6 Best chew toys for teething puppies (tested and ranked in 2026)

You walk into the living room and your sneaker is in three pieces. The couch corner has a new wet patch. Your fingers look like you stuck them in a tiny wood chipper. And your puppy? Sitting there looking at you like nothing happened, tail wagging.

Puppy teething is real, it’s relentless, and it lasts longer than most people expect. Finding the best chew toys for teething puppies is one of the first problems every new puppy owner needs to solve — because between about 3 weeks and 6 months old, puppies lose 28 baby teeth and grow 42 adult ones. The whole process makes their gums sore, itchy, and desperate for relief. If you don’t give them something appropriate to chew on, they’ll find something on their own. Your furniture already knows this.

I’ve gone through dozens of options trying to find ones that actually hold up, actually soothe sore gums, and don’t fall apart into swallowable chunks after ten minutes. Here are the six that are actually worth your money — and a few things nobody mentions about what makes a good teething toy vs. a dangerous one.

Product	My pick	Rating	Price	Best for
KONG Puppy	🏆 Best overall	4.6 ⭐ (51,900+)	$7.46	All-around teething + treat stuffing
Benebone Puppy Wishbone 2-Pack	Best for tough chewers	4.5 ⭐ (1,100+)	$19.98	Aggressive chewers who destroy everything
Nylabone Freezer Bone	Best freezable	4.3 ⭐ (15,400+)	$9.99	Cooling relief for inflamed gums
N-Bone Puppy Teething Rings	Best edible	4.4 ⭐ (1,000+)	$7.98	Puppies who need to chew AND eat
Zeaxuie 9-Pack Puppy Toys	💰 Best variety pack	4.5 ⭐ (9,000+)	$9.99	New owners who want variety on a budget
Pupstages Cool Teething Stick	Best for youngest puppies	4.3 ⭐ (16,800+)	$4.99	Brand-new 8-week-old puppies (0–6 months)

What to look for in the best chew toys for teething puppies

Before I get into individual products, here’s what actually matters when you’re picking chew toys for a teething puppy. Not all chew toys are created equal, and the wrong one can do more harm than good.

Material safety comes first

Puppy teeth are sharp but fragile. Adult-dog chew toys made from hard nylon or dense rubber can actually crack baby teeth, which is the opposite of what you want. Look for toys labeled specifically for puppies — they use softer formulations of the same materials. KONG’s puppy line, for example, uses a noticeably softer rubber than their classic red version.

Avoid anything that splinters into sharp pieces (real animal bones, antlers, and hard plastic toys are the main culprits). And be cautious with rope toys for unsupervised chewing — puppies can unravel the threads and swallow them, which can cause intestinal blockages. Rope toys are fine for supervised tug-of-war, but they’re not a “leave in the crate” option.

The freezable factor

Cold helps. Just like teething babies benefit from cold teething rings, puppies get real relief from chewing on something chilled. Toys you can soak in water and freeze — or stuff with frozen treats — give your puppy something that numbs sore gums while they chew. This is probably the most underrated feature in puppy teething toys and something most roundups barely mention.

If your puppy is between 12-16 weeks (when the molars start coming in and the discomfort peaks), a freezable toy should be your first purchase. The cold reduces inflammation and gives them a reason to chew the toy instead of your table legs.

Size matters more than you think

A toy that’s too small is a choking hazard. A toy that’s too big is frustrating for a small puppy to grip. Most brands offer multiple sizes, and the right size depends on your puppy’s breed and current weight — not their adult weight. A Labrador puppy at 10 weeks still needs a small or medium toy, even though they’ll eventually be 70 pounds. You can size up as they grow.

Check the packaging or product description for weight ranges. If a toy says “for dogs 15-35 lbs” and your puppy is 8 lbs, it’s too big. This is one area where reading the fine print actually matters.

Supervised vs. unsupervised toys

This is the distinction most people miss. Some toys are safe to leave in a crate or playpen while you’re out. Others should only be used while you’re watching. The difference usually comes down to whether the toy has parts that could break off and be swallowed.

