Puppy teething is one of those developmental phases that can test both your patience and your furniture. Those tiny but sharp needle teeth can create chaos in your home as your furry friend seeks relief from the discomfort of emerging adult teeth. Fortunately, the Kong teething stick has become a go-to solution for countless puppy parents worldwide. When paired with the right fillers, these toys can transform from simple chew toys into multi-purpose tools that provide comfort, mental stimulation, and even a nutritional boost during this challenging stage.
As we approach 2025, the options for Kong puppy teething stick fillers have evolved dramatically, offering pet owners unprecedented choices to customize their puppy’s teething experience. With such variety comes the question of which fillers are truly safe, effective, and beneficial for your growing companion. This comprehensive guide walks you through the essential considerations when selecting fillers, ensuring your pup receives the best possible relief while developing healthy chewing habits that will last a lifetime.
Top 10 Kong Puppy Teething Stick
Detailed Product Reviews
1. KONG Dental Stick for Dog Dental Care – Stuffable Chew Toy – Provides Chewing Outlet & Satisfies Instinctual Needs – Cleans Teeth & Gums – Made with Durable Natural Rubber – for Small Dogs
Overview: The KONG Dental Stick is a stuffable chew toy designed for small dogs, offering dental benefits while satisfying natural chewing instincts. Made with KONG’s durable natural rubber, its uniquely shaped ridges help clean teeth and gums during play. The hollow center allows for stuffing with treats, extending engagement time while providing mental stimulation.
What Makes It Stand Out: What distinguishes the Dental Stick is its dual functionality—serving as both a dental hygiene tool and an interactive toy. The ridge design effectively cleans plaque while the treat-stuffing capability transforms simple chewing into a challenging activity. Veterinarian-recommended rubber composition ensures safety and durability for average chewers.
Value for Money: Priced at $6.99, this toy offers reasonable value considering its dental benefits and longevity. While not the cheapest option, its multifunctional nature and durable construction reduce the need for frequent replacements, potentially saving on dental costs down the line.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Strengths include effective cleaning action, treat-stuffing capability, veterinary endorsement, and KONG’s satisfaction guarantee. Weaknesses include its size may not be ideal for very small dogs, and aggressive chewers may eventually wear down the ridges compromising dental effectiveness.
Bottom Line: The KONG Dental Stick is an excellent choice for small dog owners prioritizing dental health alongside engaging play. Its thoughtful design addresses both instinctual needs and practical care, making it worth the investment for most small dog households.
2. KONG Ring – Natural Rubber Ring Toy for Healthy Chewing Habits – Chew Toy Supports Dog Dental Health – Dog Toy Supports Instincts During Playtime – for Small/Medium Dogs
Overview: The KONG Ring is a simple yet effective chew toy crafted from durable natural rubber, specifically designed to promote healthy chewing habits in small to medium dogs. Its circular design provides dogs with a satisfying outlet for natural chewing instincts while potentially supporting dental health through the mechanical action of chewing.
What Makes It Stand Out: The ring’s unique shape offers dogs an easy-grip advantage that many traditional chew toys lack. Its consistent thickness provides uniform resistance throughout, ensuring a balanced chewing experience. Unlike more complex designs, the simplicity of the ring appeals to many dogs while still benefiting from KONG’s trusted rubber formula.
Value for Money: At $6.49, the KONG Ring represents solid value in the pet toy market. Its durable construction suggests long-term use, and the specific focus on healthy chewing behaviors provides benefits that may offset the cost through potential dental care savings.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Strengths include excellent durability for its size, appropriate resistance for small to medium dogs, and the backing of KONG’s reputable brand. Weaknesses include the lack of treat-stuffing capability found in other KONG products, and some dogs may lose interest without additional stimulation.
Bottom Line: The KONG Ring serves as a reliable, no-frills option for dogs needing appropriate chewing outlets. Its simplicity is both its advantage and limitation, making it best suited as a supplemental toy rather than a primary interactive device. Good value for focused chewers.
