Best Chew Toys for Puppies | Dental Development During Playtime!

It’s great having a puppy around — they are full of energy and always wanting to play, but it’s not always possible to devote all of your attention to them so it’s important to have the best chew toys for puppies to keep them entertained.

Toys are also essential to provide comfort for your puppy during teething, as well as helping avoid certain behavioral problems and give them something resistant to chew on which is great for their dental health.

Disclosure: We believe in transparency. The links within this article are affiliate links, which means any purchases you make as a result of clicking them, will result in us making a small commission. This does not affect the price nor does it influence the products we feature.

Our top pick for the best chew toys for puppies is the KONG Puppy Dog Toy. This chew toy is highly durable, safe, and strong. It is made with a teething rubber formula and it helps to enhance the chew habits of your pup. It also helps with training.

The Best Chew Toys for Puppies Are:

ProductDetails
1. KONG Puppy Dog Toy

  • Lifestage: Puppy
  • Material: Rubber
  • Item Weight: 0.92 ounces
Check Current Price
2. Nylabone Dura Chew Textured Souper

  • Lifestage: Puppy
  • Toy Flavor: Bacon
  • Toy Feature: Tough chewer, dental
  • Material: Nylon
Check Current Price
3. Outward Hound Dog Toys

  • Lifestage: Puppy
  • Material: polyester
  • Toy Feature: Squeaky, training, exercise
  • Item Weight: 3.49 ounces
Check Current Price
4. Otterly Pets Puppy Dog Rope Toys

  • Lifestage: Puppy
  • Material: Cotton Fibers
  • Item Weight: 0.8 ounces
Check Current Price
5. Kong Cozies Dog Squeaky Toy

  • Lifestage: Puppy
  • Toy Feature: Squeaky
  • Material: Polyester
  • Item Weight: 3.52 ounces
Check Current Price
6. Nylabone Teething Keys Puppy Chew Toy

  • Lifestage: Puppy
  • Toy Flavor: Bacon
  • Toy Feature: Teething, Dental
  • Material: Thermoplastic Polymer
  • Item Weight: 8.8 ounces
Check Current Price
7. Nylabone Teething Rings Puppy Chew Toy

  • Lifestage: Puppy
  • Toy Feature: Teething, Dental
  • Toy Flavor: Bacon
  • Material: Thermoplastic Polymer
  • Item Weight: 3.2 ounces
Check Current Price
8. Benebone Bacon Flavor Wishbone Tough Dog Chew Toy

  • Lifestage: Puppy
  • Material: Nylon
  • Toy Feature: Tough chewer, outdoor, dental, training
  • Toy Flavor: Bacon
  • Item Weight: 6.08 ounces
Check Current Price

 

1. KONG Puppy Dog Toy — Best Puppy Chew Toy

This chew toy for puppies from Kong has everything you need to provide your puppy with entertainment when you are not around.

It is made from their exclusive teething rubber formula and can help you with crate training, encourage healthy chewing behavior, and reduce separation anxiety when you have to leave them on their own.

The rubber that it is made from is incredibly durable so it can withstand constant chewing and gives a nice feeling to the puppies developing mouth when they bite into it.

It is important to provide them with objects that are ok for them to chew, and this product can easily be used to deter them from your favorite shoes.

The reason why this toy is so great for training is that it has a hollow design in which you can stuff your puppy’s favorite treats.

They remain in there and through chewing; the puppy is able to dislodge the treats. This provides the dog with both encouragement to chew on the toy and reward for doing so.

Alongside constant praise from your part, the toy will become a firm favorite and help stop them from chewing on anything else.

The ability to stuff the toy with treats also helps with separation anxiety, which usually occurs in the first 20 minutes after you have left them alone.

Giving them this toy before you leave will keep them happily busy for those 20 minutes and help to reduce those effects. The toy is also suitable for freezing to further increase the amount of time it will take before the treats are dislodged.

Providing a puppy with fun things to play with, as when they are bored puppies are more likely to bark and dig, can solve most behavioral problems.

The unpredictable bounce of this toy means that games of fetch will never be the same, thus keeping them alert and entertained.

If you are looking for fun chew toys for puppies that will aid your puppy’s development with chewing and improve behavior, then this one from Kong is ideal.

It is a neat addition that treats can be stuffed inside, and will be sure to help keep them happy.

Specs

  • Lifestage: Puppy
  • Material: Rubber
  • Item Weight: 0.92 ounces

Pros

  • Made with a teething rubber formula
  • Helps with training
  • Can be filled with treats
  • Durable design

Cons

  • Doesn’t last with very active dogs

CHECK CURRENT PRICE

2. Nylabone Dura Chew Textured Souper

Puppies need to chew, it is how they explore the world, and this chew toy from Nylabone provides a great way to keep them entertained while benefiting their dental health and training them to only chew on appropriate things.

