9 Best Chew Toys for Puppies of 2023

Best Overall

KONG Puppy Dog Toy

4.8

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The classic Kong is a popular and sturdy rubber dog toy, good for teething and chewing. It’s even more entertaining and long-lasting when stuffed with treats, then frozen. The puppy version is made out of softer rubber and is smaller, designed for chewing and teething. It wobbles and bounces if pushed or tossed. Some puppies are quite content just to gnaw on it as is, but it’s much more motivating when filled with kibble, treats, or a little peanut butter.

There are several sizes of adult and puppy Kongs and it’s key that you get the right one for your pet. It’s particularly frustrating for your puppy if it’s too big for them and they can’t reach into the toy to get all the goodies. Some dogs won’t play with a Kong if it isn’t packed with a tasty center, but for those that like to fetch or chase, it’s fun because the bounce is so unpredictable.

“If the puppy or dog is an extreme chewer I like to recommend products from Kong or West Paw,” Marion told The Spruce Pets.

Price at time of publish: $8

_{Dimensions: 1.75 x 1.75 x 3 inches | Materials: rubber | Colors: pink, blue}

Best for Chewers

Benebone Puppy Dog Chew Toy

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Nylon toys are a little softer than similar toys and easy for puppies to grasp with their paws. Puppies love to chew on sticks (and fingers and chair legs). These hard nylon toys are just a bit softer than the traditional Benebones for adult dogs, which means they’re more forgiving for teething pups. They come in three sizes (tiny, small, and medium) and two flavors (bacon and maplewood). Depending on the size,  there are also four designs including a wishbone and a stick that are easy for puppies to grasp with their paws..

The tiny puppy Benebones come in a two-pack and are for puppies under 15 pounds. Be sure to choose the correct size because they’re unwieldy if they’re too  large and can be a choking hazard if too small. The toys aren’t edible, so inspect them regularly for signs of wear. 

Price at time of publish: $15

_{Dimensions: 2.76 x 0.39 x 4.33 inches | Materials: nylon with flavoring | Colors: natural}

Best Treat Dispensing

WEST PAW Zogoflex Toppl Treat Dispensing Dog Toy Puzzle

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The Toppl looks like a squat cup with a hole on the side. You can fill it up with dry kibble or treats and let your pup roll them out. There are grips on the bottom of the inside to help keep bigger snacks in place. But a true challenge is when you freeze it. You can add moistened kibble, canned food, or a combination of tasty treats. Then let your pup have a frozen dinner.

It’s a great idea for puppies that tend to scarf down their meals quickly. This slows them down and keeps their brain occupied while they dine. The toys can get a little grungy, but can be washed in the dishwasher. The top edges will get ragged after lots of use. When that happens, you can ship them to West Paw for their recycling program to make more toys.

Price at time of publish: $20

_{Dimensions: 3 x 3 x 2.5 inches (small) | Materials: blend of plastics | Colors: tangerine, granny smith, aqua blue}

Best Edible

N-Bone Puppy Teething Ring

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Puppies adore these teething rings. They will often gnaw on them for hours, unless they are really aggressive chewers. The rings are completely edible and have added nutrients, including calcium and omega-3s.

Be sure to feed according to directions. Tiny puppies under 10 pounds should only get a quarter of one per day. Because puppies can have sensitive tummies, feeding too much can cause stomach upset. As tasty as puppies must think they are, they can also be messy. When they’re done, puppies can have some sticky residue on their muzzle and paws, but it’s easy to wash off.

Price at time of publish: $7

_{Dimensions: 9.75 x 3.25 x 6.75 inches | Materials: Rice flour and other ingredients | Colors: (flavors) chicken, peanut butter, pumpkin}

Best Soft

goDog Dragons Squeaker Plush Dog Toy with Chew Guard Technology

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Made with tough fabric and double-stitched seams, this soft toy is also good for snuggling. Not technically a chew toy at all, this rugged plush dragon still withstands some pretty rough teething activity. Some puppies aren’t intrigued by rubber or plastic and just want something softer that they can snuggle with too. The material is a tough bubbly plush fabric with a strong liner and double-stitched seams. The company offers a limited replacement guarantee.

The dragon also has a sturdy squeaker and lots of dangling parts for biting and tug time. A very determined dog could rip off a limb or chew a hole. The manufacturer recommends only wiping the surface by hand when it gets grungy.

Price at time of publish: $15

_{Dimensions: 12 x 5 x 9 inches | Materials: fabric | Colors: assorted}

Best Designs

SodaPup Soda Can

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There are so many whimsical, colorful designs in this line of durable rubber chew toys. It’s incredibly cute to see a puppy carrying around a bright pink soda can or red coffee cup. SodaPup has a large selection of sturdy toys in many whimsical designs from gift boxes and teddy bears to cupcakes and flying saucers. They can be used as a sturdy chew toy or you can fill them with kibble, wet food, or a little yogurt or peanut butter. Depending on the toy, stuffing it and freezing it might be too challenging for some puppies.

The toys are made in the U.S. with a natural rubber material that comes in three formulations: puppy for teething pups, original for strong chewers, and magnum for “dogs that destroy everything.” They also come in small to extra-large so you can choose based on your pup’s size and how much they like to chew. Bonus: It’s dishwasher-safe.

Price at time of publish: $16

_{Dimensions: 2.5 x 1.5 x 1.5 inches (small soda can) | Materials: rubber | Colors: pink, orange}

Best Frozen for Teething

Petstages Cool Teething Stick

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Soak this brightly colored fabric toy in water, then place it in the freezer for a couple hours. It gets cold and crunchy, offering relief for inflamed gums. It also can be refreshing for a hot, bored puppy on a warm day.

Even without freezing, the toy can be entertaining. Some pups love the crinkly noises that the fin-like features make when grabbed. As with any soft toy, check it often for rips or loose threads. Some owners have said their dogs were able to rip the toy. It can be cleaned in the washing machine on a gentle cycle.

Price at time of publish: $5

_{Dimensions: 8.47 x 5.52 x 1.97 inches | Materials: cotton-polyester fabric | Colors: mix of bright colors}

Best for Small Dogs

Nylabone Puppy Power Chew

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These colorful, connected plastic rings have different textures to help with teething and boredom. They’re very rugged and targeted for puppies up to 25 pounds. The tough nylon is designed for puppies that are particularly powerful chewers or those that already have their adult teeth.

The toy looks just like baby teething rings. It can keep your pet entertained just as a chew toy, but it also works for a very gentle game of tug. It isn’t dishwasher safe and must be washed by hand in warm soapy water. Check it often for sharp edges if your pup gets too vigorous when playing.

Price at time of publish: $8

_{Dimensions: 2.5 x 4 x 3 inches | Materials: plastic | Colors: green, yellow, and turquoise}