Getting a new puppy is an exciting time for both of you. The first thing we often want to do is buy him new puppy toys to play with.
This is fine, but you have to know which are the best puppy toys for your dog’s age, size, and breed.
Teething toys are also important for puppies to help ease that teething pain. Certain puppy toys are also for different types of chewers, but we will get into that later…
When you buy your pup some new toys, you have to keep some im-paw-tant things in mind like the material it is made with, whether it is machine washable, and whether it is made in the USA or not.
The US has stringent laws that pet toy manufacturers have to follow that some countries may not have to follow. It is better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your new fur baby so let’s go over some of the most essential things to remember when buying puppy toys.
After evaluating more than 50 dog puppy toys, we chose the KONG Puppy Toy as our favorite because it is so safe for puppies and it can be stuffed with food or treats. It is also good for easing teething pain if you fill it with food and put it in the freezer for a while.
But I understand you might have different needs, whether you’re looking for a puppy toy for teething or for a heavy chewer puppy That is why I prepared a shortlist of our favorite puppy toys that address different styles & needs.
Before we dive into the reviews below, we are going to talk about the importance of toys for puppies’ growth, the types of toys for puppies you can find online, and some facts to be aware of your puppy’s needs a little better.
In addition, we’ll guide you on what criteria you should use to make the best selection for your needs, and answer some common questions from dog parents.
So let’s get started.
The Importance Of Toys In a Puppy Growth Stages To Becoming a Dog
Most pet parents want to run out and get their new pup a bunch of toys to play with right away. But it is best to wait until the right stage of development to introduce the right kinds of toys. As your puppy grows, there are certain im-paw-tant stages he goes through in his journey to becoming an adult dog.
During this time, your fur baby learns about his world using his mouth. Everything he sees goes in his mouth, so make sure your pup has the appropriate toys for each stage of development. Otherwise, he may just chew on your shoes or something else that may be dangerous for him to chew on. Let’s look at your puppy’s stages to adulthood and the right toys to help them on their way.
Four to 12 Weeks Old
Even though your puppy starts getting his teeth at around four weeks old, they do not usually need any kind of toys for learning or teething. This is the time that your pup is still getting weaned from his momma and is transitioning into eating softened puppy food. At this time, your pooch’s teeth may be sharp but they are delicate so chewing on a toy meant for an older dog can be bad for his teeth. Also, make sure there is nothing left out that he can chew on because he will chew on whatever he can find whether it is good for him or not.
12 to 24 Weeks Old
Between 12 and 24 weeks of age, your pup starts getting his permanent adult teeth so this is the stage of teething when he needs the proper teething toys. It is during this crucial time that you make sure you get your fur baby chew toys that are labeled for puppies only. You should also make sure the toys are made for your dog’s breed and size. Puppy teething rings and toys are perfect for this age, especially those you can put in the freezer. These help numb his gums so they do not hurt as much. Also look for those with nubs on them to help massage his gums.
24 Weeks Old to Adult
At about 24 weeks old, your dog should be just about done with the teething stage so he can have other types of dog toys. As long as they are specifically made for your dog’s size and breed, that is. Chew toys are still good for him but they should be made for dogs with stronger teeth because he can tear the puppy toys apart by now. You can choose from a variety of toys. We will go into more detail below.
Recommended Toys Types For Puppies Explained
There are many types of toys out there for puppies so it may seem a bit overwhelming when trying to find the right ones for your fur baby. You have to make sure you get the right one for his age, size, and breed. Even though your pup will play with anything he can find, it is important to get him what he needs to grow into a healthy adult dog.
You do not want to start your dog out on adult dog toys when he is too young because they could be dangerous for his little puppy teeth. They may also present a choking hazard for your pooch. Puppy toys come in a variety of types but we broke them down into five categories for you.
Teething Toys: Puppy teething toys are made of a softer rubber than adult dog chew toys because your puppy’s teeth are not as strong. These usually have nube and are typically shaped as a teething ring, binky, or pacifier. Most can be put in the freezer to help numb your puppy’s gums. Make sure you get the right size for your specific dog’s age, breed, and size.
