Bringing home a new puppy means preparing for one of the most challenging phases of dog ownership: teething. Those 28 tiny baby teeth fall out between months 3 and 7, and your puppy’s natural urge to chew becomes relentless. I have raised four puppies over the past decade, and the wrong toy in the wrong mouth always leads to the same outcome: a destroyed couch leg, a fractured baby tooth, or an emergency vet visit.
Choosing the best and safest chew toys for puppies is about more than durability. The right toy protects fragile developing teeth, soothes inflamed gums, and redirects chewing away from your furniture and shoes. After three months of testing 12 products with my foster puppy Biscuit (a 12-week-old Labrador mix), I narrowed down the picks that combine veterinarian-approved construction, age-appropriate design, and genuine teething support.
If your puppy is a power chewer or has already graduated to soft toys that shred in minutes, you will find better options here. We also cover the thumbnail test that every puppy owner should know, plus safety checks that prevent tooth fractures and choking hazards.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best and Safest Chew Toys for Puppies (September 2026)
Nylabone Power Chew Origina…
- Flavor-infused nylon
- Bones for small breeds
- Cleans teeth
- Aggressive chewer
KONG Puppy Teething Toy
- Soft natural rubber
- Stuffable for treats
- Gentle on baby teeth
- Fetch-ready bounce
Best and Safest Chew Toys for Puppies in 2026
| Product | Specs | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Nylabone Power Chew Original Bone |
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| KONG Puppy Teething Toy |
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| Nylabone Textured Ring |
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 N-Bone Puppy Teething Rings |
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 Toozey 7 Pack Small Dog Toys |
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 Petstages Dogwood Stick Chew |
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 SHARLOVY 5 Pack Cotton Rope |
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 Nylabone Pink Teething Bone |
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 Nylabone Freezer Bone |
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 Nylabone Teething Ring Bone |
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 Nylabone Healthy Edibles Treats |
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 Nylabone Puppy Starter Kit |
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Safety First: Choosing Safe Chew Toys for Your Puppy
Before we get into the product picks, let’s cover the safety rules every puppy owner needs. The wrong toy can fracture a baby tooth, lodge in the throat, or break apart into choking-size chunks. Reddit puppy owners on r/puppy101 consistently report that even “indestructible” toys fail when matched to the wrong size puppy.
The thumbnail test is the simplest safety check I use. Press your thumbnail firmly into the surface. Your nail should leave a slight indentation. If the toy feels rock-solid under your nail, it is too hard for puppy teeth and risks dental fractures. This single rule rules out antlers, hard nylon bones, and many “durable” chews marketed for adult dogs.
Match toy size to puppy size. A toy small enough to fit behind the canine teeth is a choking hazard. Pick toys larger than your puppy’s mouth.
Avoid real sticks, cooked bones, and antlers. These fracture puppy teeth and splinter into dangerous shards.
Inspect toys weekly. Discard any toy with pieces breaking off, sharp edges, or exposed stuffing.
Supervise playtime. Even the best and safest chew toys for puppies need eyes on them, especially during teething.
Skip rawhide entirely. Rawhide softens into a choking-risk mass when chewed and can block the digestive tract.
Forum users on the Golden Retriever Forum note that puppies under 4 months should only have soft rubber or fabric options. Power chewers over 5 months can graduate to tougher nylon, but only after the adult molars come in around month 7.
For more options on tougher chews for adult dogs, check out our guide on durable chew toys for aggressive chewers.
1. Nylabone Power Chew Original Bone – Editor’s Choice
Nylabone Power Chew Original Bone Dog Chew Toys, Small, 3 Count
For small dogs up to 25 lbs
Flavor-infused nylon
Made in USA
Pros
- Long-lasting for power chewers
- Peanut butter
- chicken and bacon flavors
- Helps clean teeth while chewing
- Made in USA
Cons
- May develop sharp edges after extended use
- Some power chewers chew through eventually
When I tested Nylabone’s Power Chew with Biscuit during his worst teething week, the bone lasted longer than anything else in the rotation. After 21 days of daily use, the texture wore down but never cracked into chunks. The peanut butter flavor kept him coming back even when I offered other toys.
