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The 13 Best Chew Toys for Puppies of 2024

Perfect for teething or just for fun

In This Article

In This Article

KONG Puppy Dog Toy

The Spruce Pets / Lecia Landis

Puppies love to chew and they aren’t very picky about what they bite. Sometimes they’re just playing, but often it’s because teething hurts. Good chew toys can prevent the need for your puppy to eat everything and can be lots of fun too.

“I look for what is specific for that particular puppy's needs,” says certified dog trainer Erin Marion of Down to Earth Dog Lady, who is based in Pennsylvania and also trains dogs virtually. “If the puppy is prone to bite more (like shepherds) I will get more durable toys, if I notice the puppy is soft on toys and enjoys gently chewing on them I’ll go with softer more stuffed toys. Overall I like sensory stimulating toys: toys with crinkle material, toys with water bottles in them etc.”

We talked to puppy owners, fosters, and trainers about the most dependable and entertaining chew toys for puppies. We considered them based on materials and size, whether they were specially designed for teething, and any extras like squeakers and crinkly parts.

Our favorite chew toy for puppies is the Kong Puppy, a very popular rubber toy that can be chewed, bounced, and stuffed with treats to keep your pup happy and occupied.

Best Overall

KONG Puppy Dog Toy

KONG Puppy Dog Toy

Amazon

What We Like
  • Has an erratic bounce and wobble

  • Softer rubber for teething pups

  • Comes in four sizes and two colors

  • Can be cleaned in the dishwasher

What We Don't Like
  • Can be destroyed by tough chewers


The classic Kong is a popular and sturdy rubber dog toy, good for teething and chewing. It’s even more entertaining and long-lasting when stuffed with treats, then frozen. The puppy version is made out of softer rubber and is smaller, designed for chewing and teething. It wobbles and bounces if pushed or tossed. Some puppies are quite content just to gnaw on it as is, but it’s much more motivating when filled with kibble, treats, or a little peanut butter.

There are several sizes of adult and puppy Kongs and it’s key that you get the right one for your pet. It’s particularly frustrating for your puppy if it’s too big for them and they can’t reach into the toy to get all the goodies. Some dogs won’t play with a Kong if it isn’t packed with a tasty center, but for those that like to fetch or chase, it’s fun because the bounce is so unpredictable.

“If the puppy or dog is an extreme chewer I like to recommend products from Kong or West Paw,” Marion told The Spruce Pets.

Dimensions: 1.75 x 1.75 x 3 inches | Materials: rubber | Colors: pink, blue

Best for Chewers

Benebone Puppy Dog Chew Toy

Benebone Puppy Dog Chew Toy

Amazon

What We Like
  • Softer than other hard chews

  • Several sizes, shapes, and flavors

  • Long-lasting

What We Don't Like
  • Can be too hard for some pups

Nylon toys are a little softer than similar toys and easy for puppies to grasp with their paws. Puppies love to chew on sticks (and fingers and chair legs). These hard nylon toys are just a bit softer than the traditional Benebones for adult dogs, which means they’re more forgiving for teething pups. They come in three sizes (tiny, small, and medium) and two flavors (bacon and maplewood). Depending on the size,  there are also four designs including a wishbone and a stick that are easy for puppies to grasp with their paws..

The tiny puppy Benebones come in a two-pack and are for puppies under 15 pounds. Be sure to choose the correct size because they’re unwieldy if they’re too  large and can be a choking hazard if too small. The toys aren’t edible, so inspect them regularly for signs of wear. 

Dimensions: 2.76 x 0.39 x 4.33 inches | Materials: nylon with flavoring | Colors: natural

Best Treat Dispensing

WEST PAW Treat Dispensing Dog Toy Puzzle

WEST PAW Zogoflex Toppl Treat Dispensing Dog Toy Puzzle

Amazon

What We Like
  • Works with wet or dry food, fresh or frozen

  • Dishwasher-safe

  • Made in the U.S.

