losing their baby teeth until after 3 months. Their peak teething phase starts then and lasts until about six months.
At this stage, it’s particularly important to prevent tooth injuries and avoid chewing surfaces that are too hard.
The nubby texture of this Nylabone provides extra interest for puppies as they explore. It’s also helpful for cleaning teeth and gums.
An added bonus: this pacifier toy can be frozen to soothe sore gums.
Key Takeaways:
- Nubby texture for dental health
- Soft enough for young puppies
- For puppies up to 25 pounds
- Four dog-friendly flavors
Best for Small Breed Puppies: KONG Wild Knots Bear Dog Toy
KONG Wild Knots Bear
Soft, sturdy bear with internal rope for active chewing and shaking.
KONG Wild Knots toys hide a tough rope underneath a soft, cozy exterior. That makes them easy to grip, sturdy enough to shake, and soft enough to cuddle.
A squeaker gives noisy feedback to engage your puppy, and minimal stuffing ensures a cleaner floor if they break through the exterior.
Extra-small and small sizes are the best fit for most puppies.
Key Takeaways:
- Minimal filling for less mess
- Internal rope and squeaker
- X-small is 4″ tall; small is 7″ tall
- Machine washable
- Best for gentle to moderate chewing
Best for Large Breed Puppies: Benebone Wishbone for Puppies
Benebone Puppy Wishbone Chew
Durable enough for large breed puppies, this safe nylon chew is easy for puppies to grip and carry.
Larger breeds have stronger jaws and need more durable toys. Chew toys for lab puppies and other big breeds must be sturdy—but not so strong they could cause damage.
This toy’s curved wishbone design makes it easy for pups to hold while they chew (genius!).
Flavored with bacon, this chew is softer than adult Benebone options. It’s very durable, however—and therefore best for stronger, bigger puppies.
Key Takeaways:
- “Tiny” size comes with a dental chew
- Flavored with real bacon
- Made in the USA
Best Hollow Puppy Chew Toy: JW Hol-ee Roller Treat Dispensing Ball
JW Hol-ee Roller Treat Dispensing Ball
Stuff treats in this interactive toy made from soft, flexible rubber.
Crafted from stretchy, non-toxic rubber, this brightly colored ball is gentle on developing puppy mouths.
It’s also an interactive toy that will keep puppies’ interest. Use it as a beginner puzzle toy: fill it with treats and encourage your pup to problem-solve. Or simply play fun games of tug.
It’s available in sizes from mini to large, with the small size best for most puppies. Larger breed puppies may want to size up.
Key Takeaways:
- Soft, non-toxic rubber is easy on puppy teeth
- Comes in four sizes, from a three-inch small to a 7.5-inch jumbo
- Easy to clean with soap and water
Best Bone for Puppies: Nylabone Puppy Starter Pack
Nylabone Puppy Starter Pack
A pet parent favorite, these puppy chews are made from nylon for a safer chewing experience.
The Nylabone puppy line continues with this pack of safe starter bones. Unlike real bones, these aren’t likely to chip your puppy’s teeth or splinter off (though as with any chew, it’s important to monitor and check both your pup’s gums and the toy regularly for damage).
We love the variety in this affordable pack. The softer chicken flavored chew is for younger puppies. Once they get adult teeth, they can graduate to the tougher bacon flavor bone. Last in the pack, the Natural Nubz dog chew is an edible treat.
Key Features:
- Three varieties: soft, strong, and edible
- Durable nylon for longer play
- Remove if chipped or cracked
Best for Puppies 3-6 Months: KONG Puppy Binkie
KONG Puppy Binkie
Soft rubber chew toy comes in a small size for puppies up to 9 months of age.
Like the original puppy KONG, the KONG Binkie is made from natural rubber for safe chewing. Stuff it with peanut butter or small treats to add a challenge.
The Puppy Binkie shares the quality of similar KONG toys in a unique shape we love for the smallest dogs. It’s slightly easier for small mouths to manipulate thanks to the attached handle.
Plus, the design makes it fun for gentle games of tug.
Key Takeaways:
- Made in the USA
- Safe for puppies up to 9 months
- Stuffable with treats or peanut butter
Best for Puppies 6-12 Months: West Paw Zogoflex Tux Toy
West Paw Zogoflex Tux Toy
You can stuff treats inside this bouncy, tough chew toy.
After six months, most puppies will have their adult teeth. At this point, they can graduate to a variety of fun chew toys. Enter: dog puzzles!
Heavy chewers enjoy the added challenge of the West Paw Tux Toy. Tuck a treat inside, and your dog will stay busy trying to remove it.