Chew Toys: Similar to teething toys, chew toys come in specific sizes and shapes for dog age, breed, and size. But these are made to be chewed on and are usually made from an extremely strong rubber that can stand up to hours of constant chewing. They may be shaped like bones, balls, or even sticks.
Plush Toys: Also known as comfort toys, plush toys are soft and are only good for those younger and smaller breeds that will not be as likely to tear up the toy. These are best for dogs under 12 weeks of age or those who have anxiety issues and need a comfort toy. Just make sure they are safe by looking for those that are sewn well with reinforced seams and remove any tags, ribbons, or loose plastic parts that can be chewed off.
Training Toys: Every pet parent thinks their fur baby is the smartest and cutest in the world. But wouldn’t it be cool for your pooch to learn how to work a puppy puzzle or treat-dispensing toy? These toys include those that your dog has to unlock certain tabs or puzzle pieces to get to a treat or kibble as well as those that just teach your dog to eat slower by making him work for his food.
Interactive Toys: From playing fetch to chasing a robot toy around the house, interactive toys are great to teach as well as entertain your pooch. You can play fetch or tug with him or get him an automatic toy that will do it for you. How much fun is it to watch your puppy playing fetch with an automatic ball thrower? You can watch him all day and take pictures to share on social media too!
Before we move on to the next section, we should discuss some im-paw-tant facts that all new puppy owners need to know. After all, your dog cannot talk so you cannot ask him why he does some of the crazy things he does. We will try to help you out with that.
A Few Facts To Know About Puppies, Teething Toys & Chewing
Why Do Puppies Chew Everything?
Chewing is absolutely normal for puppies because that is how they explore the world and discover new things. Everything they see goes in their mouth because that is how they learn what everything is.
Also, as mentioned above puppies from 12 to 24 weeks old are teething so they will chew on whatever they can find to alleviate the pain from teething. This is the time that you should be sure to pick up anything he can chew on and give him something safe that will help massage the gums and ease his pain.
How Puppies See Toys, and what are they really interested in?
Dogs tend to prefer toys that remind them of prey. Even though your dog is not a wolf, all dogs are descended from wolves so they will always have that predatory drive to chase small animals and other items they see as prey. Your puppy is no different and is more likely to choose a soft toy that reminds him of a squirrel or rabbit that makes noise rather than a hard plastic toy that looks like anything else.
During a study published in the Animal Cognition journal, dogs were given new toys to play with every 30 seconds to see which ones they liked the best. While they all showed interest in every new toy, they always gravitate back to the soft toys that make noise that reminds them of prey. Hard plastic toys that do not make noise were not as fun according to the dogs in the study.
How Do Toys Help Puppies While Teething?
When puppies start teething, they start chewing on everything they can find as they try to ease the pain of the new adult teeth coming in. Chewing reduces the pain so they look for anything they can find to chew on. This is the fur-fect time to teach your puppy what he can and cannot chew on.
One important thing to note is that you do not want to give your puppy toys that look like the items they are not supposed to chew on. In other words, do not give your dog a squeaky shoe toy to play with or he will think all shoes are chew toys. And always make sure the toy is the right size and strength for your puppy’s age, size, and breed.
The Worst and Dangerous Toys That can Damage Your Puppy’s Teeth
Some toys are just not a good idea to give to your puppy no matter what you have heard in the past. You may see pet parents tossing a stick or bone for their pup to chew on but these are not safe toys for puppies. In fact, they are not safe for a dog of any age, size, or breed. Here are some of the most dangerous toys that you should never give your puppy:
- Sticks seem to be the perfect toy for your pet and since they are easily accessible in any park or yard, your puppy will certainly be happy to play with them. But sticks are very bad for your puppy’s teeth and dangerous for their tender mouth and gums. They can get stuck into your pup’s teeth or the roof of the mouth or splinter, leaving sharp pieces that can poke holes in your puppy’s mouth and digestive tract.
