13 Best Puppy Toys of 2023

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Playtime is crucial to a puppy's development. It helps them develop impulse control, build social skills, and expand their cognitive abilities. One way to set your puppy up for success is to have appropriate, safe toys on hand before bringing them home. The best puppy toys will suit your new best friend's size and age.

A mix of different kinds of the best dog toys is essential because many puppies may prefer certain kinds and completely ignore others. "It's all about variety, what the dog likes and cannot destroy," says Dr. Katherine Houpt, a veterinary behaviorist and professor of behavior medicine at the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. The toys range from plushies to squeaky balls to food puzzles. Yet not all toys are safe. Make sure to avoid toys with sharp edges and parts that are easy to chew off or swallow.

We tested 27 toys for this guide with Herschel, a basset hound puppy. We also consulted other pet guardians, veterinarians, and a dog trainer to narrow down our recommendations to the most enriching, durable toys for puppies.

Best overall: West Paw Zogoflex Toppl - See at ChewyThe Toppl is a durable food toy that encourages puppies to problem-solve.

Best chew toy: Dogwood Calming Chew - See at ChewyThe Dogwood Calming Chew is a safe alternative to real sticks that your puppy may be drawn to.Best for aggressive chewers: West Paw Zogoflex Hurley - See at ChewyThe Hurley is a great alternative to bully sticks and has outlasted most of the chew toys we tested.

Best for teething: Kong Puppy Teething Stick - See at ChewyThis teething toy is excellent for young puppies but also a great chew toy for older pups who have new adult teeth.Best heartbeat toy: Smart Pet Love Snuggle Puppy - See at ChewyThe Snuggle Puppy helps soothe anxious puppies with its heartbeat and warming pad.

Best puzzle: Outward Hound Puppy Smart Interactive Puzzle - See at ChewyThis beginner-level puzzle for puppies has hidden compartments for hiding treats.

Best squeaky: Outward Hound Invincibles Minis Dog - See at ChewyThis plush toy has a satisfying loud squeaker hidden inside its durable, double-stitched fabric.Best crinkle: Frisco Frosted Pastry Plush Toy - See at ChewyIf your puppy likes toys that make noise, this crinkle toy is a great option that's much quieter than a squeaker.Best plush: Kong Wild Knots Bear - See at ChewyThe Wild Knots Bear combines a soft plush exterior with an interior knotted rope "skeleton" that provides a unique texture for chewing.Best for fetch: Kong Wubba - See at ChewyThe Kong Wubba gets your pup moving and exploring, which helps build their confidence.Best ball: Chuckit! Ultra Squeaker Ball - See at ChewyPuppies love chasing this bouncy ball as well as trying to catch it mid-air.Best silent squeaker: GoDog Crazy Hairs Hedgehog - See at ChewyThis plush hedgehog can only be heard by your pup and is a great toy for people who just need some quiet time.Best for tug: Mammoth Cottonblend 3 Knot Rope Toy - See at ChewyThis sturdy rope toy comes in a small size for the littlest of puppies.

Pros: Available in three sizes, durable, floats in water, holds many different foods, can be frozen, easy to clean

Cons: None

The Toppl is a chewable interactive toy that holds food within its hollow interior. "Owners can fill the toy with their puppy's regular dog food and a few extra small treats, allowing puppies to explore their environment using their sense of smell while having fun simultaneously," says Brad Phifer, a certified dog trainer and executive board director for the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers.

This toy rolls and bobs too — extra features that boosted it to the top spot for the best puppy toys. The soft, stretchy, BPA-free plastic composite material is super tough, making it excellent for puppies who like to chew. It comes in three sizes, starting at 3 inches tall and 2.5 inches wide. After playtime, just run it through the dishwasher.

The Kong Classic for Puppies is also a good option to add more variety to your food toy collection. It lost out to the Toppl because accessing the food inside is more challenging and may frustrate some puppies.

Pros: Texture and flavor similar to real stick, available in four sizes

Cons: Small pieces may break off over time

Chewing is both an exploratory and play behavior, says Houpt. Puppies need a variety of toys to satisfy their chewing needs. These toys can also be used to redirect your puppy from chewing on undesirable items like furniture and sneakers. However, safety should be top of mind since puppies can chew off a small piece of a toy in seconds.

