Puppy Care

Best Chew Toys for Puppies 2025: Safe Teething Toys That Soothe and Strengthen Teeth

What Are Puppy Teething Toys and Why Are They Important?

Teething is one of the most challenging stages of puppyhood. Between 3 to 6 months old, puppies lose their baby teeth and new adult teeth push through the gums. This process can be uncomfortable, even painful.
That’s where puppy teething toys come in.

Safe chew toys for teething puppies help relieve gum soreness, strengthen jaw muscles, and prevent destructive chewing on furniture or shoes. They also promote healthy teeth alignment and make the teething phase easier for both you and your pup.

Understanding the Puppy Teething Phase

3–4 months: Baby teeth start falling out.
5–6 months: Adult teeth begin to emerge.
6–7 months: Full adult set develops.

During this period, your puppy will want to chew everything. Offering the right toys redirects this behavior to safe outlets.

Why Puppies Need Chew Toys

Ease gum pain and reduce inflammation
Strengthen developing teeth and jaws
Prevent boredom and anxiety
Support training and behavioral development

🦴 Pro Tip: Always supervise your puppy when introducing a new toy—especially if they are aggressive chewers.

teething puppy chewing safe rubber toy at home to soothe sore gums

How to Choose the Best Chew Toys for Teething Puppies

Finding the best puppy chew toys isn’t about price—it’s about safety, texture, and suitability for your dog’s breed and age.

1. Look for Safe Materials

Opt for non-toxic rubber, nylon, or food-grade silicone. Avoid cheap plastic or toys that splinter.
Good materials include:

Natural rubber (durable, safe for gums)
Rope fibers (gentle flossing effect)
Edible chew sticks (digestible and tasty)

2. Size and Breed Considerations

Choose a size that matches your puppy’s mouth.

Small breeds (Yorkies, Shih Tzus): Soft rubber rings or mini teething bones
Medium breeds (Beagles, Cocker Spaniels): Rope and rubber combo toys
Large breeds (Labradors, Shepherds): Durable nylon bones or thick rubber sticks

3. Vet-Approved & Certified Toys

Always look for “BPA-free,” “phthalate-free,” and “non-toxic” labels.
According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), hard nylon or antler toys can damage puppy teeth—stick to softer options.

4. Test the Toy’s Hardness

Press your thumbnail into the toy. If it doesn’t leave a mark, it’s too hard for a puppy’s teeth.

Top-Rated Teething Toys for Puppies in 2025

Here are the top vet-recommended and owner-approved toys making waves this year.

🦷 Best Overall Puppy Teething Toy

KONG Puppy Classic
Soft natural rubber with a hollow center for treats. Ideal for small to medium breeds.

Kong Puppy Classic teething toy filled with treats

🧊 Best Cooling Teething Ring for Puppies

Nylabone Chill & Chew Ring
Freeze it for instant gum relief. Perfect for summer teething comfort.

frozen Nylabone teething ring for puppies

🦴 Best Puppy Teething Bone

Benebone Puppy Wishbone
Made with real bacon flavor and softer nylon for puppies under 6 months.

🌿 Best Edible Teething Stick

Whimzees Puppy Dental Chews
Natural, grain-free, and shaped for easy grip. Great for dental health and teething relief.

🐕 Best Toy for Small Dogs (Yorkie, Shih Tzu)

PetSafe Busy Buddy Twist ‘n Treat
Customizable opening, soft rubber design, and safe for tiny mouths.

🐾 Best for Large Breeds

West Paw Zogoflex Hurley Bone
Recyclable, floatable, and indestructible for power chewers.

🐾 Best Dog Beds for Large Breeds for comfort ideas during the teething phase.

Natural Chews and Treats for Puppy Teething Relief

Sometimes the best teething relief comes from edible options.

Edible Teething Sticks

Bully sticks, Yak chews, and Whimzees are great natural alternatives.
They’re safe, digestible, and help satisfy your puppy’s urge to gnaw.