3. KONG – Puppy Toy Natural Teething Rubber – Fun to Chew, Chase and Fetch – for Small Puppies – Pink
Overview: The KONG Puppy Toy is specifically engineered for the delicate needs of small puppies during their teething phase. Crafted from soft, customized natural rubber, this toy addresses the unique challenges of 28 baby teeth while providing entertainment through its engaging bounce and chewable texture.
What Makes It Stand Out: This toy features specialized rubber formulated to be gentler on developing teeth than standard toys. Its versatility as both a chew toy for teething relief and a fetch toy due to its bounce offers comprehensive puppy care in one product. The ability to stuff treats makes it valuable for training and keeping puppies occupied.
Value for Money: Priced at $7.49, this toy provides excellent value for new puppy owners. Given its dual purpose as chew toy, fetch toy, and treat dispenser, it offers multiple benefits in one item. The specialized puppy rubber justifies the higher price compared to generic toys that may be too harsh on young teeth.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Strengths include the soft puppy-appropriate rubber, versatility in play styles, treat-stuffing capability, and developmentally appropriate sizing. Weaknesses include potential faster wear from determined chewers and limited color options (primarily pink).
Bottom Line: The KONG Puppy Toy is an essential purchase for new puppy owners, thoughtfully addressing both teething discomfort and developmental play needs. Its multifunctional design makes it particularly valuable during the challenging early months of puppy parenthood.
4. 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 specialized toy designed specifically for puppies experiencing teething discomfort. This innovative chew toy features a soft cotton-poly fabric shell that can be soaked in water and frozen, providing cooling relief for sore gums while satisfying the instinctual need to chew during this developmental phase.
What Makes It Stand Out: The standout feature is its freezable design, offering cooling sensations that numb sore gums in a way few other puppy toys can. The combination of soft, gnawable material with cold relief creates a unique teething experience that effectively redirects destructive chewing behavior toward an appropriate outlet.
Value for Money: At $4.99, this teething stick provides exceptional value as a specialized teething aid. Its affordability makes it accessible for budget-conscious puppy owners, and its targeted purpose addresses a specific but universal puppy challenge with immediate effectiveness.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Strengths include the cooling relief mechanism, appropriate texture for teething puppies, excellent price point, and effectiveness in redirecting unwanted chewing behaviors. Weaknesses include limited durability with persistent chewers and potential messiness as it thaws and drool accumulates.
Bottom Line: The Petstages Cool Teething Stick is a must-have for any puppy owner during the teething phase. Its innovative cooling design addresses a specific need that generic chew toys cannot fulfill. Despite its limited lifespan with determined chewers, its immediate benefits and affordability make it worthwhile.
5. KONG Puppy Activity Ball – Soft & Durable Natural Puppy Rubber Dog Toy – Chew Toy for Teething Puppies – Eases Aching Teeth & Gums – for Small Puppies – Randomly Provided Color
Overview: The KONG Puppy Activity Ball combines teething relief with interactive play in one versatile toy. Made from natural puppy rubber, this toy is specifically designed to soothe aching gums while providing entertainment through its unpredictable bounce. The hollow interior allows for stuffing with treats, making it adaptable to various play and training scenarios.
What Makes It Stand Out: This ball uniquely combines multiple puppy necessities—teething relief, mental stimulation, physical activity, and training opportunities—into one product. Its specialized rubber formula provides appropriate resistance for developing teeth without being too hard, while the unpredictable bounce engages puppies’ natural instincts to chase and pounce.
Value for Money: Though price is not listed, this toy offers excellent value considering its multifunctionality. The ability to serve as chew toy, fetch toy, and treat dispenser means it can potentially replace several specialized toys. The durable rubber construction suggests longevity, providing ongoing value throughout the teething phase.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Strengths include comprehensive functionality for puppies, specialized rubber for delicate teeth, dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning, and engaging physical properties that maintain interest. Weaknesses include size may be too large for very small puppies, and aggressive chewers may damage the toy more quickly.
Bottom Line: The KONG Puppy Activity Ball is an excellent all-around toy for puppies transitioning into the teething phase. Its thoughtful design addresses multiple developmental needs while maintaining the durability KONG is known for. An ideal choice for new puppy owners seeking a versatile, engaging toy.
