Today’s post digs into the best chew toys for puppies. Puppies love to chew on things and they will happily take into their mouth everything they come into contact it. While some pet owners overlook the need to get their puppies a chew toy, however, this shouldn’t be the case. When new teeth come in for puppies and kitties, the process can be painful and uncomfortable.
During this period, chewing might seem like an obsession, and they will chew everything that they come into contact with. To save you the trouble of finding your shoes and socks torn apart, you should get the best chew toys for puppies.
Besides, chew toys help puppies soothe their aching gums. With a challenging chew toy, you get to keep your puppy busy and divert him from the many temptations the house presents.
Advantages of Best Chew Toys for Puppies
- Chew toys for dogs keep the dog occupied and prevent destructive chewing inside the house.
- Toys keep your puppy’s teeth strong and healthy.
- Soft textured chew toys soothe and relieve pain during teething.
- Chew toys can relieve dogs of stress and anxiety.
- Chew toys may be better and safer for your puppy than bones.
Guideline When Choosing the Best Chew Toys for Puppies
One of the best ways to keep your fur baby happy is through chew toys. Chew toys help your puppy stay active, engaged, and out of trouble. When buying chew toys for your pup, keep in mind the pup’s age, breed, size, personality, and tooth development stage. To help you bring the best chew toys for puppies home, here is a timeline to guide you:
Birth to 12 Weeks Old
At this age, your puppy needs no chew toys. Although puppy teeth start to show when they reach 4 weeks old, this time is better used in the nesting environment with their parent and littermates.
From 4 weeks onwards to 12 weeks, the deciduous teeth continue to emerge. Those puppy teeth are not very strong and are easily damaged by the toys hence no need for chew toys.
12 to 24 Weeks Old
This period is known as the puppy teething time. The deciduous teeth are replaced by permanent teeth. Teething is a very frustrating period for both puppies and pet parents. During this period, you should choose to chew toys that aid in reducing the pain.
Chew toys labeled for puppies are great for this age. Toys such as the Nylabone teething rings are great for this teething period. Such toys have raised nubs on the surface that massage the gums of the puppies.
24 Weeks Old
At 24 weeks of age, most puppies have completed the teething process and permanent teeth have come in. At this stage, there are several options to choose from depending on your pup’s size and energy levels. Some of the chew toys ideal for your canine include rope toys, flying discs, fetch toys and plush toys.
8 Best Chew Toys for Puppies to Keep Them Busy
With the market being flooded with chew toys for puppies, choosing the right toy can be overwhelming especially if you are a first-time puppy owner. To save you the hustle of going out to buy a new toy every time your puppy destroys the old one, here is a review of the best chew toys for puppies.
1) Nylabone Puppy Starter Kit Dog Chew Toy
If you want your puppy to develop healthy chewing habits right from the start, then it time that you introduce him to Nylabone Puppy Starter Kit Dog Chew Toy. This puppy chews toy and treats starter kit features a soft, chicken-flavored bone for puppies beginning to develop permanent teeth. For teething puppies, this gentle chew toy soothes and eases the pain during the teething stage.
The materials used in making this puppy chew toy are both durable and soft, which is ideal for puppies with sensitive gums. Regular chewing on this toy develops healthy chewing habits, satisfies your puppy’s natural chewing instinct, and prevents the formation of plaque and tartar.
Key Features
- Chicken flavored bone that’s irresistible to any puppy.
- Soothes and eases pain during teething.
- Durable and soft material which is ideal for sensitive puppy gums.
- Multi-textured chew toy that keeps your puppy occupied while satisfying the natural chewing instincts.
- Puppy starter set that covers all chewing stages.
- Suitable for small dogs up to 25lbs.
- Entertaining chew toy that teaches good chewing habits.
2) Nylabone Just for Puppies’ Triple Teething Ring Chew Toy
Dogs chew differently based on age, size, and breed. The shape and texture of the Nylabone Just for Puppies’ Triple Teething Ring Chew Toy will satisfy your puppies natural chewing instincts while keeping him occupied and entertained. This chew toy is designed with the softest materials meant to soothe your puppies gums and relieve him pain caused by teething.