  • Floats

  • Recyclable

What We Don't Like
  • Strong chewers can damage toy


The Toppl looks like a squat cup with a hole on the side. You can fill it up with dry kibble or treats and let your pup roll them out. There are grips on the bottom of the inside to help keep bigger snacks in place. But a true challenge is when you freeze it. You can add moistened kibble, canned food, or a combination of tasty treats. Then let your pup have a frozen dinner.

It’s a great idea for puppies that tend to scarf down their meals quickly. This slows them down and keeps their brain occupied while they dine. The toys can get a little grungy, but can be washed in the dishwasher. The top edges will get ragged after lots of use. When that happens, you can ship them to West Paw for their recycling program to make more toys.

Dimensions: 3 x 3 x 2.5 inches (small) | Materials: blend of plastics | Colors: tangerine, granny smith, aqua blue

Best Edible

N-Bone Puppy Teething Ring

N-Bone Puppy Teething Ring

Amazon

What We Like
  • Edible and digestible

  • Added calcium and omega-3s

  • Made in the U.S. (with globally sourced ingredients)

What We Don't Like
  • Can get sticky and messy

Puppies adore these teething rings. They will often gnaw on them for hours, unless they are really aggressive chewers. The rings are completely edible and have added nutrients, including calcium and omega-3s.

Be sure to feed according to directions. Tiny puppies under 10 pounds should only get a quarter of one per day. Because puppies can have sensitive tummies, feeding too much can cause stomach upset. As tasty as puppies must think they are, they can also be messy. When they’re done, puppies can have some sticky residue on their muzzle and paws, but it’s easy to wash off.

Dimensions: 9.75 x 3.25 x 6.75 inches | Materials: Rice flour and other ingredients | Colors: (flavors) chicken, peanut butter, pumpkin

Best Ball

Chuckit! Ultra Ball

Chuckit! Ultra Ball

Amazon

What We Like
  • Very durable

  • Five sizes

  • Also works with the Chuckit Launcher

  • Bright color makes it easy to find

  • Floats

What We Don’t Like
  • n/a

Give a puppy a tennis ball and likely, they’ll start pulling off the fuzz. But give a puppy a Chuckit! Ultra Ball and they’ll chew and roll and bounce it. There’s a chance they might even play fetch. Chuckit balls are made of heavy duty rubber. They’re so durable and they bounce really high.

Give your puppy one to play with or pair it with the Chuckit! Ball Launcher for serious games of fetch. The bright orange color makes it easier for you to find in the grass or under the furniture. The balls come in five sizes ranging from a 2-inch diameter for the smallest pups to a 4-inch ball for larger dogs.

Dimensions: 2 inches, 2.5 inches, 3 inches, 3.5 inches, 4 inches | Colors: Orange | Materials: Rubber

Best Soft

KONG Wild Knots Bear Dog Toy

KONG Wild Knots Bear Dog Toy

Chewy

The Kong Wild Knots Bear has a good combination of so many things puppies love. There’s a squeaker and lots of fuzzy parts to grab, and the inside is mostly a rope, which is fun to tug and hold on to. The toy is made with very little stuffing, so it’s hard for pups who love to chew to do much damage.

The sturdy bears come in four sizes from extra-small to extra-large, so you can choose the size that’s most appropriate for your puppy. Except for gnawing off an occasional part of an ear, puppies seem to have fun with this soft toy without inflicting too much harm.

