9 Best Puppy Toys

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With so many options on the market from plush toys to treats dispensers, how do you narrow down the best toys to buy for your new furry friend? You want safe, durable toys that support different types of development through various kinds of play. Things like rope toys, balls, chews, and puzzles will all engage your puppy in beneficial ways.

In this guide, we’ll highlight the top-rated puppy toys recommended by veterinarians and professional dog trainers. You’ll learn the different benefits of each toy and why they are ideal for puppies. We’ll cover interactive, developmental toys that appeal to your pup’s senses and natural instincts. With the right assortment of the best puppy toys, you can keep your new friend entertained, stimulated and encourage positive behavior as they grow. Discover the top toys to add to your puppy’s collection for their enjoyment and your peace of mind.

Bringing a new puppy home is an exciting time full of cuddles and play. But it also involves training your pup properly and keeping them entertained. Interactive toys are essential for stimulating your puppy’s natural curiosity and instincts in a positive way while discouraging problem behaviors like chewing, biting, and excessive barking.

With so many options on the market from plush toys to treats dispensers, how do you narrow down the best toys to buy for your new furry friend? You want safe, durable toys that support different types of development through various kinds of play. Things like rope toys, balls, chews, and puzzles will all engage your puppy in beneficial ways.

In this guide, we’ll highlight the top-rated puppy toys recommended by veterinarians and professional dog trainers. You’ll learn the different benefits of each toy and why they are ideal for puppies. We’ll cover interactive, developmental toys that appeal to your pup’s senses and natural instincts. With the right assortment of the best puppy toys, you can keep your new friend entertained, stimulated and encourage positive behavior as they grow. Discover the top toys to add to your puppy’s collection for their enjoyment and your peace of mind.

Top 1: SmartPetLove Snuggle Puppy Behavioral Aid Toy Top 2: Chuckit Ultra Ball, Durable High Bounce Rubber Dog Ball Top 3: KONG Puppy Goodie Bone – Small Top 4: oneisall Dog Toys for Aggressive Chewers Top 5: KONG Puppy Flyer Dog Toy, Small (Assorted Colours) Top 6: KONG Puppy Durable Rubber Chew and Treat Toy Top 7: OurPets IQ Treat Ball Dog Toy Top 8: KONG Puppy Teething Stick – Small Top 9: Toozey Puppy Toys
  1. SmartPetLove Snuggle Puppy Behavioral Aid Toy

    The Snuggle Puppy from SmartPetLove is a popular behavioral aid toy designed to help puppies transition more smoothly during their first nights away from littermates. This cuddly stuffed animal incorporates several design features to provide comfort and reduce anxiety for young dogs. In this article, we’ll discuss the pros, cons, and overall verdict on the Snuggle Puppy.

    Pros:

    • Realistic Design: The Snuggle Puppy looks and feels like a real sleeping puppy, with soft fur and a simulated heartbeat and warmth from a battery-powered heating pad. This helps puppies feel less alone.
    • Scent Comfort: The Snuggle Puppy contains a small pulsating heart that owners can insert a soothing scent pad into. This provides a calming mom/litter scent.
    • Reduces Crying: Many owners report the Snuggle Puppy reduces whining, howling, and barking during the puppy’s first few nights alone. This allows both pup and owners to get more sleep.
    • Portable: The Snuggle Puppy is lightweight and easy to move around with a portable handle. Owners can bring it to the puppy’s crate or let the pup snuggle it anywhere.
    • Durable: Despite its softness, the Snuggle Puppy is well-constructed from quality materials to withstand nightly puppy cuddling and chewing.

    Cons:

    • Expensive: The Snuggle Puppy retails for $39.99, which is pricey for a puppy toy. However, it may be worth it for very anxious pups.
    • Battery Replacement: The battery inside needs periodic replacing to maintain the heartbeat/warmth feature, adding to long-term costs.
    • Chewing Risk: Soft stuffed toys pose a minimal risk of choking if aggressively chewed. Supervision is still required.
    • Not a Substitute: The Snuggle Puppy should complement, not replace, proper crate training and bonding with owners.