A solid rubber KONG? Safe to leave alone. A plush squeaky toy with a removable squeaker inside? Supervised only. An edible chew ring? Supervised until you know how your puppy handles it. I’ll note which category each product falls into in the reviews below.

Enrichment and redirection

Teething isn’t just about sore gums — it’s also about a puppy’s natural need to explore the world with their mouth. The best chew toys for teething puppies don’t just survive being chewed; they actively redirect your puppy’s chewing instinct toward something appropriate. Toys you can stuff with peanut butter, kibble, or frozen broth keep a puppy occupied for 20-30 minutes, which is a long time in puppy attention spans.

If your puppy is the type who gets bored of a plain rubber toy in five minutes but will spend an hour licking peanut butter out of a crevice, enrichment-style toys are your best bet. For more ways to keep a teething puppy mentally occupied, <a href=”https://pawpickr.shop/calming-lick-mat-for-dogs/”>a calming lick mat</a> is another great option — the licking action itself is naturally soothing and can redirect the chewing impulse.

When to cycle toys out

Puppy teeth are surprisingly sharp, and they’ll score and gouge even durable rubber over time. Once a toy develops deep grooves, cracks, or chunks missing, it’s time to replace it. Loose pieces are choking and blockage risks. I check toys every week or so and toss anything that’s starting to break down. At the prices these toys sell for, replacing one every few weeks is a lot cheaper than an emergency vet visit.

Best overall: KONG Puppy

There’s a reason this toy shows up in every single puppy recommendation list. The KONG Puppy is the default starter chew toy for a reason: it works, it lasts, and it does more than just sit there.

The KONG Puppy uses a softer rubber formula than the classic red KONG, specifically designed for baby teeth. It’s gentle enough that it won’t crack a puppy’s developing teeth, but firm enough to withstand daily chewing for months. The hollow center is what makes it special — you can stuff it with peanut butter, cream cheese, wet food, or kibble soaked in broth, then freeze the whole thing. That turns a $7 chew toy into a 30-minute enrichment puzzle that also soothes sore gums.

Key specs

• Material: Natural rubber (puppy-soft formula)
• Size: Small (for puppies up to 20 lbs)
• Stuffable: Yes — hollow center for treats
• Freezable: Yes
• Unsupervised use: Yes

What I like

• The unpredictable bounce keeps puppies engaged during fetch — it doesn’t roll in a straight line, which is actually more interesting for a curious puppy
• Stuffing it with frozen peanut butter turns a 2-minute chew into a 30-minute project
• The soft puppy formula is noticeably gentler than the adult version — you can feel the difference when you squeeze it
• 51,000+ reviews with a 4.6 rating is about as close to a universal endorsement as pet products get
• Dishwasher safe on the top rack, which matters when you’re stuffing it with food daily

What I don’t like

• Small puppies under 5 lbs may find even the “small” size awkward to hold — it’s really designed for 10-20 lb puppies
• It’s not flavored, so without stuffing, some puppies lose interest quickly compared to bacon-flavored alternatives
• You’ll eventually need to buy the medium or large size as your puppy grows, so it’s not a one-and-done purchase

Check the latest price on Amazon

Best for tough chewers: Benebone Puppy Wishbone 2-Pack

Some puppies don’t just chew — they destroy. If your puppy has already demolished a plush toy, eviscerated a rope toy, and left teeth marks in your baseboards, they need something tougher than average. The Benebone Puppy Wishbone is built for exactly these puppies.

What makes the Benebone different from a generic nylon chew is the real bacon infused throughout the entire toy — not just a surface coating that licks off in five minutes. Your puppy can taste it all the way through, which keeps them coming back. The wishbone shape is specifically designed so dogs can grip one prong with their paws and chew on the other, which means they don’t need your help holding it. That’s a small detail that matters a lot for independent chewing.

