Teething is a normal stage of life of human babies, puppies, kittens, and other animals. Teething can be a challenging phase for your puppy and for dog owners. Puppies may experience pain, irritation, and itchiness on their gum which can prompt them to chew on anything they find. To make the process of teething easier for your puppy, dog owners should invest in quality teething toys for dogs.
Puppies often use their mouths to explore the environment surrounding them. They will, therefore, chew on anything they come across. Investing in good teething toys for puppies can also help save your shoes, socks, furniture and other items in your home from destruction.
At the age of 2-months-old to 10-months-old, puppies go through so much development. It is important to give them appropriate toys that are ideal for their specific breed and personality. When shopping for the best teething toys for dogs, you need to consider the personality of your puppy. If your puppy is energetic and enjoys a challenge, a toy that dispenses treats can be a great choice. Some puppies may prefer a toy to snuggle up.
Things You Need to Know About Puppy Teething Toys
It is important for you to understand how teething toys work to make it easier for you to identify and select the best teething toys for dogs. Good teething toys for puppies can not only help with teething but can also help teach your puppy dog behaviors. Puppies can enjoy quality playtime with age- and size-appropriate toys.
When the puppy starts to teethe, they can become obsessed with chewing and they may chew on anything and everything. Teething is painful, thus your puppy will need ways to reduce the discomfort of sore gums. Good teething toys for puppies provide an opportunity to teach them what they can and can’t chew on. It is important for you to avoid giving your dog toys that resemble items, like a shoe or other house items.
The size of the toy is another important factor that you need to consider to avoid choking which can lead to death. Ensure that you read through the manufacturer’s guidelines to make sure the toy is appropriate for your dog’s age and size. Supervision when using the toy is also very important. Always check on the toys to ensure that your puppy hasn’t bitten off any chunks that can cause choking.
Features of the Good Teething Toys for Puppies
There are so many teething toys for dogs in the market today, making it hard to identify the best teething toy that is durable, safe and reliable for your puppy. The teething toy you select for your puppy should be interesting to them since if the puppy does not like the toy, they will look for something else to chew on instead. Here are some of the features to look out for in the best teething toys for dogs.
Durability
It is important for the teething toy to be durable and withstand chewing from your puppy. Choosing a durable teething toy for puppies will help you avoid spending so much money on a new toy each time your puppy has destroyed the teething toy. Good teething toys for puppies should be soft enough to provide relief to your puppy’s gum but strong enough to withstand the chewing without tearing.
Shatter-Proof
The best teething toys for dogs should not easily break in pieces. A teething toy that easily rips or tears into pieces can be dangerous for your puppy since it can cause choking. If your puppy accidentally ingests on pieces of his toy, you may need to rush him to the emergency room since it can cause death. The best teething toy should be shatterproof and made from a material that your puppy is unable to tear into small pieces.
Different Shapes and Textures
Puppies are different and what interests one puppy might not necessarily interest the other puppy. To make it possible for your puppy to get a toy that he is interested in, it is advisable to get teething toys of different shapes and textures. Getting teething toys of different shapes and textures provides your puppy with a variety to choose from and let them change to another toy to avoid boredom.
Appropriately Sized
Good teething toys for puppies should be of the right size that suits your dog’s age, size, and breed. Small dog breeds such as Chihuahua puppy can do well with small toys but a puppy of a large dog breed such as a Great Dane can easily swallow or choke on a small toy intended for a Chihuahua puppy. Ensure that you choose a teething toy that is appropriately sized for the breed.
Good Taste
A tasty teething toy will keep your puppy interested in the toy. If a toy has a bad taste, your puppy may be less interested in the toy. A teething toy that tastes good can keep your puppy entertained for hours.
Top 10 Good Teething Toys for Puppies
If you are a new puppy owner, it can be hard for you to identify the most reliable and durable teething toy for your puppy. We have identified some of the most reliable, durable and safe puppy teething toys in the market. Here are reviews for some of the good teething toys for puppies.
#1) Kong Puppy Goodie Bone
The Kong Puppy Goodie Bone is a quality teething toy that is shaped well to make it easier for your puppy to have a grip of the toy. The teething toy can be stuffed with tasty treats at each end of the bone to keep your puppy interested for a long time. It is made from Kong’s hard-wearing rubber to ensure that it is durable and safe for the toughest of chewers.
