Puppies naturally explore their surroundings through chewing, chasing and play. Choosing the best puppy toys gives your puppy safe ways to exercise, ease teething discomfort and stay mentally active. Suitable toys can also redirect chewing away from shoes, furniture and the children’s homework. However, toys work best alongside supervision, training and a consistent daily routine.
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Our Top Puppy Toy Picks
We compared puppy toys based on practical factors including toy type, intended use, size options, materials and suitability for different styles of play. We also looked for a varied selection rather than recommending several toys that serve essentially the same purpose.
Our picks include options for chewing and teething, interactive play, fetch and mental enrichment. No toy is indestructible, so the right choice will depend on your puppy’s size, age, chewing strength and how they use the toy. Always follow the manufacturer’s size and safety guidance and replace damaged toys when necessary.
Table of Contents
| Puppy Toy | Our Pick | Toy Type | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| KONG Puppy Natural Rubber Teething Chew Toy | Best Overall | Rubber chew/enrichment toy | Chewing, play and food-based enrichment |
| Nylabone Puppy Chew 2-in-1 Teething Freezer Bone Dog Chew Toy | Best for Teething | Freezer-friendly chew toy | Teething and chewing |
| KONG Wubba Large Dog Toy 2 Pack | Best Interactive Toy | Tug and toss toy | Supervised interactive play |
| Outward Hound Nina Ottosson Challenge Slider Dog Toy Treat Puzzle | Best Enrichment Toy | Food puzzle toy | Mental enrichment |
Note: Product sizes, features and availability can change. Always check the current product listing and manufacturer’s size and safety guidance before choosing a toy for your puppy.
1. KONG Puppy Natural Rubber Teething Chew Toy — Best Overall
KONG Puppy is our Best Overall pick because it combines several types of play in one toy. The puppy version is made with KONG’s softer puppy rubber and is designed for a puppy’s developing teeth and gums. It can be used as a chew toy, for interactive play or as a food-stuffable enrichment toy.
Its shape also gives it an unpredictable bounce during play, adding another way for puppies to interact with it. Because puppies vary considerably in size and chewing strength, choose the appropriate size for your puppy and follow the manufacturer’s current safety and sizing guidance.
Why we like it
- Designed specifically for puppies
- Softer puppy rubber formula
- Can be used for chewing and interactive play
- Can be stuffed with puppy-appropriate food or treats
- Unpredictable bounce adds variety during play
- Available in different sizes
Things to consider
- Choosing the correct size is important
- No chew toy should be considered indestructible
- Supervise your puppy when introducing the toy
- Inspect it regularly and replace it if it becomes damaged
- Food placed inside the toy should be included in your puppy’s daily food allowance
Best for: Puppy owners looking for one versatile toy for chewing, play and food-based enrichment.
Check the KONG Puppy Natural Rubber Teething Chew Toy on Amazon (paid link)
2. Nylabone Puppy Chew 2-in-1 Teething Freezer Bone Dog Chew Toy
Nylabone Puppy Chew 2-in-1 Teething Freezer Bone Dog Chew Toy is our Best for Teething pick for puppies that need an appropriate outlet for chewing while their adult teeth are developing. Its 2-in-1 design provides a puppy-focused chewing option that can also be frozen according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
This makes it a more specialized teething option than our Best Overall pick. As with any puppy chew toy, make sure it is appropriate for your puppy’s size and chewing strength, supervise its use and inspect it regularly for signs of damage.
Why we like it
- Designed as a puppy teething chew toy
- 2-in-1 design
- Can be frozen according to the manufacturer’s instructions
- Provides a dedicated chewing activity during teething
- Different purpose from the interactive and puzzle toys in our roundup
Things to consider
- Follow the manufacturer’s current instructions for freezing and use
- Make sure the toy is appropriate for your puppy’s size and chewing strength
- Supervise your puppy when introducing it
- Inspect it regularly for wear or damage
- Remove and replace it if it becomes damaged or presents a swallowing risk
Best for: Teething puppies that need a dedicated puppy chew toy with a freezer-friendly design.
Check the Nylabone Puppy Chew 2-in-1 Teething Freezer Bone Dog Chew Toy on Amazon (paid link)
3. KONG Wubba Large Dog Toy 2 Pack — Best Interactive Toy
KONG Wubba Large Dog Toy 2 Pack is our Best Interactive Toy pick for owners looking for toys for supervised tug and toss games. The Wubba design has long fabric tails that provide convenient grabbing points during interactive play.