    Summary:

    The Snuggle Puppy Behavioral Aid Toy relies on smart design features to help soothe and comfort lonely, anxious puppies during their first nights away from littermates. While expensive compared to basic plush toys, its realistic feel and calming scents can reduce separation stress for many puppies. Overall, the Snuggle Puppy is a well-made behavioral aid that may be worth considering, especially for highly anxious puppies, when used responsibly alongside proper crate training.

  2. Chuckit Ultra Ball, Durable High Bounce Rubber Dog Ball

    The Chuckit! Ultra Ball is a popular heavy-duty fetch ball designed to withstand energetic games of fetch with even the most aggressive chewers. This high-bouncing rubber ball boasts extreme durability. In this article, we’ll overview the pros, cons, and overall verdict on the Chuckit! Ultra Ball.

    Pros:

    • Extremely Durable: The Ultra Ball is constructed of thick, natural rubber that can withstand aggressive chomping and punctures. It holds up better than tennis balls.
    • High Bounce: The ball bounces very high for more exciting fetch. The bounce height makes it ideal for Chuckit ball launchers. Dogs love chasing its bounce.
    • Bright Colors: Vibrant orange and blue colors make the Ultra Ball easy for dogs to spot in grass. Color options help owners track multiple balls.
    • Buoyant: The Ultra Ball floats in water, enabling pool or lake retrieval. Dogs can play fetch endlessly without losing the ball underwater.
    • Ergonomic Shape: The ball’s round shape and medium size fits comfortably in dogs’ mouths for carrying. The grip holes make pickup simple.
    • Non-Toxic: Made of natural rubber, the Ultra Ball is non-toxic and safe if chewed or punctured. No chemical tastes or smells.

    Cons:

    • Expensive: At $12.99 each, the Ultra Ball costs more than basic tennis balls. Bulk packs reduce per-ball cost.
    • Heavy: At 2.4oz, the dense rubber makes the Ultra Ball heavier than tennis or plastic balls, which some dogs dislike.
    • No Treat Option: Some fetch balls can be stuffed with treats, unlike the solid rubber Ultra Ball. This reduces interactive potential.
    • Can Stain: The bright blue/orange rubber can sometimes stain light carpets or furniture if left laying around. Mostly an indoor issue.

    Summary:

    The Chuckit! Ultra Ball lives up to its name in terms of durability and high bounce. Energetic dogs who quickly destroy regular tennis balls will get the most benefit from its hardy rubber construction. While pricier than basic balls, the Ultra Ball holds up to rough play and punctures that would ruin flimsier balls. Overall, it’s one of the toughest fetch balls available for dogs who tend to wreck their toys.

  3. KONG Puppy Goodie Bone – Small

    The KONG Puppy Goodie Bone is a treat dispensing chew toy designed specifically for teething puppies. This unique bone shape enables owners to fill it with treats and kibble to provide mental stimulation. In this article, we’ll overview the pros, cons, and overall verdict for the KONG Puppy Goodie Bone.

    Pros:

    • Teething Relief: The textured rubber surface provides teething puppies with soothing gum relief while chewing. It satisfies their increased chewing urge.
    • Interactive Fun: Stuffing the bone with treats motivates puppies to play with it longer while rewarding their curiosity with random kibble.
    • Durable Rubber: Made of KONG’s proprietary extra-tough rubber, this goodie bone withstands months of chewing by puppy teeth.
    • Flexible Design: The middle groove can be left open or stuffed with treats depending on the puppy’s skills. As they improve, more kibble can be added.
    • Food Motivated: The treat-dispensing design stimulates a puppy’s natural foraging instincts. This amplifies playtime enjoyment.
    • Safely Sized: Proportioned for smaller mouths, this goodie bone avoids overstuffing risks. Owners needn’t worry about choking hazards.

    Cons:

    • Messy Treats: Some filling treats like wet food or peanut butter can leak out of holes, creating a mess. Kibble or dry treats work best.
    • Supervision Needed: As with any chew, puppies shouldn’t be left alone to avoid swallowing large chunks. Check worn bones.
    • Pricey: At $9.99, this goodie bone costs more than basic rubber chew toys. But it avoids replacing destroyed plush toys.
    • Limited Usefulness: Interactive feature loses appeal once puppy teething urges decrease around 6-9 months old. Less useful for older dogs.