6. N-Bone Puppy Teething Sticks Peanut Butter Flavor, 3.74-oz Bag
Overview: The N-Bone Puppy Teething Sticks are a peanut butter flavored chew treat designed specifically for teething puppies. These 3.74-oz sticks are made in the USA and are completely rawhide-free, making them a safer alternative for young dogs who are prone to swallowing large pieces during the teething phase.
What Makes It Stand Out: What sets these teething sticks apart is their addition of DHA Omega-3, which supports healthy brain development in growing puppies. The peanut butter flavor is specifically noted as a “puppy-favorite,” and they’re free from common fillers like wheat, corn, and soy, which can be problematic for some puppies’ sensitive digestive systems.
Value for Money: At $5.00 for a 3.74-oz bag (approximately $21.62 per pound), these treats fall into the mid-range price point. Considering they’re made in the USA with quality ingredients and added nutritional benefits, the price seems reasonable for what you’re getting. However, frequent use might make this a somewhat expensive long-term option for some owners.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Strengths:
– Made with nutritional benefits in mind (DHA Omega-3)
– Rawhide-free formulation increases safety
– Contains no common allergens or fillers
– Peanut butter flavor appeals to most puppies
Weaknesses:
– Could be relatively expensive for regular use
– Like all treats, should be used in moderation
– Individual sticks might be consumed quickly by persistent chewers
Bottom Line: The N-Bone Puppy Teething Sticks offer a safe, nutritionally beneficial option for owners looking to provide teething relief for their puppies. While not the most budget-friendly choice on the market, the quality ingredients and added nutritional benefits make them a solid investment in your puppy’s development and comfort during the challenging teething phase.
7. KONG Puppy Goodie Bone – Stuffable Toy for Small Puppy – Natural Rubber Chew for Puppies – Toy for Teething – for Small Puppies – Blue
Overview: The KONG Puppy Goodie Bone is a natural rubber chew toy specifically designed for small puppies undergoing teething. It’s manufactured from a unique puppy-safe rubber formula and features “Goodie Grippers” that allow it to be stuffed with treats, adding engagement and extending playtime.
What Makes It Stand Out: Unlike many traditional chew toys, the KONG Goodie Bone incorporates a stuffing feature that turns it into an interactive puzzle toy when filled with KONG treats or peanut butter. This treat-dispensing capability not only provides relief for sore gums but also helps develop problem-solving skills and keeps puppies engaged for longer periods, offering both physical and mental stimulation.
Value for Money: Priced at $7.99, this durable toy represents good value in the puppy product category. While slightly more expensive than basic rubber toys, its versatility as both a chew toy and treat-dispensing device makes it cost-effective over time. The classic KONG durability means it’s likely to withstand even aggressive chewers better than cheaper alternatives.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Strengths:
– Unique treat-dispensing capability extends usability
– Made from safe, durable puppy-specific rubber
– Helps redirect destructive chewing behavior
– Provides both physical and mental stimulation
– Covered by KONG’s satisfaction guarantee
Weaknesses:
– Requires supervision with particularly aggressive chewers
– Treat stuffing adds time needed for preparation
– May be too large for very small toy breeds despite being labeled for “small” puppies
Bottom Line: The KONG Puppy Goodie Bone offers an excellent balance between teething relief and interactive play for small puppies. Its dual functionality as both a chew toy and treat-dispensing device provides exceptional value, making it a worthwhile investment for any puppy owner seeking to manage teething discomfort while promoting healthy chewing habits.
8. KONG Puppy Goodie Bone with Rope – Natural Rubber Bone with Cotton Rope – Teeth Cleaning Chew Toy for Growing Puppies – for XS Puppies – Blue
Overview: The KONG Puppy Goodie Bone with Rope combines natural rubber with a cotton rope in one versatile chew toy. Designed specifically for extra small puppies, this hybrid toy offers multiple texture options to engage and satisfy a puppy’s natural chewing instincts during the critical teething phase.
What Makes It Stand Out: The innovative combination of rubber and rope sets this toy apart, providing puppies with different chewing sensations in one product. The rubber portion soothes sore gums while the rope element helps with dental cleaning. This multi-texture design not only engages puppies more effectively but also helps develop appropriate chewing behaviors and keeps them occupied longer than single-material toys.