Key specs

• Material: Nylon (puppy-gentle formula)
• Flavor: Real bacon (infused throughout)
• Pack: 2 wishbones
• Made in: USA
• Unsupervised use: Yes (monitor initially to confirm your puppy doesn’t break chunks off)

What I like

• Real bacon flavor — not a chemical approximation. Reviewers consistently say their puppies are obsessed
• The puppy formula is softer than Benebone’s adult line, so it’s forgiving on developing teeth while still being durable
• The curved wishbone shape lets puppies grip it themselves — great for crate time or independent play
• You get two in the pack, so you can rotate them or have a backup
• USA-made with a satisfaction guarantee from the company

What I don’t like

• At $19.98 for the 2-pack, it’s the most expensive option on this list
• Not stuffable or freezable — it’s a straight chew toy, no enrichment puzzle element
• A small number of reviewers with very aggressive chewer puppies (think bully breed puppies) report breaking off small pieces within a few weeks — monitor your puppy’s chewing style before leaving them unsupervised with it

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Best freezable: Nylabone Freezer Bone

If your puppy is in the thick of teething — drooling more than usual, pawing at their mouth, chewing on everything in sight — cold is your friend. The Nylabone Freezer Bone is designed specifically around this idea: soak the terry cloth portion in water, throw it in the freezer, and hand your puppy something that actively soothes inflamed gums while they chew.

The design combines a durable rubber bone shape with a terry cloth wrap. The cloth holds the cold longer than bare rubber would, and the peanut butter flavor in the rubber keeps the puppy interested. It’s not a complicated concept, but it works.

Key specs

• Material: Rubber + terry cloth
• Flavor: Peanut butter
• Size: Small (up to 25 lbs)
• Freezable: Yes (designed for it)
• Unsupervised use: No — supervise due to terry cloth component

What I like

• Actually delivers on the “freeze for relief” promise — the terry cloth stays cold for a meaningful amount of time, longer than a frozen KONG by itself
• The combination of textures (rubber for chewing, terry cloth for gnawing) keeps puppies more engaged than a single-material toy
• Peanut butter flavor in the rubber means it’s interesting even when it’s not frozen
• Very well-priced at under $10 for a name-brand teething solution

What I don’t like

• The terry cloth can start to unravel with aggressive chewers — this is a supervised toy, not a leave-in-the-crate option
• Needs to be washed frequently since the damp terry cloth can develop a smell after a few uses
• Some puppies prefer to just suck on the terry cloth rather than chew the rubber, which defeats the purpose

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Best edible: N-Bone Puppy Teething Rings

Here’s something different from everything else on this list: a chew toy your puppy can actually eat. The N-Bone Puppy Teething Rings are fully digestible, made from rice flour and real chicken, with added DHA omega-3 fatty acids for brain development. They’re designed specifically for puppies under 12 lbs — the “Teeny” size is small enough that even toy breed puppies can handle them.

This fills a unique slot that no rubber or nylon toy can. Some puppies just want to eat what they’re chewing. Rather than fighting that instinct, these rings work with it. They’re firm enough to provide chewing resistance but soft enough that puppies can break off and swallow small pieces without any risk.

Key specs

• Material: Edible (rice flour, chicken, DHA omega-3)
• Size: Teeny (for puppies under 12 lbs)
• Count: 7 rings per bag
• Rawhide-free: Yes
• Unsupervised use: Supervised recommended (any edible chew should be monitored)

What I like

• 100% rawhide-free — a big deal for puppy safety, since rawhide is a known choking and blockage risk
• The added DHA omega-3 is a genuine nutritional bonus, not just marketing — DHA supports brain and eye development in puppies
• Chicken flavor means virtually every puppy is interested
• The ring shape is easy for small puppies to hold and chew without needing to pin it down

What I don’t like

• They’re consumable, so you go through them — a bag of 7 might last a week or two depending on how often you offer them
• At $7.98 for 7 rings, the ongoing cost adds up compared to a durable toy you buy once
• Not a substitute for a durable chew toy — these are more like a teething snack than an all-day chewing solution

Check the latest price on Amazon

Best variety pack: Zeaxuie 9-Pack Puppy Toys

When you first bring a puppy home, you have no idea what type of chew toy they’ll prefer. Rubber? Rope? Squeaky? Plush? The Zeaxuie 9-Pack lets you figure that out without buying nine individual products. At $9.99 for nine toys, that’s about $1.11 per toy — making this by far the most budget-friendly option on the list.