Teething Treats and Gels

Teething gels for dogs: Provide numbing comfort. Ask your vet before use.
Soft chews: Rich in omega fatty acids to promote gum health.
Frozen carrot sticks: A natural, low-cost remedy.

Soft Food for Teething Puppies

When gums are sore, switch to soft kibble soaked in warm water or vet-approved puppy pâté.

PetMD: Puppy Teething Relief Tips

DIY & Home Remedies: What to Give Puppies for Teething Pain

Homemade solutions can be soothing and cost-effective.

Safe Chew Ideas

Frozen washcloth: Wet it, twist it, freeze it—works wonders for sore gums.
Ice cubes made from chicken broth: Cooling and tasty!
Cold chew toys: Keep a rotation of frozen toys for relief.

Foods & Treats

Avoid spicy, sugary, or hard foods. Instead, try:

Chilled banana slices
Frozen plain yogurt cubes (lactose-free if sensitive)
Soft teething treats

🐕 Safe and Unsafe Foods for Dogs and Cats

Best Chew Toys by Type

Ring Toys for Dogs

Flexible, textured, and easy to grip—ideal for gentle play.
Examples: KONG Puppy Tire Ring, JW Hol-ee Roller.

Stick Toys for Dogs

Perfect for fetch and gnawing. Choose rubber stick toys instead of wooden sticks to avoid splinters.

Puppy Chew Bones & Teething Sticks

Nylon or soft rubber bones (like Nylabone Puppy Chew) are great for building jaw strength.

Puppy Teething Toy Sets

Many brands now offer starter kits combining rings, ropes, and bones—ideal for new puppy parents.

Training & Teething – Redirecting Biting Behavior

Chew toys are a vital training tool.

Use Toys to Teach Bite Control

Redirect your puppy from nipping your hands to a chew toy. Reward when they choose the toy.

Commands That Help

“Leave it” – stop chewing inappropriate items.
“Take it” – encourages focus on designated toys.

🐾 Dog Training for Beginners
How to Train Your Dog to Stay on Command

Rotate Toys Regularly

Change toys every few days to keep your puppy interested and prevent boredom.

Common Mistakes When Choosing Puppy Teething Toys

Buying toys that are too hard
Ignoring puppy size or breed needs
Skipping supervision during playtime
Using cheap knock-offs with toxic dyes or loose parts
Overfeeding edible chews

Expert Tips for Soothing Puppy Teething Pain

Offer variety – a mix of soft, firm, and cooling textures.
Freeze toys for short-term gum relief.
Use teething gels sparingly, and only if vet-approved.
Rotate between chew toys and soothing treats.
Provide supervision at all times.

happy puppy with frozen teething toy for gum relief

FAQs About Puppy Teething and Chew Toys

1. What can I give my puppy for teething?

Offer soft, rubber, or frozen chew toys. Avoid hard bones or antlers that can fracture baby teeth.

2. What’s the best chew toy for a teething puppy?

The KONG Puppy Classic and Benebone Puppy Wishbone are vet favorites for durability and safety.

3. How long does puppy teething last?

Typically from 3 to 6 months old, but some larger breeds may continue until 7 months.

4. Are bones safe for teething puppies?

Only soft, puppy-specific nylon or rubber bones. Never give cooked or real bones—they can splinter.

5. Can teething toys help with biting?

Yes! Chew toys redirect biting energy into safe play and reinforce positive behavior.

6. How many toys should a puppy have?

At least 3–5 different textures (rubber, rope, plush, edible) rotated weekly.

Conclusion

Teething can be a tough stage—but with the right chew toys and teething treats, your puppy can grow strong, healthy teeth while staying happy and calm.

Invest in safe, durable, and size-appropriate toys, mix in frozen or edible options, and always supervise play. Your puppy’s comfort and dental health will thank you!

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