Bringing home a new puppy is exciting, but it also comes with a serious responsibility to give them safe, appropriate ways to play and chew. The best toys for puppies do more than entertain; they help with teething discomfort, prevent destructive chewing, and provide mental stimulation. Choosing vet- and trainer-recommended toys can set your puppy up for good habits that last a lifetime. Below are five highly rated puppy toys that, at the time of writing, are available on both Amazon and Chewy, so you can shop wherever you prefer.
The Best Puppy Toys
- Soft rubber for puppies
- Can be filled with treats for mental stimulation
- Vet-recommended
- Five size options
The classic KONG Puppy Toy (the beehive-shaped, stuffable rubber toy) is a staple for a reason: its soft puppy rubber formula is designed specifically for baby teeth and sore gums. Pet parents praise its durability and usefulness for crate training when stuffed with treats or wet food. Fill with kibble, puppy treats, or frozen puppy-safe mixtures to keep your pup busy and slow down mealtimes.
- Real-feel pulsing heartbeat simulates a calming companion
- Heat pack provides added warmth for comfort
- Helps with crate training and reducing anxiety
- Machine washable with a replaceable battery-operated heartbeat
The Original Snuggle Puppy Heartbeat Toy provides soothing, realistic comfort that eases separation anxiety and helps with nighttime settling. Its pulsing heartbeat and heat pack simulate the presence of a littermate or mother, giving puppies a sense of security during crate training or their first nights in a new home. This calming design can reduce whining, barking, and stress-related behaviors, making transitions much smoother for both puppies and pet parents. Durable, machine-washable materials also make it a practical long-term comfort aid as your puppy grows.
- Made of soft plush
- Replaceable squeaker
- Contains less stuffing for less of a potential mess
These tiny but durable bear, duck, and frog toys from Kong stand out as one of the best choices for puppies because their low-stuffing design reduces mess and choking risks, making them safer for curious young dogs who like to chew and shred toys. The built-in squeaker triggers your puppy’s natural prey and hunting instincts, providing instant auditory feedback that keeps them mentally stimulated and entertained.
The soft, plush exterior and lightweight size make these toys easy for small mouths to carry, shake, and chew.
- Bright color offers increased visibility
- Extra-thick rubber core
- Bouncy & buoyant in water
- Compatible with ChuckIt ball launcher
If your puppy is fetch-obsessed (or you want to spark that instinct), the Chuckit! Ultra Rubber Ball is one of the best toys for dogs that love to chase and retrieve. Its bright orange-and-blue rubber makes it easy to spot and encourages active play on land or even in shallow water. The durable, solid rubber also stands up to sharp puppy teeth and won’t trap dirt and grit the way fuzzy tennis balls do. With short, safe fetch sessions, this ball becomes an excellent way to burn off energy and give your puppy the healthy exercise they crave.
- Interactive dog toy
- Squirrels can hide in plush log
- Fabric is gentle on teeth and gums
- Squirrels have squeakers
For mental stimulation, the Outward Hound Hide-A-Squirrel Plush Puzzle Toy is a fan favorite among puppy parents. Puppies must figure out how to remove the squeaky squirrels from the plush tree trunk, which taps into natural sniffing and foraging instincts. The soft plush is ideal for gentle chewers and supervised play sessions, plus it comes in several sizes to match your puppy’s breed and play style.
- Freezable cooling relief
- Textured crunchy fabric
- Easy puppy grip
- Safe, durable design
The Petstages Cool Teething Stick is one of the best toys for puppies because it provides instant, soothing relief for sore gums during the teething phase. Its freezable design helps reduce inflammation while encouraging healthy chewing habits. The crunchy, textured fabric adds sensory stimulation and keeps puppies engaged, making it both fun and functional. Lightweight and easy for small mouths to carry, it’s a safe, durable option that supports dental health from the very beginning.
Building the Best Puppy Toy Box
Choosing the best toys for puppies is really about covering all your bases: teething relief, safe chewing, mental enrichment, and healthy exercise. A combination of durable chews like KONG, Nylabone, and Benebone plus interactive toys like Chuckit! balls and the Hide-A-Squirrel puzzle gives your puppy appropriate outlets for every mood. Rotating a few of these toys each day can keep playtime fresh and help curb boredom-related behaviors like chewing furniture or barking. With the right mix of toys from Amazon and Chewy, you’ll build a puppy-safe toy box that supports your dog’s development, strengthens your bond, and turns everyday play into productive learning time.
The post The 6 Best Toys For Puppies appeared first on iHeartDogs.com.