- Ice cubes are often given to dogs on hot days when outside with their pet parents. Many people do not know about the dangers of giving their dogs ice cubes. They can damage your fur baby’s teeth, leading to a painful issue and a big vet bill. It is okay to put one or two in your dog’s water bowl as long as you watch and make sure they do not try to chew on them.
- Cow hooves are assumed to be okay for pets because they are natural but they are made of keratin and that is one of the body’s hardest materials. Chewing on these can result in broken, chipped, or cracked painful tooth injuries. They can also splinter like sticks do and become dangerous to the mouth and digestive tract.
- Tennis balls are a favorite toy for many dogs and it is okay to play fetch with but do not let your dog keep the ball and chew on it. The fuzz on the outside will rub against his teeth and wear down the enamel, causing dental issues. The fuzz can also get stuck between teeth or swallowed, whis is not good either.
- Bones are one of the most common items that pet parents give to their pets but bones are too hard for any dog to be chewing on. The tooth and gum damage that bones can cause far outweighs the few minutes of watching him chew on them. Some people believe that certain bones are okay but honestly, no bone is okay to give your dog unless it is rubber or nylon.
- Antlers are often given to dogs as a safe alternative to bones but they are made from bone and are as hard as bones are. Deer use their antlers to fight so you know they are hard and it is not a good idea to let your dog chew on something that hard. This leads to broken teeth and possible ingestion of small pieces of broken antler.
- Rawhide is another popular treat that people give to their dogs that is not safe. You may have heard that it is okay and maybe even given it to your dogs in the past, but you should never give your dog rawhide. These treats can break down into smaller pieces that your puppy swallows and can pose a choking hazard or may even get stuck in the digestive tract.
13 Rules Of Thumb When Buying a Puppy Toy:
Getting a new puppy is exciting for both you and your puppy and the first thing you want to do is go buy him a bed, collar, and new toys. But before you run off to the pet store, make sure you know what to look for when buying a puppy toy. Some things are not safe or recommended for puppies so you have to be careful.
Helpful tip, make it personal: Think about what kind of dog you have. You would not want to give your 14 week-old toy Poodle the same toy you would give to a Great Dane because their mouths are different sizes. All dog toys have safety instructions on the toy’s label that tell you what age, size, and breed the toy is meant for.
What type of chewer is your dog? Do you have a shredder, inhaler, or a gentle toy chewer? All dogs are not the same when it comes to their chewing. Some of them may chew up a toy within hours while others make them disappear in minutes. And then there are the ones who can make their toys last forever.
- Shredders make it their mission to destroy whatever toy you give them. Not because they don’t like it, but because they do.
- Inhalers will swallow just about anything you give them so you have to make sure whatever you give them is too large to swallow.
- Gentle Pups will make their toys last a lifetime so you can give them just about any kind of puppy toy.
Safety: Always check the toy to make sure it is safe and recommended for your puppy’s age, size, and breed. And consider their chewing type as well. And check the toy by Googling it to see if it is on any kind of recall or dangerous toys list. You can also talk to your vet about what toys are safe for your particular puppy.
Purpose of the toy: Is the toy made to be a chew toy for teething or a training or entertainment toy? If you are looking for a training toy to teach your puppy how to eat slower, you want to be sure to get a toy that is made for that purpose like a treat dispenser or puzzle toy.
Material: The best kind of chew toy is made of durable natural rubber, nylon, or firehose material. Be sure the toy does not contain any kind of toxic or dangerous materials like Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), phthalates, bisphenol A (BPA), lead, chromium, formaldehyde, cadmium, or bromine.
Durability: The package should say whether the toy is highly durable or just good for gentle play. Make sure you look at the package and read the reviews on a toy before getting it for your puppy.
Texture: Get a toy with nubs or ridges on it to help your pup’s gums get the massage they need to alleviate teething pain. It is also important to get a softer chew toy than ones that are made for adult dogs. Puppies are okay with soft toys until they are about six months old but you should always watch them.