    Summary:

    Overall, the KONG Puppy Goodie Bone is an excellent interactive teething toy. The treat-filled design provides gum-soothing relief while rewarding exploratory play during the puppy chewing phase. While pricier than basic chew toys, supervised use prevents destructive chewing issues and benefits dental health.

  4. oneisall Dog Toys for Aggressive Chewers

    For dogs that quickly destroy plush toys, the durable chew toys from oneisall provide a safer and longer-lasting option. Designed for aggressive chewers, these virtually indestructible toys stand up to intense biting and chomping. In this article, we’ll overview the pros, cons, and overall verdict on oneisall’s tough dog toys.

    Pros:

    • Extreme Durability: Made of non-toxic natural rubber, these toys resist aggressive chewing for months beyond soft toys. Ideal for extreme chewers.
    • Cleans Teeth: The textured grooves and surfaces clean tartar from teeth and massage gums as dogs gnaw and chomp.
    • Promotes Exercise: The bounce of the ball and erratic bounce of the irregular shapes entice dogs to run and chase, burning energy.
    • Easy to Clean: The rubber construction can be washed to remove dirt and slobber between uses for better hygiene.
    • Long-Lasting Fun: Indestructible nature provides longer playtime with a single toy, reducing waste from destroyed plushies.
    • Made for Power Chewers: From pit bulls to German shepherds, these toys satisfy breeds prone to intense chewing outbursts.

    Cons:

    • Size Variance: Some owners report size differences between same-named toys of different color or pack. Check dimensions.
    • May Mark Furniture: Rubber can scuff some furniture if chomped indoors. Supervise use on floors or beds.
    • Not for Fetch: Shapes like the bone aren’t aerodynamic for throwing. Best suited to solo chewing play.
    • Heavy: Weights exceeding 1 pound may be too hefty for smaller dog breeds to comfortably carry and chew.

    Summary:

    oneisall’s rugged chew toys live up to their durability claims, outlasting most plush toys for aggressive chewers. Their teeth-cleaning texture and ability to withstand intense biting pressure reduces chewing destruction. While heavy for some smaller dogs and prone to indoor scuffing, their near-indestructibility ultimately saves money on replacing destroyed plushes frequently. Overall, these are ideal tough toys for heavy-duty chewers.

  5. KONG Puppy Flyer Dog Toy, Small (Assorted Colours)

    The KONG Puppy Flyer is an adjustable rubber frisbee designed for teething puppies to fetch, tug, and chase. This soft-edged disc provides an interactive toy to expend energy. In this article, we’ll overview the pros, cons, and overall verdict for the KONG Puppy Flyer.

    Pros:

    • Gentle Edges: The KONG Flyer has a rounded lip and soft rubber edges to avoid hurting developing puppy teeth during games of tug and fetch.
    • Durable Rubber: Constructed of KONG’s proprietary heavy-duty rubber, this frisbee stands up to puppy chewing without damage. It lasts beyond plush toys.
    • Adjustable Size: An opening allows owners to make the disc smaller as the puppy’s mouth grows. This optimizes fit over time.
    • Aerodynamic: When thrown properly, the Puppy Flyer soars smoothly like a traditional frisbee. Puppies delight in chasing it mid-flight.
    • Floats in Water: The rubber disc floats if accidentally dropped in a pool or pond during retrieval, avoiding lost toys.
    • Promotes Exercise: The Flyer encourages puppies to run, jump, and chase, burning energy in a healthy way.

    Cons:

    • Can Mark Surfaces: The rubber may scuff floors or mark furniture if chomped on indoors. Supervised outdoor play is best.
    • Pricey: At $12.99, this puppy frisbee costs more than basic folding plastic discs. But it withstands chewing.
    • Learning Curve: Proper frisbee throwing technique is required for successful flights. Some owners never master it.
    • Not for Aggressive Chewers: While durable, aggressive adult chewers can still destruct this toy. For puppies only.

