When your pup turns sixteen weeks old, you’ll have a different problem in your hands because then they will earnestly start teething. Their milk teeth will gradually be pushed out by permanent adult teeth, but this process will cause considerable discomfort and pain, which they will try to ease by chewing, biting, and gnawing on everything.
Puppy teeth may be small, but you shouldn’t underestimate their sharpness. At this stage, puppies are at their most destructive, and they shouldn’t be left unsupervised at length. If you don’t want your expensive shoes, clothes, or furniture to be the sacrificial lambs, better prepare chew toys for your teething pup.
There are countless chew toys for teething puppies in the market, but here are nine of the best and safest toys that owners recommend and dogs love.
KONG Classic Dog Toy
Virtually indestructible, the KONG Classic dog toy has been a favorite among dogs and owners alike. Dogs love to chew on the bouncy beehive-like toy and dig into the hidden treat inside. Owners love it for its durability and simple yet interactive design.
The KONG Classic is made from 100 percent natural rubber, which is safe for pets to chew on. It comes highly recommended by veterinarians and dog trainers around the world. Whether your pup is a small, medium, or big breed, there’s a KONG Classic for their size.
Pawstruck Braided Bully Stick
Bully sticks are safe, healthy chew toys slash snacks for canines of all ages, from teething puppies to fully matured dogs. Pawstruck Braided Bully Sticks are made from a single ingredient—bull penises, which are 100 percent beef muscle.
The beef tendon is thoroughly cleaned, hung, and dried before it’s slowly roasted and smoked to preserve the beefy flavor that dogs can’t resist. Since they’re all-natural, Pawstruck Braided Bully Sticks don’t have chemicals, artificial preservatives, and unhealthy additives.
Unlike rawhide chews, bully sticks are completely digestible, so you don’t have to worry about your pup getting a blocked stomach. Of course, you still must watch over your puppy as there’s a risk of choking on huge broken-off pieces of bully stick.
KONG Squeezz Dumbbell
With fun textures and an enticing squeaker, the KONG Squeezz Dumbbell is made for fun playtime with pups young and old. As with other KONG toys out there, this one is from durable and safe materials for your puppy to chew on. The grooves add interesting textures to stimulate your pup and keep them engaged.
The cute dumbbell design fits perfectly in your puppy’s mouth and makes for a perfect toy to play fetch with. The KONG Squeezz Dumbbell comes in three sizes, for small-, medium-, and large-breed dogs.
PetSafe Busy Buddy Twist ’n Treat
Puppies are known for their curious and playful disposition, which gets them in all sorts of trouble. An interactive toy is just the perfect thing to engage them and keep them away from mischief. PetSafe Busy Buddy Twist ’n Treat was made for this purpose.
The Busy Buddy Twist ’n Treat has patented toy design, which makes it a highly adjustable toy-and-treats dispenser that accommodates a wide variety of treat options. You can adjust the toy to make it easier or harder for your pup to get the treats inside. True to its name, the Busy Buddy Twist ’n Treat will keep your pup happily busy and away from your stuff.
The toy is dishwasher safe (top rack only) and easy to clean, so you can be sure it’s safe for your puppy to play with.
Nylabone Ring Bone Dog Chew Toy
me puppies are chewers while others are chewers—the kind that won’t stop until they tear an object apart. For these pups, not just any toy will do. The Nylabone Ring Bone Dog Toy was made for aggressive chewers. It’s made from sturdy, durable nylon for long-lasting chewing enjoyment.
With its interesting texture and irresistible flavor, the Nylabone Ring Bone Dog Toy will curb your pup’s destructive chewing and keep them entertained for a long time. Best of all, as your pup chews on the toys, it helps clean their teeth and freshen their breath.
PetSafe Busy Buddy Magic Mushroom
Keeping a puppy, especially a teething one, busy is a must; otherwise, you’ll find a trail of destruction in their wake. The PetSafe Busy Buddy Magic Mushroom, like it’s cousin the Twist ’n Treat, is another toy with an interactive design to help your pup stay out of trouble.
As its name suggests, the Busy Buddy Magic Mushroom has a mushroom-like design that can tip, flip, roll, and dispense treats. It has adjustable openings, which releases treats with certain movements. The toy can hold a variety of kibble and treat and is excellent for a challenging and rewarding playtime with your puppy.
KONG Floppy Knots Elephant Dog Toy
Varied textures are important to mentally stimulate puppies and keep them interested. That said, the KONG Floppy Knots Elephant Dog Toy is a great diversion from the usual natural rubber and nylon chew toys.
Despite its cute and cheerful appearance, this toy is not to be underestimated. Inside the durable elephant fabric skin are hardy knotted ropes, allowing for enjoyable chewing and thrashing. It also has a squeaker inside to get your pup’s attention and keep them engaged on the toy. The minimal stuffing means less mess and accidental swallowing.
Redbarn Denta Doggie
Puppy kisses are some of the best things in life. Unfortunately, they’re not all that clean or good-smelling. Luckily, you’ve got dental chew sticks to help keep your pup’s teeth clean and their breath fresh. Redbarn’s Denta Doggie is just the perfect toy and treat to promote your puppy’s dental health.
The Dental Doggie comes in a hard yet chewable texture for an interesting and rewarding chewing experience for your pup while the toothpaste fillings clean hard-to-reach areas and help keep your dog’s teeth healthy. The fresh minty flavor also combats stinky dog breath. It’s fully digestible, so you don’t have to worry about your puppy swallowing the treat.
KONG Classic Flyer Dog Toy
Engagement is key to keep your puppy from chewing and destroying your things. The KONG Flyer Dog Toy doubles up as a frisbee and chew toy. If your puppy is busy chasing the KONG Classic Flyer, they won’t have much time to gnaw on your shoes.
Playing fetch with the KONG Classic Flyer will use up your puppy’s energy and knock them down for a few hours, giving you some peace and quiet to recuperate your energy.
The KONG Classic Flyer is made from nontoxic natural rubber, a hardy material that’s safe for your dogs to chew on. It also comes in two different sizes to accommodate small, medium, and large dog breeds.
Last Thoughts
Raising a puppy is no walk in the park. Although they can walk and do stuff by themselves, young pups still need a lot of attention, especially in the first few weeks when their senses are still unreliable. If you leave them alone for a long time, they’ll likely get into places they’re not supposed to be in, eat things they shouldn’t, or urinate or defecate anywhere.
Most of all, they will chew on anything and everything, leaving a trail of destruction along their way. Fortunately, there are a wide variety of safe, healthy, and long-lasting toys you can get to keep them entertained, help soothe teething aches, and let them stay out of trouble.