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13 Puppy Teething Toys for Dogs with Aching Gums and Lots of Energy
By Dara Katz,
4 days ago
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Sure, puppies are each their own individual snowflake with distinct personalities and needs—and yet… no matter the breed , I’ve yet to meet a puppy that hasn’t wanted to chew off my hand from the jump. When I brought my dog Oakley home as an eight-week-old rescue pup , her razor-sharp teeth were constantly looking for something to gnaw on. Fortunately, the rescue organization we adopted her from pointed us in the direction of a KONG teething toy so that straight out of the gate we could give her something to ease her little mouth and keep her engaged. In that first year, I found interactive toys like the KONG, edible toys like Nylabones and toys you can stick in the freezer the most effective as she teethed. In fact, Dr. Brett Levitzke, DVM, Chief Medical Officer, VERG and Veterinary Advisor to Get Joy, explains why when puppies teeth, just how painful it can be: “Their deciduous teeth, aka baby teeth, begin to erupt around three weeks of age, and they have their full set of baby teeth by eight weeks of age. At around three or four months of age their permanent teeth begin moving within their jaw in preparation to push the baby teeth out, and it is this pressure and subsequent eruption that causes discomfort, leading to their teething.” With this mind, I hand-selected 13 of the best puppy teething toys you can order straight to your door, because puppy teeth wait for no one!
Dr. Brett Levitzke is a seasoned veterinarian with an expertise in emergency medicine. He obtained his BS in Microbiology from Cornell University before earning his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Georgia. In 2005, he founded the Veterinary Emergency and Referral Group (VERG), establishing Brooklyn's first 24/7 emergency and specialty hospital. He regularly appears on national and local broadcast, including the TODAY Show . Dr. Levitzke's professional interests include a focus on the nutritional impact on longevity and the prevention of emergency visits. In his advisory role to Get Joy, Dr. Levitzke collaborates closely with the company to develop strategies that intertwine preventative holistic dog wellness into daily routines.
How I Chose the Best Puppy Teething Toys
There are a bajillion pet products to choose from online, so here’s how I narrowed it down to the 13 puppy teething toys included in this list. I took into consideration Dr. Levitzke’s expertise, sourcing products manufactured by companies that take canine health and safety seriously (like KONG and Petstages). Chew toys are inherently choking hazards because dogs do the thing they're meant to do: chew. So, while no toy is truly indestructible, I selected toys where reviewers specifically noted their durability and honesty regarding their dog’s size and aggression. I also included a variety of teething toys with different sensory experiences—including rubber interactive baubles, freezer options, soft and squeaky toys. Finally, I included chew toys from my own experience of bringing a nippy, energetic puppy home.
Like I mentioned above, the first thing our Badass Brooklyn volunteer told us to buy for our nippy little puppy was a KONG. I had never heard of them before, but again, I wasn’t a dog owner up until that point. Now, I know that KONGs are basically must-haves in every dog household thanks to their unique durability and versatility. When it comes to teething, your puppy might enjoy simply chomping down on the 100-percent rubber bauble. It may sound like a bore-fest, but because the KONG is weighted on one side, it rolls in unpredictable directions, creating an endless mindgame for your pup. But the genius of KONG is that you can put things inside, like treats, peanut butter, or even your dog’s entire meal if they eat too quickly. We bought a jumbo KONG when Oakley was a teeny puppy to feed her meals in, and it definitely slowed down the inhaling of the food and tired her out. So yes, this simple little design is great for teethers, but it’s also a million other things in one. As one reviewer wrote: “One of the most notable aspects of the KONG Classic is its multifunctionality. Acting as both a fetch toy and a chew option, it adds an element of unpredictability to our play sessions, keeping our pup's interest piqued and ensuring ample physical activity. Its erratic bounce during fetch games is particularly amusing to watch, eliciting excitement from our furry friend every time.”
