If you’re reading this article, there’s a chance you and your favorite pair of shoes might have been victim to those razor-sharp puppy teeth. You’re looking for some non-shoe solutions to help aid your uncomfortable puppy. Teething can start as soon as three weeks old, and it can last through six months, so you and your poor pup are going to be going through it for a while.
But we’re here to help with safe teething-toy recommendations that will help provide your puppy some much-needed relief and give you peace of mind. That said, even though your pup is happily chewing away, that doesn’t mean you can check out and doomscroll. Or even worse, leave them alone with the chew toy.
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Remember, anything can become a choking hazard and puppies can injure their mouths on chew toys. They should be closely monitored at all times, and the toys should be placed far out of reach when they’re not being watched.
Main takeaways
Puppy teething is a longer process than you think — it can start at three weeks and last six months.
Puppies need teething toys specifically designed for them, because they will be gentle on sore mouths and durable enough to survive persistent chewing. We found the best ones for you.
Pet parents should always supervise their pup when they are chewing on a teething toy, know when it’s worn down, and take it away. Your puppy should not be swallowing the rubber or nylon material, and pet parents should redirect the puppy if that’s occurring.
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Understanding puppy teething
You can try to use vet-approved pain relievers and train your puppy out of chewing, but the honest reality is that they need to chew on teething toys. It’s instinctual, so you’ll need to provide them with safe ways to do that. When shopping for teething toys, you should keep in mind their size, their personality, and their preferences. Do they like some enrichment while they chew? Are they persistent chewers?
These are some of the hypothetical questions we asked when we put together this list for you. There’s something for every pup, from textured rubber chewing toys to frozen teething toys that’ll provide a treat as well as relief.
The toys that’ll help your pup chill out after a long day of being a dog.
Best toys for teething puppies
Below, we have gathered our top picks for each category, considering online pet-parent reviews, as well as what we look for in products as a staff of pet parents and guardians who care about quality and safety.
Made entirely out of nylon, the Nylabone Puppy Power Rings closely resemble a baby toy (because after all, your new puppy is a baby). It consists of three interlinking rings of three different designs and textures to give your pup a varied chewing experience. But unlike toys for human babies, this one tastes like bacon.
What we like: The toy’s textures help reduce plaque and tartar build-up.
What we don’t like: Some reviewers say that the toy is too hard and because of that, their pup isn’t interested in it.
Who it’s recommended for: This toy is meant for teething puppies and small dogs with adult teeth that weigh under 25 pounds.
This toy is great because it offers a gentle surface for teething; your puppy may be an avid chewrer, but they still need to be careful with those little chompers.
We what we like: It can easily be stuffed with chews or filled with dog-safe peanut butter. Try freezing this toy with peanut butter or canned pumpkin so your puppy has to work at getting out the goodies.
What we don’t like: There are size limitations with this toy. It’s only safe for use in puppies up to 35 pounds, so depending on your dog’s breed, it may need to be retired fairly early.
Who it’s recommended for: This is best for puppies who are on the small side and are easily occupied by a good puzzle-style toy.
This rubber chew toy is extra-soft on those sore puppy teeth. It also doubles as a toy and allows your pup to learn how to play tug of war with the unique long, wavy design. Plus, it’s easy to wash with soap and water in the sink.
What we like: This is marketed for gentle chewers — so many chewing toys are designed for hard, powerful chewers.
What we don't like: This teething toy is designed for a very specific puppy and timeframe, so your pup may not be able to chew on it for long.
Who it’s recommended for: The Teeth n’ Tug Toy is meant for petite puppies who weigh up to 15 pounds.
If you’re already a pet parent or grew up with dogs, no doubt you are familiar with the classic Kong toy. Well, there’s a version for puppies. This iteration is made out of a softer natural rubber that is ideal for puppy teeth. Because it’s made out of a different rubber, it is also bouncier, making it more of a fetch-able toy for your pup. Like the OG Kong, you can put both peanut butter or treats inside.
What we like: You can put this in the freezer to provide extra relief for sore puppy mouths. You should only put it in the freezer until it is cool — not rock hard.
What we don’t like: Some reviewers say that it is very small and better suited for toy-breed puppies.
Who it’s recommended for: It’s designed specifically for small puppies who are teething.
The Pupsicle opens by unscrewing the two halves and putting the premade Pupsicle treat opens in new tabor a DIY frozen treat inside. There are grips on the outside of the toy, allowing your pup to keep hold of it, and drool slots for well, drool. The toy is also dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup.
What we like: There are three different sizes, so you can upgrade to one of the larger sizes once your pup exceeds 25 pounds.
What we don't like: This toy is a little more high-maintenance; you either have to DIY the treats or buy the Pupsicle refills.
Who it’s recommended for: Any pup! Just make sure you look at the sizes before purchasing: the small is for dogs 10 to 25 pounds., the large is for dogs 25 to 75 pounds, and the extra-large is for dogs 75-plus pounds.
