Few milestones are as adorable—and as exhausting—as the moment your puppy discovers their new superpower: chewing everything in sight. While those tiny needle teeth may look harmless, the teething phase can turn couch legs, baseboards, and even your favorite sneakers into casualties of war. More importantly, swollen gums can make your pup irritable, restless, and reluctant to eat. The right teething toy isn’t a luxury; it’s a sanity-saving tool that channels instinctive behavior into a safe, soothing outlet.
Below, you’ll learn how to choose toys that protect both your possessions and your puppy’s delicate oral cavity. We’ll unpack the science of teething pain, decode material safety jargon, and reveal the design features that separate a gimmick from a genuine gum soother. By the end, you’ll be able to walk into any pet store—or scroll through any online shop—with the confidence of a seasoned trainer.
Top 10 Good Teething Toys For Puppies
Detailed Product Reviews
1. Petstages Cool Teething Stick for Dogs – Soothing Chew Toy for Teething Puppies – Freezable for Added Relief – Durable & Safe Dental Aid, Multicolor, One-Size
Overview: The Petstages Cool Teething Stick is a budget-friendly, freezable chew toy designed to ease puppy teething discomfort. Its soft cotton-poly fabric shell soaks up water and freezes into a flexible, gum-soothing stick that redirects chewing away from shoes and furniture.
What Makes It Stand Out: Unlike rigid nylon bones, this toy remains pliable when frozen, letting puppies gnaw without risking fragile baby teeth. The bright multicolor fabric is visually engaging, and the lightweight stick shape is easy for tiny jaws to carry and manipulate.
Value for Money: At $4.99 it’s one of the cheapest freezable options available. Because the fabric shell is replaceable, you can refresh the frozen core repeatedly for weeks of relief without buying a new toy.
Strengths and Weaknesses: It freezes quickly, washes easily, and puppies love the cold texture. However, aggressive chewers can shred the fabric within days, so supervision is mandatory. Once the outer sleeve is punctured, the inner sponge can become a choking hazard.
Bottom Line: Perfect for gentle to moderate chewers under 20 lbs. Buy it as an inexpensive “first freezer toy” and keep a spare on hand; just be ready to retire it the moment fraying appears.
2. Nylabone Ring Bone Chew Toy for Puppies, Puppy Teething Toys, Puppy Enrichment Toys, Chicken Flavor, X-Small Dogs – Up to 15 lbs, 1 Count
Overview: Nylabone’s Ring Bone is a chicken-flavored, extra-small teether aimed at puppies under 15 lbs that have not yet erupted adult teeth. The ring’s compliant nylon formula can also be frozen for added gum relief.
What Makes It Stand Out: The ring shape lets pups hook a canine through the center for secure gnawing, while multiple textures—ridges, nubs, and smooth arcs—massage different areas of the mouth. Chicken scent is baked throughout, so flavor lasts as the surface wears.
Value for Money: $3.79 lands you a USA-made, vet-recommended brand for the price of a coffee. Even if your puppy outgrows it in two months, the dental benefits and saved furniture justify the cost.
Strengths and Weaknesses: It survives moderate chewing better than fabric freezables and can be chilled for extra comfort. On the downside, powerful jaws can snap off rice-sized pieces; the toy must be discarded once wear exceeds 1⁄4 inch. Some pups ignore the mild chicken aroma.
Bottom Line: A solid starter Nylabone for tiny breeds. Freeze it overnight, offer it after meals, and you’ll curb teething pain while building healthy lifelong chew habits.
3. Nylabone Textured Teething Bone Puppy Chew Toy, Soothing Puppy Teething Bone, Enrichment Toy for Puppies, Pink, Chicken Flavor, X-Small Dogs – Up to 15 Ibs, 1 Count
Overview: This pastel-pink Textured Teething Bone is Nylabone’s gentlest profile, sculpted for puppies still sporting only deciduous teeth. Rows of massaging nubs line the shaft, and the whole bone can be chilled for cryotherapy-style relief.