    Summary:

    The KONG Puppy Flyer provides a durable, chewing-safe fetching and tugging toy suited for teething puppies learning to play frisbee. Adjustable sizing allows the toy to grow with the pup for months of use. While pricier than basic plastic frisbees, its soft rubber edges and strong material prevent damage to developing puppy teeth and gums. Overall, it offers a smart adjustable fetch toy for puppies.

  6. KONG Puppy Durable Rubber Chew and Treat Toy

    The classic KONG rubber chew toy has a puppy size that provides teething relief and treat-dispensing fun. This ultra-durable design withstands aggressive chewing and benefits dental health. In this article, we’ll overview the pros, cons, and overall verdict for the KONG Puppy chew toy.

    Pros:

    • Relieves Teething Discomfort: The rubber surface provides soothing pressure against sore gums and developing teeth as puppies chew and gnaw.
    • Holds Treats & Kibble: The hollow interior can be stuffed with peanut butter, kibble, or treats to motivate puppies to play with it longer.
    • Stimulates Instincts: The challenge of accessing stuffed contents appeals to a puppy’s natural foraging drives for mental enrichment.
    • Bounces Erratically: The odd shape causes unpredictable bounces that puppies delight in chasing during interactive play sessions.
    • Extremely Durable: Made of KONG’s proprietary extra-tough rubber, this toy withstands months of intense chewing without damage.
    • Improves Dental Health: Chewing cleans teeth and gums while strengthening jaws for better long-term health.

    Cons:

    • Can Be Messy: Wet treats like canned food or yogurt leaks out of holes if overstuffed. Dry kibble is cleaner.
    • Supervision Advised: As with any chew, puppies shouldn’t be left unmonitored to prevent swallowing chunks.
    • Not for Power Chewers: Aggressive adult chewers can still destruct this toy. Best suited to puppy chewing urges.
    • Food Allergies: Owners must avoid treats stuffed inside that may trigger puppy food allergies or upset stomachs.

    Summary:

    The KONG Puppy rubber chew toy provides the durability and teething relief needed for young dogs with emerging teeth. Its erratic bouncing pattern and stuffable interior provide mental and physical stimulation. While requiring supervision like any chew toy, it withstands normal puppy chewing better than plush alternatives. Overall, it’s a vet-recommended method for relieving puppy teething discomfort.

  7. OurPets IQ Treat Ball Dog Toy

    The OurPets IQ Treat Ball is an interactive dog toy that dispenses treats or kibble as dogs nudge and roll the ball around. This mentally stimulating design appeals to intelligent dogs. In this article, we’ll overview the pros, cons, and overall verdict for the OurPets IQ Treat Ball.

    Pros:

    • Dispenses Treats: The ball releases treats and kibble through adjustable openings as dogs play with it, rewarding their curiosity.
    • Mentally Stimulating: Dogs must use logic and problem-solving skills to figure out how to access the tasty contents inside the ball.
    • Adjustable Difficulty: Dial openings to easy or advanced settings depending on your dog’s intelligence and skills. Make it progressively harder.
    • Promotes Exercise: Dogs burn energy nudging, pouncing and chasing the ball to get kibble to fall out during play sessions.
    • Durable Plastic: Made of hard plastic, the ball withstands aggressive nudging and chewing for months of use. Soft rubber version also available.
    • Improves Dental Health: Chewing and licking the Treat Ball helps clean tartar from teeth and massage gums.

    Cons:

    • Can Be Noisy: The plastic makes loud noises on hard floors that may bother noise-sensitive dogs or owners. Use on carpets.
    • Requires Supervision: Don’t leave dogs unsupervised with any treat-dispensing toys to prevent gorging.
    • Small Parts Risk: Check ball periodically for damage to avoid swallowed plastic pieces. Discard if cracked.
    • Treats Can Jam: Very sticky treats like peanut butter can get lodged in openings and jam the release mechanism.

    Summary:

    The OurPets IQ Treat Ball stimulates dogs’ minds by making them solve how to access the tasty contents inside. Adjustable difficulty prolongs the mental challenge as dogs improve their skills. Both intelligent and food-motivated dogs delight in the toy’s stimulating playtime. It provides much-needed mental enrichment.

