All canines, no matter their breed or personality types chew.
It’s how they explore the world and find relief while teething.
Although there are many puppy toys out there, not all of them are suitable for your mini pooch or safe.
In this article, we explore the top 7 best puppy toys, and inform you on what to watch out for and how to choose the best one.
In a hurry? Here is the top 3:
Our Top Picks
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Best Puppy Toys
Bringing home a new puppy is an exciting and happy occasion. Slobbery kisses, numerous walks, and unforgettable bonding moments that follow.
That said, puppies are notorious for chewing on every conceivable surface, and for losing interest in toys quickly.
The Kong Puppy Toy is a plaything that will keep your young pup engaged with its multiple functions.
The gentle rubber from which it’s made relieves gum ache caused by teething.
When frozen, the toy provides additional cooling relief that helps with the sensitivity and discomfort.
The above-average longevity of this toy must be mentioned as its soft, yet durable exterior won’t easily fall apart when your puppy sinks his teeth in.
Filling the hollowed-out middle with your puppy’s kibble or favourite treat will keep your pet busy for hours.
The Kong will teach him how to fish out treats by utilising his brainpower.
Not just a game for stimulating your pup’s grey matter, this toy will help your canine to feel like he’s worked hard for his food and deserves the reward.
The Kong makes for exciting games of fetch with your pet.
Its different conical shape bounces in different directions if dropped, allowing your pet to give chase without you having to put in the effort if you’re busy or out.
Features
- Pink or blue Kong toys for puppies
- Available sizes: small, medium, and large
- Made from gentle rubber
- Designed for teething
- Features a hole for stuffing treats
What we liked
- Gentle rubber is perfect for teething
- The middle, stuffed with treats, will keep your pup’s mind active
Didn't like
- Restricted to young puppies
If your pet’s first set of teeth are gradually setting in, he’s probably feeling sore and uncomfortable.
This Nylabone Puppy starter kit consists of three bones, two for puppyhood and one for young adulthood.
The flexible material alleviates sensitive gums through gentle gnawing.
Along with its pain-relieving nylon, the puppy chew toy releases a chicken flavour that entices your puppy to chew for longer.
This means your pet won’t have to satisfy his or her biting instincts on non-puppy friendly surfaces instead.
With toys like these, you can teach your pet good chewing habits that last the rest of his life.
Nylabones could be problematic for puppies over a certain age because they’re not entirely durable.
They might not withstand if your puppy is a power chewer in the making because it can break apart into chunks after minutes of play. This could prove to be a severe health hazard.
For young nibblers with teeth the size of pins, these bones are perfect. The tougher, “extreme” bone is suitable for a moderate chewer who doesn’t seek out to destroy toys.
Features
- Puppy starter kit featuring three bones
- Tiny bristles raise on the bone act like a mini toothbrush
- Suitable for puppies up to 11kgs
What we liked
- A training tool for non-destructive chewing habits
- Great for dental hygiene
Didn't like
- Not designed for power chewers
This cuddle toy is made for rough play and can assist with early teething but shouldn’t be mistaken for a chew toy.
Best used as a naptime companion, the soft texture of this toy is also gentle on dogs’ mouths and can be carried around.
If your pet is sprouting new teeth, wet and freeze the toy, so that he has something to ease his discomfort.
Unlike plush soft toys, this product from the Rosewood toy line is made from strong materials, like the robust strands of a bathmat.
Although it won’t last forever, dogs can tug on the toy and toss it around without it breaking easily.
A common complaint is that the toy is smaller than expected, so choose one size up.
It can also be shredded apart in seconds by older puppies that chew aggressively.
Since the inside contains stuffing that may be swallowed, it’s best to be extra careful with this toy if your pet has a strong propensity to chew, destroy, and is past the teething stage.
Features
- Rosewood Cudleez Noodle Buddy Dog
- Soft cuddle toy with a squeaker
What we liked
- Cute naptime companion
- Stronger than other plush toys
Didn't like
- Squeaker could be a choking hazard if exposed
Learn to identify your puppy’s chew style before you purchase this puppy teething toy because it’s not formulated for strong biters.
Age also plays a factor as this toy is better suited to weeks-old puppies under seven kilograms, compared to a four-month-old with razor-sharp pearly whites.
Nylabone is transparent about the usefulness of this toy; it’s strictly for teething only.
The soft, flexible materials combined with the nibs and ridges covering the bone soothe sensitive teeth and gums.
Be warned, though, bits may fall off during a gnashing session and can be swallowed.
The bone boasts a lightweight design, which is appropriate for tiny pups but not bigger pooches experiencing a growth spurt.