What Makes It Stand Out: The narrow, flexible shank flexes under light pressure, preventing premature tooth wear. Its cheerful color and mild chicken flavor appeal to fussy pups, while the made-in-USA nylon contains no latex, BPAs, or phthalates.
Value for Money: Price was unpublished at review time, but Nylabone’s XS puppy line historically hovers around $4. Given the brand’s durability reputation and dental health claims, expect mid-range value.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Freezing amplifies soothing power, and the slim design suits toy breeds and tiny mouths. Yet determined chewers graduate quickly; once adult molars arrive the soft nylon shreds. It’s also too small for puppies over 15 lbs.
Bottom Line: Ideal for teacup to small breeds during the early teething window (8–16 weeks). Rotate it with other textures and upgrade to a stronger Nylabone once permanent teeth erupt.
4. Nylabone Freezer Bone Puppy Chew Toy, Soothing Teething Toys for Puppies, Rubber & Terry Cloth, Peanut Butter Flavor, Small – Up to 25 lbs, 1 Count
Overview: Nylabone’s Freezer Bone marries a rubber frame with a absorbent terry-cloth core. Dunk it, freeze it, and the cloth becomes an icy, peanut-butter-scented pacifier for pups up to 25 lbs.
What Makes It Stand Out: The rubber “ring” acts as a protective bumper, letting the cloth freeze without turning rock-hard, while raised bristles on the ring sweep plaque away. An allergen-free peanut-butter flavor is infused into both materials, enticing even picky chewers.
Value for Money: $9.99 is double the price of simpler freezables, but you’re essentially getting two toys in one: a durable rubber ring for long-term use and a replaceable frozen insert for acute teething days.
Strengths and Weaknesses: The hybrid design extends lifespan—when the cloth eventually frays, the ring remains usable. Freezing takes only 30 minutes, and the peanut aroma masks medicinal freezer smell. Conversely, heavy chewers still eviscerate the terry layer, and the rubber alone offers limited soothing.
Bottom Line: Best for moderate chewers who need cold relief but also enjoy carrying toys around. Budget for occasional cloth refills, and you’ll get months of mileage.
5. N-Bone Puppy Teething Ring Chicken Flavor (1 Pack Of 6 Rings) (113048)
Overview: N-Bone Puppy Teething Rings are the only edible entry in this roundup. The six-count pouch delivers digestible, chicken-flavored rings fortified with calcium and DHA omega-3s, letting puppies literally eat their pain away.
What Makes It Stand Out: Because the rings are 100 % consumable, there’s no risk of shredded fabric or broken nylon. The soluble formula softens when chewed, rubbing gums while releasing a savory chicken broth taste that keeps pups occupied far longer than rubber alternatives.
Value for Money: $7.99 for six rings breaks down to $1.33 per use—cheaper than most edible dental chews and competitive with non-edible toys once replacement cost is factored in.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Rings are grain-free and gentle on stomachs, and added nutrients support cognitive development. However, aggressive chewers can down a whole ring in under five minutes, translating to extra calories and potential loose stools if overfed. Supply vanishes quickly in multi-puppy households.
Bottom Line: Stock these as high-value rewards during peak teething days, but pair with a durable reusable toy for everyday chewing. One bag lasts a single small puppy about a week—plan subscription orders accordingly.
6. Zeaxuie 9 Pack Luxury Puppy Toys for Teething Small Dogs, Puppy Chew Toys with Cute Squeaky Dog Toys, Ball and More Rope Dog Chew Toys
Overview:
Zeaxuie’s 9-piece teething kit is a starter carnival for small-breed puppies: four squeaky plush critters, three cotton ropes, one treat-dispensing ball, and a bonus roll of poop bags—all sized for mouths under 20 lb.
What Makes It Stand Out:
The no-stuffing fox crinkles and squeaks without creating fluff fallout, while the included tote bag adds everyday value most competitors skip.