Over four weeks of use, the Dogwood Calming Chew held up to 15- to 20-minute chew sessions a few times a week. The stick-like toy is made from a combination of wood fiber, polypropylene, and plastic. This toy is unique because it has the same flavor as the sticks your dog might enthusiastically collect from your backyard. The stick comes in four sizes, the smallest being 4 inches long. When the toy has obvious damage, replace it immediately.

Pros: Super durable, available in three sizes, floats in water, easy to clean

Cons: None

When pet guardians research what to give an aggressive chewer, the results are typically bully sticks or hard bones. But Phifer explains that special consideration needs to be taken before providing dogs with hard bones, such as antlers, hooves, or even Nylabones. "They often result in cracked, broken, or loose teeth," he says.

We recommend extra-durable yet softer toys for aggressive chewers. Our tester puppy gravitates toward the Hurley, which has a soft texture and flexibility that appeals to chewers. Like our overall favorite toy, the Toppl, it is made from extra-durable BPA-free Zogoflex material. It also floats, making it great for water-loving dogs, and cleans up easily in the dishwasher. The stick-shaped toy is available in three sizes; the smallest is 4.5 inches long.

Pros: Doubles as a food toy, good for puppies up to 9 months old

Cons: Grooves are hard to clean

Houpt says that puppies have already teethed 6 to 8 weeks before they are typically in their new homes. After that, puppy chewing is not teething but exploratory and play behavior. Still, a teething stick is an excellent solution for young puppies inclined to chew.

"Teething sticks can soothe some puppies and provides a good chewing option," says Dr. Mallory Kanwal, a veterinary dentist at VCA Animal Hospitals Great Lakes. "Rubber toys are the most tooth-friendly toys for dogs of all ages." She recommends sticking with toys you can indent with your fingernail to reduce the risk of tooth fracture.

Kong's Puppy Teething Sticks are made from a soft rubber formula. They have small grooves to encourage chewing, and you can spread food like peanut butter across the ridges. The sticks are good for puppies up to 9 months old, and we found that our tester pup didn't do any damage to them with his adult teeth. There are three sizes and we recommend going up a size unless you have a very small breed. "The important thing is that the puppy can't possibly destroy them and then swallow them," says Houpt.

Pros: Loud and soothing heartbeat, removable heating pad

Cons: Ears and tail can be easily chewed off

A word of caution: This toy contains batteries, which can be fatal to dogs if ingested. Our experts recommend strict supervision with this toy.

Nothing is familiar to your puppy when they first arrive at your home, and it can be a scary time for them. Before our tester dog came to live with us, we bought the Snuggle Puppy, a battery-operated plush dog with two heartbeat modes and a removable heating pad that stays warm for up to 45 minutes.

Houpt says that the heartbeat and warmth simulate the mother that the puppy has been separated from. "My own dog played with hers every evening for years," says Houpt. "I have recommended the Snuggle pup for young puppies with separation-related anxiety or distress, and it has helped," says Anderson.

You'll want to observe your dog with this toy, as the ears and tail don't hold up well to chewing. It also doesn't do well in the washing machine. However, it may be the best option for soothing your puppy.

Pros: Great introductory puzzle, easy to clean, suitable for puppies and some adult dogs

Cons: Individual pieces are easy for puppies to remove and chew

Houpt encourages guardians to introduce their puppies to puzzle toys, which give dogs an opportunity to problem-solve to get to the food hidden inside. "Interactive puzzle games can help puppies challenge their minds while having fun," says Phifer. Start with an easy puzzle toy so your puppy doesn't become discouraged.

This beginner-level puzzle has nine small plastic bones to hide treats under. Your dog must remove each bone to find the hidden kibble or treats. However, you'll want to supervise your puppy as the loose bone pieces may be a tempting chew for some dogs. The base can be washed in the dishwasher.

Pros: Only one size, stuffing-free, very tough, loud squeaker

Cons: Smaller size may not be appropriate for larger puppies

Research suggests that dogs may have more interest in toys that make noise and engage with these toys longer. This Invincible Minis Dog's loud squeaker satisfied our tester puppy.

Like many of the best puppy toys, this one is stuffing-free, meaning no mess if your dog destroys it, and double-layer seams provide extra reinforcement. Dog trainers recommend toys with this type of durable construction. "Used, natural rubber, or tough cloth-based toys with no bells and whistles, such as stuffing, plastic eyes, or ribbons, can provide long-lasting playtime fun," says Phifer.

