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Best Chew Toys For Puppies With Itchy Teeth
If you’ve ever spent a few minutes with a puppy, you’ll quickly notice their tendency to nibble on anything within reach—the bottom of your sofa, the shoes lying around, or even your toes.
Image credits: Ayla Verschueren
Teething can be a painful and uncomfortable process for puppies, which might lead to them chewing on anything they can find. However, you can help by providing them with edibles and chew toys to soothe their gums. This prevents them from being destructive and makes the teething process much more pleasant.
We at Bored Panda worked around the clock to bring a handpicked list of proven chew toys for puppies. Each product has been carefully chosen based on its effectiveness, safety, and positive reviews from vets and pet owners. Our guide includes durable rubber toys and textured dental chews to keep your little one busy with something other than your precious furniture.
The information provided herein is for informational purposes only. Please refer to our disclaimer for more details.
Our Community Picks
Best Overall: Nylabone Puppy Power Rings $8.03
Runner-Up: Outward Hound Durablez Bear Toy $7.74
Also Great: Petstages Cool Teething Stick $3.76
Note: All prices and deals listed are accurate as of the time of publishing. Please check the provided links for the most current pricing.
Chew Toys for Teething Puppies
We’ve handpicked a collection of top-notch chew toys to help ease your puppy’s sore gums and encourage healthy chewing habits. Each toy is made from safe materials and offers durability and gentle relief for your puppy’s teething woes.
This post may include affiliate links.
Nylabone Just for Puppies Teething Chew Toy
Dimensions: 0.5 x 4 inches | Colors: Blue, red, and yellow | Material: Nylon
The Nylabone Just for Puppies Bacon-Flavored Chew Keys is a fantastic toy created for puppies weighing up to 15 pounds. It features a unique design of a plastic key ring and three colorful plastic keys with bristles that are perfect for cleaning your puppy’s teeth.
The keys have the right texture for teething puppies and aren't too soft. The irresistible bacon flavor keeps your puppy engaged, while the varied textures offer a stimulating and enjoyable chewing experience.
What We Like:
• Your puppy will love the bacon flavor
• Long-lasting and sturdy
What We Don’t Like:
• Not for tough chewers
• It may taper to splinters
Petstages Cool Teething Stick
Dimensions: 8.47 x 5.52 x 1.97 inches | Colors: A mix of bright colors | Material: Cotton and polyester
The Petstages Cool Teething Stick is ideal for teething puppies and canines with sensitive gums. Made of sturdy polyester, this chew toy can be soaked in water and then frozen to provide cooling relief.
The best part is that you don't have to worry about buying a new toy whenever your furry friend needs relief. The toy can be reused after freezing, making it a cost-effective and long-lasting solution for teething dogs.
What We Like:
• Inexpensive
• The cold adds a soothing effect
• The crunchy texture will keep your puppy engaged
What We Don’t Like:
• Stays cool for merely a few minutes
• Ribbon ends may not withstand aggressive chewing
Nylabone Puppy Power Rings
Dimensions: 6 x 2.88 x 3 inches | Colors: Blue, orange, and green | Material: Nylon
The Nylabone Puppy Power Rings are made from nylon, perfect for teething. They are tough chewers with a firm bite. The rings have ridges and bumps that help clean teeth, massage gums, and reduce tartar buildup. Plus, your pup won't be able to resist the bacon flavor of this chew.
The toy is designed for puppies transitioning to their adult teeth or those with a more aggressive chewing style and is highly recommended by vets.
What We Like:
• The nubs, ridges, and grooves provide relief for your canine’s sore gums
• Nylon can withstand extremely tough chewing
What We Don’t Like:
• The toy may break into small pieces or develop splinters as it gets worn down over time
Chew Toys with Treat Compartments
The following toys reward puppies with hidden treats, promote healthy chewing habits, and mental enrichment. They come in varying difficulty levels to suit puppies of different ages.
Kong Puppy Binkie
Dimensions: 2.5 x 2.5 x 4.75 inches | Colors: Pink and blue | Material: Rubber
The Kong Puppy Binkie is an excellent teething toy for puppies. It is made by the renowned KONG company, known for its durable canine toys. Its roundish dummy shape and hollow center appeal to puppies during the teething phase, as it can be filled with treats to alleviate sore gums. The Kong Puppy Binkie is designed to promote problem-solving skills for puppies up to nine months old.