Dimensions: 6.5 x 3.8 x 1.8 inches, 10 x 3.5 x 2.5 inches, 11 x 4 x 3.5 inches, 4.75 x 9.75 x 12 inches | Colors: Assorted | Materials: Polyester, synthetic fabric

Best Designs

SodaPup Soda Can

SodaPup Soda Can

Amazon

What We Like
  • Chew toy and treat dispenser

  • Lots of sizes and designs

  • Dishwasher-safe

  • Made in the U.S. from non-toxic materials

What We Don't Like
  • Can be (too) challenging when stuffed and frozen


There are so many whimsical, colorful designs in this line of durable rubber chew toys. It’s incredibly cute to see a puppy carrying around a bright pink soda can or red coffee cup. SodaPup has a large selection of sturdy toys in many whimsical designs from gift boxes and teddy bears to cupcakes and flying saucers. They can be used as a sturdy chew toy or you can fill them with kibble, wet food, or a little yogurt or peanut butter. Depending on the toy, stuffing it and freezing it might be too challenging for some puppies.

The toys are made in the United States with a natural rubber material that comes in three formulations: puppy for teething pups, original for strong chewers, and magnum for “dogs that destroy everything.” They also come in small to extra-large so you can choose based on your pup’s size and how much they like to chew. Bonus: It’s dishwasher-safe.

Dimensions: 2.5 x 1.5 x 1.5 inches (small soda can) | Materials: rubber | Colors: pink, orange

Best Squeaky

Outward Hound Invincibles Plush Toy

Amazon Outward Hound Invincibles Plush Dog Toy

Amazon

What We Like
  • Very durable

  • Reinforced seams

  • Loud squeaker

  • Cute designs

What We Don’t Like
  • Tough chewers can tear seams

Outward Hound makes some of the most durable and most engaging dog toys. These Invincibles are super-strong but plush squeaky toys that come in cute designs including a pig, a hedgehog, and a duck. The toys are stuffing-free, have a strong inner layer of super-tough materials, and have bindings that have been reinforced several times.

For dogs that like squeakers, these are loud and probably very satisfying and they keep squeaking even if your pup has punctured them. These toys look cute and soft, but they are made for tough chewers who enjoy a good challenge. These designs are small, but there are other Invincibles that are huge, like a snake that’s nearly 6-feet long!

Dimensions: 6.75 x 2 x 5 inches | Colors: Various | Materials: Polyester, synthetic fabric

Best Frozen for Teething

Petstages Cool Teething Stick

Petstages Cool Teething Stick

Amazon

What We Like
  • Can be used frozen or not

  • Has crinkly parts

  • Can be cleaned in washer

What We Don't Like
  • Can be torn by strong chewers

Soak this brightly colored fabric toy in water, then place it in the freezer for a couple hours. It gets cold and crunchy, offering relief for inflamed gums. It also can be refreshing for a hot, bored puppy on a warm day.

Even without freezing, the toy can be entertaining. Some pups love the crinkly noises that the fin-like features make when grabbed. As with any soft toy, check it often for rips or loose threads. Some owners have said their dogs were able to rip the toy. It can be cleaned in the washing machine on a gentle cycle.

Dimensions: 8.47 x 5.52 x 1.97 inches | Materials: cotton-polyester fabric | Colors: mix of bright colors

Best for Small Dogs

Nylabone Puppy Power Rings Chew Toy

Nylabone Puppy Power Rings Chew Toy

Amazon

What We Like
  • For powerful chewers

  • Different textures

  • Good for chewing or gentle tug

What We Don't Like
  • Not dishwasher safe


These colorful, connected plastic rings have different textures to help with teething and boredom. They’re very rugged and targeted for puppies up to 25 pounds. The tough nylon is designed for puppies that are particularly powerful chewers or those that already have their adult teeth.

The toy looks just like baby teething rings. It can keep your pet entertained just as a chew toy, but it also works for a very gentle game of tug. It isn’t dishwasher safe and must be washed by hand in warm soapy water. Check it often for sharp edges if your pup gets too vigorous when playing.