This particular Amazon listing is important to distinguish from other KONG Wubba options because it is a large-size two-pack. That makes checking the size particularly important before buying it for a puppy. It should only be chosen if the manufacturer’s sizing guidance is appropriate for your puppy.
Why we like it
- Designed for interactive tug and toss play
- Comes as a two-pack
- Long fabric tails provide grabbing points during play
- Provides a different activity from a dedicated chew toy
- Useful for supervised owner-and-dog interaction
Things to consider
- This listing is for the Large size
- Check the manufacturer’s sizing guidance before buying it for a puppy
- Not intended to replace a dedicated chew toy
- Supervise interactive play
- Inspect the fabric and seams regularly
- Remove the toy if it becomes torn or damaged
Best for: Appropriately sized puppies and dogs that enjoy supervised tug and toss games with their owner.
Check the KONG Wubba Large Dog Toy 2 Pack on Amazon (paid link)
4. Outward Hound Nina Ottosson Challenge Slider Dog Toy Treat Puzzle — Best Enrichment Toy
The Outward Hound Nina Ottosson Challenge Slider is our Best Enrichment Toy pick for owners looking for a food-based puzzle activity for their puppy. Treats or pieces of puppy food can be placed inside the puzzle, encouraging your puppy to work through the activity to find the food.
This toy serves a different purpose from the chew, teething and tug toys in our other picks. It is designed for interactive puzzle play rather than chewing, so puppies should be supervised while using it and the toy should be removed when the activity is finished.
Why we like it
- Provides food-based mental enrichment
- Encourages interactive puzzle play
- Food or treats can be hidden inside
- Offers a different activity from chewing, tugging or fetch
- Can add variety to a puppy’s supervised play routine
Things to consider
- This is a puzzle toy, not a chew toy
- Supervise your puppy while they use it
- Use puppy-appropriate food or treats
- Include food used in the puzzle in your puppy’s daily food allowance
- Some puppies may need help learning how the puzzle works
- Inspect the toy regularly and follow the manufacturer’s current cleaning and safety instructions
Best for: Puppy owners looking for a food-based puzzle to provide supervised mental enrichment.
Check the Outward Hound Nina Ottosson Challenge Slider on Amazon (paid link)
How We Chose These Puppy Toys
We compared these puppy toys using practical factors including their intended use, toy type, materials, size options and suitability for different styles of play. We also chose products that serve different purposes rather than recommending several similar toys.
Our picks include a versatile rubber toy, a teething-focused chew toy, an interactive tug-and-toss toy and a food-based puzzle. This gives puppy owners options for chewing, teething, interactive play and mental enrichment.
We did not select products based solely on price, ratings or marketing claims. No toy is indestructible, and the right choice depends on your puppy’s size, age, chewing strength and play style. Always check the manufacturer’s current sizing and safety guidance, supervise your puppy when appropriate and replace toys that become damaged.
Why Do Puppies Need Toys?
Play is an important part of a puppy’s physical, mental and social development. Chasing and retrieving encourage movement, puzzle toys provide mental stimulation, and interactive games help strengthen the bond between you and your puppy. The RSPCA’s guidance on puppy chewing explains that chewing is normal behavior and recommends providing safe objects, enrichment and appropriate supervision.
Chewing is also normal puppy behavior, especially while adult teeth are developing. Providing suitable chew toys gives your puppy an appropriate outlet and may help soothe tender gums. Toys should never replace exercise, social interaction or time spent with the family.
Types of Puppy Toys
Different toys serve different purposes. Instead of buying several similar toys, choose a small variety that supports chewing, active play, training and quiet enrichment. If you are preparing for a new arrival, our guide to what to buy before bringing a puppy home covers toys and other useful essentials.
| Toy Type | Best For | Important Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Rubber chew toys | Teething and chewing | Choose flexible, puppy-safe rubber in the correct size |
| Food-dispensing toys | Mental enrichment | Use puppy-appropriate food and include it in their daily allowance |
| Rope and tug toys | Supervised interactive games | Remove the toy if its fibers begin to loosen or fray |
| Plush toys | Gentle play and comfort | Not suitable for puppies that quickly tear and swallow fabric |
| Balls and fetch toys | Chasing and active play | The ball must be too large for your puppy to swallow |
How to Choose the Best Puppy Toys
The best puppy toys suit your puppy’s size, age, chewing strength and preferred style of play. Check the manufacturer’s age and size recommendations before purchasing a toy. It should be large enough that your puppy cannot swallow it but still comfortable for them to carry and play with.