What We Like:
• Soft yet durable rubber
• The dummy shape is perfect for puppies
• Treat compartment
What We Don’t Like:
• The toy may become a choking hazard as the pup grows
West Paw Zogoflex Interactive Dog Puzzle Toy
Dimensions: 3 x 3 x 2.5 inches | Colors: Granny smith, aqua blue, tangerine | Material: Plastic
The West Paw Toppl is an award-winning puzzle and treat toy that provides mental stimulation and interactive play, perfect for slowing down the mealtime for your pup.
With the West Paw Toppl, you can quickly fill it with your pet’s favorite kibble or treats to promote healthy chewing habits. This durable and engaging toy is perfect for moderate chewers and pet owners who want to challenge their furry companions.
What We Like:
• Easy to wash
• The design is simple to grasp
What We Don’t Like:
• Certain foods may stain the toy
Kong Puppy Teething Rubber Toy
Dimensions: 1.75 x 1.75 x 3 inches | Colors: Blue and pink | Material: Rubber
The KONG Puppy Teething Rubber Toy is a quality chew for growing puppies. Made from soft and natural rubber, it relieves your puppy’s baby teeth and gums. The toy can also be filled with snacks, stuffed with kibble or peanut butter, and frozen.
This toy is highly recommended by veterinarians and professional trainers who recognize its effectiveness in promoting physical activity and mental stimulation in puppies.
What We Like:
• Safe, with no moving parts
• It is easy to hold for puppies
• The chew toy is very durable
What We Don’t Like:
• Has a strong rubber smell
Best Soft Chew Toy
The plush and soft rubber toys are designed for puppies with delicate mouths, gums, and teeth. Your pup will love a softer chew of our favorite pick.
Multipet Lamb Chop Squeaky Plush Toy
Dimensions: 2.5 x 4 x 3 inches | Colors: Green, turquoise, and yellow | Material: Plastic
The adorable Lamb Chop plush toy is your puppy’s new favorite companion. It is made from super-soft plush material and comes with a built-in speaker perfect for both snuggling and interactive play.
The plush toy is available in four sizes, and you can choose the one that suits your dog’s size. The Mini size (6 inches) and the Regular size (10 inches) are ideal for your teething puppy.
What We Like:
• Soft enough for teething dogs with gentle mouths
• Plush material is comforting for puppies
What We Don’t Like:
• Not durable for aggressive chewers
• May require more supervision as it can be easily ripped apart
Squeaky Chew Toys
The following toys are perfect for puppies who love the thrill of a squeaky sound during playtime.
Chuckit! Ultra Squeaker Ball
Dimensions: 2 x 3.4 x 4.5 inches | Colors: Orange | Material: Rubber
The Chuckit! Ultra Squeaker Ball is an exciting new addition to fetch games with your dog. This ball has a built-in squeaker that makes it more fun to play with; Your pup will adore the lively sounds it makes.
The buoyant toy can easily float on water, perfect for fun playtime in the pool or lake, while the impressive bounce rate makes it an excellent pick for even the most aggressive chewers.
What We Like:
• Perfect toy for small breeds
• The rubber is tough and durable
• Perfect for playing on land and in the water
• The textured surface has a good grip
What We Don’t Like:
• The squeaker won't last
Outward Hound Durablez Bear Toy
Dimensions: 6.75 x 2 x 5 inches | Colors: Miscelanious | Material: Polyester
The Outward Hound Durablez plush toy features an inner Dura-Tuff lining and reinforced double-stitched seams, ensuring it can withstand even the roughest play sessions.
Its stuffing-free design ensures a mess-free experience, while the jumbo squeakers inside excite your pup. Available in a variety of options, Durablez provides hours of entertainment for your growing canine.
Note: The toy will fit for smaller breeds and puppies.
What We Like:
• Reinforced design
• Great tug toy
What We Don’t Like:
• Not suitable for gentle chewers
Why Is Giving Your Puppy a Chew Toy Very Important?
Puppies tend to get mouthy when they are teething, biting almost anything they can get their paws on, including other puppies that may be around. Teething toys are crucial to redirecting their chewing habit while keeping them mentally stimulated. If you are a new puppy owner, knowing what to look for when selecting teething toys for your furry friend is essential
The Puppy Teething Timeline
The puppy teething process can be divided into three stages.
Eruption stage. This stage typically lasts between 3-4 months. During this stage, you may notice your puppy drooling more than usual, chewing excessively, and even becoming irritable.
Peak teething phase. This stage lasts 4-6 months when your puppy’s chewing becomes even more frequent, and they may experience minor gum inflammation and a loss of appetite. You might even find some of their tiny teeth around the house.
