10 Best Chew Toys for Puppies in 2020
There is nothing more adorable than a roly-poly little puppy. Puppies are bundles of joy, but they can also be a force of destruction. Before you bring your new puppy home, you should fully puppy-proof your home for your puppy’s safety and for the safety of your belongings. Once you get your puppy home, you’ll need to provide him with an assortment of toys to keep him busy.
While it can certainly be frustrating when your puppy chews up a new pair of shoes, it is important to understand that chewing is a completely natural behavior for puppies. Rather than trying to teach your puppy not to chew, provide him with a safe and acceptable outlet for this behavior. Puppy chew toys come in so many shapes and sizes that you’re sure to find one your puppy likes.
Keep reading to learn more about dealing with the puppy stage and to see our top 10 picks for the best chew toys for puppies.
Top 10 Picks for the Best Chew Toys for Puppies – Reviews
#10 Oneisall Durable Dog Chew Toy Bone
If your puppy makes quick work of traditional chew toys, you may want to try this Oneisall Durable Dog Chew Toy Bone. Made from ultra-durable nylon, this toy is nontoxic and completely safe but also more durable than your typical chew toy. In addition to giving your puppy a safe outlet for chewing, it also soothes sore gums and removes plaque buildup.
The Oneisall Durable Dog Chew Toy Bone comes in three different sizes so you can upgrade as your puppy grows. It features an irresistible bacon flavor as well which makes it even more enticing for your puppy. Another way to use this toy is to give it to your puppy before you leave the house to keep him occupied so he doesn’t succumb to separation anxiety.
Pros: safe nontoxic materials, extra-durable nylon construction, encourages healthy chewing, soothes sore gums and removes plaque buildup, comes in several sizes, infused with bacon flavor
Cons: not edible, should be discarded if it comes apart, may be too hard for some puppies
#9 Idepet Bite Resistant Toy Ball
The Idepet Bite Resistant Toy Ball is a great option for puppies because it provides multiple benefits. In addition to being a ball toy that your puppy will love rolling around, it is also a treat-dispensing toy. Made from extra-tough rubber, these toy balls are elastic, bite-resistant, and non-abrasive. Plus, the rubber materials will soothe sore gums and scrape away plaque and tartar.
These Idepet Bite Resistant Toy Balls come in a two-pack and each ball is brightly colored. Simply stuff pieces of your puppy’s kibble into the sides of the ball and let him go to town. The ball will bounce and roll, keeping your puppy’s interest while also providing some mental stimulation. If your puppy tends to scarf down his food, try feeding him his dinner with these toy balls.
Pros: nontoxic and nonabrasive materials, soothes sore gums and removes plaque, doubles as a treat-dispensing toy, encourages activity and mental stimulation, bounces and rolls
Cons: some food/treats may not fit, may have a strong smell of rubber
#8 Multipet Chilly Bone
Teething can be painful for puppies and sometimes a traditional chew bone simply won’t cut it. The Multipet Chilly Bone is a great option because you can freeze it so it will be soothing on your puppy’s sore gums. The bone itself is made from durable canvas materials so you simply soak it in water, pop it in the included zippered bag, then freeze it for a few hours.
The Multipet Chilly Bone is a great chew toy because it is reusable. Keep in mind that the canvas materials won’t stand up to heavy chewing as well as rubber or nylon, so you’ll need to take the bone away once it thaws. The bone comes in several sizes and there are flavor options as well, so choose the one your puppy is most likely to enjoy.
Pros: can be frozen to soothe sore gums, several sizes and flavors, reusable toy, easy to soak and freeze
Cons: may not withstand heavy chewing, not as durable as rubber or nylon, contains stuffing
#7 Nylabone Puppy Chew Rings
To keep your puppy entertained, it’s a good idea to offer a variety of different chew toys. These Nylabone Puppy Chew Rings are unique in that they are shaped as rings rather than bones. These chew rings are infused with real bacon flavor to entice your puppy to chew and they are easy to clean with warm water and soap.
These Nylabone Puppy Chew Rings are flexible, so you don’t have to worry about your puppy hurting himself. Plus, the textured surfaces help clean his teeth and soothe sore gums. Use this toy to distract your puppy when he’s chewing on something he shouldn’t be and to keep him busy in his playpen or in his crate overnight.
Pros: infused with bacon flavor, flexible and textured to soothe sore gums, made in the USA, provides long-lasting entertainment, entices puppy to chew
Cons: not recommended for heavy chewers, not recommended for dogs with adult teeth
#6 Activepet Mini Puppy Teething Ropes
The only thing better than a chew toy that keeps your puppy from eating your shoes is one that provides health benefits. These Activepet Mini Puppy Teething Ropes are designed not only to encourage your puppy to chew, but they also help to massage his sore gums and scrape plaque and tartar off his teeth. Plus, the toys are durable enough that your puppy can continue to enjoy them as he grows.