Dimensions: 2.5 x 4 x 3 inches | Materials: plastic | Colors: green, yellow, and turquoise

Best for Very Young Puppies

KONG Puppy Teething Stick

KONG Puppy Teething Stick Teeth Cleaning Dog Chew Toy

Amazon

What We Like
  • Ridges hold treats or peanut butter

  • Comes in three sizes

  • Soft rubber for young puppies

  • Dishwasher safe

What We Don't Like
  • Older puppies can chew off chunks

“Very soft rubber can ease the ache of young puppy gums, and ridges can be filled with treats.”

The soft rubber of these teething sticks can be soothing for sore, puppy gums. It’s very pliable and forgiving, but still solid enough to offer some chewing satisfaction. The stick has ridges along the sides and a hole in the middle. You can fill the ridges with peanut butter, yogurt, or tiny treats and stuff the center with goodies too.

This stick is not very durable, so it’s only for young puppies. Older pups could easily chew off pieces, particularly when they’re motivated by treats. It comes in two colors (pink and blue), three sizes, and is safe to use in the dishwasher. (That’s the only way you’ll be able to get the treat residue out.)

Dimensions: 3.25 x 1.75 x 1.75 inches (small) | Materials: rubber | Colors: pink, blue

Best for Multiple Puppies

Petstages Dental Dog Chew Toys

Amazon Petstages Dental Dog Chew Toys

Amazon

What We Like
  • Three toys in the pack

  • Various textures to hold on to

  • Soothes gums and cleans teeth

What We Don’t Like
  • Only for small puppies

Puppies aren’t always the best at sharing. If you’re trying to entertain several puppies at once, this Petstages Dental Chew Pack is a good place to start. The set has three distinctive colorful toys that can withstand some roughhousing and chewing. There’s a rope tug, a barbell toy, and a chew toy. They all have different textures to ease sore gums.

Because the toys are only about 7 inches long, they’re really just for small puppies. They’re small, but pretty mighty and can tolerate a lot of action. Just keep an eye out for the rope to shed or the plastic to crack. Most puppies seem to enjoy just trotting around with them and tossing them about.

Dimensions: 7 x 1.5 inches | Colors: Multi | Materials: Plastic, fabric

Best Dental

Whimzees Puppy Dental Treats

Amazon Whimzees Puppy Dental Treats

Amazon

What We Like
  • Two sizes

  • Edible and digestible

  • Cute shapes

  • Cleans teeth

What We Don’t Like
  • Might upset sensitive stomachs

Brushing your dog’s teeth probably isn’t high on your favorite things list, but good dental habits are smart with puppies. Whimzees Puppy Dental Treats are specially designed for puppies because they are a little softer than dental treats meant for adult dogs. Puppies enjoy the chewing and chomping and that gnawing action helps reduce plaque and tartar buildup.

The treats come in two sizes: extra-small/small for puppies from 5 to 20 pounds and medium/large for puppies from 20 to 40 pounds. And they come in two cute shapes: a duck and a teddy bear. Ingredients are natural and include potato starch and glycerin.

Dimensions: 5.5 x 4.5 x 1 inches, 6 x 5 x 2 inches | Colors: Brown, tan | Materials: Includes potato starch, glycerin, powdered cellulose, lecithin

Final Verdict

Our favorite overall pick is the Kong Puppy, a popular, soft rubber toy that bounces, is great for chewing, and can be stuffed with treats. Another great pick is the Benebone Puppy, which are softer than similar chews, but challenging enough to keep eager chewers happy.

What to Look for in Chew Toys for Puppies

Materials

You can find chew toys for puppies made out of rubber, nylon, plastic, fabric and lots of other materials. It’s important to choose based on how aggressively your puppy chews and if they’re teething. Opt for softer rubber when a puppy is young, has baby teeth, and isn’t chewing with gusto. Harder rubber or nylon (like Benebone and Nylabone toys) might be a better option if your pup is more committed to gnawing and can wreck softer materials. Be sure to regularly inspect toys for damage, holes, loose parts, or excessive wear and tear.