Value for Money:
At $13.99 you’re paying ≈$1.55 per toy plus free waste bags—cheaper than a single boutique plush at pet stores.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Pros: varied textures keep pups engaged, tight weave rope resists unraveling, colors hide dirt well.
Cons: plush squeakers die quickly under determined jaws, rope fibers can fray into swallowable strings, not for power chewers over 25 lb.
Bottom Line:
A cost-effective “puppy starter box” that soft-mouth breeds will adore; just supervise closely and be ready to retire plushies first.
7. Beiker 20 Pack Puppy Chew Toys – Blue Dog Teething Toys for Puppies, Puppy Teething Rings and Ropes, Blue Rubber Toy Bundle for Small Dogs, Cute Interactive Dog Balls for Small Breed
Overview:
Beiker’s 20-count blue bundle is a gum-soothing amusement park: dental rubber, tug ropes, pacifier, teething rings, treat ball—everything except squeakers, intentionally omitted for safety.
What Makes It Stand Out:
Every item is an actual toy—no filler poop bags inflating the count—color-coded in calming blue to hide slobber stains.
Value for Money:
$17.99 equals 90 ¢ per toy, undercutting dollar-store quality while using pet-safe rubber and cotton.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Pros: rubber spikes massage teething gums, no tiny parts to swallow, diversity beats boredom.
Cons: rubber scent is strong out of the bag, pacifier ring is too small for medium jaws, heavy chewers can shear rings within days.
Bottom Line:
Perfect shower gift for new puppy parents who want quantity without sacrificing safety; just air the toys 24 h before first use.
8. Nylabone Freezer Knuckle Bone Puppy Chew Toy, Soothing Teething Toys for Puppies, Color Changing, Lamb & Apple Flavor, Small Dogs – Up to 25 lbs., 1 Count
Overview:
Nylabone’s Freezer Knuckle is a single-purpose teether: freeze it, hand it over, and watch the orange surface chill sore gums while lamb-and-apple aroma keeps puppies interested.
What Makes It Stand Out:
Color-changing plastic visually confirms “cold” status, and knobby ends reach back molars other freezables ignore.
Value for Money:
$9.99 for one toy feels steep, but reusable daily for months makes it cheaper than edible chews that vanish in minutes.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Pros: instant gum relief, dishwasher safe, no staining dyes.
Cons: too soft for strong chewers—fragments can be bitten off once adult molars erupt; size only suits dogs ≤25 lb.
Bottom Line:
Indispensable for the early teething weeks; retire promptly when puppy teeth fall out to avoid breakage.
9. KIPRITII 25 Pack Various Puppy Dog Toys for Teething, Entertainment & Interaction, Puppy Chew Toys Pack with Rope Toy, Treat Balls and Dog Squeaky Toys for Puppies & Small Dogs
Overview:
KIPRITII’s 25-piece variety chest is the Costco of puppy entertainment: ropes, balls, squeakers, flying disc, plus six poop-bag rolls and two dispensers—an all-seasons arsenal for small dogs.
What Makes It Stand Out:
The only bundle pairing indoor plush with outdoor flying disc and still tossing in waste-management accessories.
Value for Money:
$21.99 nets 92 ¢ per item including bags; buying equivalents separately would top $35.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Pros: huge variety combats boredom, natural cotton ropes floss teeth, generous bag count.
Cons: plush toys die fast, rubber balls have single squeakers that sink inside, strong chewers can shred ropes into spaghetti.
Bottom Line:
A crowd-pleasing sampler for multi-dog homes or puppies who bore easily; supervise plush play and you’ll get your money’s worth.
10. N-Bone Puppy Teething Sticks Peanut Butter Flavor, 3.74-oz Bag
Overview:
N-Bone Teething Sticks are edible, peanut-butter-flavored “pacifiers” fortified with DHA for cognitive support—meant to be gnawed away, not reused.
What Makes It Stand Out:
Rawhide-free pliable texture safely flexes around sore gums, and the sticks can be snapped in half for toy-breed portions.
