The Best Puppy Teething Toys

When your puppy is in teething mode, everything is fair game. Whether it’s munching on your shoes, ripping up your sofa, or nipping at your ankles, they’ll try anything to get some relief. That’s why puppy teething toys can save your furniture and your sanity. They’ll also give your poor pup some much-needed distraction.

The best puppy teething toys are made from durable materials and designed for sore gums, and they should help your pup through this stage. So, what are the best chew toys for teething puppies? In this guide, you’ll learn what to look for in a toy, plus 12 recommendations from the Pumpkin team.

What is the teething stage?

Puppies start to lose their baby teeth between the ages of 3-4 months. Just like in human children, these baby teeth are eventually replaced by adult teeth. During this period, your pup’s gums will hurt, and they’ll chew on just about anything to relieve the pain. 

The teething stage can be stressful for both puppies and their owners. And it can last for 4-5 months. To get through it, make sure your pet has safe chewing options; otherwise, your shoes, clothing, and furniture will be ripped apart. 

What to look for in a puppy teething toy

A puppy’s baby teeth are much softer than their permanent teeth, so you should keep that in mind when looking for teething toys. You’ll also want to be careful while playing tug-of-war.

A toy made for adult dogs may be too hard for your teething puppy. You should also consider size when choosing teething toys and edible chews — both the size of the toy and the size of your pup.

Here’s a good rule of thumb: The best chew toys for teething puppies will be bigger than their mouth to avoid possible choking hazards. 

Larger breeds need much bigger toys than toy-size breeds. Some dogs are more aggressive chewers than others, so you’ll want to look for toys that can stand up to their chomping needs (these dog toys for heavy chewers can help).  

Consider purchasing more than one toy type. For example, a quick-freeze puppy teething toy will calm sore gums, while a rope toy will keep them entertained.

Our favorite puppy teething toys

Ready to start shopping? Here are some of our favorite chew toys for teething puppies, with something for dogs of all sizes.

1. Nylabone Teething Pacifier Puppy Chew Toy

If you’re looking for a chew toy for a small puppy (under 25 pounds), this pacifier is a good option. It’s two toys in one — a pacifier and a bone — both attached to a ring. The pacifier and bone have raised nubs that stimulate your pup’s teeth and gums while cleaning their chompers. Plus, the bacon flavor will be irresistible.

Like most chew toys, the Nyablone Teething Pacifier Puppy Chew Toy is not edible. This toy is also not recommended for aggressive chewers or larger-breed puppies.

2. Bully Sticks

Bully Sticks are treats and toys in one that keep your pup occupied while providing relief. Since puppy teeth are too soft to handle big-dog treats like bones, Bully Sticks are a great option if you want something that will last for a while.

Bully Sticks are made in the U.S. and are an all-natural alternative to rawhide, which can be too dangerous for dogs. They won’t splinter, so it’s a safer choice. But, as with any long-lasting treat or toy, humans should always keep an eye on their puppies while they’re chomping away at these treats. 

Consider purchasing a Bully Stick holder, too. This way your pup won’t be able to swallow any pieces whole once they get down to the end of the stick.

3. West Paw Zogoflex Hurley Bone

This chew toy is designed specifically for teething puppies. The West Paw Zogoflex Hurley Bone is durable enough for aggressive chewers while also being soft enough for your puppy’s teeth. This latex-free, BPA-free toy is FDA-approved and made in the U.S. from non-toxic material.

These puppy teething toys come in a variety of colors and three size options — extra-small, small, and large. They’re also dishwasher-safe, which means they’re easy to keep squeaky clean. Plus, it floats, so if your pup likes to splash, it works for playtime in the water, too. Finally, the West Paw Zogoflex Hurley Bone is a bouncy toy, which makes it a fun choice for playing fetch.

4. NWK Pet Teether Cooling Chew

This toy is meant to be frozen and given to your puppy to ease their teething discomfort. It’s filled with non-toxic purified water for easy freezing, so you don’t need to fill and drain it after every use.

The NWK Pet Teether Cooling Chew has ridges and nubs on the outside to promote clean teeth and massage sore gums. It also has two spaces that can hold a treat, making it perfect for holding a Bully Stick and edible chews for added fun. Its thick rubber is sturdy for normal chewers, but aggressive chewers may need extra supervision.

5. Hartz Dura Play Double Ring

Rope toys are an interactive option. You and your pup can spend quality time together while you encourage positive chewing habits. The Hartz Dura Play Double Ring is a good choice, especially for larger-breed puppies. It’s designed with two loops of cotton rope — one for you to hold, and one for your pup to tug on.

The best part? It smells like bacon, so your pup won’t be able to resist. 