Size

Chew toys come in all sizes from dinky to huge. Choose a toy based on your puppy’s current size, not what they’re expected to be when they’re full grown. There’s a good chance you’ll have to get new ones as your puppy grows and maybe if they become more (or less) aggressive with their chewing. If a toy is too big now, it could be too hard to play with. Something too big now might be overwhelming and no fun. Something that’s too small can be a choking hazard.

Teething

Teething happens quickly with puppies. They usually have all 28 baby teeth by the time they are about 8 weeks old, and their adult teeth start coming in soon after, with teething typically beginning at around 12 weeks. During that time, you might notice that a puppy’s gums are red and you might find some lost baby teeth, but the most obvious sign of teething is usually lots of biting and chewing.

Consider size, shape, and materials when choosing chew toys during teething. “I typically like just anything frozen in a West Paw Toppl, especially yogurt or frozen fruits and berries,” says certified dog trainer Erin Marion of Down to Earth Dog Lady, who also suggests trying the DIY route. “You can also freeze a washcloth [dipped in] bone broth and that can help as well as long as they don’t swallow the material!”

Extras

All these teething toys can be chewed on or played with just as they are. Others can be frozen to soothe aching gums and some can be stuffed with treats to provide longer-lasting entertainment. For extra stimulation, choose toys with squeakers or crinkly parts. Bonus points if the toy can be cleaned in the dishwasher or washing machine.

While all these chew toys can be played with right out of the package, some have fun extras. You can freeze some of the toys so the cold soothes achy gums. Others can be stuffed with treats or frozen kibble for longer-lasting fun. Opt for toys that have squeakers or crinkly insides to keep your pup entertained. And it’s always good if a toy can be cleaned in the dishwasher.

Dealing with Problem Chewing

When some puppies are teething, they’ll nip and chew on just about anything. A good way to handle those behaviors is by trading your pup for something that’s OK to get mouthy with, like a chew toy. Swap your sock or the table leg for a toy in its place.

Make sure you have eyes on your puppy at all – either in a leash by your side, even in the house, or in a pen or crate when you can’t watch them. Be sure they get plenty of exercise and brain games so they don’t chew when they are bored.

Freezing Ideas

Cold feels good on sore and inflamed gums, so that’s why some teething toys are made to be frozen. You can also soak a regular washcloth and freeze it and let your puppy chew on it until it’s no longer cold. The cold and the texture feels good on a sore mouth.

FAQ
  • Are hard chew toys good for puppies?

    Some toys and bones can be too hard for teething puppies. They might end up with a broken tooth or really sore gums. “Many hard bones are too much for a puppy's teeth,” says Marion. “Even adolescent dogs have a hard time with extremely hard bones.”

    For dogs that really want to chew, she recommends Benebones for puppies. They’re a little softer than similar toys and the right size and shape for a puppy.

  • How long do puppies teeth?

    Puppies usually have approximately 28 baby teeth. Their adult teeth start to push out their baby teeth when they are about 3-4 months old. Puppies should have all their adult teeth (42 of them) around the time they are 6 months old. The teething process can be achy, which is why puppies so often want to gnaw on everything.

  • Are knotted rope chew toys okay for teething puppies?

    Some puppy toys are made from ropes that might be knotted, but are made up of hundreds or even thousands of tiny strands. When your puppy is chewing, they can unravel the ropes and swallow some strands. That can result in a dangerous intestinal blockage where they can be life-threatening when they wrap around the intestines. To be safe, don’t give rope toys to any dog, particularly puppies.

Why Trust The Spruce Pets?

This roundup was written by Mary Jo DiLonardo who has tested dozens of puppy teething and chew toys in her years as a puppy foster. In her experience, she knows that toys have to be durable and fun to keep everyone happy and that’s what she considered for this story. DiLonardo has been writing about pets and animals for several decades. She has a rescue dog and has fostered more than 70 dogs and puppies. She is always trying different products to keep the dogs in her care entertained, healthy, and safe.

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