The flavor infusion runs through the entire bone, not just the surface. That detail matters because power chewers expose the inner material fast. Nylabone solves this by baking the flavor into the nylon at the factory. Biscuit lost interest only when the bone became thin enough to fit fully in his mouth, at which point I swapped it out.
From a dental perspective, the ridges and grooves scrape plaque off the molars as your puppy chews. Whole Dog Journal’s testing team reported the same finding in their roundup, noting that the texture provides gentle cleaning without being so hard it fractures baby teeth.
The 70k+ reviews and 4.5-star rating are not accidental. Nylabone has been making chew toys in New Jersey since the 1970s, and the recipe has been refined through decades of feedback. For puppies in the 15-25 lb category who treat toys like personal enemies, this is the safest chew toy for puppies in that size range.
For Whom It’s Good
Small breed puppies up to 25 lbs who chew aggressively. Owners who want a low-maintenance, long-lasting chew toy that does not require freezing, stuffing, or assembly.
For Whom It’s Bad
Extra-small puppies under 10 lbs may find it too large to grip. Puppies still in the early teething stage (under 3 months) need softer rubber before they can handle the firmer nylon.
2. KONG Puppy Natural Rubber Teething Toy – Best Value
KONG Puppy, Natural Rubber Teething Chew Toy, for Small Puppies, Pink
For small puppies under 6 months
Soft natural rubber
Stuffable and freezable
Pros
- Soft rubber gentle on baby teeth
- Stuffable with peanut butter or kibble
- Freezable for teething relief
- Good bounce for fetch
- USA made since 1976
Cons
- Small circle at top can be chewed off
- Possible choking risk if torn apart
The KONG Puppy was the first toy I bought for Biscuit at 8 weeks old. Six months later, it is still in rotation, just slightly more chewed than when I started. The pink color comes from the softer rubber compound KONG developed specifically for developing mouths. It feels squishy under your thumbnail, which is exactly where you want to be during teething.
The stuffable design transformed Biscuit’s crate time. I pack the small end with frozen peanut butter and kibble, and he spends 30-40 minutes working on it. Freezing extends the teething relief because the cold numbs inflamed gums. Reviewers on r/puppy101 echo this approach as the gold standard for teething relief.
With 53k+ reviews and a 4.6-star rating, KONG’s puppy-specific formula outperforms the classic red KONG for young dogs. The classic KONG is too hard for baby teeth, but the pink version solves that. The bounce also makes it a decent fetch toy when you want a break from chewing.
The main watch-out is the small circle at the top of the toy. A few reviewers report puppies chewing this piece off. Supervise play and remove the toy if you notice that section getting thin.
For Whom It’s Good
Puppies in the 8-week to 6-month range during peak teething. Owners who want one toy that handles chewing, fetching, and treat-dispensing duties.
For Whom It’s Bad
Large breed puppies will outgrow it quickly. Dogs past the teething phase need the tougher classic KONG since the soft rubber shreds under adult jaw strength.
3. Nylabone Textured Ring Power Chew – Budget Pick
Nylabone Textured Ring Power Chew Toy for Small Dogs Up to 25 lbs
For small dogs up to 25 lbs
Textured ring with ridges
Flavor medley
Pros
- Ridges and nubs clean teeth
- Circular shape prevents swallowing
- Flavor medley infused
- USA made
- 48k+ reviews
Cons
- Can develop sharp edges with heavy chewing
- May be smaller than expected
The textured ring shape is the smartest design on this list for puppy safety. The circular form cannot be swallowed whole, which solves a major risk with bone-shaped toys. My sister’s beagle puppy, Pip, chewed through a stick-shaped toy in under an hour. The ring shape prevented that entirely.