I know what you’re thinking: wait…that’s kinda cute. WOOF, a company from Denver, Colorado, saw what KONG was doing and said, “OK, that , but with some bells and whistles.” The Pupsicle is a rubber wobbler teether with a twist-off top where you can pop in one of the brand’s mess-free, slow-burn treats. Or, if you noticed the yellow silicone treat tray, you can make your own DIY ones at home. The difference between this WOOF Pupsicle and similar rubber chew toys is that it’s got smartly designed drool holes. Not a phrase I ever imagined writing about in a positive context, but here we are. Customers love the innovative if not pricey product: “The WOOF Starter Pack is more than just a set of dog treats and toys; it's a comprehensive solution that has improved the quality of life for both Riley and me. It's rare to find a product that not only entertains but also addresses behavioral issues like separation anxiety. I wholeheartedly recommend this pack to any dog owner, especially those with pets who suffer from anxiety. Riley and I are beyond grateful for this wonderful find.” Note, you can buy the Pupsicle alone (from $20) or in a starter pack with treats and tray.
Another KONG-like toy on the market, this stuffable pineapple-shaped teether is a great option for puppies who crave texture. Its ridges and intricate openings keep your puppy’s brain buzzing as Fido explores every nook and cranny, alleviating anxiety and boredom that balloons when you leave the house . While some customers complain that the green, narrower top of the toy rips off more easily, others chime in regarding the toy’s impressive durability. Writes one dog mama, Melissa K. Gavin.: “I bought this for my German Shepherd because I read a review on social media that someone else's GSD hadn't been able to break it yet. I did not have high hopes, my dog destroys every toy with his monster jaws. I have been very pleasantly surprised! He chews the heck out of this thing, for hours in a day, and it's still holding up.”
As you’re building your chew toy arsenal, Dr. Levitzke, DVM advises that “dog owners should provide a variety of teething toys for a puppy to keep them engaged and interested.” This includes varying up the textures. I like this puppy two-pack because one, for $8 it comes with two chewies, and two, because they’re designed to be chewable with a little give. According to the Benebone: “Our puppy line is durable and quite firm to the human touch, but is a teeny bit more forgiving for teething pups.” Plus, they use real bacon flavor, which your pup will certainly appreciate. One reviewer notes: “I’ve given my dog many chew toys and bones but this is her favorite. It keeps her occupied and engaged and is well made and durable. Great value for the cost.”
One Benebone? How about four? Santa can arrive early this year, if you order the brand’s “Holiday Box,” which, no, is not just for holiday gifting believe it or not. The pack of four comes with two tiny bones (for under 15 pound dogs)—the zaggler (softer and unflavored) and the fishbone (jack-salmon flavored)—and two small bones (for under 30 pound dogs)—the wishbone (bacon flavored) and the stick (maple-wood flavored). The consistent takeaway about Benebones is that they’re durable and long-lasting. So if you’ve got a chewer that destroys every other toy, these might just be for you. Says one reviewer: “My dogs love these and it didn’t break my budget. I have several chewers and they are holding up.” We love a budget-friendly score!
You hear that? *Squeak squeak squeak* That’s the sound of pure, dog-gone enjoyment. Give your new dog some additional sensory stimulation by way of a chew toy that piques their auditory interest as well. And even if you have to mute some calls because Roscoe is having at it with this teether, an engaged dog is much better than a bored dog . From reading the reviews (like this one: “I only took a star off because of the weight I was extremely surprised by how heavy it was, but that's not necessarily a bad thing depending on the dog, this size is just not for my dog”) I would recommend this toy (specifically the large option) for large dog breeds that can handle its weight and size.
Get you a product that does both—works as a teether and as a treat. No need to supplement with special treats or divvy up bites, this Nylabone product is edible, meaning, the teether is the treat, one that tastes like turkey and sweet potato, mmm . While there are a lot of similar products on the market, proceed with caution because many are high-risk choking hazards. Dr. Levitzke points out, “Toys that easily splinter or break apart should also be avoided as they can wreak havoc on a puppy’s mouth and GI tract, potentially causing an obstruction.” I like this one because it seems like one of the safer options as the reviewer consensus is that their puppies have safely devoured them. Do note: some dog owners noticed that they’re not the cleanest toy and may leave stains. So consider offering in a dog-friendly space.