This chew toy also features bristles that help clean teeth and prevent the formation of plaque and tartar, giving your puppy a happy and healthy smile. Another good thing about this ring chew toy its bacon flavor which makes it irresistible to any dog.
To save you the hustle of going out to buy a new toy every time your puppy destroys the old one, this toy has been made with hard-wearing and sturdy materials that will last throughout the entire teething period. With this chew toy, your puppy will develop healthy chewing habits while preventing destructive chewing routines.
Key Features
- Teaches healthy chewing habits.
- Made with soft material for teething puppies with sensitive gums.
- Textured chew toy with bristles that clean teeth and prevent the formation of plaque and tartar.
- Delicious bacon flavor that all dogs will love.
- Suitable for large-sized puppies.
- Durable construction that will last your puppy up to adulthood.
3) Nylabone Durable Dental Dinosaur Chew Toy
If you require a puppy chew toy that’s a bit long-lasting than the normal rubber and rope toys, then you should check out the Nylabone Durable Dental Dinosaur Chew Toy. Nylabone is one of the most reputable pet supply industry and their puppy teething toys are always worth the money.
The Nylabone durable dental dinosaur chew toy is no exemption. This longer-lasting chew toy comes in a delicious chicken flavor that makes it irresistible to dogs. This dental chew toy also features textures that help clean the dog’s teeth and help prevent the formation of plaque and tartar.
While the toy looks scrapped off at the edges, none of the material comes off, as it happens with other toys once they are put in the mouth. Many users also praise it for its durability and ability to provide your dog with fresh breath and clean teeth all at the same time.
Another good thing about this chew toy is how it shapes trucks easily into any carrier when you want to head out with your puppy.
Key Features
- Ability to provide your dog with fresh breath and clean teeth at the same time.
- A delicious chicken flavor that all dogs will love.
- Suitable for large-sized puppies up to 50 pounds.
- Durable construction that will last your puppy up to adulthood.
- Textured chew toy relieves teething pain.
- Textured chew toy cleans teeth and prevents the formation of plaque and tartar.
- A small shape that tucks easily into any carrier.
4) Petstages, Dental & Teething Dog Chew Toys
The Petstages, dental & teething dog chew toys contains a triple threat of dental chews to provide your puppy with a variety of fun while keeping him occupied during the teething period. These interesting toys play a huge role in improving the dental health of your puppy while saving you from destructible chewing behavior inside your home.
The three toys include mini cool chew, mini okra pinecone, and minim dental rope. The mini okra pinecone withstands tough chewing and has textures to massage your puppy’s gums and clean teeth to prevent the formation of plaques and tartar.
The mini cool chew can be frozen to soothe tender and sensitive gums, providing pain relief during teething. The other mini dental rope chew features multiple knots that are used to remove tartar and rubbery rings that massage gums.
Key Features
- Made of rubber material.
- Saves you from the destructive chewing behavior of puppies.
- Mini okra pinecone has textures to massage your puppy’s gums.
- Mini cool chew can be frozen to soothe tender and sensitive gums.
- Textured to prevent the formation of tartar and plaque.
- Has rubbery rings to massage gums.
5) MR. PLAY Puppy Toys Dog Chew Bone Dog Toy
Playing tug of war with puppies not only keeps your puppies happy and healthy, but it also helps your puppies shed their first teeth. MR. PLAY Puppy Toys can be soaked in cool water to help teething in puppies and help in soothing their sensitive gums.
This is a top-quality dog toy made of sturdy materials that even the most aggressive puppies can’t break. This saves you the hustle of going out to buy a new toy every time your puppy destroys the old one.
MR. PLAY Puppy Toys are also soft, adaptable yet very small. They are safe for your cute dog but strong enough to resist any damage. Another good thing about this dog toy is that they have a dog bone for teething and cleaning your puppy’s teeth. This helps in preventing any formation of tartar or plaque.
Key Features
- Soft, adaptable yet very small.
- Suitable for all dogs under 70 pounds.
- Hardwearing teething toys for small and medium dogs.
- Suitable for aggressive puppies.
- Made of top-quality, long-lasting materials.
- Includes a dog bone for teething and cleaning teeth.