Nylabone has developed a very durable toy from Nylon that will cope with the strongest chewers without falling apart as some other toys can.

They also have a unique method to imbue the toy with the flavor of bacon that ensures it remains appealing to the dog for the entire lifetime of the product.

One great feature of this chew toy is the rigid textured design. It feels nice in your puppy’s mouth while they play with it, and has bristles that actually clean their teeth at the same time.

This improves their oral and dental hygiene and makes for a far happier puppy in the long term.

All of these features mean that this chew toy is effective at dealing with all the reasons why you need toys in the first place — making this one of the top chew toys for puppies.

It keeps them entertained, helps them develop teeth, and trains them that some things are appropriate to chew. It will also keep them occupied when you are not around, so it reduces the risk of developing separation anxiety.

Nylabone dog toys are a great choice to consider if you are struggling to find something resistant enough to your dog’s strength, while still providing the behavioral and health benefits you need.

They are fun to play with and make a great addition to your toy collection.

Specs

  • Lifestage: Puppy
  • Toy Flavor: Bacon
  • Toy Feature: Tough chewer, dental
  • Material: Nylon

Pros

  • Bacon flavored
  • Textured design
  • Made with durable nylon
  • Bristles that clean teeth

Cons

  • Some dogs may not like the smell

CHECK CURRENT PRICE

3. Outward Hound Dog Toys

These hide and seek chew toys for puppies from Outward Hound provide your puppy with a perfect game to keep them entertained and satisfy their curiosity.

Included within the pack is a plush material tree trunk and three squeaky squirrels that can be hidden inside.

Puppies need a good variety of toys to keep them busy, and this one satisfies that urge in a way that many other toys cannot.

No longer will you have to take your dog to the park to chase squirrels, you simply hide these squeaky ones inside the tree branch and you are all set.

Your dog will search all of the openings for the best way to retrieve them and, once it is done, you can simply put them back in and start all over again.

This works both as a fun game to play with your puppy, and a great soft chew toy for puppies for them to have when you aren’t around to set it up as intended.

Squeaky toys are irresistible to dogs, and the furry squirrel tails will keep them entertained for ages.

It is, in fact, like getting 4 toys in one because each of them functions as a fun toy to play with on their own. Of course, when they are all put together your puppy will go crazy for them.

If you are looking for a fun toy that is different from the usual chewy bones, then this could well be precisely what you are looking for, as it is one of the best puppy chew toys.

Dogs love prizing the squeaky squirrels from the safety of their tree trunk and it will keep both your puppy and you, entertained for ages.

Specs

  • Lifestage: Puppy
  • Material: polyester
  • Toy Feature: Squeaky, training, exercise
  • Item Weight: 3.49 ounces

Pros

  • Made from durable plush material
  • Includes 3 squeaky squirrels and a tree trunk
  • Available in four sizes
  • Fun for your dog

Cons

  • Users complain of the quality

CHECK CURRENT PRICE

4. Otterly Pets Puppy Dog Rope Toys

This product gives you four different rope toys that are suitable for small size dogs to medium size dogs.

They are made from a durable rope so they can withstand the typical rigors associated with puppy playtime, and are each tied in different ways to give a variety of ways to play.

These are great chew toys for puppies to play with at home with your puppy or when you are out for walks.

The vibrant colors are both appealing and easy to spot if they end up in the undergrowth, and the toys can withstand a lot of rough treatment before they start to fray.

It is great to get four different toys, each of which provides a slightly different game.

The ball of rope is perfect for playing fetch or for your puppy to happily sink its teeth into and take around the home; the ball on the end of a hoop is amazing fun when you are out on a walk and want to throw it in the distance to play fetch, and the other two toys make it fun and easy to play tugging games.

I also like how the rope that is used to make these toys includes cotton fibers that help to clean your puppy’s teeth while they are chewing.

The toys, therefore, provide an enjoyable chewing sensation for the dog while improving their dental hygiene at the same time.

If you are looking for a varied set of toys that will be resilient and fun to play with, then these are a great option to consider.

They are designed specifically for puppies, will satisfy their compulsion to chew, and are great fun for owners too.

Specs

  • Lifestage: Puppy
  • Material: Cotton Fibers
  • Item Weight: 0.8 ounces

Pros

  • 4-piece set of toys
  • Made from durable rope
  • Vibrant colors
  • Cotton fibers to clean teeth
  • Great for toss and tug games

Cons

  • Not the most durable

CHECK CURRENT PRICE

5. Kong Cozies Dog Squeaky Toy

This range of squeaky toys from Kong provides your best friend with their own best friend. They are designed to be colorful and texturally interesting to keep your puppy entertained and happy.