  8. KONG Puppy Teething Stick – Small

    The KONG Puppy Teething Stick provides a soft chewing surface to soothe teething discomfort in young dogs. This ultra-durable rubber design stands up to vigorous chewing urges. In this article, we’ll overview the pros, cons, and overall verdict on the KONG Puppy Teething Stick.

    Pros:

    • Alleviates Teething Pain: The textured surface massages swollen gums and eases teething pain as puppies chew and gnaw the stick.
    • Satisfies Chewing Urge: The stick satisfies a puppy’s increased urge to chew as their teeth come in between 3-6 months old.
    • Discourages Destructive Chewing: The tasty rubber redirects chewing away from inappropriate objects like furniture, shoes, etc.
    • Promotes Dental Health: Chewing cleans tartar from emerging teeth and strengthens jaw muscles for better development.
    • Easy to Clean: Made from non-porous rubber, the stick can be washed to remove bacteria between chew sessions.
    • Highly Durable: Made of sturdy KONG rubber, this teething stick holds up to months of repeated puppy chewing and gnawing.

    Cons:

    • Supervision Required: Puppies shouldn’t be left alone when chewing to avoid attempts to swallow large chunks.
    • Not for Aggressive Chewers: Powerful adult chewers can still destruct this if unsupervised. Best for puppy chewing.
    • No Treat Holding: The plain stick shape doesn’t allow filling with treats for extra motivation and play value.
    • Can Mark Surfaces: Rubber may scuff furniture or floors if chewed indoors. Best used outside or in crates.

    Summary:

    The KONG Puppy Teething Stick offers strong rubber durability tailored for teething puppy chewing urges. The textured grooves provide soothing gum relief during this uncomfortable phase. While not designed for aggressive adult chewing, supervised use is ideal for easing teething discomfort and reducing destructive behaviors in young dogs. Overall, it’s an affordable and highly durable puppy teething solution.

  9. Toozey Puppy Toys

    Toozey offers a variety of interactive puppy toys designed to stimulate chewing, fetching, tugging and mental enrichment. Their unique designs appeal to teething puppies. In this article, we’ll overview the pros, cons, and overall verdict on Toozey’s puppy toy collection.

    Pros:

    • Alleviates Teething: Textured surfaces soothe sore gums. Ropes promote healthy chewing. Squeakers reduce anxiety.
    • Mentally Stimulating: Puzzle toys reward logic and problem-solving skills with kibble rewards to engage intelligent puppy minds.
    • Interactive Play: Toys encourage bonding through fetch, chase, and tug-of-war games with owners.
    • Durable Materials: Though not fully indestructible, materials like tough nylon and sturdy rope withstand puppy play better than plush toys.
    • Safety Tested: All toys certified non-toxic with no loose parts that could present choking hazards to puppies.
    • Affordable Pricing: Ranging from $5 to $15, Toozey puppy toys won’t break the bank to try out. Good value.

    Cons:

    • Not Indestructible: Powerful adult chewers could still demolish these toys. Best suited for average puppy chewing.
    • Noisy Squeakers: The loud squeaker noise may bother noise-sensitive puppies or owners. Fortunately, they are easy to remove.
    • Stuffing Accessible: Seams on stuffed toys may allow motivated puppies to tear and access stuffing. Supervise use.
    • Short Life Span: Don’t expect these toys to last forever. Plan on replacing them as your puppy outgrows them over time.

    Summary:

    Toozey offers a well-designed selection of interactive teething, fetching, and chewing toys tailored for puppies. While not fully indestructible, the toys provide mental and physical enrichment for prices easily within reach. Factor in periodic replacement once your puppy inevitably outgrows them through developmental chewing urges and rough play. Overall, Toozey puppy toys present an affordable way to stimulate young dogs.

Tips for Choosing Puppy Toys

Picking the right toys for your new puppy is key to keeping them engaged and entertained. With so many options out there, it can be tricky to know which toys are safest and most beneficial for your pup. Certain toys support your puppy’s developmental stages, while others can pose safety hazards if unsupervised. Follow these tips to choose the best mix of toys to stimulate and delight your furry friend.