Value for Money:
$4.99 per 3.74-oz bag yields about six mini sessions; pricier than bulk rawhide but cheaper than veterinary dental work.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Pros: USA-made, no wheat/corn/soy, digests easier than rawhide, irresistible PB scent.
Cons: sticky residue on carpets, bag reseals poorly, aggressive pups finish one in under five minutes.
Bottom Line:
Keep a bag in the freezer for instant teething relief; perfect high-value reward when you need quiet time, just feed on a washable surface.
The Biology Behind Puppy Teething Pain
Puppies are born toothless; by three weeks old, 28 razor-sharp deciduous teeth erupt. Between 12 and 16 weeks, the roots of those baby teeth begin to resorb, forcing the crowns to fall out while 42 permanent teeth push through. This double-edged process creates inflammation, pressure, and an overwhelming urge to chew. Providing an appropriate outlet reduces the risk of misaligned adult teeth and curbs anxiety-driven behaviors such as whining or excessive barking.
Why the Right Toy Matters for Dental Development
Chew objects influence jaw growth, tooth alignment, and bite occlusion. Toys that are too rigid can fracture delicate unerupted teeth, while overly pliable items fail to satisfy the innate need to gnaw. The sweet spot is a toy with graduated resistance that massages the gingiva, encourages proper tooth eruption, and prevents destructive chewing habits that can echo into adulthood.
Key Safety Standards Every Teething Toy Should Meet
Look for third-party certifications such as FDA food-contact approval, CPSIA compliance for children’s products (a reliable benchmark even for pets), and ASTM F963 toy safety standards. Reputable manufacturers also conduct heavy-metal and phthalate testing. If the packaging lacks a clear safety statement, treat it like a red flag wrapped in cute packaging.
Material Deep Dive: Rubber, Silicone, Rope, and Beyond
Natural rubber offers elasticity and durability, but quality varies dramatically. Opt for purified, latex-free rubber to reduce allergy risk. Medical-grade silicone withstands freezing and sterilization, making it ideal for sensitive gums. Braided cotton rope combines fibrous abrasion with tensile strength, yet must be woven tightly enough to prevent unravelling and ingestion. Avoid PVC, vinyl, or any toy that carries a chemical “plastic” odor.
Texture Tactics: Nubs, Ridges, and Massage Zones
Raised nubs stimulate blood flow, helping to speed gum healing. Wavy ridges act like dental floss, sweeping away milk protein film that can harbor bacteria. Progressive textures—soft near the surface, firmer at the core—allow puppies to graduate to tougher spots as their comfort level increases. Steer clear of overly aggressive spikes that can lacerate thinning gingival tissue.
Freezable Features: How Cold Therapy Numbs Sore Gums
Cold constricts blood vessels, reducing inflammation and providing instant anesthesia. Toys designed with a hollow core or gel layer hold a chill up to 30 minutes—long enough to interrupt the pain cycle without over-cooling delicate tissue. Always inspect for leaks after freezing; compromised gel can cause gastrointestinal upset.
Size & Shape Guidelines to Prevent Choking Hazards
A teething toy should be longer than your puppy’s muzzle and too wide to fit entirely between the back molars. Bone-shaped designs with flared ends discourage deep back-gnawing that can splinter toys. For flat-faced breeds, select curved or Y-shaped options that accommodate shorter jaws and reduce gagging risk.
Durability vs. Softness: Striking the Right Balance
Use the fingernail test: if you can’t depress the surface with moderate thumb pressure, the toy is too hard for baby teeth. Conversely, if your puppy shears off chunks within minutes, the material won’t provide sustained relief. Seek dual-density construction—soft outer shell encasing a firmer core—that yields to puppy pressure yet resists rapid destruction.
Cleaning & Sanitization: Keeping Bacteria at Bay
Biofilm builds within minutes of chewing. Choose toys that are dishwasher-safe (top rack) or can be boiled for 60 seconds without warping. Non-porous materials like silicone harbor fewer microbes than rope, but rope can be sanitized by microwaving when damp for 60 seconds—just monitor closely to prevent scorching. Establish a weekly deep-clean routine to prevent odor and pathogen buildup.