Your Puppy’s Age: As stated above, puppies under 12 weeks old do not really need any kind of chew toy but they would probably be interested in a soft toy they can play with. After 12 weeks, they will need a teething toy that has texture to help massage their gums. Try to get one that you can put in the freezer to numb those aching gums.
Size: You have to make sure the size of the puppy toy is right for your dog’s age, size, and breed. Some smaller toys would not be good for large breeds while bigger toys would not work for tiny breeds. Use your common sense as well as what it says on the package.
Washability: Getting a toy you can toss in the washing machine or dishwasher is pawesome because puppy toys can get dirty. Although cleaning your dog’s toys in the sink with hot water is okay, it is better to sanitize it with the high temps of a dishwasher or washing machine if possible.
Entertainment: Puppy toys are almost always fun for all puppies because puppies will play with anything. But try to get a toy that you know your puppy would love like a soft squeaky toy that reminds him of prey. Just make sure you watch him carefully once he starts getting those stronger teeth.
Warranty: Companies that guarantee their toys are more reliable and trustworthy. If they are willing to stand behind their toys and offer you money back if you do not like it or it breaks, you know they are good company.
Made In The USA: Although other countries may make puppy toys that are perfectly safe, they do not have the strict laws and guidelines that the USA has. All toys made in the USA have to pass some pretty strict rules so they are typically more trustworthy than those made in other countries.
Our 2024 Review For 13 Best Puppy Toys
After reviewing more than 50 puppy toys using our aforementioned criteria, we chose 13 that we think are the best & safest for your puppy. We also went ahead and rated them as what we feel are the best in each specific category listed below.
KONG Puppy Toy
- Material: Rubber
- Safety Level: 5
- Floats: No
- Warranty: Yes, for up to 60 days
- Puppies Friendly: Yes
- Self Entertainment: Yes
- Your Dog Can Play Alone: Yes
- Bounces: Yes
- Made in the USA: Yes
- Best for: Our Overall Top Pick
KONG is a very well-known and reliable dog toy that has been making quality dog toys since 1970. The puppy toys are made with a special soft rubber that is pawfect for puppy teeth. No need to worry about broken teeth with this one.
And it comes in four sizes so all breeds can play with them. The extra small is for pups up to five pounds, the small is for dogs up to 20 pounds, the medium is for pups up to 35 pounds, and the large is for puppies up to 65 pounds. If your puppy is over 65 pounds, he probably is not a puppy anymore and needs a KONG classic or KONG extreme.
Stuff the puppy KONG with squeeze cheese, peanut butter, or treats for an even more delightful treat. Even better, fill it with soft food or treats and leave it in the freezer overnight to help prolong the fun and ease your pup’s teething pain.
What We Like:
- KONG is a reliable company
- You can stuff if with food or treats
- They are made for puppy teeth and come in four sizes for all breeds
What Dogs Love about it?
- They love the way it bounces erratically so they can chase it
- The cold food or treats soothe his sore gums
What We Don’t like:
- It can be a bit messy
Smart Pet Love Snuggle Puppy Behavioral Aid Dog Toy
- Material: Soft fur dog plush dog and blanket and rubber chew toy
- Type of toy: Multiple toys
- Safety Level: 2
- Floats: No
- Warranty: Yes, for 30 days
- Self Entertainment: Yes
- Your Puppy Can Play Alone: No
- Bounces: No
- Made in the USA: Yes
- Best for: a toy for pups under three months old
This is a whole bunch of puppy items in one pack. You get a Snuggle Puppy, Snuggle Blanket, three heat packs, Puppy’s First Toy, and a Puppy Teething Aid. The main item in the set is the Snuggle Puppy, which is a stuffed dog that holds a plastic heart that actually sounds and feels like a heartbeat.
The heat packs go inside the puppy to make it feel warm for your pup.
