10 Best Chew Toys for Puppies (That Aren’t Your Jimmy Choos)
Puppies basically have tiny knives for teeth, as any puppy parent will attest. We can’t fault them—biting stuff is part of the learning process for canines. Just like humans, a dog’s baby teeth fall out (three months or so after birth), and bigger chompers start growing in. During this stage, the best chew toys for puppies will soothe irritated gums, stay intact and teach her the do’s and don’ts of chowing down. Expert tip: Keep an eye on your pup’s chewing style; some take their time with tiny nibbles while others just start destroying. You’ll also witness lots of drool.
By about 6 months old, your puppy should have all her adult teeth, and it’ll be time to graduate to adult dog toys. Until then, stick to hard rubber or nylon materials with some give, and steer clear of ropes or plush toys that can break down and become toxic snacks. Here, the ten best chew toys for puppies.
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1. Bolt Bite by Wild One
This Z-shaped toy is more than meets the eye. Stuff treats in one end for solo play or engage in tug-of-war with a grip on the other end. It’s BPA-free, made of 100 percent natural rubber and can go in the freezer, which will feel so good against a teething pup’s gums.
2. Multipet Chilly Bone
Another toy you can—and should!—plop in the fridge so Frannie can gnaw on something cold. It’s super inexpensive and built to last, because teeth don’t come in overnight, people.
3. Nylabone Rhino Puppy Teether
Nylabone makes tons of toys designed for tough chewers, but they also know puppy teeth require a little extra TLC. Enter, this teether with multiple textures and shapes to keep your pup busy.
4. JW Play Place Butterfly Teether
Similarly, this butterfly-shaped toy lets puppies get a good grip so they can really bite down on something. Made from 100 percent recycled material, this thing also bounces, which means added spontaneity during playtime.
5. Nylabone Puppy Chew Teething Pacifier Ring
Nylabone includes a great guide with many of their products to let you know which are meant for babies and which are meant for adults. This pacifier ring is clearly for tiny ones—not only in design but also in material. (Bigger teeth may tear this thing apart.)
6. Kong for Puppies
Kong is also great about formulating products for the different stages in a dog’s life. These puppy Kongs are made with natural rubber that is hard enough to stimulate gums and teeth but soft enough not to do any damage. A great toy to have while crate training, too, because it’ll keep Frannie occupied for a while.
7. Pet Safe Freezable Treat Holding Chilly Penguin
Fill this toy with wet dog food or peanut butter and toss into the freezer for an hour or so. Frannie will love you for understanding her simultaneous needs for something to bite, something to soothe her sore gums and something delicious to eat. It’s like you’re reading her mind!
8. Petstages Cool Teething Stick
While a cotton/polyester blend is not ideal for all pups, this one makes our list because you can soak it in water and freeze it into a hard toy. Once it becomes soft as your puppy gnaws and pushes her gums against it, keep a close eye to make sure she doesn’t tear it open.
9. Kong Puppy Flyer Dog Toy
For the puppy who can’t stand sitting for long, this frisbee-like toy is the perfect option. It’s strong enough for a dog’s teeth, but not so hard she’ll hate it against her gums.
10. Fido Puppy’s First Bone
Look at this cute little thing! Again, it’s flexible so it’ll bend and give but rough enough (with lots of grooves) to engage those baby teeth and gums. Plus, it’ll be a nice thing to replace your show with when you catch her in the act.
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