These are not designed to be your puppy’s primary chew toy but are durable enough to withstand the pressures that will be put on them.

They do this by having an extra layer of material to make them tougher. All toys come to an inevitable end, though, and these ones have been made with minimal filling so that they do not make a horrible mess when they do finally fall apart.

The squeaker and vibrant colors ensure that this toy will be appealing to your puppy who will also love the feeling as they bite into the soft fabric texture.

With 10 different varieties to choose from, you will be able to find the perfect companion for your dog, and maybe even find yourself buying more than one to give more variety.

The toys come in a selection of sizes from small to XL so you are able to get one appropriate for your particular breed of dog whether you have a small Chihuahua or something larger like a Doberman.

If you are searching for a fun squeaky toy for your puppy, then this is a great option to think about. You will be able to get one that is the perfect size for your needs, and your puppy will be sure to love playing with it.

Specs

  • Lifestage: Puppy
  • Toy Feature: Squeaky
  • Material: Polyester
  • Item Weight: 3.52 ounces

Pros

  • An extra layer of material for increased strength
  • Vibrant colors
  • Available in 10 different characters
  • Durable squeakers

Cons

  • Falls apart faster than expected

CHECK CURRENT PRICE

6. Nylabone Teething Keys Puppy Chew Toy

Next on the line is the Nylabone Teething Keys Puppy Chew Toy, and this is one of the best chew toys for puppies on the market.

If your puppy is in its teething stage, you would already know that some of your belongings are in trouble, including shoes, table legs, and more. To save your belongings and sanity, it is very important you choose a chew toy for your puppy.

With this chewing toy from Nylabone, your puppy is going to get all the chewing satisfaction it needs.

This chew toy has different nubs and grooves, and they help to soothe aching gums. It comes with three chew keys and they are all textured.

The keys are well-shaped and they provide your puppy with a good grip, and this gives a healthy chewing outlet.

Nylabone also designed this chewing toy to encourage positive play. It also teaches your pup healthy chewing habits to grow up with.

It is absolutely safe for your pet, as vets across the globe high recommend it. This chew toy is made with thermoplastic polymer and it has a bacon flavor.

It also features bright and vibrant colors to keep your puppy engaged and entertained.

This product also helps to reduce tartar and plague, and it promotes proper oral hygiene. It’s certainly one of the best chew toys for teething puppies.

Specs

  • Lifestage: Puppy
  • Toy Flavor: Bacon
  • Toy Feature: Teething, Dental
  • Material: Thermoplastic Polymer
  • Item Weight: 8.8 ounces

Pros

  • Reduces plaque and tartar
  • Encourages proper oral hygiene
  • Made with safe and durable material
  • Teaches healthy showing habits

Cons

  • Not the best option for aggressive chewers

CHECK CURRENT PRICE

7. Nylabone Teething Rings Puppy Chew Toy

You might be wondering why Nylabone products are coming up over and over again. Well, that is because it is actually one of the best brands to turn to when looking for a chew toy for your puppy.

The Teething Rings Puppy Chew Toy from Nylabone is another great chew toy and your teething puppy is going to thank you for it.

This is a textured, chain link style, and fun toy that comes with several features to keep your pup entertained and engaged for a long time.

Your puppy can be happy chewing this toy for hours. It comes with three different shaped rings, and each of them has a different textured surface.

They are designed to encourage healthy chewing habits as well as to keep your pup interested in the toy for a long time.

The chain-link style also makes a noise when your pup is playing with it, and this makes it more fun to play with. It is made from a material that is soft enough and super safe for your puppy.

Despite being made with soft material, this toy is strong enough to handle sustained and aggressive chewing. You can also leave this toy with your pup unsupervised; that is how strong it is.

The toy also has bristles that help to keep the teeth of your pup clean and healthy. It also freshens breath, soothes teething pain, and enhances proper oral hygiene.

It has a bacon flavor and it is made with a thermoplastic polymer.

Specs

  • Lifestage: Puppy
  • Toy Feature: Teething, Dental
  • Toy Flavor: Bacon
  • Material: Thermoplastic Polymer
  • Item Weight: 3.2 ounces

Pros

  • Highly durable
  • Entertaining and engaging
  • Ideal for aggressive chewers
  • Soothes teething pain
  • Promotes proper oral hygiene

Cons

  • Might be too strong for some pups

CHECK CURRENT PRICE

8. Benebone Bacon Flavor Wishbone Tough Dog Chew Toy

The Benebone Bacon Flavored Wishbone Tough Dog Chew Toy is another great chew toy for puppies. This chew toy comes in a fantastically enjoyable shape.