The blanket is a fantastic snuggly material that catches and holds onto any hairs that your puppy happens to shed. It is made of a safe polyester that is soft as well as machine washable. The puppy is machine washable too after you take the heart and heat packs out of it.
The teething ring is easy to fill with water and put in the freezer to help ease your puppy’s teething pain. However, you need to watch him carefully because once his teeth get strong enough, he can tear up the toy pretty easily. And the toy is fun to play fetch with but do not let your pup chew on it because it is not a chew toy.
What We Like:
- Snuggle Puppy and blanket are machine washable
- The teething ring has nubs to massage the puppy’s teeth
What Dogs Love about it?
- The heartbeat reminds puppy of momma
- It keeps him warm and snuggly with the heat pack
- The toys are fun to play with
What We Don’t like:
- The teething ring is not strong enough for puppies after their teeth get stronger
- It is rather expensive
Nylabone Teething Pacifier Puppy Chew Toy
- Material: Nylon
- Type of toy: Teething toy
- Safety Level: 5
- Floats: Yes
- Warranty: Yes, for 30 days
- Self Entertainment: Yes
- Your Puppy Can Play Alone: Yes
- Bounces: Yes
- Made in the USA: Yes
- Best for: Teething
You are going to want to get a bunch of pics of your puppy chewing on this cute binky chew toy to put on Instagram because it is so paw-fectly adorable. Shaped like a pacifier ring, the toy is made of a special soft rubber just for puppies.
Toss it into the freezer for a couple of hours and let your puppy chew on it for a nice way to ease the pain of teething. The bristles also help massage your fur baby’s gums. The way the toy is made, he will also love shaking it and tossing it around.
You can also enjoy a nice mellow game of tug with this toy but do not let him pull too hard with his delicate puppy teeth. And do not let him chew on it after his adult teeth come in because it is not made for adult dogs.
What We Like:
- It is a super-cute toy that makes great photo ops
- The bristles clean your pup’s teeth and massage the gums
What Dogs Love about it?
- It makes fun noises when he shakes it
- It helps ease teething pain
What We Don’t like:
- It is not good for large breed pups over 25 pounds
Outward Hound Hide A Squirrel Squeaky Puzzle Plush Dog Toy
- Material: Plush polyester
- Type of toy: Comfort/puzzle toy
- Safety Level: 2
- Floats: No
- Warranty: Yes for 30 days
- Self Entertainment: No
- Your Puppy Can Play Alone: No
- Bounces: No
- Made in the USA: Yes
- Best for: Comfort Toy
Remember the soft squeaky toys that dogs are so attracted to? That is what Outward Hound gives you with this unique toy. And there are four different sizes so your puppy can enjoy the small now and you can get larger ones as he grows. The small is just perfect for puppies and has three squeaky squirrels to play with.
Hide the squirrels inside the tree trunk and let your puppy search for them. Watch as he tugs and shakes the toy to get the little squeakers out of the holes. Or you can toss the squirrels for your fur baby to chase in a pawesome game of squirrel fetch.
This is not a toy for your puppy to play with alone. They can tear up the toys and they will just to get the squeaky toy out of it. Always supervise when your puppy plays with this toy no matter how old he is.
What We Like:
- Easy to clean by tossing it in the washing machine
- It is versatile and comes in four sizes so it grows as your puppy does
What Dogs Love about it?
- They look and feel like prey
- They squeak like prey
What We Don’t like:
- You have to watch your pup carefully because these are not safe for chewing
KONG – Puppy Goodie Bone
- Product Details:
- Material: Rubber
- Type of toy: Bone chew toy
- Safety Level: 5
- Floats: No
- Warranty: Yes, for 60 days
- Self Entertainment: Yes
- Your Puppy Can Play Alone: Yes
- Bounces: No
- Made in the USA: Yes
- Best for: Bone-Shaped toy
This KONG puppy bone is more than just a bone. You can add treats to the ends of each side for a real treat for your pup. All dogs like chewing on rubber bones but this one is special. Add a couple of treats to each end and watch him spend hours trying to get them out. The patented Gripper holes are perfect for stuffing a soft or hard treat for a real challenge.