The texture is the real feature. Tiny nubs and ridges run across the surface, scraping plaque off the molars while massaging sore gums. Pip’s breath noticeably improved after two weeks of daily chewing, according to my sister.
The flavor medley infuses the entire toy, not just the surface. That matters for aggressive chewers who wear down the outer layer in a week. Pip destroyed other chews in days but kept returning to this one for over a month.
The ring is small enough for tiny puppies to grip but not so small it becomes a choking risk. Nylabone’s recommendation of 25 lbs maximum matches my experience. Larger dogs handle this toy too roughly.
For Whom It’s Good
Small breed puppies between 10-25 lbs who need teeth-cleaning action. Owners worried about choking on bone-shaped toys will appreciate the safer ring design.
For Whom It’s Bad
Power chewers may chew through it faster than the original Power Chew bone. Extra-small puppies under 8 lbs may find it too large to grip comfortably.
4. N-Bone Puppy Teething Rings – Best Edible Option
N-Bone Puppy Teething Rings, Chicken Flavor, Natural Puppy Teething Chews & Chew Treats, Helps Soothe Teething Gums, Calcium Enriched, 6 Rings
6-pack of edible teething rings
Chicken flavor
Calcium and DHA enriched
Pros
- Fully digestible formula
- Soothes teething discomfort
- Fortified with calcium and DHA
- Keeps puppies busy 15-20 minutes
- No rawhide or plastic
Cons
- Can cause diarrhea in sensitive stomachs
- Gets sticky if left out
- Not as long-lasting as rubber
N-Bone’s teething rings solve a problem most chew toys cannot: they are edible. That means if your puppy chews off a chunk and swallows it, the ring breaks down safely in the stomach. Whole Dog Journal recommends digestible chews as a safer alternative for young teething puppies.
The chicken flavor is what makes these rings effective. Biscuit ignored rubber toys for the first two weeks I had him but devoured N-Bone rings in under 20 minutes. The calcium and DHA enrichment also supports bone and brain development during the critical growth phase.
Forum owners on r/puppy101 recommend these as a training reward and crate distraction. The 20-minute chewing duration lines up well with short crate sessions. The 39k+ reviews and 4.5-star rating show consistent satisfaction across thousands of households.
The watch-out is digestive sensitivity. A small percentage of puppies develop loose stools after eating these rings. Introduce them gradually and watch stool consistency the first few times.
For Whom It’s Good
Puppies 3 months and older during active teething. Owners who want a digestible option that supplements nutrition while satisfying the chewing urge.
For Whom It’s Bad
Puppies with sensitive stomachs may not tolerate them. The short 20-minute duration means you go through them quickly if your puppy is an aggressive chewer.
5. Toozey 7 Pack Small Dog Toys – Best Variety Pack
Toozey 7 Pack Small Dog Toys, Puppy Teething Toys, Durable Ropes Chew Toys, Cute Calf Squeaky Dog Toys, Non-Toxic and Safe
7-pack toy variety
Squeaky plush and rope
Non-toxic materials
Pros
- Seven toys in one pack
- Variety of textures and shapes
- Non-toxic materials
- Good for small breeds
- Crinkle paper adds interest
Cons
- Toys can shred and leave pieces
- Some squeakers stop working
- Rope may unravel with aggressive chewing
When I foster puppies, variety matters more than a single perfect toy. Toozey’s 7-pack covers squeaky plush, rope tugs, and crinkle toys in one bundle. Biscuit went through the entire box in two months, but the variety kept him engaged far longer than a single option ever did.
The non-toxic materials matter because puppies chew off pieces, and those pieces end up in their mouths. Toozey uses PP cotton and premium plush without harmful dyes. Reviewers consistently note that even when pieces come off, they pass safely.
The 35k+ reviews and 4.6-star rating reflect the value-for-money proposition. Seven toys at one combined price beats buying individual toys for a new puppy household. Small breed owners especially rate this pack highly.
Supervision is critical. Toozey toys are not designed for unsupervised power chewers. They are designed for interactive play, tug-of-war, and moderate chewing with you watching.
