Top 5 Must-Have Toys to Make Your Puppy Happy and Healthy
Bringing a puppy home means you’ll quickly discover how important the right toys are.
They help soothe teething pain, teach appropriate chewing habits, and keep your pup mentally and physically stimulated.
Choose toys that are safe, durable, and engaging to prevent destructive chewing and give your puppy healthy outlets for energy.
This review of pet toys for puppies highlights five options that cover teething relief, durability, value, and variety, so you can pick the one that fits your pup’s stage and personality.
Top Picks
| Category | Product | Price | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🏆 Best Overall | Zeaxuie 9 Pack Luxury Puppy Toys (9-Pack) | $10.99 | 88/100 |
| 💡 Best for Teething | Petstages Cool Teething Stick | $4.99 | 83/100 |
| ⚡ Best for Durable Chewing | Nylabone Ring Bone Chew Toy (X-Small) | $3.99 | 82/100 |
| 💰 Best Value & Cuddle Toy | Multipet Lambchop Plush Squeak Toy Mini (6-Inch) | $3.99 | 80/100 |
| 🎯 Best Starter Kit | Nylabone New Puppy Starter Kit (3-Pack) | $9.99 | 84/100 |
How We Picked These Pet Toys
You want toys that are appropriate for your puppy’s size, age, and chewing strength.
We considered: safety (non-toxic materials, no small detachable parts for puppies who swallow), teething relief (freezable or soft textured toys for sore gums), durability (materials that stand up to enthusiastic puppy chewing), engagement (squeakers, textures, ropes, or variety to hold interest), and value (sets or versatile toys that stretch your budget).
We also used customer ratings and common user feedback—like how long a toy typically lasts and whether it comforts or distracts pups during teething—to balance practical experience with features.
Multipet Lambchop Mini (6-Inch)
You’ll find this little Lambchop is exactly the kind of soft, familiar toy that puppies seem to gravitate toward.
It’s a 6-inch plush made from polyester fibers with a single squeaker inside, so it’s light enough for tiny mouths but still gives that rewarding squeak that keeps playtime interesting.
For daily use, it’s excellent for fetch around the house, gentle tug sessions, and cuddling at nap time.
For special moments—first-night home, vet-reward practice, or holiday stockings—its small size and cute design make it feel like a comfort object.
If your pup isn’t a heavy chewer, this is an easy, affordable pick among pet toys for puppies you’ll probably reach for again.
What People Say
Owners repeatedly mention that small dogs love to carry and cuddle Lambchop, and many buy backups because their pups get attached.
Overall Sentiment: Positive
🗣️ Kimberly Zittlow
This mini Lambchop quickly became Tiger’s favorite. Review notes soft plush texture, perfect size for a small dog, and a squeaker that’s loud enough to interest but not overwhelming. User highlights durability so far and that the dog carries and cuddles it everywhere.
🗣️ Kevin Ramirez
Bought a second one because our pup loves it. Review mentions it’s ‘squirky enough’ but not too loud, good quality stitching, color helps spot dirt, and it fits well in the dog’s jaw during play.
Situational Benefits
| Situation | How It Helps |
|---|---|
| Playtime | The squeaker and plush body encourage fetch and light tug, keeping short play sessions engaging for young pups. |
| Comfort/Naptime | Soft polyester fabric makes it an easy cuddle buddy that can help a new puppy settle in at bedtime. |
| Travel | Small size fits in carriers or travel bags, so your pup has a familiar toy on car trips or overnight stays. |
Health Benefits
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Mental Stimulation | Squeaker-driven play helps keep a puppy’s attention and reduces boredom during supervised sessions. |
| Emotional Comfort | Carrying or cuddling a familiar plush can soothe anxious puppies, especially during transitions. |
| Gentle Jaw Exercise | Light chewing and shaking provide low-impact jaw activity appropriate for non-aggressive chewers. |
Versatility
Works for fetch, cuddle, light tug, and as a travel comfort toy.
Safety
Single sewn-in squeaker, polyester fibers; recommended supervision during play and replacement if seams open.
Fun Factor
High for small and gentle-playing puppies — the squeaker and plush shape inspire carrying, shaking, and cuddling.
Indoor/Outdoor
Best used indoors or in a supervised, clean outdoor area; not designed for rough outdoor chewing.
