The Best Chew Toys for Puppies

Teething puppies chew because it hurts, and a good chew toy gives them something better than your furniture. The KONG Puppy is our top pick: soft natural rubber you can stuff with treats. This guide covers five toys made for puppies, plus how to choose and use them safely.

Our picks at a glance

• Best overall: KONG Puppy Dog Toy
• Best for stuffing: KONG Puppy Goodie Bone
• Best for gentle chewers: Nylabone Puppy Chew Teething Ring Bone
• Best for freezing: Nylabone Puppy Chew Sensory Material Ring
• Best for stronger chewers: Nylabone Puppy Power Chew Puppy Teething Rings

The best chew toys for puppies

Best overallPhoto: KONG

Chew toys for puppies

KONG Puppy Dog Toy

Best for: Puppies under 9 months

KONG makes this toy from soft natural rubber that it says is gentle on puppy gums and doesn’t splinter. You can stuff it with treats, pastes or dog-safe peanut butter. It comes in four sizes, from X-Small to Large. Skip it for puppies over 9 months, since KONG says it isn’t made for them.

• Pro: Gentle natural rubber that KONG says doesn't splinter
• Pro: Can be stuffed with treats, pastes or dog-safe peanut butter
• Pro: Four sizes, from puppies up to 5 pounds to dogs up to 65 pounds
• Con: KONG says it's not for puppies over 9 months
• Con: Supervised use only, so stop using it if it's damaged

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Best for stuffingPhoto: KONG

Chew toys for puppies

KONG Puppy Goodie Bone

Best for: Teething puppies who like treat puzzles

This bone shape uses KONG’s puppy rubber, and its Goodie Grippers hold treats in place. It suits puppies who like to work for a snack. It only comes in Small and Medium, so very small and large puppies may need a different toy. Like the KONG Puppy, it isn’t for puppies over 9 months.

• Pro: Soft rubber formula made for sore, teething gums
• Pro: Goodie Grippers hold treats, pastes or dog-safe peanut butter
• Pro: Small size for dogs up to 20 pounds, medium for 15 to 35 pounds
• Con: Only two sizes
• Con: Not recommended for puppies over 9 months

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Best for gentle chewersPhoto: Nylabone

Chew toys for puppies

Nylabone Puppy Chew Teething Ring Bone

Best for: Young puppies who chew gently

This soft chew has ridges and nubs that massage gums, and chicken flavor throughout. Nylabone says you can freeze it for extra relief. Skip it if your puppy chews hard or already has adult teeth, because Nylabone says it isn’t made for powerful chewers.

• Pro: Ridges and nubs massage gums
• Pro: Can be frozen for extra soothing, per Nylabone
• Pro: Sizes for puppies up to 15 pounds and up to 35 pounds
• Con: Not for powerful chewers or puppies with adult teeth
• Con: Needs supervision, and you should replace it when worn

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Best for freezingPhoto: Nylabone

Chew toys for puppies

Nylabone Puppy Chew Sensory Material Ring

Best for: Puppies with sore gums

This ring has bone-shaped ends that Nylabone says help reach back teeth. The page says you can freeze it to soothe sore gums. It comes in one size, for puppies up to 25 pounds, so owners of larger puppies should look elsewhere.

• Pro: Can be frozen for extra soothing relief
• Pro: Bone-shaped ends help reach back teeth
• Pro: Chicken flavor throughout
• Con: One size, for puppies up to 25 pounds
• Con: Not meant to be eaten, so replace it if it's worn or damaged

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Best for stronger chewersPhoto: Nylabone

Chew toys for puppies

Nylabone Puppy Power Chew Puppy Teething Rings

Best for: Strong-chewing puppies or those with adult teeth

Nylabone made this bacon-flavored toy for puppies who chew harder or have their adult teeth. It has three textured shapes that help clean teeth as your puppy chews. It’s one size, for dogs up to 25 pounds, so skip it for bigger breeds.

• Pro: Made for puppies who chew harder or have adult teeth
• Pro: Textures help clean teeth as puppies chew
• Pro: Bacon flavor throughout
• Con: Only one size, for dogs up to 25 pounds
• Con: Must be supervised and replaced when worn

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How to choose a puppy chew toy

Match the toy to your puppy’s chewing style

The AKC says the right toy depends on your puppy’s size, activity level, chewing habits and breed. Look for one that is both comforting and fun. Gentle chewers do well with softer toys. Puppies who chew hard need a tougher one. If you have a power chewer, see our guide to dog toys for aggressive chewers.

Look at the material

The AKC suggests nylon or hard rubber because these are less likely to break apart. It also lists rubber teething toys that can be frozen, edible puppy teething rings, and flavored chews as options. Ridges and bumps can help clean teeth, but the AKC says dental toys don’t replace brushing.

Pick the right size

Follow the weight guide on the product page. KONG also says your puppy should be able to chew the toy comfortably but not fit it all the way in their mouth. Nylabone says to choose a size big enough that your dog chews from the side, not the top and bottom. If you have more than one dog, Nylabone says to choose for the biggest, strongest chewer.

Plan for growth

Puppies grow fast. KONG says its puppy toys aren’t for puppies over 9 months, and suggests moving up to a larger toy or a KONG Classic. Nylabone says its softest teething toys aren’t for puppies with adult teeth. The AKC says baby teeth start falling out at around 3 to 4 months and should be gone by 6 months.

Safety tips

• Supervise chewing. KONG, Nylabone and the AKC all say to watch your puppy while they chew.
• Check the toy before each use. Nylabone says to replace it if it’s worn, damaged or too small to chew safely. KONG says to stop using a damaged toy.
• Throw out torn toys. The AKC says even a small puncture can let stuffing come loose, which can cause a blockage in the gut. Replace any toy your puppy can chew chunks off.
• If your puppy may have swallowed a piece, take the toy away and call your vet. Nylabone gives this same advice.
• Skip sticks. The AKC calls them hazardous.
• Remove packaging before you hand over a new toy.
• Ask your vet if your puppy is drooling a lot or you see blood on toys. The AKC says this can point to a bigger problem. Also tell your vet if baby teeth are still there at 6 months.