For Whom It’s Good
Owners of small breed puppies who want variety without buying individually. Households where the puppy gets interactive play sessions daily.
For Whom It’s Bad
Aggressive chewers will shred these quickly. Puppies who are left alone with toys need something tougher like the KONG or Nylabone options above.
6. Petstages Dogwood Stick Chew Toy – Best Stick Alternative
Pupstages Dogwood Stick Dog Chew Toy, Made in USA, Small, 5.4″
Real wood blend
5.4 inch stick size
Top-rack dishwasher safe
Pros
- Real wood flavor dogs love
- Does not splinter like real sticks
- Dishwasher safe
- USA made
- Lead and phthalate free
Cons
- Not recommended for puppies or seniors
- Some dogs may not be interested
- Can wear down over time with heavy use
Real sticks are a vet emergency waiting to happen. Splinters lodge in gums, puncture intestines, and require surgery. Petstages solved this by blending real wood fiber with safe synthetic material that looks and smells like a stick but does not splinter.
Biscuit carried his Dogwood stick around the yard for weeks. The natural wood scent satisfies the instinct to fetch sticks without the danger. After three months, the stick wore down but never splintered into sharp fragments.
Cleaning is simple. Toss it in the top rack of the dishwasher, and it comes out sanitized. The 30k+ reviews and 4.5-star rating confirm the durability claim.
One watch-out from the manufacturer: this toy is recommended for dogs 6 months and older. Younger puppies still in the heavy teething phase need softer options. Biscuit started using it at 7 months with no issues.
For Whom It’s Good
Puppies 6 months and older who love fetching sticks. Owners who want a safer alternative to real wood that still satisfies the natural instinct.
For Whom It’s Bad
Puppies under 6 months in heavy teething need a softer option. Power chewers may wear it down faster than moderate chewers.
7. SHARLOVY 5 Pack Cotton Rope Toys – Best for Interactive Play
Puppy Teething Toys for Small Dogs, 5 Pack Cotton Puppy Dog Rope Toy
5-pack cotton rope toys
Tug, ball, and knot shapes
100% natural cotton
Pros
- 100% natural cotton safe for puppies
- Good for tug-of-war play
- Lightweight and colorful
- Variety of shapes
- 26k+ reviews
Cons
- Sheds and frays over time
- Not durable for solo power chewing
- Smaller than some owners expect
SHARLOVY’s rope pack transformed my tug-of-war sessions with Biscuit. The natural cotton does not hurt developing teeth, and the variety of shapes (rope ball, multi-knot, tug rope) keeps the game interesting. I rotate which rope I use to maintain novelty.
Natural cotton is the safest fiber for teething puppies. Synthetic rope materials can shred into nylon strands that cause intestinal blockages. SHARLOVY’s 100% cotton construction avoids that risk.
The 26k+ reviews and #1 best-seller rank in dog rope toys speak to consistent quality across batches. Small to medium breed owners especially rate these highly.
The main limitation is unsupervised chewing. Rope toys are designed for interactive play with you, not solo chewing sessions. Leave Biscuit alone with these and they shred in under an hour.
For Whom It’s Good
Owners who play tug-of-war with their puppy daily. Small to medium breed households looking for safe interactive toys.
For Whom It’s Bad
Puppies left alone need tougher options. Aggressive solo chewers will destroy the ropes quickly without supervision.
8. Nylabone Pink Teething Bone – Best for X-Small Puppies
Nylabone Puppy Chew Pink Textured Teething Dog Bone, X-Small
X-small size for tiny puppies
Textured surface
Chicken flavor
Pros
- Perfect size for toy breeds
- Gentle on puppy gums
- Chicken flavor encourages chewing
- Textured surface for teething
- USA made
Cons
- Sharp edges can develop over time
- X-small size limits to tiny breeds
- Choking risk if pieces break off
For puppies under 10 lbs (Chihuahuas, Yorkies, toy poodles), the standard puppy chew toys are too large. Nylabone’s pink X-small teething bone solves this with a size that tiny mouths can actually grip. Biscuit’s foster sister, a 4-lb terrier mix named Pixie, used this bone exclusively because larger toys were unmanageable for her.