We like the bouncy quality and great feel of this toy. It’s easy for humans to toss and doesn’t make too much noise when it lands, unlike heavier options.
Key Features:
- Stuff with treats or liquid to freeze
- Easy to grasp and hold between paws
- Durable construction from recycled materials
- Made in the USA
- Break up larger treats to fit inside
Best Natural Chew Toy for Puppies: Lucas B Natural Rubber Spider Toy
Lucas B Natural Rubber Spider Toy
Handmade by a family-owned business, this natural rubber toy is designed for busy puppy mouths.
Following the same safety standards as children’s toys, this company creates squeaky friends for teething puppies.
Made from 100% natural latex rubber, Lucas B toys are BPA-free, chemical-free, and toxin-free. They’ve toned the squeaker down, too, so that it’s gentler for sensitive puppy ears.
Designed to be soft on puppy mouths, this toy is handmade in Morocco by a family-owned business (based in Spain). We like the innovative textures and designs.
Key Features:
- Natural latex rubber
- BPA- and chemical-free
- Handmade in Morocco
- Not ideal for dogs with adult teeth
Best Plush Puppy Chew Toy: Outward Hound Tough Seamz Plush Puppy Chew Toy
Outward Hound Tough Seamz Squeaky Plush Puppy Chew Toy
A cuddly, squeaky toy for puppies who like to fetch and tug.
Looking for something with a softer side for your puppy? This squeaky tug toy is plush and durable.
It’s easy for puppies to pick up with its long floppy body, and great for tug-of-war. With multiple rows of squeakers, it can be noisy for humans but fascinating to your puppy.
Key Takeaways:
- Crinkle paper and squeakers offer varied sensory appeal
- Made stuffing-free and with puncture-proof squeakers
- Inner lining and double-stitched seams
- Not for aggressive chewers
Best Edible Puppy Chew: N-Bone Puppy Teething Rings
N-Bone Puppy Teething Rings
Safe, quality ingredients make these sturdy puppy chews stand out.
While edible chews don’t hold up like their non-edible peers, they often hold immediate interest for puppies. They’re best used with supervision and stand up better to moderate chewers.
The N-Bone Teething Rings stand out for the quality of their ingredients and sourcing. We also like the ring shape, which is easier for puppy paws to grip.
Choose from chicken, peanut butter, pumpkin, or salmon flavors.
Key Takeaways:
- Edible and digestible, with four dog-friendly flavors
- Enriched with omega-3 fatty acids and calcium
- Made in the USA
- Corn-, soy-, and wheat-free
- Supervise your dog while chewing
What Chew Toys Should You Give a Puppy?
If you’re new to pet parenthood, the wide range of dog chew toys on the market can be daunting. It’s hard to know what’s best for your puppy, since you need something that’s safe for their developmental level and engaging enough to keep your shoes off the menu.
According to veterinarian and Floofy Doodles consultant Sophie Whoriskey, the first step is understanding why puppies chew: “Puppies, like all young mammals, are born with a strong instinct to chew. It helps them explore their environment and learn about the world around them.”
The instinct is a healthy one—so it’s important not to punish a puppy for chewing. Instead, look for the right chew toys to help satisfy their need, and offer them whenever you catch your puppy starting to gnaw.
“Chew toys help puppies learn to control their biting and chewing impulses and can protect your belongings,” Dr. Whoriskey explains.
But not just any chew toy will do. Puppy-safe chews will be 1) the right size for your dog’s mouth and 2) the right material for their chew power.
“The toy should be small enough to fit comfortably in your dog’s mouth but large enough not to swallow,” Dr. Whoriskey cautions.
Chew toys made for adult dogs can be too hard—or, conversely, sturdy enough for big-dog canines but not proof against a puppy’s needle-like baby teeth. You’ll want to avoid toys with small parts that can be chewed off.
If your puppy is an especially active chewer, you might be tempted to purchase chews billed for “extreme” or “power” chewers. But these are almost always built with fully developed adult dogs in mind—meaning they’re not necessarily safe for puppy teeth. Instead, focus on firm yet pliable materials that have a little bit of give.
Frozen dog toys are an especially popular choice for teething puppies, since they offer some relief to swollen and irritated gums.
How We Chose
The puppy-safe chew toys featured here were selected based on a combination of our own hands-on testing, a comprehensive look at customer reviews across a wide variety of retail platforms, and interviews with veterinary experts. We prioritized safety, age-appropriateness, and variety.
We’re also guided by the experience of living and playing alongside our own much-loved and strongly opinionated puppies, who are never stingy with their feedback.