6) YOTACHE Small Dog Toys
If you are looking for a puppy’s toy that not only looks attractive but also meets the requirement of most pets, the YOTACHE small dog toys are the ideal option for you. Each set includes the most popular dog toys which include plush toys, squeaky toys, chew toys and educational toys.
With all these toys, you are assured that your puppy stays occupied which helps minimize destructive behaviors. This is a very cost-effective dog toy with the price of each toy in this set being sold separately at least $6. And that’s not all. All toys include are made of high-quality materials that are not only durable but also safe and non-toxic.
Furthermore, the toys are not easy to bite and can’t be broken even by the most aggressive puppies. This means that you get a long service time from them. If you are looking for the best dog toy to gift your dog, the YOTACHE Small Dog Toys should be on top of your list.
Key Features
- Relatively cost-effective.
- Offers long years of service.
- Made of top quality and durable materials.
- Non-toxic and safe for your puppy.
- Lovely and very stylish.
- Variety of toys that meet the needs of different pets.
- Not easy to break.
7) Oneisall Dog Toys for Aggressive Chewers
Oneisall has a reputation for making multiple indestructible toys for dogs and puppies and this dog toy is no exemption. Made from hardwearing nylon, this toy is not only tough but also very long-lasting. The materials used in making it are also non-toxic and safe for your dog, which means that they get to play with it for as long that want.
Regular chewing of this dog toy helps clean teeth and control plaque and tartar while helping soothe the discomfort that arises during teething. Another good thing about this long-lasting and indestructible chew toy is that it comes in a delicious bacon flavor that makes it irresistible to dogs.
To suit different dogs, it is available in two different sizes suitable for dogs between 15-60lbs. with this dog toy, you get to keep your puppy busy and minimize boredom and anxiety.
Key Features
- Minimize boredom and anxiety.
- Long-lasting and indestructible toy for aggressive dogs.
- Irresistible bacon flavor.
- Made with durable nylon fabric which makes it tough and sturdy.
- Effectively cleans teeth to prevent the formation of tartar and plaque.
- Soothes discomfort during teething.
- Suitable for dogs between 15-60lbs.
- Non-toxic and safe for dogs.
8) Hyper Pet Chewz Dog Toys for Large Dogs
Available in 5 unique shapes, Hyper Pet Chewz dog toys for large dogs are the best dog toys for interactive play with your pet at home. The good thing about this toy is how it holds its shape even after chewing.
It is made from durable EVA foam which makes it lighter than other dog toys while remaining softer for your puppy’s sensitive gums during teething. Furthermore, the versatility of this dog toy makes it suitable for young puppies and old dogs with dental issues.
Well, that’s not all. You can even use this toy in water because EVA foam is very buoyant and the bright green color makes it highly visible for your dog to track. EVA foam surfaces resist mess and are easy to clean. This makes it easy for pet owners to easily clean off the dirt and slobber.
Key Features
- Easy to clean.
- Perfect for puppies with sensitive teeth and gums.
- Suitable for old dogs with dental problems.
- Lightweight design that’s holds its shape even after chewing.
- Safe on the teeth of both puppies and old dogs.
- Floats on water.
- Perfect choice to encourage your dog to run and exercise.
- The bright green color makes it highly visible to the dog.
Best Chew Toys for Puppies Buying Guide and FAQs
Factors to Consider when Choosing the Best Toys for Puppies
Every dog loves toys and many factors contribute to the success of any dog toy. The best chew toys for puppies should be durable, safe, and fun to use. Depending on the size and breed of your puppy, as well as how aggressive he/she is, here are some of the important factors to look out for when buying any toy for your puppy.
Size
When buying your puppy a toy, make sure that it is appropriate for your dog’s size. If the toy is circular, make sure that it is neither too big nor too small for the puppy. Toys that are too small can be easily swallowed or get lodged in the dog’s mouth and throat.
On the other hand, toys that are too big can be uncomfortable for your little puppy to play with. Avoid any toys which aren’t dog-proof by removing ribbons, strings, eyes, or any other part that’s prone to be chewed and ingested by the dog.
Soft Feel
When choosing any toy for your puppy, the softer the better. You might think that the tougher and durable it is, but this is not always the case. When the toy is too hard to chew, it might end up hurting your puppy’s tender and delicate gums.