These Activepet Mini Puppy Teething Ropes come in a set so your puppy will have several options to choose from. Each toy is made from 100% cotton and floss fabric in an assortment of bright colors. These rope toys are perfect for chewing but can also be used for games of fetch and other interactive games. Plus, at under $11 for four of them, you can’t beat the price.
Pros: made from 100% cotton and floss fabric, massages sore gums and removes plaque buildup, bright colors, comes in a set of four, can be used for small to medium dogs as well
Cons: not flavored or scented, rope may fray with heavy chewing
#5 Benebone Bacon Flavor Wishbone Chew Toy
Nothing beats a good old-fashioned bone when it comes to chew toys for puppies. The Benebone Bacon Flavor Wishbone Chew Toy is a great option because it has that classic bone shape, but it does have a few upgrades. With dual bones on one half and a strong bacon flavor, this chew toy will keep your puppy occupied for hours on end.
The Benebone Bacon Flavor Wishbone Chew Toy is made in the USA, so you can be sure it is safe for your puppy to enjoy. It is made with 100% real food ingredients including real bacon and the flavor is infused all the way through the bone. This bone also comes in chicken and peanut butter flavor, if your puppy prefers one of those flavors instead.
Pros: made with 100% real food ingredients, flavor infused throughout the bone, unique design to entice chewing, durable enough for sharp puppy teeth, comes in several sizes and flavors
Cons: not edible (should be discarded if it comes apart), could trigger food allergies in people allergic to peanuts, chicken, or pork
#4 Outward Hound Invincibles Squeaking Plush Snake
The only thing a puppy loves more than a good chew toy is a good chew toy that makes noise. This Outward Hound Invincibles Squeaking Plush Snake is a great option because it encourages your puppy to chew and keeps him interested for hours on end. The toy is filled with Invincibles Squeakers which keep on squeaking even after they are punctured. This means endless fun for your puppy.
This Outward Hound Invincibles Squeaking Plush Snake is perfectly sized for a puppy and it is stuffing-free which makes it very safe. Plus, it features a Chew Shield layer for added durability. Once your puppy grows up, simply upgrade to the larger size and let him keep on playing!
Pros: made from durable materials with Chew Shield layer, Invincibles Squeakers keep working after puncture, no filling for safety purposes, perfectly sized for puppies, no small external parts
Cons: fabric materials will eventually come apart, squeaker could be a choking hazard if it comes out
#3 Petstages Mini Dental Chews
Puppies go through chew toys very quickly, so that’s why it’s a good thing that these Petstages Mini Dental Chews come in a 3-pack. Each toy consists of a twisted rope with various attachments to entice and excite your puppy. The rope material is tough enough to withstand heavy chewing and it helps to keep your dog’s teeth clean as well.
These Petstages Mini Dental Chews are perfectly sized for puppies as well as for small-breed dogs. With three different designs to choose from, you’re sure to find one that your puppy loves. One is a simple knotted rope, another is a knotted rope with a plastic attachment, and the third is a fabric rope covered with a plastic tube.
Pros: comes in a 3-pack, durable materials to withstand chewing, knotted ropes add interest, three different designs, chewing helps keep teeth clean
Cons: not recommended for adult dogs, should be discarded if the rope frays or plastic breaks
#2 KONG Refillable Puppy Chew Toy
As small as they are, puppy teeth are incredibly sharp, and they can make quick work of a chew toy. Fortunately, the KONG Refillable Puppy Chew Toy is ultra-durable and designed to withstand heavy chewing. Best of all, it is hollow which means that you can fill it with hard or soft treats to entice your puppy so he chews on the toy instead of your shoes.
The KONG Refillable Puppy Chew Toy comes in several sizes, so you can buy a larger one as your puppy grows. The toy itself is face from high-quality, safe materials that have a little bit of give – this means that it will help clean your puppy’s teeth and soothe sore gums as he starts teething. Purchase KONG treats to stuff this toy with or make your own filling.
Pros: designed to encourage chewing, soothes sore gums and cleans teeth, ultra-durable materials stand up to heavy chewing, fillable with hard or soft treats, several sizes available
Cons: not recommended for puppies over 9 months, some puppies simply aren’t interested in the toy
#1 Nylabone Puppy Starter Pack
Made by one of the top names in the pet toy industry, this Nylabone Puppy Starter Pack features three different bones for teething puppies to chew on. The starter bone is chicken-flavored and designed to soothe your puppy’s sore gums as he starts teething. When his adult teeth start growing in, you can graduate to the next bone which is a little more durable. Once your puppy hits six months, you can give him the Healthy Edibles bacon-flavor bone to chew on.
In addition to soothing sore gums, the Nylabone Puppy Starter Pack encourages healthy chewing but provides an acceptable outlet for it. If you find your puppy chewing on your shoes or something else he shouldn’t be, simply swap it out for one of these bones.