The pack includes a mix of rope toys, squeaky plush toys, crinkle toys, rubber chew toys, and a ball. The variety is the whole point. Give your puppy access to a few at a time, rotate them every few days, and pay attention to which types they gravitate toward. That tells you what to buy more of when it’s time to replace them.

Key specs

• Contents: 9 toys (rope toys, squeaky plush, crinkle toys, rubber chew, ball)
• Designed for: Small dogs and puppies
• Price per toy: ~$1.11
• Unsupervised use: No — plush and rope toys should be supervised

What I like

• The variety is genuinely useful for new puppy owners who don’t know what their puppy likes yet
• At $1.11 per toy, you can afford to throw away anything that starts falling apart without feeling guilty
• 9,000+ reviews with a 4.5 rating suggests consistent quality for a budget pack
• The squeaky and crinkle toys provide different types of sensory stimulation beyond just chewing
• Good for puppy socialization — different textures help puppies get comfortable with new sensations

What I don’t like

• Individual toy durability is lower than single-brand options like KONG or Benebone — these are budget toys and they’ll show it with an aggressive chewer
• The plush toys will eventually get de-stuffed — keep an eye out for loose stuffing and squeakers
• Not ideal for solo crate time since most items in the pack require supervision

If your puppy is also eating too fast at mealtimes, pairing these toys with <a href=”https://pawpickr.shop/best-stainless-steel-slow-feeder-dog-bowl/”>a slow feeder bowl</a> can help channel that oral fixation in a healthier direction.

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Best for youngest puppies: Pupstages Cool Teething Stick

Most chew toys on this list work for puppies across a range of ages. The Pupstages Cool Teething Stick is different — it’s specifically designed for the 0-6 month window when teething is at its most intense, and it’s built around the developmental needs of very young puppies.

The design combines soft, crinkly fabric with rubber chewing nubs. The fabric portions can be soaked in water and frozen for cold relief. The multiple textures give young puppies different chewing surfaces to explore, which is actually important for sensory development during the first few months. It’s the Amazon’s Choice pick in its category for a reason.

Key specs

• Material: Soft fabric + rubber nubs
• Age range: 0-6 months specifically
• Freezable: Yes (fabric portions)
• Size: Designed for small/young puppies
• Unsupervised use: Supervised (fabric components)

What I like

• The age-specific design means you’re not guessing whether it’s appropriate for a very young puppy — it’s made for exactly that stage
• Multiple textures (crinkly fabric, smooth fabric, rubber nubs) give young puppies variety within a single toy
• At $4.99, it’s the cheapest individual toy on this list
• Freezable fabric portions provide genuine cold relief
• The colorful, floppy shape seems to attract young puppies more than rigid toys — several reviewers mention it being the first toy their puppy showed interest in

What I don’t like

• Not durable enough for puppies over 6 months — once adult teeth start coming in fully, they’ll tear through the fabric
• The fabric gets smelly faster than rubber toys and needs more frequent washing
• Some puppies shred the fabric tails rather than chew the rubber nubs, which means you’re replacing it sooner

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Which one should you get?

With six different toys at six different price points, here’s how to narrow it down based on your specific situation:

If you’re bringing home a brand-new 8-week-old puppy → Start with the Pupstages Cool Teething Stick ($4.99) for immediate comfort and the KONG Puppy ($7.46) for enrichment. That’s under $13 for your two essentials.

If your puppy is already destroying everything in sight → The Benebone Puppy Wishbone 2-Pack ($19.98) is the most durable option here. Pair it with the Nylabone Freezer Bone ($9.99) for cold relief during the worst teething days.

If you’re on a tight budget → The Zeaxuie 9-Pack ($9.99) gives you nine toys for the price of one premium option. Quality won’t match KONG or Benebone, but the variety will help you figure out what your puppy actually likes.

If teething pain seems severe (excessive drooling, reluctance to eat hard food, bleeding gums) → Go straight for the Nylabone Freezer Bone ($9.99) and the N-Bone Teething Rings ($7.98). The cold from the Freezer Bone plus the soft, edible Teething Rings give your puppy relief without requiring hard chewing.