For puppies rapidly developing, the toy might seem somewhat flimsy, and too small to hold your pet’s interest for longer than a few minutes.
Bristles that become activated the moment your pet gnaws at his bone optimise dental health, contributing toward clean, strong, and healthy teeth into adulthood.
Finally, suppose you want to teach your household pet healthy chewing habits.
In that case, Nylabones help to redirect your pet’s instinct to munch and devour everything that are potentially life-threatening things.
If this Nylabone item doesn’t work for your pet, others from the well-known brand could be more suitable.
Features
- Nylabone teething bone for puppies
- Available in chicken flavour
- Tiny bristles raise on the bone act like a mini toothbrush
- Suitable for puppies up to 7kgs
What we liked
- Excellent for teething and maintaining oral health
- Lightweight design
Didn't like
- Flimsy and small for big puppies – won’t last long
Are you looking for an anxiety-busting toy that will comfort your new pup as he adjusts to a new environment or something that will entice your pet to play?
This soft Kong product with an internal knotted skeleton is tougher than it looks.
Sure, like a human teddy, your puppy might lie next to this bear, but it can also be pulled, twisted, dragged, and shaken without getting damaged.
Unlike many soft, cute, and cuddly toys, this Kong doesn’t have eyes and other decorative elements that can be obliterated, torn off, and ingested.
If your pet makes it his mission to destroy the toy, be mindful of the inside squeaker and filling, which if swallowed, could lead to choking and an expensive visit paid to the vet.
Those looking at a Kong that’s different from their trademark rubber toys, this cute bear can provide some entertainment.
Features
- Wild knots bear featuring a knotted rope skeleton
- Available in various sizes
What we liked
- Can withstand rough play
- Great for naps and cuddling
- Can be carried around without causing mouth injuries
Didn't like
- Not suitable for a power chewer
Stop your hands and fingers from becoming the collateral damage of your pet’s incessant chewing during teething.
Consisting of soft rubber, this Kong toy offers the perfect surface to chew, while the incorporation of patented dental ridges and groves helps keep your puppy’s oral health in check.
Like other Kong products, dogs love to play with the puppy teether on its own, or with peanut butter inside the grooves.
Bear in mind that if you do add peanut butter or another dog-friendly filling, that it must be washed thoroughly afterwards to remove bits of food from the smaller, harder-to-reach crevices.
Although it’s best used as a teething device, it can be presented to your pup during playtime for exhilarating games of mini tug of war.
Features
- Teething sticks available in assorted colours
- Created from soft, natural rubber
- Features Patented ridges for dental health
- Suitable for dogs between 7kgs and 16kgs
What we liked
- Great for oral health, teething and play
- Can be stuffed with treats
Didn't like
- Some items smell strongly of rubber
The attention span of puppies is short, which is why this variety pack featuring an assortment of toys is excellent value for money.
The mix of soft toys and ropes is bound to keep your puppy engaged and entertained for longer. The various bright colours and unique designs are also bound to excite and delight.
You’ll find that these toys aren’t equally durable where the ropes outlast the squeaky cow and the plush doughnut, for example. To prolong their survival, rotate your pet’s toy collection frequently.
The toys are made from thick, non-toxic cotton, which is premium quality and designed for young puppies that need an outlet for chewing, especially the rope toys that are impossible to tear apart in one playtime session.
The reality of purchasing soft toys is that they won’t last in a household where aggressive chewers live.
However, if you are bringing home a pup overwhelmed by the unfamiliar sights and sounds of your home, these cosy toys may calm stressed and anxious newly adopted pets.
Features
- Seven-piece toy pack
- Features rope toys and cuddly toys
- Made from non-toxic, multi-coloured cotton.
What we liked
- Offers lots of diversion for easily bored pups
- Bright, colourful and unique toy designs
- Great value for money
Didn't like
- Not made from determined chewers
- Some toys break easily
Guide To Purchasing Puppy Toys
Puppy toys are necessary for your boisterous new fur baby.
Playthings are the source of entertainment for younger dogs that also aid with teething and save your shoes and socks from destruction.
What to Consider When Buying Online
Factors that play a role in the types of puppy toys you choose include breed, age, size, and personality.
Breed
Buying toys can be confusing and overwhelming, which is why you should consider your puppy’s breed, unique needs, and doggy habits before making a purchase.
Your dog might not find the toy you bought stimulating enough or on the flip side, too challenging.
Either way, you’ll need to find something that plays to your mini canine’s strengths and captures his attention.
Different breeds of dogs possess different traits; some are more active and playful, others are intelligent, and still, others have bloodhound scents.
