Best Chew Toys for Puppies: Safe Types and What to Avoid

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 17, 20263 min read

A puppy without a chew toy will find something else to chew, and it will probably be your shoes, furniture or the corner of the sofa. Chewing is not misbehavior. It is how puppies explore the world, relieve teething discomfort and burn off energy. The solution is to offer plenty of safe, interesting things to chew and to manage the rest of your home.

Why puppies chew

• Teething. Between about three and six months, baby teeth fall out and adult teeth come in, and chewing relieves the ache. See our puppy teething timeline.
• Exploration. Puppies learn about objects by mouthing them.
• Boredom or excess energy. Chewing is a self-rewarding activity.
• Comfort. Chewing can be calming for some puppies.

Types of chew toys

Rubber toys

Durable rubber toys are popular because they are firm but flexible. Hollow ones can be stuffed with food and frozen, which keeps puppies busy and soothes sore gums. Look for toys designed for puppies, which are slightly softer than adult versions.

Rope and fabric toys

Good for tugging and gentle chewing, but they can unravel, and swallowed threads can cause blockages. Use under supervision, and throw away when frayed.

Frozen toys

Frozen washcloths, rubber toys or ice cubes can soothe teething gums. Do not give very hard frozen items that could damage teeth, and supervise.

Plush toys

Soft toys are comforting for some puppies, but they can be shredded quickly. Remove stuffing, squeakers and eyes if they come loose.

Edible chews

Products such as dental chews or digestible chews can be useful in moderation, but choose ones appropriate for puppies, check size and calorie content and always supervise. Cooked bones, antlers and hooves are risky and best avoided. Read our guide to how to soothe a teething puppy for safe options.

What to avoid

• Real bones, especially cooked ones, which can splinter or break teeth
• Antlers, hooves and very hard nylon or plastic chews, which can fracture teeth
• Small balls and toys that could be swallowed or lodged in the throat
• Toys with small parts that can be chewed off
• Old shoes and socks, which teach your puppy that these items are acceptable
• Sticks, which can splinter

A useful test: if you cannot press a thumbnail into the surface, it may be too hard for a puppy's teeth.

Sizing and safety

• Choose a toy that is too big to swallow but small enough to carry.
• Inspect toys regularly for cracks, loose parts or heavy wear.
• Remove toys that are damaged.
• Supervise your puppy, especially with new toys or edible chews.
• Avoid leaving toys in the crate unless they are designed for unsupervised use.

Rotating toys

Puppies get bored with the same toys. Keep a stash and rotate a few each day. This makes old toys feel new and reduces the chance that your puppy will look for entertainment elsewhere.

Using toys to redirect chewing

When your puppy chews something forbidden, calmly swap it for an appropriate toy and praise when your puppy chews that instead. Do not scold, because this can make your puppy chew more secretly. Our guide to puppy biting and mouthing explains how to use toys to redirect nipping at hands.

Managing the environment

• Keep valuables, shoes and cords out of reach.
• Use baby gates and playpens to limit access.
• Apply taste deterrent sprays to furniture legs, if your vet agrees they are safe.
• Provide plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to reduce boredom.

Make toys more exciting

• Stuff hollow toys with kibble, wet food or a little peanut butter that is free of xylitol, then freeze.
• Hide toys around the house for your puppy to find.
• Use puzzle feeders for meals.
• Play with toys together to make them more interesting.

The takeaway

The best chew toy is the one your puppy actually uses, so offer a variety of safe options and supervise at first. A well-stocked toy box and a well-proofed home turn chewing from a problem into a normal part of puppyhood.