The dog toy can be stuffed then frozen to help relieve the pain of inflamed gums while teething. It is available in blue and pink. The teething toy is made in America using high safety standards and quality material. It will not rip, tear or peel thus the puppy can use it even without supervision. The Goodie’s bone is a good teething toy for puppies that can not only keep your puppy occupied but also help relieve pain on his gum.
Pros
- The teething toy is made of hard-wearing rubber for durability and safety.
- It does not tear or rip thus it is safe for tough chewers.
- The puppy toy can be stuffed with treats to keep the pet interested for a long time.
- It can be frozen to help relieve pain on the puppy’s gums during teething.
- The toy is made in America.
- It is shaped like a bone to make it easier for puppies to grip.
Cons
- Some puppies can become bored with the toy after a long use since it is tough and hard to destroy.
#2) N-Bone Puppy Teething Ring, Chicken Flavor
The N-Bone Puppy Teething Ring is a chicken-flavored teething ring that most puppies love because of its taste. It is available in pumpkin flavor but most puppies love the chicken flavor. The teething toy is easy for puppies to grip and hold. It is easy for puppies to carry around and does not leave the puppy with a bad taste in the mouth.
The teething ring is fortified with Omega 3 fatty acids. It will not ruin your puppy’s diet since it is low fat and gluten-free. Puppies with strong jaws can easily tear and rip the teething ring apart. Supervision when using the toy is necessary. It has a fun shape that is easy to clean and maintain.
Pros
- It is easy for puppies to hold, chew and carry.
- The teething ring is lightweight, making it easy to store.
- It has a fun shape that is interesting to puppies and is easy to clean.
- The Puppy Teething Ring has omega 3 fatty acids that are beneficial to your pet’s coat and skin.
- It comes in a chicken flavor that most puppies love.
- The toy does not leave a bad taste on your puppy’s mouth.
- It is made of quality material that is safe for puppies.
Cons
- The teething toy can easily be chewed and ripped into pieces, thus puppies should not be left to play with the toy without supervision.
#3) Tuffy’s Red Paw Print Ultimate Ring Tug Toy
Tuffy’s Red Paw Print Ultimate Ring Tug Toy is a throw toy that is great for playing tug. It can also make a great chew toy for puppies that are teething. The toy is made from luggage material, plastic and an outer soft fleece to ensure durability. It is a veterinary recommended and approved toy.
It is soft enough to be pleasurable to chew but it is indestructible. The toy is reliable in teaching your puppy to retrieve. It is lightweight, making it easy for the puppy to grip and carry. The tug toy floats thus it can be used on water. It comes in a wide range of shapes and colors to let you choose the shape and color that suits your puppy’s personality.
Pros
- It is made of quality material to ensure durability and reliability.
- The toy can be used to teach retrieving skills.
- It is a great toy for playing tug.
- The tug toy is soft enough to make it pleasurable to chew but it is hard to destroy.
- It floats on water and can, therefore, be used on water.
- The Tuffy’s Red Paw Print Ultimate Ring Tug Toy is available in a range of colors and shapes to choose from.
- It has a compact shape that makes it easy to grip and carry.
- The toy is recommended by veterinaries.
Cons
- It might not be ideal for aggressive chewing dogs.
#4) West Paw Tux Toy
West Paw Tux Toy is a quality teething toy that can be stuffed with treats to keep the puppy interested. It features a pocket for stuffing treats. The toy is made of quality material that is strong and hard for puppies to destroy. The toy is easy for puppies to grip and chew.
The chew toy can be left with the puppy in his crate without supervision. It has a funky shape that makes it bounce erratically when it’s tossed, making it an interactive toy that you can use to play with your puppy. The surface of the toy is tough surface for chewing but is gentle on your teething pup’s mouth. It can be easily cleaned in the dishwasher.
Pros
- The chew toy can be stuffed with treats to keep the puppy interested in the toy for a long time.
- It is hard for your puppy to destroy the toy.
- The toy is tough to tear or rip but it is gentle on your puppy’s teething gum.
- It can be left with the puppy alone without supervision.