Value for Money: At $6.49, this toy offers great value considering its dual-material construction and specific sizing for extra small puppies. The combination of materials means it provides more engagement options than standard rubber toys, potentially extending its useful life and making it more worthwhile than cheaper alternatives that might quickly lose interest.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Strengths:
– Dual-material design provides varied chewing experiences
– Durable natural rubber construction
– Rope element encourages dental health through gentle cleaning
– Sized specifically for very small breeds
– Made in the USA with satisfaction guarantee
Weaknesses:
– Rope can become frayed with heavy use and may pose a swallowing hazard if not monitored
– Supervision required during play to ensure safety
– Some puppies may prefer either the rubber or the rope but not both
Bottom Line: The KONG Puppy Goodie Bone with Rope is an excellent choice for owners of extra small puppies. Its thoughtful combination of textures provides more engagement than single-material toys while specifically addressing the needs of small breeds. Though supervision is required due to the rope component, the toy’s versatility and KONG’s proven quality make it a smart investment for managing teething and promoting dental health in tiny puppies.
9. KONG Puppy Binkie – Pacifier Dog Toy for Puppies – Stuffable Treat Chew Toy for Treats – Durable Natural Rubber for Teething Puppy – for Small Puppies – Blue
Overview: The KONG Puppy Binkie is a pacifier-shaped chew toy made from soft natural rubber, specifically designed to soothe teething discomfort in small puppies. Its hollow interior allows for stuffing with various treats, transforming it into an interactive puzzle toy that extends engagement time while providing dental benefits.
What Makes It Stand Out: The unique pacifier design sets this toy apart from traditional chew toys, offering targeted relief for sore puppy gums in a shape puppies instinctively understand and accept. Unlike many chew toys, the Binkie features a stuffing capability that turns it into a treat-dispensing puzzle when filled with kibble, peanut butter, or KONG-specific treats. This dual function provides both physical relief from teething discomfort and mental stimulation.
Value for Money: At $8.99, this toy is slightly more expensive than basic rubber chew toys, but its multi-functionality justifies the price point. When used as both a chew toy and an interactive treat dispenser, it provides more engagement than single-purpose products. The dishwasher-safe design also adds to its long-term value, making cleanup easy and extending the toy’s usable life.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Strengths:
– Unique pacifier design specifically for teething relief
– Stuffable interior adds versatility and extends play time
– Made from veterinarian-recommended natural rubber
– Dishwasher safe for easy cleaning
– Promotes appropriate chewing behavior while soothing sore gums
Weaknesses:
– Price point is higher than basic chew toys
– Small size may not be suitable for larger puppies despite being designed for “small” puppies
– Some very aggressive chewers may damage it quickly
Bottom Line: The KONG Puppy Binkie represents an excellent investment for owners of small teething puppies. Its innovative design successfully addresses both the physical discomfort of teething and the mental stimulation needs of developing puppies. While it comes at a premium price, its dual functionality and durable construction make it worth the cost for those seeking to provide comprehensive teething relief while encouraging healthy chewing behaviors.
10. Nylabone Sensory Material Soothing Puppy Chew Toy Stick, Toys for Teething Puppies, Peanut Butter Flavor, Small – Up to 25 lbs, 1 Count
Overview: The Nylabone Sensory Material Soothing Puppy Chew Toy Stick is a specially designed chew toy made from comforting sensory material specifically created for sensitive puppy gums. Its stick-shaped body features soothing grooves that provide relief during the teething phase while its unique rolling motion helps keep puppies engaged and prevents boredom.
What Makes It Stand Out: What distinguishes this toy from typical chew products is its thoughtful design for the specific needs of teething puppies. Unlike standard hard rubber toys that can aggravate sore gums, this toy uses a sensory material that’s gentler on sensitive mouth tissues. The innovative grooved texture provides targeted relief, and its ability to roll unpredictably adds an element of play that keeps puppies interested beyond simple chewing.