Key Benefits
- Small, lightweight size that’s easy for tiny mouths to carry
- Squeaker keeps pups engaged without being painfully loud
- Soft plush for cuddling and comfort
Current Price: $3.99
Rating: 4.4 (total: 73,219+)
Petstages Cool Teething Stick
You’ll appreciate how simple this one is to use: wet the cotton-poly stick, pop it in the freezer, and hand it to your pup for a soothing, cool chew.
It’s lightweight, features crinkled streamers and ribbon ends for extra texture, and is specifically designed to soothe sore gums during teething.
For everyday use, it’s a handy go-to when your puppy starts getting mouthy — I reach for it during work-from-home afternoons or to help my pup settle after a romp.
For special moments like a first-night comfort object or a hot day in the yard, the cold texture really helps.
If your puppy isn’t a heavy, determined chewer, this is one of those pet toys for puppies you’ll keep around because it actually works, and pups tend to love the tags and crunch.
What People Say
You’ll hear owners say it’s a reliable go-to during teething: pups calm down with the frozen stick, small dogs can carry it easily, and buyers often keep spares because it helps reduce destructive chewing.
Overall Sentiment: Positive
🗣️ D. Young
We love these chew toys. I gave one to a teething German Shepherd pup and he absolutely loves it — we now have three. Wet it, freeze it, and it calms him down enough to settle and usually fall asleep. Not super durable for heavy chewers, but affordable to keep a few on hand during the teething phase.
🗣️ Liven2day
I have a 5 pound power chewer. This is the best toy for teething — it’s soothing and she doesn’t chew through it. Highly recommend for small, aggressive chewers who are teething.
Situational Benefits
| Situation | How It Helps |
|---|---|
| Playtime | Crinkle streamers and a soft fill make short fetch or gentle tug sessions more interesting without being hard on new teeth. |
| Teething Relief | Soak and freeze the toy to give your pup a cool surface that soothes inflamed gums and distracts from chewing furniture. |
| Calm-Down/Crate Time | Handing the frozen stick when your puppy gets overly mouthy can help them settle and even nap, according to multiple users. |
Health Benefits
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Soothes Sore Gums | Cold, soft texture reduces gum discomfort during the teething phase. |
| Reduces Destructive Chewing | Provides puppies with an acceptable chewing outlet, helping protect furniture and shoes when supervised. |
| Low-Impact Jaw Exercise | Encourages gentle gnawing that’s appropriate for developing teeth, without hard surfaces that stress baby teeth. |
Versatility
Works as a chilled teething aid, light play toy, and short-term comfort item — best for small to medium puppies and supervised sessions.
Safety
Made without lead or phthalates. Not indestructible — always supervise play, remove when damaged or once the toy thaws, and follow size recommendations.
Fun Factor
High for pups that like tags, ribbons, and crinkle textures — the combination of coolness and tactile bits keeps many puppies entertained.
Indoor/Outdoor
Best used indoors or in a supervised outdoor area; avoid leaving it unsupervised outside where it can get dirty or be torn apart by larger dogs.
Key Benefits
- Freezable design provides cool relief for sore gums
- Soft cotton-poly shell with streamers adds texture and interest
- Lightweight and easy for small mouths to carry
- Affordable enough to replace during the teething phase
Current Price: $4.99
Rating: 4.3 (total: 17,695+)
Nylabone X-Small Ring Bone
This little ring bone is one of those pet toys for puppies that actually makes life easier.
You can pop it in the freezer for extra gum relief, toss it in a crate to keep your pup occupied, or hand it over during a calm-down moment.
It’s soft enough for developing teeth, flavored to keep puppies interested, and textured to support early dental care.
If you’ve got a small puppy (up to ~15 lb) who’s teething, this is a simple, reliable tool to add to your rotation — swap it out as their chewing gets tougher.
What People Say
You’ll hear a lot of owners say it’s a go-to for teething — pups love the chicken flavor, it soothes sore gums, and it’s great to keep in a crate or play area as an appropriate chewing outlet.
Overall Sentiment: Positive
🗣️ warmedup
My puppies LOVE this chew. I leave them in their crates so they always have something to chew on. My adult dogs love them too. It is their favorite however the adult dogs can bite off small pieces. They don’t swallow them but some dogs might. Perfect for puppies!
🗣️ Sean Bozarth
I recently purchased the Nylabone Ring Bone Chew Toy for my 3-month-old puppy, and it’s been a helpful addition to our teething toolkit. The soft, puppy-friendly material is gentle on her developing teeth and gums, and the chicken flavor keeps her engaged. The textured design with ridges and nubs not only entertains her but also helps in cleaning her teeth as she chews. One thing to note is that this toy is best suited for puppies without adult teeth.