Learn your pet’s key characteristics and buy him toys accordingly.
Personality
Is your pet ultra-energetic, calm, and gentle, an anxious bundle of nerves, or seemingly crafty?
A super energetic puppy will need lots of exercise in the outdoors, playing fetch and running around.
So a frisbee, ball or something that can be thrown will stimulate them physically and keep away boredom.
On the other hand, a soft cuddle toy provides comfort to nervous pets, while plush toys are great for gentle animals who like to carry their favourite toys around with them wherever they go.
Smart dogs might need something that burns mental energy, which is where puzzle toys come in handy.
Age
Puppy toys are appropriate for hounds between two and ten months.
Younger puppies will benefit from using toys designed for teething, while older canines may require stronger toys depending on their developing chew style.
Size
Durable, larger toys are necessary for bigger pups, while smaller, lighter playthings will excite little puppies with smaller mouths.
Teething
Teething afflicts all baby mammals, including our canine friends and occurs when your puppy’s teeth start to develop.
During this formative stage of development, your pet will experience discomfort, a sensation relieved by chewing.
If you don’t want your personal items destroyed by your biting pup, choose toys specifically formulated for teething.
These gadgets aren’t merely toys but learning instruments that teach your hound appropriate chewing habits.
Check out our article for the best indestructible dog toys if you suffer from the wrath of a power chewer.
FAQs
Made from non-toxic cotton or all-natural rubber, puppy toys are safe but there are a few factors you should keep in mind when purchasing a toy.
Remember to buy the right-sized toy and avoid softer, less robust playthings if your pet usually ruins toys with his power chewing.
Puppy toys are usually softer and gentler on teething mouths. Once your dog grows up and develops a stronger grip and more pronounced bite, he’ll have to upgrade to adult toys.
This usually happens between seven and ten months.
There is a wide selection of toys curated for puppies, ranging from soft toys, through to robust chewing toys, and products for teeth specifically.
Kongs and other rubber toys can be run through a dishwasher, while most soft toys can be chucked into a washing machine. Check for wash settings before you start the cycle.
Toys that haven’t been cleaned in a while might need to be cleaned by hand using non-toxic detergent.
Final Verdict
Once again, we're impressed by Kong's selection of toys.
The Kong Puppy toy, made from soft rubber, helps with teething, is excellent for play, dispenses treats, and keeps puppies busy and stimulated.
If attacked by a puppy, the toy won't break apart. And if it does, it might be time to size up to a tougher Kong designed for adult dogs.
The chew sticks by Kong are also useful, especially if your pet is teething and needs a distraction. Although predominantly for teething, it can be introduced during playtime and has been used for tug of war.
Although we've chosen toys made from the most durable materials, we are also happy to recommend the Kong's Wild Knots Bear.
While the bear might look highly snuggable, its internal knotted skeleton is reasonably durable and can endure light chewing.
Read our article for the best Kong toys if you'd like to see more from this brand.
Haven't decided yet? Here is our top 7:
Our Top Picks
- Appropriate Chewing: The KONG Puppy soft rubber formula is customized for a...
- Fetch Toy: The KONG Puppy's unpredictable bounce makes for exciting games...
- Teething Puppies: The KONG Puppy rubber formula is created for power...
- The starter bone (centre of pack) is made with soft, flexible material...
- Graduate to the blue dental bone with nubs once your puppy has some adult...
- The white extreme chew is harder for when your puppy's chewing style...
- Cute and cuddly plush toy, made from soft yet durable noodle effect fabric....
- Added squeaker to help entice active play
- Tried, tested and adored by our Rosewood Canine Colleagues!
- Made with soft, flexible material designed specifically for teething...
- Great for dental hygiene, tiny bristles raise on the bone during chewing,...
- Satisfy your puppy's natural urge to chew and keep him busy with something...
- Internal knotted rope skeleton satisfies dogs’ natural instincts
- Minimal stuffing for less mess
- Soft yet durable
- Soft KONG Puppy Rubber soothes and cleans sore teeth and gums
- Stuff Denta-Ridges with treats, pastes or peanut butter to extend playtime
- For dogs up to nine months of age
- Great Puppy Toy for Your Dogs - Toozey Dog Toys Puppy Toys include various...
- Safe&High Quality - The ropes of Toozey Dog Toys Puppy Toys are made from...
- Forget about Boredom - Toozey Dog Toys Puppy Toys relieves your puppy's gum...
So, which is your favourite?
Ah the life of a puppy! Full of sloppy kisses and gnawing things to bits.
We hope you enjoyed our definitive guide to puppy toys. If you already made up your mind, why not let us know your favourite in the comment section below.
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