Pros: comes in a three pack for different purposes, designed specifically for puppies, soothes sore gums and encourages healthy chewing behavior, supports healthy teeth
Cons: may not withstand heavy chewing, not recommended for dogs with permanent teeth
Tips for Surviving the Puppy Phase
The joys of raising a puppy are many. Not only do you get to have a cute, fluffy little puppy cuddling on your lap, but you also get to watch him learn and grow. As wonderful as raising a puppy is, however, it can also be quite a challenge.
From crate training to teething, certain aspects of the puppy phase can be difficult and frustrating to deal with. Keep reading to receive some practical tips for surviving the puppy phase.
Why Do Puppies Chew
Just like human babies, puppies are born without teeth. Around four weeks of age, puppies start to develop their temporary teeth (also known as puppy teeth or milk teeth). These 28 teeth are surprisingly sharp, and it causes your puppy some discomfort when they start growing in. It isn’t until 14 to 30 weeks of age when those puppy teeth start to fall out and are replaced by adult teeth.
During teething, puppies chew to relieve some of the discomfort from their teeth growing in. Teething leaves your puppy’s gums sore and chewing can relieve some of that pain.
Not only do puppies chew to relieve the pain of teething, but it is also a means through which they explore their world. Puppies don’t have hands to feel and pick up objects, so they use their mouths instead. Unfortunately, not everything your puppy puts in his mouth is going to withstand chewing and not everything is safe.
The best way to ensure that your puppy is able to act out his need to chew without putting himself in danger is to provide him with an assortment of chew toys.
Tips for Choosing a Puppy Chew Toy
Every dog has his own preferences when it comes to toys, so you may want to start out by purchasing an assortment of different chew toys. Give your puppy some time to play with each one and then determine which kind he likes best.
Here are some of the different types of puppy chew toy you might try:
Nylon Bones – Everyone knows that dogs love bones, so this type of chew toy is an obvious addition to the list. When it comes to chew bones, however, you want to make sure they are made from some kind of material durable enough to stand up against sharp puppy teeth – nylon is a great option.
Edible Toys – While many chew toys for puppies are designed for durability, edible chew toys are a great item to include in your repertoire as well. Edible chew toys like dental sticks and bones help keep your puppy’s teeth clean while also relieving some of the discomfort of teething.
Rubber Toys – Another durable material that many chew toys are made from is rubber. Not only does it stand up well against sharp teeth, but it has just enough give that it massages your puppy’s sore gums and scrapes away plaque and tartar as well.
Rope Toys – Knotted ropes and rope balls are great for puppies because they stand up well to chewing and they provide dental benefits. Plus, you can use them to play tug-of-war or simply let your puppy play on his own.
Balls – Though some dogs don’t show much interest in chasing a ball, others can’t get enough of it. Chasing the ball is a great form of exercise for puppies but the problem happens when he gets the ball and doesn’t want to give it up. If your puppy tends to destroy tennis balls, look for a more durable option that is intended to stand up to some chewing.
Treat-Dispensing Toys – Regular chew toys are great but if you can find a toy that also engages your puppy’s mind, all the better! Treat-dispensing toys add an extra layer of intrigue and they help to keep your puppy busy so he isn’t chewing on something else.
Again, it’s a good idea to buy several different kinds of chew toys and let your puppy decide which are his favorites. When those toys wear out, you simply replace them with another of the same (or something similar).
How to Deal with Problem Chewing
Buying your puppy boxes full of chew toys isn’t going to do you any good unless he actually uses them.
But how do you convince your puppy to chew on his toys instead of your favorite pair of shoes?
The key is to teach him what he IS and IS NOT allowed to chew on.
So, how do you do that
First, you’ll need to figure out which of your puppy’s chew toys is his favorite. Then, when you find your puppy chewing on something he shouldn’t be chewing on, make sure you have that toy in hand. Tell your puppy “No” in a firm tone of voice and remove the object. Then, immediately replace the object with your puppy’s favorite chew toy and praise him when he starts chewing on that instead.
This type of training sequence can be applied to a variety of undesirable behaviors. The idea is that, instead of trying to completely eradicate problem behaviors, you provide your puppy with an acceptable outlet for them and reward him from choosing that outlet. The more consistently you reward your puppy for chewing on his toys, the more likely he will be to choose that toy the next time over another object (like your shoes).
Something else you might consider if your puppy has a habit of destructive chewing is whether something might be going on under the surface.
For example, many puppies develop separation anxiety in which they become extremely anxious about being left at home. In many cases, that nervous energy translates to destructive behavior like chewing. If you find that your puppy only destroys things when you are away from home, there’s a good chance that separation anxiety is the problem.
Talk to your vet about how to relieve your puppy’s separation anxiety – you may also want to explore other potential causes for his destructive behavior like some kind of medical problem.
As a dog owner, it is your responsibility to keep your dog safe, but you also want to keep him happy. By providing your puppy with chew toys from this list, you can give him a safe outlet for his chewing instincts without sacrificing your shoes.
Note: After playing for a while with any of the above reviewed toys, your dog will need a nice and quiet sleep, consider choosing an orthopedic bed for your fury pal. The healthy growth/development of your puppy is all entirely dependent on you and how well you take care it.