Situational Benefits
| Situation | How It Helps |
|---|---|
| Teething Relief | Freeze it or hand it to your pup chilled to soothe inflamed gums and distract your pup from chewing the furniture. |
| Crate Time | Leave one in the crate so your puppy has a safe chewing option to stay occupied and calm. |
| Short Play Sessions | Textured surface makes gentle chewing and light tugging more interesting without stressing baby teeth. |
Health Benefits
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Soothes Sore Gums | Soft, puppy-friendly material and the option to freeze the toy help reduce teething discomfort. |
| Supports Dental Care | Ridges and nubs help massage gums and can reduce plaque and tartar buildup during chewing. |
| Reduces Destructive Chewing | Provides an appropriate outlet for chewing, helping protect shoes and furniture when supervised. |
Versatility
You can use it chilled for teething relief, at crate time to keep your pup occupied, or during short supervised play sessions. It’s best for small puppies and early teething stages.
Safety
Made in the USA from soft puppy-safe material and flavored throughout; not intended for puppies with adult teeth or for aggressive chewers. Always supervise play and discard if pieces break off.
Fun Factor
Moderate — the chicken flavor and textured design keep most puppies interested, especially during the teething phase.
Indoor/Outdoor
Best for indoor use or supervised outdoor time; avoid leaving it outside where it can get dirty or chewed apart by larger dogs.
Key Benefits
- Soft material designed for puppies without adult teeth
- Chicken flavor throughout keeps pups interested
- Ridges and nubs massage gums and help reduce plaque
- Freezable for extra teething relief
- Sized for small puppies (up to ~15 lb) and crate-friendly
Current Price: $3.99
Rating: 4.2 (total: 39,187+)
Zeaxuie 9-Pack Puppy Toys
If you’re juggling teething, short attention spans, and constant chewing, this 9-piece pack of pet toys for puppies is a handy stash to keep around.
You get a mix of squeaky plushies, rope chews, and a treat ball so you can rotate toys throughout the day—give one in the crate, toss a rope during short play sessions, or hide kibble in the treat ball to slow down snack time.
The variety means you don’t have to replace a single favorite every week, and the smaller sizes are aimed at tiny mouths.
I’d recommend them if you want an affordable, all-in-one kit for a small puppy or as a gift for someone bringing home a new pup.
What People Say
Owners praise the variety and durability—especially the green treat ball and the fox—saying these pet toys for puppies keep pups busy and often outlast typical stuffing-based toys.
Overall Sentiment: Positive
🗣️ Deavon
I got my boy Cooper about 2 years ago. This was the first set of toys he ever had. He was about 8 weeks when I got him. The rainboy plush bone, avacado, and donut were gone in a matter of weeks. The rope toys showed promise, but were gone by month 3. That fox held strong. He was a trooper. He lost both ears, an arm, and both legs by the time we finally gave him up. He fought the good fight. We honor Fox to this day. Thank you, Fox, for your nobel service. Rest in peace. Now, that green ball? He tuff. He aint gon quit. That thing has been outside in Arkansas summers, hidden under the couch, accidentally thrown in the wash and dryer on high heat (probably needed tbh), and has been chewed on and slung around by Cooper for going on 2 years. This package is worth it already, but we will be buying it again specifically for the ball and Fox.
🗣️ JJ Holbrook
My dogs can remove stuffing and squeakers from stuffies with surgical precision. A normal stuffed toy will last less than an hour before it’s a complete massacre. These toys have lasted 5 days and counting! They love them too! Very well done!
Situational Benefits
| Situation | How It Helps |
|---|---|
| Teething Sessions | Plush toys and rope chews offer gentle textures for pups to gnaw on, helping soothe sore gums while keeping them occupied. |
| Crate Time | A smaller plush or rope left in the crate offers a safe, comforting distraction during naps or alone time. |
| Training & Slow Feeding | Use the treat ball to hide kibble or small treats—your pup has to roll and work for rewards, which adds mental enrichment. |
Health Benefits
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Soothes Sore Gums | Different textures (plush, rope, rubber) allow pups to chew in ways that can relieve teething discomfort. |
| Supports Dental Health | Rope toys and chewing on firm textures help scrape away soft plaque and keep mouths engaged. |
| Reduces Destructive Chewing | Providing multiple acceptable chew options helps redirect chewing away from furniture and shoes when supervised. |
Versatility
The mix of plush, rope, and a treat ball covers short play, tugging, crate comfort, and simple puzzle feeding—use pieces indoors or supervise them outside for variety.