This toy may be too small for older or large-breed puppies. However, at 7 inches long, it's well-sized for a young puppy.

Pros: Soft fabric cover, fairly quiet sound appeals to dogs

Cons: Strong chewers may destroy this quickly

Crinkle toys add an auditory experience in addition to an oral one, says Houpt. The crinkle paper inside the Frisco Frosted Pastry was particularly stimulating for our tester puppy. The toy also has a soft exterior and a plush filling that appeals to dogs.

At 6 inches long by 4 inches wide and just a half-inch thick, the toy is easy for puppies to pick up. It held up well after weeks of being tossed around and chewed on by our 8-month-old basset hound. However, this isn't suitable if your puppy is a strong chewer.

Pros: Easy to shake, minimal stuffing, available in four sizes

Cons: Not good for aggressive chewers

Plush toys are a favorite among many puppies. "The tactile feeling and ability to chew them is why I suspect many dogs like [them]," says Dr. Kate Anderson, a veterinarian and assistant clinical professor at the Duffield Institute for Animal Behavior at the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. She emphasizes the importance of supervision since dogs who ingest pieces of plush toys can get intestinal blockages.

While many plush toys can be destroyed in minutes, the Wild Knots Bear is one of the best puppy toys because it's super durable for moderate chewers. Our puppy tester hasn't managed to get an arm off even though it's his favorite toy to shake. Puppies will love latching onto and chewing the knotted rope "skeleton" sewn inside.

Pros: Durable, cloth doesn't tear, easy for dogs to pick up and shake, comes in three sizes

Cons: None

Fetch is an interactive, social game that supports your puppy's development. It may also be a rewarding activity for dogs particularly driven to engage in training. "Using toys and play as rewards for dogs that already have a high training drive is a great way to take advantage of their motivation to work," says Houpt.

The Kong Wubba is our favorite toy for fetch. The toy, which resembles an octopus, is made with ballistic nylon. It has two bouncy, squeaky balls wrapped within the fabric and long tails that make it easy for dogs to pick up, shake, and play tug. It's available in three sizes, starting 8.75 inches long.

Pros: Weatherproof, can be thrown far, easy to clean, high bounce, squeaks, available in three sizes

Cons: None

Like fetch, ball play is a great game that helps build cooperation. We tested a few different types of balls and the Chuckit! Ultra Squeaker Ball stood out as one of the best puppy toys. It has a very high bounce and loud squeak, and the colors are bright enough for your dog to see them at dawn or dusk.

We played with this ball in every type of weather and could easily clean it off with a damp cloth, even when it was covered in mud. Because it's so durable, your puppy can spend some time chewing on it without destroying it. Make sure to supervise your dog with this toy as they can accidentally swallow balls.

Pros: Silent squeaker appeals to dogs, humans can't hear any sounds

Cons: Fuzzy hair can come loose from chewing

Puppy playtime can get loud, but silent squeaker toys are a good option for pet guardians who need some quiet time. Silent squeakers produce an ultrasonic sound that dogs can hear but not humans. "The ultrasonic squeaker won't harm your dog's hearing and should help with enrichment," says Houpt.

Among the toys we tested, the plush Crazy Hairs Hedgehog was the clear winner. While we were skeptical initially, the squeaker seemed to do the trick for our tester puppy. He was also drawn to the hedgehog's long colorful hair. The 10-inch tall toy stood up to rough play and indoor fetch. Supervise closely, however, because the hair can come loose during chew sessions.

Pros: Durable enough for strong chewers

Cons: None

Tug is a rewarding game for puppies and a great way to introduce training. This tug rope toy from Mammoth is the most durable of the bunch we tested and comes in puppy-appropriate sizes. It's made of 100% cotton and held up to our test puppy's strong grip and multiple dishwasher cycles when we cleaned it.

Choosing appropriate tug toys is important. "Rope toys are excellent when the dog and their owner are playing tug or fetch," says Phifer. "However, owners should supervise their dogs with these toys because young dogs often enjoy unraveling the rope, which can lead to blockages in the intestines." Go up a size or two when buying this for tug.

According to our experts, safety, size, durability, materials, enrichment, and your dog's personality are the most important factors to consider when choosing toys for your puppy.

Safety: Houpt says the most important consideration when choosing toys for your puppy. Look out for toys with sharp edges and parts that can be easily chewed off or swallowed. Avoid soft toys that can easily be torn apart since dogs may eat the stuffing and pieces of fabric. Toys with double-stitching provide extra durability.