Final teething phase. This stage lasts an average of 6-8 months. At this point, most puppies have completed their teething process. Their 42 adult teeth should have erupted, and all the baby teeth should be gone. As a result, the discomfort they may have experienced in the previous stages declines, significantly reducing their chewing behavior.
What to Look for When Buying a Chew Toy for Your Pup
Here are some key things to consider before buying a chew toy for your canine.
Material
Offer your puppy a variety of safe teething toys to find what they like. This helps build appropriate chewing habits. Avoid toys with harmful chemicals like BPA or phthalates, which have been linked to endocrine disruption and possible cancers.
Durability
Choose durable toys for your puppy to avoid choking hazards. Rubber toys can be chilled to soothe sore gums, but some may be too soft for aggressive chewers. Nylon toys are great for aggressive chewers, but some may be too hard on puppy gums. Keep an eye on rope toys, which may fray and become a choking hazard.
Texture
In most cases, textured toys are better than smooth toys for dogs. Bumpy and ridged toys can massage sore gums and promote healthy chewing habits. Nubbly textures provide deeper gum stimulation, while groove-textured toys can remove plaque buildup from teeth. Choose the right texture based on your dog’s dental needs and chewing preferences.
Size
As your puppy grows into an adult dog, so will their needs. Considering the size of your teething toy is crucial to prevent choke hazards. A teething toy that is too small can get lodged in their throat. Select a teething toy slightly bigger than your pup’s mouth to prevent them from swallowing their toy whole, and gradually increase their toy size over time as they mature.
Safety
When choosing toys for your pup, opt for toys made from safe materials. You should also consider your puppy’s chewing intensity and choose a toy accordingly to prevent the toy from breaking down into loose parts. It is best to avoid toys with sharp edges or loose points as they could injure your puppy’s gums or mouth.
Variety
For puppies, having a variety of chewing toys to choose from is super important. Offering a range of chewing toys not only keeps puppies entertained but also helps satisfy their natural urge to chew.
Training Tips for Teething
Training consistency and patience are key when going through the teething phase with your puppy. Do these things, and you’ll avoid a troublesome dog down the road.
Reinforce positive behavior. Use positive reinforcement and discourage negative behavior. Whenever your puppy chews on something inappropriate, firmly say “No” and replace it with a suitable teething toy. On the other hand, when your puppy chews on the appropriate teething toy, praise them to reinforce their good chewing behavior.
Supervise your pup. Supervise puppies early in their teething stages and redirect them to the chew toys. This is to ensure their safety, and where you can't supervise them effectively, confine them with a safe chew toy. Schedule interactive playtime with your puppy to provide an outlet for their energy and teach them the correct chewing behavior as they teethe.
Don’t encourage biting or nipping. Controlling the force of your pup’s bite is crucial to prevent accidental injuries during playtime and teach your dog how to communicate without causing harm. If your pup bites too hard while playing, make a high-pitched yelp and stop playing for a while. Wait until your dog is calmer before resuming playtime.
FAQ
How can I prevent my puppy from chewing on inappropriate items?
Keep electrical cords and other dangerous items out of their reach while introducing healthier chewing outlets such as teething toys. Puppy-proof your home and confine them when unsupervised to hinder them from discovering something else to chew on.
Can I give my puppy frozen treats to help soothe their teething pain?
Frozen treats can be a helpful way to alleviate your puppy’s teething pain. However, it’s essential to carefully choose safe ingredients and ensure the treats aren't too tough when frozen. Always supervise your puppy while they enjoy their frozen treat to ensure that broken pieces don't become a choking hazard.
How long does the teething process last?
Depending on the breed and individual puppy, the timeline may vary, but on average, it is six months. Larger breeds tend to teeth slower than smaller breeds.
At what age do puppies need chew toys?
When puppies begin to teethe, they may not require specific chew toys. This phase typically starts around 2-4 weeks of age, and their teeth are usually not strong enough to require dedicated toys. Most veterinarians recommend waiting until puppies are 3-4 months old before introducing chew toys.
Are knotted rope chew toys okay for teething puppies?
Rope toys are excellent for tug-of-war games, but they come with their own risks. If your dog is an aggressive chewer, they could unravel the toy, which is a choking hazard. Also, ingesting the loose fibers could lead to digestive problems. To keep your dog safe, choose a toy size that is too big to swallow whole, and always supervise your dog during playtime.