Safety
Made of plush and rubber materials; recommended for small puppies and supervised play. Not intended for aggressive chewers or large breeds—discard any toy that becomes torn or has loose parts.
Fun Factor
High — squeakers, crinkle elements, and the treat ball provide sensory variety, so most puppies find at least one toy they really love.
Indoor/Outdoor
Designed mainly for indoor use and supervised outdoor play. The treat ball and rubber pieces hold up better outdoors than delicate plush items.
Key Benefits
- Nine-piece variety keeps pups engaged and lets you rotate toys
- Includes squeaky plush, rope chews, and a treat ball for different play styles
- Durable pieces like the treat ball and fox hold up longer than average plush
- Designed to soothe teething pups and encourage appropriate chewing
- Good value for small-breed puppies or multi-puppy households
Current Price: $10.99
Rating: 4.5 (total: 7,328+)
Nylabone New Puppy Starter Kit
If you’ve got a teething pup, this little starter kit is one of those handy lifelines you’ll reach for a lot.
You get a soft-textured blue bone to soothe sore gums, a firmer power-chew bone as teeth come in, and a bacon-flavored edible treat for older puppies.
Use the softer piece when your pup is irritable from teething, swap in the tougher bone as chewing strength grows, and save the edible treat as a reward after grooming or training.
The flavors (chicken and bacon) seem to be a hit with picky pups, and the shapes and textures encourage healthy chewing rather than chewing on your shoes.
I’d recommend this if you want an easy, affordable way to introduce safe, purpose-built pet toys for puppies and teach good habits early.
What People Say
Buyers say these pet toys for puppies are perfectly sized for small mouths, soothe teething, and the flavored pieces keep pups engaged while teaching good chewing habits.
Overall Sentiment: Positive
🗣️ princeton von d
Perfect size for a tiny teether — my Yorkie loved the ridges and nubs, and the soft texture soothed his gums. I chilled the blue bone for extra relief; held up well and had no weird smell.
🗣️ The Dowreys
The combo of chew toys plus a natural treat kept our puppy busy and helped with teething. Toys are gentle on puppy teeth but sturdy enough to last; the variety is great for enrichment and training.
Situational Benefits
| Situation | How It Helps |
|---|---|
| Teething Sessions | The soft blue bone offers a gentler texture that can soothe sore gums; you can even chill it briefly for extra relief. |
| Post-Grooming or Reward Time | Give the edible bacon-flavored treat as a special reward after grooming or training to reinforce calm behavior. |
| Rotating Toys During the Day | Swap between the soft and firmer bones to keep chewing interesting and prevent boredom—helps reduce destructive chewing at home. |
| Multi-Stage Puppy Growth | Start with the softer chew during puppyhood, then graduate to the tougher bone as adult teeth come in, so you don’t need to replace toys constantly. |
Health Benefits
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Soothes Sore Gums | Soft-textured pieces give gentle relief for teething pups by providing a safe surface to gnaw on. |
| Promotes Healthy Chewing Habits | Offering designed chews redirects chewing away from furniture and encourages appropriate outlets. |
| Supports Digestion (Edible Treat) | The highly digestible bacon-flavored treat is formulated without artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives for puppies 6 months and older. |
Versatility
This kit covers teething, training rewards, and simple enrichment—use the pieces for crate comfort, supervised play, or as treats for calm behavior. It’s aimed at small-breed puppies and stages of development.
Safety
Sized for puppies up to 25 lb and made from stage-appropriate materials. Supervise use, remove toys that become damaged or have loose pieces, and don’t leave edible treats unattended with pups prone to swallowing chunks.
Fun Factor
High — the chicken and bacon flavors plus textured ridges keep most pups interested, and the changing textures mean there’s usually one piece your pup prefers.
Indoor/Outdoor
Primarily designed for indoor and supervised outdoor play. The non-edible chews hold up better outdoors, but constantly monitor chewing outside to avoid lost pieces.
Key Benefits
- The three-piece kit covers multiple teething stages, so you don’t need to buy separate toys.
- Soft-textured bone soothes gums; firmer bone builds up to adult chewing
- Edible treat offers a tasty, highly digestible reward for puppies 6 months and older
- Flavors (chicken & bacon) help engage picky pups and encourage appropriate chewing
- Made in the USA and designed to establish healthy chewing habits early
Current Price: $9.99
Rating: 4.3 (total: 38,183+)
FAQ
How Safe And Durable Are These Toys For My Puppy?