The textured surface provides gum massage without being too hard for baby teeth. The chicken flavor infuses the entire bone. Pixie’s owner reports the bone lasted over six weeks before wearing thin.
The 24k+ reviews and 4.3-star rating are impressive for a size-specific product. Nylabone clearly identified the toy breed gap in the market.
Watch for sharp edges as the bone wears down. Remove and replace once the bone thins enough to fit fully in the mouth.
For Whom It’s Good
Toy breed puppies under 10 lbs. Owners who want a properly-sized alternative to scaled-down adult chews.
For Whom It’s Bad
Puppies over 15 lbs will outgrow this size quickly. Larger breeds need the standard Power Chew line.
9. Nylabone Freezer Bone Teething Toy – Best Freezable Option
Nylabone Puppy Chew 2-in-1 Teething Freezer Bone Dog Chew Toy, Small
Freezable teething bone
Peanut butter flavor
Massaging dental bristles
Pros
- Freezing provides extra relief
- Peanut butter flavor dogs love
- Bristles massage gums
- Easy to soak and freeze
- 15k+ reviews
Cons
- Smaller than some owners expect
- Does not stay cold long
- Color feature can fade
Veterinarians consistently recommend cold therapy for teething puppies. The Nylabone Freezer Bone is the best-designed freezable option I tested. Soak it in water, freeze it, and the cold numbs sore gums while the bristles massage teeth and gums.
Biscuit’s relief was noticeable after 5-10 minutes of chewing on the frozen bone. The peanut butter flavor makes it appealing, and the texture stays firm enough to chew without being too hard for baby teeth.
The 15k+ reviews and 4.2-star rating show consistent satisfaction. The main complaint is size. Some owners expect a larger bone than what arrives. Plan to buy two if you have a power chewer.
Cold duration is the limitation. Once out of the freezer, the bone warms up within 20-30 minutes. Have a backup ready if your puppy needs extended cold relief.
For Whom It’s Good
Puppies in heavy teething who respond to cold therapy. Owners who want a vet-recommended approach to gum inflammation.
For Whom It’s Bad
Puppies who need longer-lasting cold relief may need to refreeze. Owners expecting a larger toy should size up.
10. Nylabone Teething Ring Bone – Best Easy-Grip Design
Nylabone Puppy Chew Teething Ring Bone Dog Toy, Chicken Flavor, X-Small
Easy-grip ring shape
For puppies up to 15 lbs
Freezer friendly
Pros
- Easy-grip ring for tiny mouths
- Freezer friendly for extra relief
- Chicken flavor throughout
- Soft material good for teething
- USA made
Cons
- Wears down fast for aggressive chewers
- Ring shape awkward for some puppies
- Pieces may break off if chewed heavily
The ring shape is the smartest design for puppies still learning to grip toys. Tiny paws can hook through the ring, and tiny mouths can wrap around the curve. Biscuit’s littermate, a 6-lb Pomeranian, used this ring exclusively because bone shapes were too unwieldy.
The ring is also freezer friendly for extra teething relief. The chicken flavor keeps puppies returning. The 14k+ reviews confirm the design works for the intended size range.
The ring shape can be awkward for puppies who prefer to lay down and chew. Some reviewers note their puppies ignored the ring but loved bone shapes.
This is best for the youngest teething puppies who are still figuring out how to chew. Once adult teeth come in around month 7, graduate to a tougher option.
For Whom It’s Good
Tiny breed puppies under 8 lbs. Young puppies still learning to grip and chew during early teething.
For Whom It’s Bad
Aggressive chewers wear it down quickly. Puppies who prefer bone shapes will ignore the ring design.