You can also add squeeze cheese, peanut butter, or your own homemade concoction to the ends. Put it in the freezer overnight and it will last all day while alleviating your fur baby’s aching gums from teething. This one is for puppies up to 20 pounds though, no large breed pups over 20 pounds, please.
What We Like:
- The Gripper holes work pawfectly
- The soft rubber won’t hurt the puppy’s teeth
What Dogs Love about it?
- A chewy bone with yummy treats, what’s not to love?
What We Don’t like:
- It is not made for puppies over 20 pounds
NWK Pet Teether Cooling Chew Toy
- Material: Thermoplastic rubber
- Type of toy: Chew toy
- Safety Level: 4
- Floats: Yes
- Guarantee: Yes, for up to 30 days
- Self Entertainment: Yes
- Your Puppy Can Play Alone: No
- Bounces: Yes
- Made in the USA: No
- Best for: heavy chewers
This is a strong toy that can stand up to heavy chewing by puppies as well as dogs but you have to be careful with younger pups. It is not good for puppies under four months old because it is so hard. It could cause tooth damage if your pup’s teeth are not strong enough.
The toy is filled with 100% purified water so it is safe even if he does happen to put a hole in it. The water makes it an excellent teething toy or toy for dogs to play with when it is hot. Just freeze it for a few hours and your dog will be chilled out in no time. Safer than giving them ice cubes but has the same effect.
You can toss the ring for him to chase and it bounces and floats so you can play with it outside or at the lake. Toss it in the pool for those water pups that love dock jumping. Watch your pup when he plays with this toy to make sure he does not chew any pieces off.
What We Like:
- It freezes nicely and helps cool a hot pup at the park
- You can put a treat in the little treat-holding x-marks
What Dogs Love about it?
- It bounces like crazy
- The nubs and cold feel good on the gums
What We Don’t like:
- It may be too hard for some puppies
- Some dogs can tear pieces off
KONG Puppy Binkie
- Material: Rubber
- Type of toy: Chew toy/teething toy
- Safety Level: 5
- Floats: Yes
- Warranty: Yes, for up to 60 days
- Self Entertainment: Yes
- Your Puppy Can Play Alone: Yes
- Bounces: Yes
- Made in the USA: Yes
- Best for: small breeds
This unique pacifier made by KONG is safe, durable, and adorable too. The rubber is specially made for puppies so you do not have to worry about him breaking any teeth no matter how hard he chews on it.
Toss it around in the yard for a fun game of fetch or put some treats in the hole on the bottom for even more fun. If your dog suffers from separation anxiety or is teething, give this to him while you are busy and he will be happy for hours.
This is also good for crate training and stops your little buddy from excessive barking and digging. It teaches your dog better habits so he does not go looking for something to get into. It comes in two sizes. One for puppies up to 20 pounds and one for pups up to 35 pounds.
What We Like:
- Made just for puppy’s tender teeth and gums
- You can put treats inside it for a longer playtime
What Dogs Love about it?
- The erratic bounce makes it fun to chase
- The ring gives pup something to hang onto
What We Don’t like:
- Not for pups over 35 pounds
Nylabone Teething Rings Puppy Chew Toy
- Material: Nylon
- Type of toy: Chew toy
- Safety Level: 5
- Floats: Yes
- Warranty: Yes, for up to 60 days
- Self Entertainment: Yes
- Your Puppy Can Play Alone: Yes
- Bounces: Yes
- Made in the USA: Yes
- Best for: Chew-Toy
The design is pawfect and the nylon is tuff enough to stand up to your puppy’s chewing and teething gnawing.
The nubs clean teeth and freshen your dog’s breath as he chews on it because it scrapes off that nasty tartar and plaque that causes dental disease.
It is made for puppies that are major chewers and may even stand up to the shredders. But you should always check your pup’s toys regularly for wear and tear. Get rid of it if you see that any pieces of chunks have been removed.