- The Tux toy features a funky shape that makes it bounce erratically when tossed, making more interesting to puppies.
- It is easy for puppies to chew and grip.
- The teething toy can be washed in a dishwasher for easy maintenance.
Cons
- It might not be ideal for aggressive chewers.
#5) Nylabone Romp and Chomp
The Nylabone Romp and Chomp is a bone-shaped toy that is ideal for teething puppies. It is soft and easy to chew, providing relieve on the puppy’s gums. The toy is made from a soft material designed for puppy’s teeth. Despite the soft material, the toy is tough enough to be durable and long-lasting. It is made in America following the set safety standards.
The toy does not rip or tear thus it is suitable to be left alone with a puppy in their crate. It is textured with numerous different surface shapes to keep your puppy happy and interested for a long period of time. The texture also help to clean the puppy’s teeth. It can be stiffed and frozen for an interactive chewing session and to help soothe inflamed gums.
Pros
- The teething toy does to tear or rip easily thus it can be left with the puppy in his crate.
- It is made from a soft material designed to soothe the puppy’s gum.
- The toy can be stiffed and frozen to offer better relief on the puppy’s gum and keep the puppy interested in the toy for long.
- It is a long-lasting teething toy that is textured to clean the puppy’s teeth.
- Nylabone Romp and Chomp is easy for puppies to grip and carry.
- It is made in America.
Cons
- The toy is not suitable for aggressive chewers.
#6) Nylabone Ring Bone
The Nylabone ring bone chew toy is an interesting teething toy that most puppies love. It is a textured, chain link style toy that keeps your puppy engaged and entertained for hours. The toy comes in 3 different shaped ‘rings’, each with varying textured surfaces to keep the puppy interested in the toy for longer. The textured surfaces also help to clean the puppy’s teeth.
The teething toy is made from soft material that is suitable for puppies. The material is however strong enough to withstand chewing from the puppy. It makes a noise when being chewed when the ‘links’ bang against each other, making it more exciting for your puppy. The toy is made in America and can be left with the puppy without supervision since it is hard to tear.
Pros
- The toy helps to keep the puppy’s teeth clean and healthy.
- It has 3 different shaped ‘rings’ with textured surfaces to keep the puppy interested for a long time.
- The teething toy is strong enough to withstand chewing without tearing.
- It is made of a soft material that is easy to chew and is soft on the puppy’s gum.
- Nylabone ring bone chew toy produces some noise when being chewed, making it more fun for the puppy.
- It can be left alone with the puppy in his crate without supervision.
- The toy is made in America.
Cons
- The toy cannot be stuffed with treats.
#7) Nylabone Puppy Key Ring
Nylabone keyring toy is a popular puppy toy from Nylabone. The toy is soft enough for enjoyable chewing but strong enough to withstand chewing. It is easy for the puppy to grip, chew and carry. The teething toy has so many moving parts that make a sound when shaken, making the toy more interesting for puppies.
The toy is available in irregular shapes and textures to provide choices of different surfaces and feelings while chewing. The textures also keep the puppy interested and help to clean the puppy’s teeth. The toy releases raised bristles after some chewing to clean the puppy’s teeth and aid in dental health. It can be used as an interactive toy since it is easy to throw and has multiple holding points for gentle games of tug or fetch.
Pros
- It is made in America.
- The toy comes with moving parts that produce sound, making puppies more interested in the toy.
- It has bristles that raise to clean the puppy’s teeth.
- The teething toy is easy for puppies to chew and grip.
- It soft enough for a great chewing session but strong enough to withstand chewing without ripping.
- The Nylabone key ring toy is from a reputable brand.
- It is available in different shapes and textures to choose from.
- The puppy toy can be used as an interactive toy for playing tug or fetch.
Cons
- The toy cannot be stuffed with treats.
- It is hard to destroy thus some puppies can become bored with the toy after using it for a long time.
#8) Benebone Wishbone Chew Toy
The Benebone Wishbone Chew Toy is a fun toy that has an interesting shape and flavor. The toy comes in either real bacon or peanut butter flavors. It is a popular teething toy for puppies that is among the bestselling puppy chew toys in the USA. The toy is made from a tough Nylon material to ensure that it is capable of withstanding chewing and last a long time.
