Playtime is more than just fun for puppies; it’s a critical component of their development. Engaging with the right toys helps puppies build impulse control, hone their social skills, and boost their cognitive abilities. Providing your puppy with safe and age-appropriate toys is one of the most effective ways to ensure they thrive. It’s beneficial to offer a variety of toy types, as puppies often have distinct preferences, enthusiastically embracing some while ignoring others. As Dr. Katherine Houpt, a veterinary behaviorist and professor at Cornell University, notes, “It’s all about variety, what the dog likes and cannot destroy.” Popular choices include plush toys, squeaky balls, and food puzzles. Crucially, always prioritize safety by avoiding toys with sharp edges or small parts that can be easily chewed off and swallowed.
For this guide, 27 different toys were tested with Herschel, a basset hound puppy. This review also incorporates insights from other pet guardians, veterinarians, and a dog trainer to identify the most enriching and durable toys for puppies.
Top Picks for the Best Puppy Toys
- Best Overall: West Paw Zogoflex Toppl – See at Chewy
- Best Chew Toy: Petstages Dogwood Calming Chew – See at Chewy
- Best for Aggressive Chewers: West Paw Zogoflex Hurley – See at Chewy
- Best Heartbeat Toy: Smart Pet Love Snuggle Puppy – See at Chewy
- Best Puzzle Toy: Outward Hound Puppy Smart Interactive Puzzle – See at Chewy
- Best Squeaky Toy: Outward Hound Invincibles Minis Dog – See at Chewy
- Best Crinkle Toy: Frisco Frosted Pastry Plush Toy – See at Chewy
- Best Plush Toy: Kong Wild Knots Bear – See at Chewy
- Best for Fetch: Kong Wubba – See at Chewy
- Best Ball: Chuckit! Ultra Squeaker Ball – See at Chewy
- Best for Tug: Mammoth Cottonblend 3 Knot Rope Toy – See at Chewy
Best Overall: West Paw Zogoflex Toppl
The West Paw Zogoflex Toppl is an interactive treat toy that doubles as a safe and durable chew toy. Its hollow interior can be filled with your puppy’s regular food and extra treats, providing a stimulating mental challenge as they work to access the goodies. Certified dog trainer Brad Phifer highlights that these toys help puppies explore their environment using their sense of smell while having fun. The Toppl also bobs and weaves, adding an extra layer of engagement. Made from a soft, stretchy, BPA-free plastic composite, it’s exceptionally tough, making it ideal for teething puppies. It’s available in three sizes and is dishwasher safe for easy cleaning. For a similar option, the Kong Classic for Puppies is also a good choice, though accessing the treats can be more challenging for some puppies.
Best Chew Toy: Petstages Dogwood Calming Chew
Chewing is a natural behavior for puppies, used for exploration and play. Dr. Houpt emphasizes the importance of providing a variety of toys to satisfy this need and redirect them from chewing inappropriate items like furniture. The Petstages Dogwood Calming Chew offers a safe alternative to real sticks, antlers, and bones. Its wood-like texture and flavor are appealing to dogs. This toy held up well during testing, even with adult dogs, indicating its durability. It’s made from a blend of wood fiber, polypropylene, and plastic and comes in four sizes. Always replace the toy immediately if it shows signs of damage.
Best for Aggressive Chewers: West Paw Zogoflex Hurley
For puppies with a strong urge to chew, the West Paw Zogoflex Hurley is an excellent option. Unlike hard bones or antlers that can risk dental fractures, this soft, bouncy toy is made from durable, BPA-free Zogoflex material. Veterinary dentist Dr. Mallory Kanwal recommends rubber toys that can be indented with a fingernail to minimize the risk of tooth damage. The Hurley is also buoyant, making it suitable for water play, and is dishwasher safe. It’s available in three sizes and is designed to withstand vigorous chewing.
Best Heartbeat Toy: Smart Pet Love Snuggle Puppy
The transition to a new home can be overwhelming for puppies. The Smart Pet Love Snuggle Puppy aims to ease this anxiety by simulating the presence of a mother dog with its gentle heartbeat and warming pad. Dr. Houpt explains that the heartbeat and warmth mimic the comfort of the mother. While its ears and tail may not withstand strong chewing, and it’s not machine washable, this toy can be incredibly comforting for anxious puppies.
Best Puzzle Toy: Outward Hound Puppy Smart Interactive Puzzle
Puzzle toys are highly recommended by experts like Dr. Houpt to encourage puppies to problem-solve and engage their minds. The Outward Hound Puppy Smart Interactive Puzzle is a beginner-friendly option that features nine small bones hiding treats or kibble. Puppies must remove each bone to uncover the reward. It’s constructed from durable, food-safe plastic free from BPA, PVC, and phthalates. Supervision is advised, as the smaller bone pieces could be a temptation for some puppies to chew. The base is dishwasher safe.
Best Squeaky Toy: Outward Hound Invincibles Minis Dog
Toys that make noise can capture a puppy’s interest and encourage longer play sessions, according to research. The Outward Hound Invincibles Minis Dog features a loud squeaker that held the attention of Herschel during testing. This stuffing-free toy has double-layer seams for added durability, a feature recommended by dog trainers. While it might be too small for larger breeds, its 7-inch length is suitable for young puppies.