Puppies tend to have sensitive gums and teeth when teething, so they require something soft that will even soothe the pain arising from the teething. The best toy is one that contains a certain degree of softness to keep the puppy entertained.
Texture and Flavor
The best hew toys for puppies come with different textures. A good texture is one that makes the toy your puppy’s favorite while still doing a great job to clean his teeth and gums. This helps prevent the formation of tartar and plaque. To prevent the puppy from getting bored, you can get him several chew toys with different textures.
When it comes to flavors in puppy toys, not all chew toys are flavored. However, having a flavored chew toy makes things better because the toy becomes irresistible. Some toys even allow you to fill them with treats that they will dispense gradually and make them more irresistible to the toy.
What is Your Puppy Like?
When choosing a toy for your puppy, consider what he loves and what he is more likely to have fun with. You don’t want to give your boisterous puppy a cuddy toy when a tough and indestructible toy is better for him.
It is important to factor in age as tougher toys can harm your puppy’s teeth. Soft textured toys are better for puppies while old dogs need tough and durable items.
Type of Best Chew Toys for Puppies
Different chew toys are designed to cater to the needs of different puppies. Knowing the different types of toys that exist will help you find the best chew toy for your canine friend. Puppy chew toys are of three types:
- Distraction Toys
These are great for pups with a lot of downtime or personal space. These chew toys will keep your pup engaged while you are away. Toys that hold food or treats such as the KONG rubber toys are great distraction toys. Keeping your pet busy while away will help distract the puppy from the urge to destroy furniture and other items in the house.
- Action Toys
Action toys are either fetch or rope toys. These are great for puppies that never sit still. These puppy toys satisfy the chewing needs of your dog to chew and play. You can use fetch toys for daily exercise, in the dog park, and burning off the extra puppy energy at the end of the day. Fetch toys include tennis balls.
For a gentle tug of war with your puppy, you need rope toys. Also, these toys satisfy the chewing needs of your puppy. Keep in mind, that rope toys are reserved for puppies whose permanent teeth have formed.
Young puppies may sustain injuries if the tug-of-war play becomes aggressive. If you settle for a rope toy, choose one made of durable and strong cotton fibers. Ensure the toy is tightly braided to avoid unraveling in the future.
Read: Best Dog Frisbees
- Comfort Toys
The soft plush toys are perfect for young puppies with undeveloped chewing potential. Besides, young puppies are less likely to destroy the toys. Comfort toys are ideal for puppies with anxiety and need a calming accessory. These toys can also serve as snuggle-buddies to aid in sleeping or as replacement nursers for pups weaned too early.
Ensure the soft plush toys you choose have no dangling ribbons, tags or loose plastic parts. Since they are easily soiled during house-breaking training, ensure the toy you select is made of a durable material that will stand frequent machine washing.
Learn How to Puppy-Proof your Home During Teething.
Best Chew Toys for Puppies FAQs
Q: Are Toys for Puppies Safe?
A: Toys made for puppies are safe if made with safe and toxic-free materials. To prevent choking or swallowing of the toy, you should always look for the most appropriate size of the toy for your puppy. Try and avoid any toy that contains BPA chemicals. Also, avoid hard textured toys as they can cause harm to the puppy’s sensitive gums.
Q: Why Do Puppies Need to Chew Toys?
A: Without such a toy, your puppy will turn to chew the next thing available and that can result in a lot of unnecessary destruction of things inside the house. A good chew toy simply makes your puppy’s teething process simpler.
Q: When Should One Introduce Toys to a Puppy?
A: You can try introducing a toy to your puppy as soon as he starts teething. You should then check and see whether he likes the toy and introduce him to more toys as he continues to grow. Depending on the breed of your puppy, teething starts anywhere between 3 and 8 months.
Read About the Best Tennis Ball Machines for Dogs.
Conclusion
It is important to make sure that you choose the appropriate toy for your puppy. Be in the know of what your dog loves, his chewing habits, strength as well as what size of toy works best for him. We have reviewed the best chew toys for puppies and we hope that you love them and get to gift your puppy any one of them.