Value for Money: Priced at $8.44 for a single toy, this product sits in the mid-to-upper price range for puppy chew toys. However, its special sensory material and thoughtful design for teething-specific relief potentially justify this cost. The toy’s versatility—usable as both a chew toy and a boredom-fighting tool—also adds to its overall value compared to single-function alternatives.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Strengths:
– Specially designed material for sensitive teething gums
– Unique rolling motion increases engagement and play value
– Can be frozen for additional soothing effect during painful teething periods
– Discourages destructive chewing by redirecting behavior
– Encourages the development of positive chewing habits
Weaknesses:
– Single unit purchase may not provide the best value
– Some puppies may not find the rolling motion engaging
– The softer material may not withstand very aggressive chewers as long as harder rubber toys
Bottom Line: The Nylabone Sensory Material Puppy Chew Toy Stick is thoughtfully designed to address the specific challenges of the teething phase. While its price may be higher than basic chew toys, its specialized construction for sensitive gums and engaging design make it a worthwhile investment for managing this challenging developmental period. The option to freeze it adds another dimension of relief particularly beneficial during intense teething episodes.
Understanding Puppy Teething
The Teething Process
Puppies experience two sets of teeth during their development journey – first, the deciduous (baby) teeth begin to emerge around three to four weeks of age, and later these are replaced by permanent adult teeth typically between four to seven months. This natural process involves teeth pushing through the gums, causing discomfort, swelling, and itching that drives puppies to chew relentlessly on available objects.
Common Teething Behaviors
Behavioral changes during teething are quite noticeable and include increased chewing on anything within reach, excessive drooling, a slight decrease in appetite, mild irritability, and even sporadic drops of blood on toys or chewed items. Some puppies might also show reluctance to eat hard food due to gum sensitivity.
The Importance of Proper Teething Support
Addressing teething needs effectively is crucial for preventing destructive behavior and developing proper bite inhibition. Puppies who don’t receive appropriate chew outlets may develop inappropriate chewing habits that persist into adulthood, potentially leading to damaged belongings or health issues from ingesting non-edible items.
Choosing the Right Kong Teething Stick
Material and Safety Considerations
Kong teething sticks come specifically designed for puppies with different materials than those for adult dogs. Look for FDA-grade, non-toxic rubber that’s gentle on developing teeth yet durable enough to withstand vigorous chewing. The best options feature irregular textures that provide varying degrees of gum massage.
Size Appropriate for Your Puppy
The Kong teething stick should be proportionate to your puppy’s size and mouth capacity. A general rule is that the toy should be large enough that your puppy cannot accidentally swallow it, but small enough for them to manipulate with their paws. Most manufacturers provide guidelines based on breed size.
Texture Design
The texture of the teething stick significantly impacts its effectiveness. Multi-textured designs with raised nubs, ridges, and smooth sections offer varied sensory experiences that can specifically address different areas of the mouth affected by teething discomfort.
Types of Fillers for Kong Teething Sticks
Wet Food Fillers
Wet food fillers provide immediate dental contact and cooling relief. These typically include puppy-safe canned foods, plain yogurt, or specialized puppy pastes that can be easily smeared inside the toy’s crevices. The moisture content helps hydrate gums while the coldness soothes inflammation.
Frozen Fillers
Frozen fillers offer extended relief as the gradual thawing process provides lasting comfort. Common frozen options include natural puppy yogurt, unsalted broth, or pureed fruits like bananas or pumpkin that freeze solid without becoming too hard or causing dental discomfort.
Dry Food Fillers
Dry kibble can be soaked lightly before being stuffed inside the Kong, offering a texture challenge that takes longer for puppies to extract. This method particularly appeals to puppies who enjoy foraging activities and extended engagement times.
Homemade Fillers
Many puppy parents prefer creating custom fillers at home to ensure ingredients are natural and tailored to their puppy’s dietary needs. Popular homemade options include mashed sweet potatoes, pumpkin puree, xylitol-free peanut butter (in moderation), and unsweetened applesauce.
Nutritional Considerations
Age-Appropriate Ingredients
The nutritional needs of puppies differ significantly from adult dogs, making age appropriateness essential when selecting fillers. Always ensure ingredients are suitable for your puppy’s specific age and developmental stage as recommended by your veterinarian or pet nutrition guidelines.