Eco-Friendly and Non-Toxic Options for Conscious Owners
Plant-based rubber sourced from sustainable hevea plantations decomposes faster than synthetic polymers. Some manufacturers now use upcycled cotton or hemp for rope toys, reducing pesticide load. Verify claims through Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) or Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) labels. Remember, “natural” doesn’t automatically mean safe—latex allergies can still occur.
Budgeting: Cost per Chew Hour vs. Replacement Frequency
A $5 toy destroyed in 20 minutes costs more per hour of use than a $20 toy that lasts three weeks. Track wear with a Sharpie line: when the indentation fades, it’s replacement time. Buying multi-packs can reduce unit cost, but only if each toy meets safety criteria—bulk bargains are false economy if they endanger your pup.
Breed-Specific Considerations: From Chihuahuas to Great Danes
Toy breeds need lightweight options to prevent jaw fatigue; giant breeds require oversized chews that won’t lodge in the throat. Retrievers benefit from water-fetchable teething floats, while terriers—genetically wired to shake prey—need streamlined shapes that slip from teeth easily, reducing the risk of neck injury. Brachycephalic puppies require shallow angles that fit their compressed oral cavity.
Age Milestones: Matching Toys to Teething Stages
Weeks 8–12: focus on ultra-soft pacifier styles that fit puppy canines. Weeks 12–20: introduce medium-firm textures as incisors fall out. Months 5–7: transition to stronger rubber as molars erupt. Rotate toys every few days to maintain novelty and align with changing dental tolerance.
Red Flags: When to Retire a Teething Toy Immediately
Discard any toy that develops sharp edges, visible cracks, or pieces larger than a rice grain that can be swallowed. Frayed rope ends can become linear foreign bodies in the intestine. Color bleeding indicates dye leach, which may contain heavy metals. When in doubt, snap a photo and email the manufacturer—reputable brands offer chew-life guarantees and welcome safety inquiries.
Integrating Teething Toys into Crate Training & Playtime
Pair the toy with high-value treats during crate introduction to create a positive association. Freeze the toy overnight and offer it only when your puppy enters the crate; the special status amplifies value. During supervised play, use the toy as a tug reward to teach “drop it” cues, reinforcing impulse control while soothing sore gums.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long does the teething phase last in puppies?
Most puppies complete the transition from deciduous to adult teeth by seven months, but peak discomfort occurs between 12 and 24 weeks.
2. Can I give my puppy ice cubes instead of a freezable toy?
Ice cubes are too hard for immature enamel and can fracture teeth. Use crushed ice inside a soft toy or choose purpose-built freezables.
3. Are rope toys safe for overnight chewing?
No. Loose fibers can be ingested when unsupervised. Reserve rope for interactive daytime play only.
4. How often should I wash my puppy’s teething toys?
Quick rinse after every session; dishwasher or boil once weekly to eliminate bacterial buildup.
5. My puppy loses interest quickly—what can I do?
Rotate three to four toys every 48 hours, and smear a pea-sized amount of xylitol-free peanut butter to reignite engagement.
6. Is it normal for gums to bleed during teething?
Slight pink-tinged saliva is expected; bright red blood or persistent dripping warrants a vet exam to rule out retained roots.
7. Can teething toys replace brushing?
Toys reduce plaque by up to 20 %, but daily brushing with canine toothpaste is still essential for lifelong dental health.
8. What if my puppy tries to eat the toy?
Choose a size larger than their muzzle and select heavy-duty rubber. If ingestion attempts persist, consult a certified behaviorist.
9. Do breed-specific toys really make a difference?
Yes. Skull shape, bite force, and genetic drive vary dramatically; matching design to anatomy lowers injury risk and increases satisfaction.
10. When should I transition from teething toys to adult chew items?
Once all 42 adult teeth have erupted and the puppy can no longer dent the toy with vigorous chewing—usually around eight months.