Look for Safety-Tested Toys

Be sure to select puppy toys made by reputable brands that specialize in dog products. Look for a “Tested for Safety” label to ensure the toy has been evaluated for any harmful chemicals or potential choking hazards. Avoid toys with small, removable parts that could come loose and be swallowed. Soft plush toys should use reinforced stitching instead of plastic eyes, noses, or decorative elements that puppies can chew off and ingest. Prioritize your puppy’s safety when choosing toys.

Select Developmentally Appropriate Toys

Puppies go through rapid stages of growth and development. Their energy levels, attention spans, teething urges, and play needs all evolve quickly. Pick toys suited for their current phase:

  • Teething Toys – Rubber chew rings, frozen washcloths
  • Brain Games – Treat balls, snuffle mats, puzzle toys
  • Oral Fixation Relief – Rope toys, non-toxic chews
  • Energy Burners – Fetch toys like balls, flying discs

Rotate toys out as your puppy ages to keep them engaged with “new” toys. Monitor use of any toy to ensure it remains developmentally appropriate.

Stimulate Your Puppy’s Natural Instincts

Certain toys tap into a puppy’s inborn instincts acquired from their wild canine ancestors:

  • Chew Toys – Satisfy natural urge to chomp and relieve teething discomfort
  • Treat Dispensing Toys – Allow foraging for “prey” through play
  • Plush Squeaky Toys – Mimic sounds of small animals for chase and catch
  • Rope and Tug Toys – Cater to instinctual tug-of-war play
  • Fetch Toys – Encourage chasing after “prey” objects

Toys that appeal to these innate behaviors provide mental enrichment and fulfillment.

Use Toys to Reinforce Training

You can leverage toys to motivate and reward your puppy during training. Keep special high-value toys like tennis balls only for use as training treats. Using their favorite toy as a reward makes your puppy eager to learn. Stuff-less plush toys can aid in teething discomfort without promoting aggressive biting. Fetching specific toys on command reinforces their name recognition. Interactive toys create opportunities to practice “Drop it” and “Leave it” commands.

Choose Fun Textures and Materials

Puppies explore new objects through smell, taste, and touch. Try introducing toys in a variety of textures to pique your pup’s curiosity:

  • Soft plush toys for comfort
  • Rubber chew toys for teething
  • Rope toys for tugging
  • Vinyl squeaky toys for sound play
  • Textured rubber toys for chewing and chasing

Provide a mix of familiar and new textures to entertain your pup. Monitor any toy showing damage or consumption to avoid swallowing hazards.

Buy Multiple Toy Types

Rather than stocking up solely on one kind of toy, opt for variety to appeal to different playful moods. Include at least one toy from each main category:

  • Chew Toys – For oral relief and activity
  • Fetch Toys – To chase and return
  • Brain Games – For mental stimulation
  • Plush Toys – For comfort and snuggling
  • Rope Toys – For interactive tugging

Having diverse toys prevents your puppy from getting bored if limited to only balls or only chews. Rotate different toys into the mix.

Factor In Your Puppy’s Size

Avoid toys that could pose a choking risk for your puppy based on their current size. Read toy packaging for appropriate breeds and life stages. Small and extra small breed puppies need petite-sized toys they can comfortably pick up and engage with. Pay attention to any size recommendations and opt for toys larger than your puppy’s mouth to be safe.

Clean Toys Regularly

Puppies tend to chew and slobber on toys frequently. This allows germs and dirt to accumulate easily. Disinfect washable rubber and plastic toys weekly to keep them clean for your puppy. Check labels to ensure plush toys can safely be washed and air dried. Rotate toys in and out of use and wash cycles. Discard toys showing wear, tear or damage after inspecting during cleanings.

Monitor Toy Use

While toys are designed for chomping, you still want to monitor your puppy closely during play sessions. Redirect them from inappropriate chewing or consumption of toy parts. Don’t allow unsupervised play with small toys that could pose choking risks if they broke apart. Take away any toys once your puppy loses interest to prevent inadvertent swallowing of loose parts.

Choosing the right assortment of fun, stimulating puppy toys lays the foundation for an enriching playtime routine with your furry friend. Mix up toy types and textures to keep your pup engaged and entertained. Prioritize toys designed for safety, developmental needs, and natural instincts for your puppy’s first toy box.

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