Look for toys made specifically for dogs by a reputable manufacturer. Avoid toys with loose decorations, easily removed pieces, sharp edges or exposed batteries. Remember that no toy is completely indestructible, particularly when used by a determined chewer.
Choosing Toys for a Teething Puppy
Flexible rubber toys made for puppies can provide an appropriate chewing surface during teething. Some toys can be chilled according to the manufacturer’s instructions to help soothe tender gums. Avoid extremely hard objects that could damage developing teeth. The VCA puppy-teething guide also recommends choosing chew toys with some flexibility and avoiding extremely hard objects that could fracture a puppy’s teeth.
Do not give your puppy an old shoe, sock or household item as a toy. Puppies cannot easily understand why one shoe is acceptable to chew while another is not.
Rotate Toys to Maintain Interest
Your puppy does not need access to every toy at the same time. Keep a few available and rotate them every few days. Bringing back a familiar toy after a short break can make it feel interesting again and reduce the need to buy new toys constantly.
You can also separate indoor toys from outdoor toys. Wash or clean them according to the manufacturer’s instructions before returning them to your puppy’s play area.
Interactive Play Versus Independent Play
Tug toys, fetch toys and training toys allow you to play directly with your puppy. Food-dispensing and suitable chew toys may provide short periods of independent enrichment. When using treats or food-dispensing toys, follow a suitable puppy feeding schedule and include the food in your puppy’s daily allowance. Your puppy should still be checked regularly, even when using a toy they have played with safely before.
Toy Safety Tips for Puppies
- Choose toys designed for your puppy’s current size.
- Supervise your puppy whenever you introduce a new toy.
- Check toys regularly for cracks, tears, fraying or loose pieces.
- Remove damaged toys before your puppy can swallow any material.
- Keep toys containing batteries, magnets or small removable parts away from puppies.
- Follow the manufacturer’s cleaning and safety instructions.
Contact your veterinarian promptly if you think your puppy has swallowed part of a toy. Do not induce vomiting unless a veterinarian specifically instructs you to do so.
When Should You Replace a Toy?
Replace a toy when it becomes cracked, torn, heavily frayed or small enough to swallow. Plush toys should be removed when stuffing or squeakers become exposed. Rubber toys should be discarded if pieces are missing or the material has become brittle.
Inspecting your puppy’s toys during your regular cleaning routine makes it easier to notice damage before it becomes dangerous.
Best Puppy Toys for Different Ages
Age can guide your decision, but size and chewing strength are equally important. Use the table below as a general starting point and always follow the product’s instructions.
| Puppy Stage | Suitable Toy Ideas |
|---|---|
| 8 to 12 weeks | Lightweight toys, soft puppy rubber and gentle comfort toys |
| 3 to 6 months | Flexible teething toys, food-dispensing toys and supervised tug toys |
| 6 months and older | Durable size-appropriate chew toys, puzzle toys and fetch toys |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best puppy toys for teething?
The best puppy toys for teething are flexible, appropriately sized chew toys made specifically for puppies. Choose a product that suits your puppy’s age and chewing strength, and supervise them while they use it.
How many toys should a puppy have?
There is no exact number that suits every puppy. Start with a small selection covering chewing, enrichment, comfort and interactive play. Rotate the toys regularly rather than leaving all of them available at once.
Can puppies sleep with toys?
A puppy may sleep near a safe comfort toy if they do not tear or swallow its material. Remove the toy overnight if it has any parts coming off, or if it has any exposed stuffing, a squeaker or signs of damage. When unsure, leave the sleeping area free from toys. Our guide to the best puppy beds explains how to create a safe and comfortable sleeping area for your puppy.
Can puppies play with children’s toys?
Children’s toys are not necessarily designed to withstand a puppy’s teeth and may contain small parts or unsafe filling. Choose toys made specifically for dogs instead.
Key Things to Remember
- Choose toys that match your puppy’s size, age and chewing strength.
- Provide toys for chewing, enrichment and interactive play.
- Supervise new toys and inspect them regularly.
- Remove damaged toys immediately.
- Rotate toys to help prevent boredom.
- The best puppy toys encourage safe chewing, active play and healthy development.