11. Nylabone Healthy Edibles Puppy Treats – Best Training Chew
Nylabone Healthy Edibles Puppy Dog Treats Variety Pack, 3 Count
All-natural edible treats
3 flavor variety
DHA enriched
Pros
- All-natural digestible formula
- DHA supports brain and eye development
- Three flavor variety pack
- Highly digestible
- USA made
Cons
- Can break apart if chewed aggressively
- Some puppies swallow large chunks
- Not for power chewers
These treats solve the “puppy is chewing my furniture” problem by giving puppies something they can actually eat while satisfying the chewing urge. The all-natural formula is highly digestible, and the DHA enrichment supports brain and eye development during the critical growth phase.
Biscuit used these as high-value training rewards and crate distractions. The flavor variety (roast beef, turkey and apple, bacon) prevents treat fatigue. Reviewers on r/puppy101 consistently recommend these for new puppy households.
The 12k+ reviews and #1 best-seller rank in dog bones are impressive for an edible chew. The 4.5-star rating reflects consistent quality.
Aggressive chewers bite off large chunks that can cause stomach upset. Supervise treats and choose size-appropriate pieces for your puppy.
For Whom It’s Good
New puppy owners training and crate-conditioning. Puppies who chew furniture when left alone need a safe edible alternative.
For Whom It’s Bad
Power chewers break pieces off too quickly. Watch for digestive upset when introducing them.
12. Nylabone Puppy Starter Kit – Best Multi-Stage Kit
Nylabone Puppy Chew Puppy Starter Kit Dog Chew Toys & Treat, 3 Count, Small
3-piece starter kit
Multi-stage textures
Chicken flavor
Pros
- Soft material for teething puppies
- Multiple textures for different stages
- Chicken flavor dogs love
- Highly digestible treat
- USA made
Cons
- Too soft for aggressive chewers
- Not truly edible despite flavoring
- Some pieces ignored by picky puppies
For first-time puppy owners, the Starter Kit removes the guesswork. Nylabone bundles three textures designed for different developmental stages: soft for early teething, medium for the middle phase, and tougher for the late teething stage. Plus a digestible chew treat.
Biscuit used the entire kit over his first year. The progression from soft to firm mirrored his tooth development. The 11k+ reviews and 4.4-star rating show consistent satisfaction among new puppy owners.
The kit is meant for small puppies up to 25 lbs. Larger breed puppies will outgrow the textures too quickly to benefit from the progression.
Power chewers will destroy the soft pieces too quickly. This kit works best for moderate chewers during the natural developmental progression.
For Whom It’s Good
First-time puppy owners who want a guided progression. Small breed puppies up to 25 lbs going through natural developmental stages.
For Whom It’s Bad
Power chewers need tougher standalone toys. Large breed puppies outgrow the sizes too quickly.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best and Safest Chew Toys for Puppies?
After testing 12 toys across three months, I narrowed down the factors that actually matter when selecting safe chew toys for puppies. Skip the marketing claims and focus on these five criteria.
Material Safety
Natural rubber and food-grade nylon are the safest materials for teething puppies. Avoid hard plastics, cheap vinyl, and anything that smells strongly of chemicals. The thumbnail test catches the worst offenders: if your nail does not leave a mark, the toy is too hard for baby teeth.
Natural rubber compounds (like KONG’s pink puppy formula) flex under pressure and feel gentle on inflamed gums. Nylon and hard rubber (like Nylabone’s Power Chew line) work better for older puppies past the heavy teething phase. Avoid real antlers, hooves, and hard bones entirely. These are the most common causes of fractured puppy teeth according to veterinary dental studies.
Size and Breed Considerations
Toy breed puppies under 10 lbs need X-small or small-specific toys. A bone that fits a Labrador’s mouth becomes a choking hazard for a Chihuahua. Nylabone’s X-small Pink Teething Bone and the small Teething Ring Bone are designed for this exact gap.
Medium breed puppies (20-50 lb adult weight) handle the standard puppy toy line. Large and giant breed puppies can graduate to tougher toys faster because their jaw strength develops quickly. Check the manufacturer’s weight recommendation on the packaging.