You’ll want to match the toy to your pup’s chewing style and always keep an eye on wear and tear. Plush squeak toys like the Multipet Lambchop (about $3.99) are fantastic for cuddling and light play, but aren’t indestructible for heavy chewers. In comparison, molded chews such as Nylabone ring bones (about $3.99) are designed to withstand more gnawing and help with teething.
Soft fabric/freezable options and rope toys offer different textures but can fray or lose stuffing; inspect toys regularly and remove any item with loose threads, exposed stuffing, or small parts.
You should also pick a size that prevents choking: if the toy can fit entirely in your pup’s mouth, choose a larger one. Supervision is key—always supervise new toys until you’re confident they’re safe for your specific puppy.
How Do I Use Teething Toys Safely And Effectively?
You can ease sore gums by offering the right teething toys and simple tricks. For a cooling effect, soak the Petstages Cool Teething Stick in water, freeze it, and give it to your pup for short supervised sessions; remove it once it thaws to prolong the toy and avoid ingestion of loose pieces.
Soft flavored chews and puppy-specific nylon toys like the Nylabone puppy ring are built for teething and can teach good chewing habits, but they aren’t indestructible, so check them often.
Rotate teething toys and pair them with praise or a short training game to keep your puppy engaged and less likely to gnaw on furniture or shoes.
What Should I Consider When Buying Pet Toys For Puppies?
Think about material, size, chew strength, hygiene, and variety when you shop for pet toys for puppies. Choose plush toys for comfort and quiet play, freezable fabric teethers for sore gums, textured nylon chews for dental stimulation, rope toys for tug and fetch, and a mixed pack like the Zeaxuie 9-pack (about $10.99) to give your pup options; starter kits such as the Nylabone New Puppy Starter Kit (about $9.99) can be a convenient bundle.
Look for non-toxic materials, easy-to-clean surfaces, and follow the manufacturer’s guidance—some soft teethers aren’t intended to be permanent chew toys.
Keep a budget in mind (many good options are under $15), choose the right size for safety, rotate toys to maintain interest, and replace items at the first sign of damage so your puppy stays safe and entertained.
Top Puppy Picks
When choosing between the Multipet Lambchop Mini, Petstages Cool Teething Stick, and Nylabone X-Small Ring Bone, you typically prioritize your puppy’s chewing strength, teething needs, and whether they need a cuddly toy versus a durable chew.
You grab the Lamb Chop for soft comfort and snuggly play that’s gentle and washable, the Cool Teething Stick for soothing, chilled gum relief and safe nibbling, and the Nylabone when you need size-appropriate, long-lasting durability for serious chewers.
Wrapping It Up
You now have a balanced set of puppy toy options that address teething, durability, and value. If your puppy needs gum relief, focus on the Petstages Cool Teething Stick; if you want variety and long-term play, the Zeaxuie 9-pack is a great all-around choice.
For reliable single chews, the Nylabone Ring Bone and the Nylabone Starter Kit cover chewing and dental benefits, while the Multipet Lambchop gives comfort and soft play.
Pick toys sized for your pup, supervise play, and rotate toys to keep them interesting—this approach helps you build healthy chewing habits while keeping your puppy happy and engaged.
| Product | Image | Rating | Material | Size & Dimensions | Target Audience & Usage | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Multipet INTERNATIONAL 843140 Lambchop Plush Squeak Toy |
 |
4.4/5 (N reviews) | Plush Fabric | 6 inches | Small Dogs, Ideal for Play & Cuddling | $3.99 |
| Petstages Cool Teething Stick for Dogs |
 |
4.3/5 (N reviews) | Cotton/Polyester Blend | 9.06 x 5.32 x 1.97 inches | Teething Puppies, Indoor & Outdoor Use | $4.99 |
| Nylabone Ring Bone Chew Toy for Puppies |
 |
4.2/5 (N reviews) | Polyurethane | 3.75 x 0.5 x 1.75 inches | Puppies up to 15 lbs, Ideal for Chewing | $3.99 |
| Zeaxuie 9 Pack Luxury Puppy Toys |
 |
4.5/5 (N reviews) | Plush & Rubber | 8 x 5 x 3 inches | Small Dogs, Variety of Play Toys | $10.99 |
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