At around four months, my dog Oakley would chew on anything she could get her little paws on. As Dr. Levitzke points out, this is because of the pressure in their jaws as their permanent teeth push their baby teeth out. Chewing helps relieve that pain, but sometimes, I noticed that Oakley would dip between different toys—a plushy, a bone, a squeaky—seeking a different mouth feel. That’s why I love the Nylabone Chill and Chew. For one, it’s no-frills, old school. And two, it’s a two-in-one toy. There’s the rubber end, with dental nubs to help clean teeth and prevent plaque and tartar, and then there’s the towel, which you can soak, toss in the freezer and whip it out when your pup seems extra irritated. The frozen towel is a safe way to give your pup some relief while chewing away.
I’ve included this teether in the lineup because who can resist a cute lil’ hedgehog? (Not me!) And it’s also a great toy designed specifically for puppies who are teething and need relief. The spiky texture of the hedgehog massages gums and cleans off plaque and overall, makes it a satisfying activity for a growing dog. One reviewer with a puppy commented: “Great size and very strong. My puppy is 10 weeks old and is a huge chewer. She love this and chews on it for long periods of time. She likes both the smooth and textured parts.” Note: Avoid giving this to your 2-year-old 75-pound aggressive chewer as it’s not designed for adult use.
Yes, the price is bananas compared to other items on this list, but those bananas have a positive social impact—the product is made sustainably in the U.S. using recycled, non-toxic materials—and they are designed to last. Reviewers love that the Zogoflex Qwizle stands up even to aggressive chewers and large dog breeds. One reviewer wrote: “This particular toy is the record holder for duration. Yes, eventually even this one will succumb, but it takes weeks or months instead of hours.” On that note, the company also says this teether will extend the life of expensive treats, so you don’t have to keep refilling the toy when you’re trying to send that email.
“Don't let the size and simplicity of this toy for teething puppies discourage you from purchasing it!” writes one enthusiastic customer. “As I rode home with our little, 7-week-old Border Collie, ‘bundle of joy’ in my lap, I needed to have a few safe but interesting toys I could manage on my lap for our newly adopted puppy to comfortably chew on. This teething toy was perfect!” Designed specifically for teething puppies, this plush chew toy is meant to be soaked in water and frozen to give your new family member a soothing, interactive toy. As Petstages notes—which I appreciate!—no toy is actually indestructible, so give your dog appropriate toys for their size and needs, do not leave toys with unsupervised pets and remove and replace them if they become damaged.
One of the biggest problems I’ve found with plush, soft chew toys is that, inevitably, my dog will rip through the exterior, and the filling will pour out, posing a choking risk to my dog and a clean-up annoyance for me. These almost-no-stuffing toys attempt to resolve that issue since they are soft but constructed with paper crinkle sewn throughout the body. Note: the head does have stuffing, so if your dog is a super aggressive chewer, this might not be the best choice for you. As one reviewer says: “This is the 2nd or 3rd one we've purchased! They're the favorite of all toys among the pups! I love that it isn't a squeaker, just sounds crinkly!”
Why fix something if it ain’t broken? The knotted rope dog chew is tried and true for a reason: whether it’s used to toss, tug or floss, dogs love it. This dog chew rope is made by Mammoth, manufactured from premium North American Cotton-Poly yarns finished with sturdy knots, promising a toy that’s durable and meant to last. The brand also shares that the fibers in the rope are meant to floss your dog’s teeth as they play—oral hygiene win!
What to Consider When Shopping for Puppy Teething Toys
Based on my interview with Dr. Levitzke, my own experience with a puppy and reading hundreds of customer reviews, here are, I think, the most important things to consider while shopping for puppy teething toys:
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