Be aware that this may be too large for very small puppies. And owners of larger-breed dogs should be careful not to tug too hard. Remember: your pup doesn’t have adult teeth strength just yet.

6. Jax and Bones Jerry the Giraffe Rope Toy

Not only is this toy adorable, but it’s also an eco-friendly option for your teething puppy. Jax and Bones Jerry the Giraffe Rope Toys are chemical-free and made with hand-tied cotton rope and non-toxic vegetable dye. As your pup chomps on the rope, it naturally frays and acts like dental floss. This chew toy is not just good for chewing — it can be used for tug and fetch, too.

Jerry the Giraffe comes in small, large, and jumbo sizes. These puppy chew toys are machine-washable and biodegradable. For extra relief for your teething pup, you can soak your Jerry the Giraffe in water and freeze it.

7. Mammoth Flossy Chews Premium Rope Toy

Did you know the best puppy teething toy can also act like dental floss for your dog? This knotted rope toy is ideal for larger-breed pups who are aggressive chewers and love a good game of tug. Mammoth Flossy Chews Premium Ropes are durable and made from a safe and non-toxic cotton-poly blend.

This interactive toy is an outlet for your puppy’s chewing needs and promotes dental health by flossing your dog’s teeth as they play. Mammoth Flossy Chews Premium Rope Toys come in a variety of sizes and lengths. So, even smaller pups can get something that fits their needs. 

8. Get Naked Puppy Health Dental Sticks

Want another fully edible chew for your pup to chomp on? The Get Naked Puppy Health Dental Sticks are a healthy choice. While Get Naked makes other types of dental sticks for adult dogs, their Puppy Health sticks are designed specifically for teething puppies. 

They don’t just help with teething, though — they also have health benefits for growing dogs. Get Naked Puppy Health Dental Sticks are grain-free and made from natural ingredients. They have DHA Omega-3 fatty acids that aid your pup’s cognitive development and calcium for strong teeth and bones. 

9. Himalayan Dog Chews

These dog chews are another fully edible option to keep your pup chewing up a storm. Himalayan Dog Chews are all-natural hard cheese chews made from yak’s milk. These chews are lactose, gluten, corn, soy, wheat, and grain-free, and they don’t contain any preservatives.

They’re another great natural rawhide alternative, and they come in a variety of sizes – small, medium, large, and extra-large to fit your pup’s needs. They also have several dog-approved flavor options besides the classic cheese: cheese and bacon, cheese and chicken, and cheese and peanut butter. 

And since these chews last a while, there’s no need to waste the end when your puppy gets down to a nub. Just use a Himalayan Dog Chew recipe to transform the chew into a puffy treat your pup can eat again.

10. CPYOSN No Stuffing Squeaky Octopus Dog Toys

The CPYOSN Squeaky Octopus Toy is a pup-friendly plush. It’s a cheeky sea character that comes in green or orange. Inside the head is a squeaker that will engage and entertain even the most playful pet. Plus, the long legs are made from crinkled fabric, which gives this toy a unique sound and feel.

Because there’s no stuffing, your pup can chew, pull, and destroy the octopus without the risk of choking. The polyester fabric is durable, too, so it will withstand chewing from teething pups. Lastly, this toy is machine-washable, making it easy to keep it fresh for your dog.

11. Kong Classic Dog Toy

Kong is a brand that’s been around for over 40 years, and the famous Classic Dog Toy is one of the most popular puppy toys for teething dogs. This brightly-colored toy is made in the U.S. from safe, natural rubber. It will also give your pup some mental stimulation while meeting their chewing needs.

It’s a durable chew toy that dogs of all ages will dig their teeth into. It also bounces, so it’ll keep playful pets happy, too. There are different options to choose from depending on the size of your dog and their chewing style.

12. Benebone Puppy Pack

This set is made in the U.S. and includes a dental chew and wishbone. These toys are long-lasting and will give your pup an enjoyable chewing experience with real bacon flavor.

Even though the Benebone Puppy Pack dental treats are firm, they’re also soft enough for your pup’s teeth. The curved design means your pup can grip the Benebone with ease and chew it comfortably with their teeth and gums. The best puppy teething toys come in a range of sizes to suit your dog’s needs, and these soft dental chews come in tiny, small, medium, large, and giant.

Choosing the right puppy teething toys for your pet

The puppy teething stage can last for a few months, and for our canine companions, this can be an uncomfortable period.

These chewable puppy toys will make your pup feel better. From durable rubber to freezer options to those that taste like bacon or peanut butter — there’s a solution for every dog.

Remember, if you need advice or support for your puppy, the best person to talk to is your vet. To make eligible vet visits more affordable in the future, consider investing in Pumpkin Puppy Insurance plans to get coverage for life’s unexpected accidents and illnesses.

FAQs

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