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Best Puppy Toys for Teething and Play 2026
Puppy Toys Aren’t Just Smaller Dog Toys
You can’t hand a puppy the same rock-hard Nylabone or ultra-tough KONG you’d give a two-year-old Lab. Puppy teeth are sharp but fragile — they’re baby teeth, and they’ll fall out between 3 and 6 months. Toys made for adult dogs can crack those teeth or hurt tender gums.
Good puppy toys are made from softer rubber, lighter materials, and smaller sizes. They’re also built with teething in mind — textures that massage sore gums and shapes that are easy for a tiny mouth to grip. And since puppies explore the world by chewing on literally everything, you want to give them a few safe outlets before they discover your favorite shoes.
What to Look For
Not every toy labeled “puppy” is actually safe for puppies. Here’s what matters:
- Material safety — Soft rubber, non-toxic plush, and fabrics that won’t splinter. Skip anything with a strong chemical smell out of the package.
- No small detachable parts — Buttons, googly eyes, ribbons, and tiny squeakers can all become choking hazards.
- Variety — Puppies need different types of toys for different needs: something to chew, something to chase, something to solve, and something to snuggle.
- Size-appropriate — A toy that’s too small can be swallowed. Too big, and your puppy won’t bother. Most brands offer multiple sizes — get the one that matches your pup now, not the one they’ll grow into.
Our 5 Picks
KONG Puppy — Best Overall
The puppy version of the classic KONG uses a softer, lighter rubber formula (it’s the pink or blue one, not the red). You can stuff it with peanut butter, wet food, or kibble, freeze it for extra teething relief, and toss it in the dishwasher when it gets gross. Most puppies figure out the stuffing game quickly and it becomes a go-to for keeping them busy.
It’s not indestructible — aggressive puppy chewers can tear chunks off after a few weeks — but for the price, it’s easy to replace. The fact that it doubles as a feeding toy and a teething toy makes it the single most useful puppy toy you can buy.
Price: ~$11.99
Nylabone Puppy Teething Keys — Best for Teething
These look like a set of oversized plastic keys on a ring, and each key has a different texture. The idea is that your puppy gnaws on whichever surface feels best on their gums at the moment. They’re vet-recommended, cheap, and one of the few teething toys that actually holds up.
The catch: once your puppy’s adult teeth come in (around 6 months), these become too soft and you’ll need to retire them. Small pieces can also break off with really determined chewers, so keep an eye on the condition. But during the peak teething months, these are a lifesaver.
Price: ~$7.99
KONG Puppy Goodie Bone — Best Stuffable Chew
Same puppy-safe rubber as the classic KONG, but in a bone shape with two ends you can stuff with treats. The bone shape gives puppies a better grip, and it’s easier for small mouths to hold than the round KONG.
It’s lighter and less durable than the original — think of it as a complement, not a replacement. Some owners find the openings are a bit small and tricky to stuff. Still, it’s a solid option for puppies that need something to gnaw on and a reason to keep gnawing.
Price: ~$9.99
Outward Hound Hide A Squirrel — Best Puzzle Toy
A plush tree trunk with squeaky squirrel toys stuffed inside. Your puppy’s job is to pull the squirrels out. It taps into their natural foraging instincts and keeps them occupied for longer than you’d expect from something this simple.
Fair warning: if your puppy is a heavy chewer, the squirrels won’t last long. The plush material tears easily, and determined puppies will pull the squeakers out within a day. But for puppies that play more gently (or for supervised play sessions), this toy gets a ton of use. Replacement squirrels are available separately, which is nice.
Price: ~$12.99
Multipet Lamb Chop — Best Comfort Toy
Every puppy needs one soft, cuddly toy — and Lamb Chop has been filling that role for decades. It’s a simple plush toy with a squeaker, and something about its size and shape just works. Puppies latch onto it, carry it around, sleep with it, and generally treat it like a security blanket.
It is not built to withstand aggressive chewing. The seams will open, the squeaker will come out, and stuffing will go everywhere if your puppy goes to town on it. This is a cuddle toy, not a chew toy. Supervise play sessions and put it away when your puppy is in a bitey mood. Comes in several sizes — go with the one closest to your puppy’s current size.
Price: ~$7.99
Comparison Table
| Toy | Type | Best For | Durability | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KONG Puppy | Rubber/stuffable | All-around use | Moderate | $11.99 |
| Nylabone Teething Keys | Chew/teething | Sore gums | Moderate | $7.99 |
| KONG Goodie Bone | Rubber/stuffable | Chewing + treats | Moderate | $9.99 |
| Hide A Squirrel | Plush/puzzle | Mental stimulation | Low | $12.99 |
| Multipet Lamb Chop | Plush/comfort | Cuddling, sleep | Low | $7.99 |
Toys to Avoid for Puppies
A few types of toys that show up in pet stores but aren’t great for puppies:
- Rawhide — Pieces can swell in the stomach and cause blockages. Most vets recommend avoiding rawhide entirely for puppies.
- Hard nylon bones made for adults — Too tough for baby teeth. Wait until adult teeth are fully in.
- Toys with small detachable parts — Ribbon, button eyes, bells, or small plastic pieces are choking hazards.
- Tennis balls (unsupervised) — The felt coating wears down teeth over time, and chunks of the rubber can be torn off and swallowed.
- Rope toys (unsupervised) — Strings and fibers can be ingested and cause intestinal blockages. Fine for supervised tug sessions, but don’t leave them alone with it.
How Many Toys Does a Puppy Need?
You don’t need to buy 20 toys at once. Start with 4-5 that cover different needs: one rubber chew, one teething toy, one puzzle or interactive toy, and one comfort plush. That gives your puppy variety without overwhelming them (or your budget).
Toy rotation is the real trick. Keep 2-3 toys out at a time and swap them every few days. Toys that haven’t been seen in a while feel brand new again, and your puppy stays interested without you buying anything extra. This also extends the life of each toy since they’re getting less constant use.
Replace toys as soon as they start falling apart — loose pieces, exposed stuffing, or broken squeakers are all swallowing risks.
Prices are accurate as of April 2026 and are subject to change. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.