It features a real bacon flavoring but you can also opt for the peanut butter flavor if your pup will love it. This chew toy is one of the most popular on the market and it is one of the fastest-selling also.

It features a great build and it is highly durable. It is made from tough nylon material, making it a sturdy, long-wearing option.

The design of this chew toy is really appealing, and your pup will find it very interesting to play with. The design also makes it easy for your puppy to hold it down with its paws for a great chewing session.

You do not need to supervise your pup while playing with this toy, as it would not be able to tear chunks off it. This chew toy promotes relaxation while discouraging chewing on your shoes and furniture.

Specs

  • Lifestage: Puppy
  • Material: Nylon
  • Toy Feature: Tough chewer, outdoor, dental, training
  • Toy Flavor: Bacon
  • Item Weight: 6.08 ounces

Pros

  • Dog-friendly ergonomic design
  • Made with strong material
  • Bacon or peanut butter flavoring

Cons

  • A bit harder than other chew toys

CHECK CURRENT PRICE

Before Buying A Chew Toy…

Puppies have a natural tendency to chew and providing a durable toy can satisfy this urge while teaching them the difference between what is appropriate to play with and what is not.

Different breeds have different requirements and strengths when it comes to this, though, so you will need a far more durable product if you have a particularly strong dog.

Toys are also great for minimizing any separation anxiety that can be caused by having to leave your puppy alone, so it would be wise to get a good selection if this will often be the case.

They also help with dental hygiene — providing comfortable resistance against chewing and cleaning teeth at the same time.

Your choice of a toy will need to be influenced by the breed you have. Durability is a crucial aspect because you do not want the toys to tear apart as soon as you get them.

It is also worth considering which health benefits you would like to get from the toys you choose — some are far more effective at behavior change and dental hygiene than others.

Here are other factors you need to consider when buying a chew toy for your puppy:

Hardness

While it is good to go for a strong and highly durable chew toy, you do not want to end up with one that would be too hard for your pup to chew.

To know if the toy is not too hard for your pup, we recommend you apply the thumbnail test. If the toy does not “give” a little after pressing it with your thumbnail, then it is too hard for your puppy and could break its teeth.

However, only those buying at mortar and brick stores can carry out this test. For those buying online, you can check reviews of previous customers to know how hard the toy is.

Going through reviews will give you a headstart on how soft or hard the toy is, as previous users will leave comments on that.

Coating

Chew toys for puppies usually come with different coatings. However, you should not go for an option that is treated or coated with flavorings that can cause digestive upset.

You should also avoid coatings that can trigger allergic reactions. Some toys are chicken-treated. If your puppy is allergic to chicken, we highly recommend you stay away from such chew toys.

Entertainment and Engagement

Another vital thing you need to consider when buying a chew toy for a puppy is entertainment and engagement. You want to make sure the chew toy provides hours of chewing entertainment and distraction for your pup.

Some chew toys usually come with additional features to keep your dog engaged for a long time. Some of them also make a little noise, and this helps to keep your pup interested in the toy.

Shape and Size

It is also very important that you consider the size and shape of the chew toy. Chew toys for puppies come in different shapes and sizes.

If the toy is too small for your dog breed, it might result in a severe case such as your dog choking on it. Hence, you should not go for an option that is too small to pass the throat of your pup.

You also want to avoid a shape that your pup could get its muzzle or tongue stuck in it. You should consider the safety of your dog when looking for the best option for it.

Washability

Your dog’s chew toy needs to be cleaned and disinfected occasionally. As such, you want to pick an option that you can wash with ease.

It would even be easier to clean if you can use the dishwasher or washing machine to clean it. You want to make sure the chew toy is also clean and free of germs, as it would mostly be in the mouth of your pup, which is a very delicate place.

The health of your pup could be at stake if you cannot wash and disinfect this toy.

Conclusion

Chew toys are an essential part of a puppy’s life, and it is important that you provide them with things that they can chew on — so they do not target your prized possessions.

They can also be an invaluable help with training your puppy and giving them a sense of comfort when you are unable to be with them.

Our choice for one of the best chew toys for puppies is the Kong puppy toy. It is great that you can fill it with treats, and it will keep your puppy entertained for ages as they try to release them.

It is particularly helpful with training and avoiding separation anxiety, and is made from a durable rubber that feels satisfying for your puppy as it chews into it.

About the author

Sarah Andrews

Hi I'm Sarah, dog lover and blogger. I was born into a dog-loving family and have been a proud doggy mommy ever since I can remember. I love sharing my dog knowledge and love being an active part of the dog-loving community.