As any dog owner knows, picking out the perfect toy for a young dog can be a little tedious. If it’s too big, it won’t fit inside their mouths; it’s too hard, and you might be damaging their sensitive puppy teeth. When it comes to young dogs, you need toys that are both beneficial and gentle on their tiny mouths. We have scoured the internet for the top reviews and found some of the best puppy toys being sold currently. Whether you’re a first-time dog owner or have had multiple pets, this list of puppy toys will make a big difference in how your dog plays.

A Quick Look at Our Favorites of 2024

The 7 Best Puppy Toys

1. KONG Classic Dog Toy – Best Overall

You probably already know about the KONG brand and its popularity in the dog toy world. The great thing about their classic toy is that it comes in six sizes, from extra-small to extra-extra-large. As your dog ages, you can buy the next size until they reach their full size. The rubber material is also sturdy and hard for even the sharpest puppy teeth to destroy.

What we like most about the KONG dog toy is a hollow hole in the center to put dog treats and keep your energetic puppies occupied for hours. However, this toy might be a little hard for very young dogs. Still, we think it is one of the best overall puppy toys on the market today.

• Durable
• 5 different sizes
• Hollow center for treats
• Affordable

• May be too hard for the youngest puppies

2. Chuckit! Ultra Rubber Ball Tough Dog Toy – Best Value

When looking for the best puppy toy for the money, it is hard to ignore this two-for-one deal from Chuckit! This toy comes with two balls and two different sizes, depending on the size of your dog. Chuckit! is a trusted brand; the balls are extremely durable and soft so they won’t damage your dog’s teeth. The bright orange color is also easy to spot, and the lightweight design allows it to float on water. While it is affordable, they do tend to wear and fade over time.

• Affordable
• Trusted brand
• Two sizes
• Soft rubber material

• Wear over time

3. Smart Pet Love Snuggle Puppy Behavioral Aid Dog Toy – Premium Choice

This dog toy might be a little more expensive than you were hoping for, but it has worked wonders with young dogs who were taken away from their mothers from a young age. This plush toy is designed to mimic a mother dog with a soft heartbeat and self-warming function for your pup to snuggle up with. You do have to replace the heat pack, but it has a long life and a rechargeable battery. This toy is perfect for the first couple of weeks when you bring your new dog home and they’re adjusting to a new place.

• Calms nervous puppies
• Heartbeat and warming function
• Multiple color choices
• Long battery life

• Expensive
• Have to buy heat pack replacements

4. Nina Ottosson by Outward Hound Smart Puzzle Dog Toy

There is no better way to stimulate your dog’s brain than to start testing their problem-solving skills. This puzzle is the perfect way to keep your dog mentally stimulated. You can hide treats and kibble under the removable pieces and let your pup figure out how to get them out. The bones can be removed or replaced for even harder challenges. Once they have figured it out, there are more puzzles that are even more challenging for them. These puzzles are a little more expensive than other toys, and you may find that some puppies prefer to chew on the pieces rather than figure the puzzle out.

• Stimulates the brain
• Different difficulty levels
• Drains excess energy

• Some dogs aren’t interested in the puzzle

5. Nylabone Puppy Chew Toys for Teething

Nylabone has created the perfect variety pack to encourage healthy chewing habits in young puppies. This triple pack of bones is perfect for teething puppies. Not only are they affordable, but you can stick them in the freezer to soothe sore gums. The different materials also keep their teeth clean and free from tartar. However, they are only suitable for dogs that weigh up to 25 pounds, so your breed might want to find a replacement that is safer for them to chew on.

• Affordable
• Three bone textures
• Cleans teeth and soothes gums

• Only for dogs up to 25 pounds

6. Ruff Dawg Indestructible Dog Ring

Even though puppies don’t have the strongest jaws, their teeth are sharp. Nothing is worse than coming home to a brand-new toy that’s been completely destroyed. This indestructible ring by Ruff Dawg is a great investment if you want something that will last a long time and is durable enough for even the heaviest chewers. The soft rubber is also gentle on their teeth. Not only that, but it is easy to clean. Unfortunately, there is a lot of controversy over the ring shape because some dogs have been known to get their lower jaws trapped in them. It is also a little more expensive than some of the other toys on the list that are equally as durable.

• Durable
• Gentle on teeth
• Easy to clean

• Pricey
• Lower jaw may get caught in the ring

7. Ethical Pet Skinneeez Stuffing-Free Fox Toy

The worst thing about soft toys is that they have so much stuffing inside that, once they rip a small hole in it, the insides are spread across your entire house. This soft puppy toy is gentle on teeth but contains no stuffing, so your house won’t become a mess. It is perfect for stimulating a dog’s natural hunting instinct and even has a built-in squeaker. This toy isn’t as durable as many other toys, and the tiny hairs that get pulled out could irritate your dog’s throat. However, most people are very happy with this cheap toy option for their new dog.

• No stuffing
• Built-in squeaker

• Not durable
• Hairs could irritate the dog’s throat

Buyer’s Guide: Purchasing the Best Puppy Toy

Each dog has a different personality and preferences of its own. Not all dogs will be stimulated by the same things, so finding something that works for your new puppy is crucial for their development. When dealing with young dogs especially, you must ensure you’re giving them something that won’t harm them. Let’s look at some of the important aspects of purchasing puppy play toys.

Mental Stimulation

Mental stimulation is something that every new dog owner should be thinking about. Dogs are incredibly smart, and keeping them entertained—not only physically but mentally as well—is the best way to keep their minds sharp. It is also going to result in a happier and healthier dog overall.

Physical Exercise

The purpose of a dog toy is to keep your pet busy. Daily exercise is vital for your dog’s health. If you don’t always have enough time to take them for a walk, buying a good puppy toy is the next best option. If possible, look for items that will keep them moving and busy, even if that means they’re running around the living room for an hour.

Reducing Behavioral Problems

The dogs with the worst behavioral problems are often the dogs that are bored with nothing better to do. When you buy toys that appeal to your puppy, you keep them focused on something good and avoid getting into trouble. You also redirect their natural urge to chew on things they are meant to chew on and stop them from damaging your expensive furniture and other belongings.

Types of Dog Toys

Chew Toys

Chew toys satisfy a dog’s instinct to chew. It also supports healthy chewing habits and keeps their teeth clean, so you don’t have to brush them as much.

Ropes and Pull Toys

Ropes are perfect for when you want to get involved in your dog’s play session. These are perfect for games like tug-of-war. Just ensure you don’t pull too hard and damage their teeth.

Puzzles and Interactive Toys

These types of toys are perfect for keeping your dog’s brain sharp. Mentally stimulating activities also drain your pup’s energy and keep them focused during independent play.

Plush Toys

Plush toys are a gentler approach to entertainment. These come in various designs and are a nice go-to for keeping your puppy busy.

Conclusion

We hope these reviews have helped you narrow your list of potential toys for your new puppy. In conclusion, we have found that the best overall puppy toy is the KONG classic dog toy, the best for your money is the Chuckit! Rubber Balls, and the best premium choice, is the Smart Pet behavioral aid dog toy. With so many options to choose from, you can feel confident buying any one of the toys from the list and giving them to your new forever friend.

Featured Image Credit: Pixabay