The Benebone Dental Chew for puppies is made out of nylon and bacon (there’s also a chicken option). This chew toy, which comes with two different designs, is designed for puppies who like to gnaw. The edges are rounded, rather than straight, so your puppy can get a better grip on it with their little paws. Benebone says most chewers get through one of these products in a month.
What we like: These toys are designed to help improve dental and gum health. Plus, it’s great that they’re scent-based, which will give your pup yet another reason to give them a try.
What we don't like: Some reviewers say that they believe the toy is too hard and too big for teething pups.
Who it’s recommended for: The tiny size is meant for puppies under 15 pounds And the small is meant for puppies or small dogs under 30 pounds.
The Hartz Clean Tuff Bone is made out of nylon and polyurethane and boasts an enticing bacon aroma. The dental chew has two different textures for soft and hard chewing — a smooth texture around the edges and rounded bumps in the middle.
What we like: The nubs help massage the gums and clean the teeth and that this bone can withstand even the most persistent of chewers, according to shoppers.
What we don’t like: Reviewers say that the scent fades over time.
Who it'’s recommended for: This is designed for tiny puppies under 10 pounds.
The N Bone teething treats are made out of a combination of natural ingredients, including chicken, fish oil, rice flour, and brewers dried yeast. The treats come in chicken or pumpkin flavors, which most pups will enjoy.
What we like: This chew includes DHA OMEGA 3, which helps support brain development. Plus, you get a full bag of treats.
What we don’t like: These teething treats do not last very long and have a tendency to break into shards, so dog parents will need to be vigilant about watching their pup when they have these treats.
Who it’s recommended for: Made for puppies of all sizes, according to the company.
This Outward Hound two-pack includes one TPE rubber chew stick for puppies who need a softer option on sore gums and one original wood stick for persistent chewers (and stick lovers) who need a tougher toy.
What we like: There are two different options for picky puppies and that they include a guide for when it’s time to trash the toy.
What we don’t like: Because one of the toys is made out of real wood, it can splinter. (Keep an extra close eye on your puppy when they are gnawing this one.)
Who it’s recommended for: These are designed for puppies, but Outward Hound does not provide specifics beyond that.
When choosing teething toys for your pup, there are a few factors you will want to consider.
Size and durability
Making sure your puppy has the right-sized chewing toy is so important for their safety. If the toy is too small, it can become a choking hazard. On the other hand, if it’s too large, it might be too tough on their little mouths. Teething pups need a delicate balance of soothing, which will help alleviate pain, and durability, ensuring that their toys can hold up under heavy chewing.
Material quality
Pet parents should make sure they’re opting for high-quality teething toys from reputable brands, like the ones we carefully chose for this list. These brands have designed heavy-duty toys that will help your pup dislodge any loose teeth and help support the ones growing underneath.
Safety features
The toys on this list have been designed to avoid choking hazards and other mouth injuries. However, the most important safety feature lies with pet parents, especially during the teething phase. Pet parents should supervise their puppies while playing with toys and never leave them out while their puppy is left alone.
Teething toys for small-breed puppies
These toys are designed as safely as possible for your pup to help avoid choking hazards and other mouth injuries. However, puppies can be chaotic, and it’s up to you as the pet parent to keep a very close eye on them when they’re chewing. Anything can become a choking hazard if a puppy is left unattended. These toys should never be left out when they’re unsupervised. Plus, they should be thrown and switched out when they’re worn down — only one treat on this list is edible.
Teething toys for large-breed puppies
Small breeds often develop teeth issues later in life, so it’s important to make sure the chewing toys are soft enough for your small puppy. Don’t let them chew too long to prevent mouth injuries.
Teething toys for large-breed puppies
A large-breed puppy doesn’t have the same teeth as an adult dog, but pet parents make the mistake of giving their puppy toys meant for large dogs. This can hurt their mouths and not provide the relief they’re looking for.
There are options on this list that are meant specifically for larger puppies. That said, make sure that the puppy toys you’re looking at aren’t meant for a smaller-breed puppy, because they can easily become choking hazards for your larger pup.
Starting at 12 weeks, most puppies can use teething toys. But like we mentioned, every teething toy has specifications. Make sure to clearly read the label to see if it’s intended for your puppy or not.
What can I give my teething puppy?
You should give your puppy toys that are advertised as teething toys, like the ones we picked on this list. If your pup is past the teething stage, you should check out our list of our favorite puppy chewing bones.
How long does the puppy teething stage last?
The puppy teething stage can last for weeks. Some puppies start teething as early as three weeks old. Their teething stage usually peaks around 12 to 16 weeks, when they’ll need the most relief.
Alicia Kort is a writer and editor living in Brooklyn. Her work has appeared in Esquire, InStyle, Apartment Therapy, The Kitchn, Parade Home & Garden, Newsweek, Interview, Brooklyn magazine, and more. In her free time, she runs, reads, and spends time with her dog-nieces, Maya and Lady, and her cat-niece, Pepper. In her work, she focuses on pet behavior, pet-friendly spaces, and the lifestyle commerce space.