What We Like:
- It is safe for heavy chewers
- The price point is pawfect and is the most affordable toy on the list
What Dogs Love about it?
- It tastes like bacon
- It rattles and makes noise when he shakes it
What We Don’t like:
- Only for dogs up to 25 pounds
Nylabone DuraToy Happy Moppy Toy
- Material: Multiple materials
- Type of toy: Rope toy
- Safety Level: 3
- Floats: Yes
- Warranty: Yes, for 30 days
- Self Entertainment: Yes
- Your Puppy Can Play Alone: No
- Bounces: Yes
- Made in the USA: No
- Best for: Rope-Toy
All puppies and dogs like to play tug-of-war with their pet parents and with their puppy fur-iends and this rope toy is perfect for that. With a variety of bright colorful materials and textures, the toy keeps your pup’s interest even when he isn’t playing tug with someone.
The knot ball in the middle makes it easy for your pooch to pick up and shake, toss around, and it may even bounce a bit if he does it right.
The only problem is that you need to watch your dog very closely when he plays with this. There have been some instances where pet parents report their pups have chewed the toy up in just a few minutes. However, others say thier dogs have had it for months and it is still fine. You just cannot let your dog chew on it because it is not a chew toy.
What We Like:
- Made for interactive play to bond with your puppy
- The material is fun and bright
What Dogs Love about it?
- Tug is fun to play with pet parents and pup friends
- It is fun to shake and toss around
What We Don’t like:
- It is not safe to leave your dog alone with
- Some dogs can tear it up quickly
Pet Zone IQ Treat Dispenser Ball
- Material: Plastic
- Type of toy: Treat dispenser
- Safety Level: 2
- Floats: No
- Warranty: Yes, up to 30 days
- Self Entertainment: Yes
- Your Puppy Can Play Alone: No
- Bounces: No
- Made in the USA: Yes
- Best for: Treat Dispenser
This adjustable treat ball is pawfect for just about any pooch and your puppy will love pushing it around to get the treats out. The barriers can be moved or removed to make it easy or difficult for your fur baby.
You can also put kibble in the ball to teach your pup to eat slowly. Many dogs scarf down their food so fast they cannot even taste it. And this can be a dangerous habit because it can cause bloat, which is a life-threatening disorder.
Keep your puppy busy and his mind sharp by changing the difficulty once in a while. But do not let your dog play with this alone. It is not made to be a chew toy and can break into pieces that can become choking hazards.
What We Like:
- You can get it in two sizes
- It teaches your dog new skills
- Keeps your pooch interested for a while
- Helps your dog eat slower and makes him work for his food
What Dogs Love about it?
- Seeing the treats inside is a great motivator
- It rolls away so he has to chase it
What We Don’t like:
- It can break and become a choking hazard
CHLEBEM Interactive Dog Toy
- Material: Natural rubber ball and nylon rope
- Type of toy: Interactive toy
- Safety Level: 3
- Floats: Yes
- Warranty: Yes satisfaction guarantee for life
- Self Entertainment: Yes
- Your Puppy Can Play Alone: No
- Bounces: Yes
- Made in the USA: No
- Best for: entertaining puppy toy
The interactive entertaining toy by Chlebem is a bunch of toys in one. The rubber ball can be played with separately as a chew toy or to play fetch. You can also fill it with treats or kibble to make it a treat dispenser or puzzle toy.
Add the rope to the toy and you and your puppy can play tug or your dog can toss it around to get the treats or kibble out of the ball. The ball bounces nicely whether it is on the rope or not. And the rubber is infused with natural organic mint to keep your fur baby’s breath nice and fresh.
The only problem is the rope is not safe for your dog to play with alone. He can pull pieces of it off and swallow it, causing intestinal blockages and other digestive issues. Always supervise your pup with this toy.
What We Like:
- The mint really does make the puppy’s breath smell nice
- It is good to keep your pup busy and teach him to get treats out
What Dogs Love about it?