Best Crinkle Toy: Frisco Frosted Pastry Plush Toy
Adding an auditory element to playtime, crinkle toys like the Frisco Frosted Pastry Plush Toy offer a different sensory experience. The crinkle paper inside stimulated Herschel’s interest. This toy has a soft exterior and plush filling, making it appealing for dogs. At 6 inches long, it’s easy for puppies to pick up and held up well to moderate chewing and tossing. However, it’s not recommended for strong chewers.
Best Plush Toy: Kong Wild Knots Bear
Plush toys are often a favorite among puppies due to their tactile appeal and chewability. Dr. Katherine Anderson, a veterinarian, notes that while dogs enjoy the texture and ability to chew them, supervision is crucial as ingesting plush filling can lead to intestinal blockages. The Kong Wild Knots Bear stands out for its durability, featuring a knotted rope “skeleton” inside that offers a unique chewing texture. Despite intense play, Herschel hasn’t managed to destroy its limbs, making it a robust choice for moderate chewers.
Best for Fetch: Kong Wubba
Fetch is a vital interactive and social game that contributes to a puppy’s development. The Kong Wubba, made from durable ballistic nylon, is ideal for this. Resembling an octopus, it features two bouncy, squeaky balls within its fabric and long tails that make it easy for dogs to pick up, shake, and engage in tug-of-war. Its design makes it suitable for interactive play rather than constant gnawing.
Best Ball: Chuckit! Ultra Squeaker Ball
Ball play is another excellent game for building cooperation between a puppy and owner. The Chuckit! Ultra Squeaker Ball impressed during testing with its high bounce and loud squeak. Its bright colors make it visible even in low light, and it’s easy to clean. While durable enough for some chewing, supervision is recommended to prevent accidental swallowing.
Best for Tug: Mammoth Cottonblend 3 Knot Rope Toy
Tug-of-war is a rewarding game for puppies and an effective way to introduce training concepts. The Mammoth Cottonblend 3 Knot Rope Toy is exceptionally durable and made from 100% cotton. It held up well to Herschel’s strong grip and even survived multiple dishwasher cycles. Experts like Brad Phifer advise that while rope toys are great for tug, owners should supervise their dogs, as unraveling ropes can cause intestinal blockages. It’s advisable to size up when purchasing this toy for tug play.
What to Look For in Puppy Toys
When selecting toys for your puppy, several factors are paramount:
- Safety: Prioritize toys without sharp edges or small, easily detachable parts. Avoid soft toys that can be torn apart, as ingesting stuffing or fabric can be dangerous. Look for double-stitched seams on fabric toys for added durability.
- Size: Ensure toys are appropriately sized for your puppy to prevent choking hazards or intestinal blockages. Check product packaging for size recommendations (small, medium, or large dogs). When in doubt, choose a larger size.
- Durability: Puppies have sharp teeth and can quickly destroy toys. Assess wear and tear, especially in the first week. Toys designed for aggressive chewers or those with reinforced construction are often a better long-term investment.
- Materials: Avoid hard plastics and vinyl, which can damage teeth and be harmful if ingested. For plush toys, double-stitched fabric is preferable. Always supervise playtime, as even durable toys can eventually break down.
- Enrichment: Toys should cater to both the physical and mental needs of your puppy. This includes chew toys, puzzle toys, and toys that encourage problem-solving and physical activity.
- Your Dog’s Preferences: Observe which types of toys your puppy engages with most. Introducing a variety of textures, sounds, and functions will help you discover their individual preferences over time.
How We Tested the Best Puppy Toys
This guide was compiled after extensive testing of 27 different puppy toys. The evaluation focused on toys that promote healthy play habits and withstand wear and tear. Expert advice from veterinarians and certified dog trainers was incorporated to identify key features and potential risks. Herschel, a basset hound puppy, was the primary tester, playing with each toy for several weeks. Toys were assessed for safety, size appropriateness, durability, material quality, and enrichment potential, with special attention paid to any toys that deteriorated quickly or posed a hazard.
Puppy Toys FAQs
What toy is best for a puppy?
The best toy is subjective and depends on your puppy’s personality. Offering a range of toys—interactive puzzles, food-dispensing toys, fetch toys, and chew toys—is recommended to cater to different needs and maintain their interest. Safety should always be the primary consideration, avoiding toys with small parts or sharp edges.
What is the safest toy for a puppy?
Simple toys without embellishments like ribbons or stuffing are generally safest. Look for durable materials and double-stitched seams on fabric toys. Avoid anything a puppy could swallow in large pieces. Constant supervision with new toys is crucial until you understand your puppy’s play style.
What toys should you not give a puppy?
Edible chews like rawhide, cornstarch bones, pig ears, cow hooves, raw bones, and sticks should be avoided due to the risk of intestinal blockages. Laser pointers can also contribute to frustration and behavioral issues like excessive shadow chasing.
What can a puppy chew on?
Safe chewing options include durable rubber toys designed for puppies, like those from West Paw and Kong, which are less likely to cause dental damage. For plush toys, double-stitched fabric offers better durability. Always check toy packaging for chew-resistance ratings and supervise your puppy.
How do I keep my puppy entertained?
Variety is key. Offer a diverse collection of toys in different shapes, sizes, and types to keep your puppy engaged. Observe which toys they prefer and introduce new ones periodically. Remember that puppies have short attention spans, so rotating toys can help maintain their interest.