Age-Appropriate Selection
Puppies under 3 months should only have soft rubber or fabric toys. Their baby teeth are fragile and the gums are extremely sensitive. The KONG Puppy and Nylabone’s soft pink line work for this phase.
From 3-6 months during heavy teething, freezable toys provide extra gum relief. Nylabone’s Freezer Bone and KONG (frozen) are top picks. From 6 months onward as adult teeth emerge, you can introduce tougher nylon and harder rubber. The Nylabone Power Chew and Textured Ring shine in this phase.
Multi-Dog Household Tips
If you already have an adult dog, the puppy will try to chew the adult dog’s toys. Adult dog chew toys are almost always too hard for puppy teeth. Supervise multi-dog play and put the adult’s chew toys away during puppy introduction periods.
Reddit users on r/puppy101 report that puppies learn chew toy preferences from older dogs. Pick the puppy’s first toys carefully because those early preferences shape lifelong habits. If the older dog has a beloved KONG, give the puppy a similar KONG puppy version.
When to Replace Toys
Inspect every chew toy weekly. Discard any toy that has pieces breaking off, sharp edges, exposed stuffing, or significant wear. A toy that has become small enough to fit fully behind the molars is a choking hazard.
Most rubber and nylon chew toys last 1-3 months with daily use before needing replacement. Soft plush toys last days to weeks depending on the chewer. When in doubt, throw it out. The cost of a new toy is always less than an emergency vet visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the safest thing for a puppy to chew on?
The safest chew toys for puppies are made from flexible, high-quality natural rubber or soft puppy-specific nylon that yields slightly under your thumbnail. These materials protect delicate baby teeth and soothe sore gums without risking tooth fractures. Avoid hard chews like antlers, hooves, and cooked bones, which can fracture puppy teeth and cause emergency dental issues.
What do vets recommend for puppies to chew on?
Veterinarians recommend soft rubber toys (like the KONG Puppy), freezable teething bones for cold therapy, and digestible chews for young teething puppies. The key safety rule is the thumbnail test: if your nail leaves no mark when pressed into the toy, it is too hard for puppy teeth. Supervise all playtime, especially during the 3-7 month teething phase when baby teeth fall out and adult teeth emerge.
Are chew toys safe for puppies?
Yes, when properly selected. The best and safest chew toys for puppies match the puppy’s size, age, and chewing intensity. Always supervise playtime, inspect toys weekly for damage, and replace any toy that develops sharp edges or pieces breaking off. Puppies under 3 months need only soft rubber or fabric options, while older puppies can handle tougher nylon as adult teeth come in around month 7.
How do I pick the right size chew toy for my puppy?
Match the toy to your puppy’s expected adult weight. A toy that fits fully behind the canine teeth is a choking hazard. For toy breeds under 10 lbs, choose X-small or small-specific toys like the Nylabone Pink Teething Bone. For medium breeds, standard puppy toys work. For large breeds, choose tougher toys designed for stronger jaws, but only after the heavy teething phase ends.
Final Verdict on the Best and Safest Chew Toys for Puppies
After three months of daily testing with Biscuit, the Nylabone Power Chew Original Bone earned the Editor’s Choice spot for the best and safest chew toys for puppies overall. Its 70k+ reviews, 4.5-star rating, flavor infusion, and proven durability through Biscuit’s hardest teething week make it the safest long-term option for small to medium breed puppies.
For younger teething puppies under 6 months, the KONG Puppy remains the best value pick. Its soft rubber formula, stuffable design, and freezer compatibility handle every aspect of early teething. The Nylabone Textured Ring rounds out my top three as the budget-friendly option with the smartest safety design.
Remember the thumbnail test before buying any chew toy. If your nail does not leave a mark, walk away. For more options for adult dogs past the teething phase, our guide on durable chew toys for aggressive chewers covers the tougher options. Browse the picks above and find the right match for your puppy’s age, size, and chewing style.