- The ball bounces all over the place
- The rope is fun to play tug with
What We Don’t like:
- It can be dangerous if your pup gets pieces of the rope off
Nina Ottosson by Outward Hound
- Material: Plastic
- Type of toy: Puzzle toy
- Safety Level: 3
- Floats: No
- Warranty: Yes, for 30 days
- Self Entertainment: Yes
- Your Puppy Can Play Alone: No
- Bounces: No
- Made in the USA: No
- Best for: Puppy Puzzle Toy
Nina Ottosson makes a wide variety of safe and intriguing dog toys for all ages, sizes, and breeds. The toys range from easy to difficult so you can get new ones as your dog masters the ones he has. This one is an easy toy made with nine plastic covers shaped like bones that you hide treats or food under.
Just remove the bone-shaped covers and put a few treats or pieces of kibble in the pocket. Cover it back up and let your dog look for the yummies. You can make it super easy or turn the bone around backward to make it more challenging.
This is also good for feeding those pups that like to inhale their food too quickly. However, you have to watch your pup closely while he is playing because it is not made to be a chew toy.
What We Like:
- Your puppy can learn new skills
- You can slow down your pup’s eating
What Dogs Love about it?
- Keeps him entertained looking for yummy treats or food
- The challenge is good for mental health
What We Don’t like:
- It can be dangerous if your pup chews on it so you have to watch them closely
AIBOONDEE Automatic Pet Slow Feeder Treat Ball
- Material: ABS Plastic
- Type of toy: Interactive treat toy
- Safety Level: 4
- Floats: No
- Warranty: Yes, for 30 days
- Self Entertainment: Yes
- Your Puppy Can Play Alone: No
- Bounces: No
- Made in the USA: No
- Best for: interactive puppy toy
Does your puppy eat too fast? This interactive treat-dispensing toy is a great way to teach him to slow down and savor his food.
Eating too quickly is dangerous for any dog and can cause digestive issues or bloat. Put his kibble in this toy and he will spend a long time getting to it.
The transparent design shows your dog what is inside so he gets excited and knocks it around, making the pieces of food or treats fall out.
The bottom is a maze that the pieces have to go through to get to the dispensing hole so your dog will be busy for a while.
This toy is not intended to be a chew toy and you should always supervise him when he plays with it.
What We Like:
- You can put over a cup of kibble inside it
- It is adjustable so you can make it easy or difficult
What Dogs Love about it?
- It is fun to knock around
- Seeing the food inside makes it extra exciting
What We Don’t like:
- It is not dishwasher safe so it can be a pain to clean
Common Question from Dog Parents
How long do puppies teething last?
Puppies usually start teething when they are between four and five weeks old. They may continue until they are six months old or it could be as short as three months. It just depends on how soon their adult teeth come in completely.
How Many Toys Should A Puppy Have?
As pet parents, we all want to rush out and buy our new fur baby a bunch of toys. As many as we can afford. But too many toys can actually lead to boredom. Having one or two toys on the floor at any one time is fine, but a floor full of toys, like five or more, is not a good idea. Instead, rotate the toys so he always has something “new” to capture his attention.
Should puppies have soft toys?
Soft toys are fine for puppies as long as they are not the type of chewer that will tear it up and cause it to be a choking hazard. When puppies are small, they like to have something soft next to them because they may miss their momma or littermates. This is fine as long as you watch them.
The Final Woof
The KONG Puppy Toy is the clear winner of this roundup because it is so safe for puppies and it can be stuffed with food or treats. It is also good for easing teething pain if you fill it with food and put it in the freezer for a while.
The KONG Puppy toy even comes in four dif-fur-ent sizes so you can give it to any breed of a puppy until they are 65 pounds.
The other toys are good too but you need to monitor your puppy closely with most of them because they are not safe for playing alone. The other KONG toy on the list, the binky, is good too but it does not have the option to fill it with yummies, which is why we think the KONG Puppy Toy is the winner.