Size: Avoid toys that appear to be too small or aren't labeled for the size of your dog. Your dog may swallow these toys, which could get stuck in their throat or gastrointestinal tract. Toys will always say on the package if they are intended for small, medium, or large dogs. If you're unsure about a toy's size, it's best to size up.

Durability: Some dogs are aggressive chewers, and even puppies can destroy the strongest and safest toys. Wear and tear is something to observe in the first week. The toys we selected for this guide were more durable than other products we tested.

"Durability is essential since puppies have sharp teeth and are more likely to chew things up quickly," says Phifer. "In addition, some breeds, such as terriers, might be more prone to shredding plush toys."

Materials: Avoid toys made with hard plastic and vinyl. These materials may damage a puppy's teeth and, if ingested, may be harmful. Double-stitched cloth is important for plush toys and stuffies. However, you should always supervise playtime as even the toughest toy can eventually come apart.

Enrichment: Enrichment consists of meeting a puppy's mental and physical needs. "Just like us, puppies benefit from a variety of physical and mental enrichment," says Anderson. "Engaging puppies in appropriate chew toys, food puzzle toys, training, games, and physical exercise are all important."

Your dog's preferences: Introduce a variety of toys to your puppy to find out what they like. This process may take weeks or even months. For example, you may find your puppy gravitates toward fetch toys and is excited to eat their meals from puzzles while they leave plush toys and squeakers lying in the corner.

We considered a variety of puppy toys that help nurture different types of play. We also consulted four experts who advised what to look for and avoid in toys for puppies.

After researching popular toys, we selected 2 to 3 toys to test for each category and tested 27 toys altogether. Each toy was tested by a basset hound puppy, Herschel, and his guardian. He has been playing with the Toppl, Hurley, Snuggle Puppy, Wubba, Outward Hound Puzzle, and Kong Teething Sticks since he was adopted. The other toys were tested with him at 8 months of age for approximately three weeks.

We evaluated each toy according to its safety, size, durability, materials, enrichment potential, and what Herschel gravitated toward among the category competition. After the first week, we checked the toys for any damage. During each play session, we paid special attention to any toys worn to the point of becoming too small and posing a choking hazard. Some toys only lasted a few minutes before falling apart.

The best toy for your puppy depends on their personality. Some puppies want to play fetch, while others want to chew on anything that resembles a stick. In addition, your sweet puppy has a very short attention span, and the best option may be a variety of toys that meet different needs. For example, our experts recommend interactive puzzle games and food-dispensing toys to help puppies challenge their minds and encourage problem-solving skills. Yet safety always comes first, says Houpt. Avoid toys with sharp edges and parts that are easy to chew off or swallow.

Anderson says to avoid anything puppies can swallow in large pieces since this could be dangerous. Consider simple toys without ribbons, ears, tails, and stuffing. Double-stitched seams and durable materials are best. Supervision is needed with any new toy until you determine how your pup plans to engage with it. "Be cautious about what toys are left alone with your puppy when they are not being supervised," Anderson says.

According to Anderson, there are some big no-nos when it comes to puppy toys. Avoid edible toys such as cornstarch bones, rawhide chews, pigs ears, cow hooves, raw bones, and sticks — all of which can cause intestinal blockages if ingested. "I would also recommend avoiding laser pointers for puppies and dogs in general since they may contribute to overall frustration and the development of excessive light and shadow chasing behaviors," says Anderson.

Not all types of toys and materials are safe for chewing. Avoid bones, sticks, rawhide chews, and hard plastic toys. Read a toy's packaging to see if it's recommended for chewing along with the level of chewing it's appropriate for. Some toys are designed for light and moderate chewers, while others will stand up to aggressive chewers. Brands like West Paw and Kong make durable yet soft rubber toys that held up in our testing and won't damage a puppy's teeth. Double-stitched cloth is the gold standard for plush toys.

It may take a lot of trial and error to determine the best puppy toys to entertain your dog. Look for a variety of toys that help promote healthy behavior. "Remember your puppy has a short attention span so have a variety of toys — shapes, sizes, and types," says Houpt. Anderson recommends making a note of what your puppy interacts the most with and what they ignore. And don't feel discouraged if the toys you buy don't immediately have your pup doing zoomies. Your new puppy may pick that toy out of the bin when you least expect it.

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