If you want the single best option and don’t want to overthink it → The KONG Puppy ($7.46). It’s stuffable, freezable, durable, safe for unsupervised use, and has more verified positive reviews than every other product on this list combined.

For puppies who also get anxious during teething — pacing, whining, or being extra clingy — pairing chew toys with a <a href=”https://pawpickr.shop/best-snuffle-mat-for-large-dogs/”>snuffle mat</a> for mental enrichment can help take the edge off. The foraging activity is naturally calming and gives them something productive to do with their mouths besides chew on your shoes.

Frequently asked questions

When do puppies start teething?

Puppies begin teething around 3-4 weeks old when their baby teeth (deciduous teeth) start coming in. The more intense phase starts around 12-16 weeks when baby teeth fall out and adult teeth push through. Most puppies have their full set of 42 adult teeth by 6-7 months old. The 12-16 week window is when discomfort peaks and when a good chew toy matters most.

How do I stop my puppy from chewing everything?

You can’t stop a teething puppy from chewing — it’s a biological need, not a behavioral problem. What you can do is redirect the chewing toward appropriate toys. When you catch your puppy chewing something they shouldn’t, calmly remove it and immediately offer an approved chew toy. Praise them when they chew the toy. Consistency is the key. After a few weeks, most puppies learn what’s theirs and what’s not.

Are chew toys safe for puppies’ teeth?

Chew toys designed specifically for puppies are safe. The important distinction is that puppy-specific toys use softer materials than adult-dog toys. Avoid giving puppies adult-strength nylon bones, antlers, or hard plastic — these can crack baby teeth. A good rule of thumb: if you can’t dent it with your thumbnail, it’s too hard for a puppy.

When do puppies stop teething?

Most puppies finish teething by 6-7 months old, though some larger breeds may take until 8 months. You’ll know they’re done when you stop finding baby teeth around the house and the frantic chewing starts to calm down. Even after teething ends, dogs maintain a natural chewing instinct throughout their lives — it’s just less desperate and destructive once the adult teeth are fully in.

Can I give my puppy ice cubes for teething?

Plain ice cubes can be too hard for puppy teeth and risk cracking them. A better approach is to freeze a wet washcloth, freeze broth in a silicone mold, or use a purpose-built freezable toy like the Nylabone Freezer Bone or a stuffed and frozen KONG. These give the cold relief without the hardness risk, and they last longer than an ice cube anyway.

How many chew toys does a puppy need?

I’d recommend having at least 3-4 of the best chew toys for teething puppies available and rotating them every few days. Puppies lose interest in the same toy after a while, but a toy they haven’t seen in a few days suddenly becomes exciting again. This is called “toy rotation” and it’s a simple trick that makes your toy investment go further. You don’t need 20 toys — you need 4 good ones that you cycle through.

Should I leave chew toys in my puppy’s crate?

Yes, but only toys that are safe for unsupervised chewing. Solid rubber toys like the KONG Puppy and firm nylon toys like the Benebone are good crate options. Avoid leaving rope toys, plush toys, or anything with removable parts in the crate — without supervision, puppies can shred and swallow pieces. A frozen stuffed KONG in the crate is one of the best crate-training tools available because it creates a positive association with crate time.

Final verdict

If I had to pick one chew toy for a teething puppy, the KONG Puppy at $7.46 is the answer. It’s the most versatile option here — durable enough for daily chewing, soft enough for baby teeth, stuffable for enrichment, freezable for gum relief, and safe enough to leave in a crate. Over 51,000 reviewers agree, and I’ve yet to find a serious flaw. It’s not exciting or fancy, but it does everything well.

That said, the “best” chew toy for teething puppies really depends on your puppy’s chewing style and what stage of teething they’re in. A gentle chewer at 8 weeks needs something completely different from a 5-month-old Labrador who’s already destroyed two pairs of shoes. The buying guide above should help you match your puppy’s needs to the right product.

Teething is a phase. It feels endless when your puppy is in the middle of it, but it does end — usually around 6-7 months. In the meantime, the right chew toys make the difference between a puppy who learns to chew appropriate things and one who develops habits that last well past the teething stage. A few dollars spent now saves a lot of furniture and frustration later.

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