Caloric Content Awareness
Fillers, especially those that are highly palatable, can contribute significantly to your puppy’s daily caloric intake. Monitor portion sizes to prevent excessive weight gain, particularly for smaller breed puppies whose caloric needs are proportionally less than larger breeds.
Avoiding Harmful Substances
Certain common household items can be toxic to puppies despite being safe for humans. Always avoid chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, grapes, raisins, macadamia nuts, onions, garlic, and xylitol (a common sweetener in sugar-free peanut butter and other products).
Freezing Techniques for Enhanced Relief
Basic Freezing Method
The simplest approach involves filling your Kong teething stick and placing it in the freezer until solid. This technique works well for wetter fillers and provides an immediate cooling effect that numbs sore gums effectively.
Layered Freezing
For more complex textures and extended engagement times, consider layering different fillers. Start with a base of dry food, add a layer of wet food, and finish with yogurt before freezing. This creates varied extraction challenges and maintains your puppy’s interest over longer periods.
The Double Freeze Technique
Advanced users can employ the double freeze method by partially freezing a base layer, adding another filler component, and freezing again. This creates denser fillings that require more effort to extract, making them last significantly longer and providing more substantial teething relief.
Storage and Preparation Guidelines
Proper Cleaning Methods
Kong teething sticks should be thoroughly cleaned after each use to prevent bacterial growth. Most can be washed with warm soapy water and a bottle brush, while some are dishwasher safe (check manufacturer guidelines). Always ensure the toy is completely dry before adding new fillers.
Safe Storage Practices
Store prepared fillings appropriately—wet and perishable items should be kept refrigerated and used within 24-48 hours, while dry fillers can be stored longer in airtight containers. Never leave perishable fillings at room temperature for extended periods before freezing them.
Portion Control Tips
Different fillers offer varying degrees of satiety. Calorie-dense options like peanut butter or yogurt should be used sparingly, while lower-calorie fillers like pumpkin puree can be used more liberally. Always consider your puppy’s overall diet and caloric needs when determining portion sizes.
Complementary Strategies for Teething Relief
Creating a Teething-Friendly Environment
Designating specific teething zones in your home with appropriate chew options can redirect destructive behaviors. Rotate the types of toys available to maintain interest and provide continuous dental relief options throughout the day.
Incorporating Massage Techniques
Gentle gum massage with your clean finger or a soft, damp cloth can provide additional relief beyond what toys offer. For puppies who tolerate it, this can be done before and after filling their Kong teething stick for comprehensive soothing.
Temperature Therapy Alternatives
In addition to frozen Kongs, consider other cooling options like refrigerated (not frozen) wet washcloths specifically designed for teething puppies. These can be rotated to provide constant cool relief without the risk of dental fracture from overly hard frozen items.
Monitoring Your Puppy’s Progress
Recognizing Excessive Discomfort
While some teething discomfort is normal, excessive pain, bleeding, or refusal to eat for more than 24 hours warrants veterinary attention. These could indicate complications that require professional intervention rather than simple home management.
Tracking Developmental Milestones
Noting when your puppy loses specific baby teeth and when adult teeth emerge helps you anticipate particular challenging periods. This awareness allows you to adjust filler types and freezing techniques to provide appropriate relief as the teething process evolves.
Adjusting Fillers Based on Responses
Pay attention to how your puppy reacts to different fillers—some may be too cold and cause sensitivity, others might not hold interest. Tailor your approach based on these observations for optimal teething management.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How often can I give my puppy a frozen Kong teething stick with filler?
- Can using fillers in a Kong teething stick help with training during the teething phase?
- Are there any vegetables that make good frozen fillers for teething puppies?
- How do I know if my puppy is allergic to a particular filler ingredient?
- Can teething stick fillers help prevent plaque buildup in puppies?
- Should I be concerned if my puppy swallows small pieces of their Kong teething stick?
- At what age can I start introducing Kong teething sticks with fillers to my puppy?
- Are there specific fillers that can help with bad breath during teething?
- Can I reuse frozen fillers if my puppy doesn’t finish them in one sitting?
- How many different types of fillers should I rotate through for my teething puppy?