The chew toy features a unique and interesting, patented wishbone design that is interesting to most puppies. It is easy for puppies to hold down the toy with their paws for chewing sessions. Most puppies love the taste of peanut butter or bacon thus the flavor makes the toy more interesting to the puppy. It is strong enough to be left alone with a puppy unsupervised. The chew toy is made in America.
Pros
- The teething toy can be left with the puppy unsupervised.
- It is made from a tough Nylon material to ensure durability and reliability.
- The toy is available in either real bacon or peanut butter flavors which most puppies love.
- It has an interesting, patented wishbone design that keeps the puppy interested for a long time.
- The chew toy is easy for puppies to hold down and chew.
- It is a strong toy that is capable of withstanding chewing from puppies.
- Benebone Wishbone Chew Toy provides relief on the puppy’s teething gum.
- It is made in America.
Cons
- The toy is made of nylon which is harder than other chew toys.
- If it tears, it can become a hazard to your puppy.
#9) Mammoth Flossy Chews
Mammoth Flossy Chews is a rope toy for your teething puppies. It is a quality teething toy that is hard for your puppy to destroy. The toy is designed to keep your puppy occupied for a long period. It helps floss your puppy’s teeth as they chew on the rope, keeping the teeth and gum healthy.
The teething toy can be soaked in water and frozen overnight for a cooling and soothing effect on your puppy’s gums. It can be left with the puppy in his crate without supervision. The flossy chew ropes are machine washable for easy maintenance. It is a safe, durable and reliable teething toy for puppies that will last for a long time.
Pros
- The toy is well-made and is impossible for puppies to destroy.
- It can be soaked in water and frozen overnight for a cooling and soothing effect on the puppy’s inflamed gums.
- The teething toy is machine washable.
- It is strong and durable enough to be left with the puppy unsupervised.
- The toy keeps your puppy occupied for a long time.
- It floss the puppy’s teeth and keep them clean and healthy.
Cons
- The toy cannot be stuffed with treats.
- Some puppies may not be interested in the toy.
#10) Comtim Blue Star Chew Toy
The Comtim Blue Star Chew Toy is an affordable teething toy for puppies that is ideal for those looking for inexpensive options. It is made from natural rubber and cotton rope. The toy provides flexibility and a soft feel that is ideal for sensitive puppy mouths. It is strong to withstand chewing from your puppy.
The chew toy has a textured surface that is designed to soothe their gums and keep them interested in the toy for a long time. The textured surfaces also help keep the puppy’s teeth clean by preventing tartar buildup. It is available in eye-catching colors and interesting shapes that will attract your puppy to the toy and lure them away from chewing other objects in your house.
Pros
- It is a reliable teething toy that has a flexible and soft feel on the puppy’s mouth.
- The chew toy includes textured surfaces that keep your puppy interested in the toy for a long time.
- It helps clean the puppy’s teeth and ensure dental health.
- The toy is made from natural rubber and cotton rope which will not irritate the puppy’s inflamed gums.
- It is an affordable teething toy for puppies.
- The toy comes in a range of interesting colors and shapes that are guaranteed to attract your puppy.
Cons
- The toy cannot be stuffed with treats.
- Some dogs can easily rip and tear apart the toy.
Conclusion
Good teething toys for puppies should not only be interesting to the puppies but they should also be safe for the puppies. We have provided you with reviews of some of the best teething toys for dogs available in the market today. The teething toys we have reviewed vary in the features they offer and in prices. It is important for you to choose a toy that suits your dog’s needs and your budget.
We hope that this article was informative and helpful and that you have found a teething toy that is ideal for your teething puppy. Feel free to let us know which toy from our review of the 10 best teething toys for dogs your puppy loves.
Dr. Candy, a holistic veterinarian and certified raw dog food nutrition specialist, graduated from Oklahoma State University in 2009 with a DVM and has since specialized in companion animal nutrition, advocating for species-specific diets. With a background in wildlife rehabilitation and oil spill response, she combines holistic health and conventional medicine in her unique approach to treating chronic diseases, allergies, and autoimmune conditions in pets. As the owner of a veterinary practice in Colorado and an author, Dr. Candy is dedicated to educating pet parents and improving the health and happiness of animals.