Puppy Chew Toys: What Should I Give My Puppy to Chew On?

Ever feel like your puppy wants to chew everything but the toys you buy? You’re definitely not alone. Puppies have a natural urge to chew, especially when they’re teething. They’ll gnaw on just about anything—shoes, furniture, even your fingers—if you don’t offer something better.

The trick is giving them the right things to chew so they aren’t tempted by stuff you want to keep in one piece. But it’s not just about saving your belongings. Chewing actually helps puppies work through teething pain, keeps their teeth healthy, and can cut down on boredom (which, trust me, leads to even more chewing...).

Let’s get real about what makes a perfect chew toy for your puppy and which ones you should skip. Plus, I’ll share a few hacks to help you handle those super-sharp puppy teeth and keep your pup happy at the same time.

• Why Puppies Need to Chew
• Best Types of Chew Toys for Puppies
• What to Avoid: Dangerous Chew Items
• Homemade Chew Alternatives
• Tips for Safe and Happy Chewing

Why Puppies Need to Chew

If you’ve ever had your puppy go after your phone charger or a table leg, you might’ve asked yourself why they can’t control their urge to chew. The truth? There’s a real reason behind it—actually, several.

Puppies, just like human babies, go through a teething phase. Their baby teeth start coming in at about three weeks old, and by the time they’re around four months, those baby teeth begin falling out to make room for adult teeth. This whole process can make their gums sore, so chewing just feels good and gives them relief from all that irritation.

But it’s not just about teething. Chewing is a way for puppies to explore the world. Instead of using their hands, they use their mouths. Everything is new to them—smells, textures, even tastes. And when they’re bored or feeling anxious, chewing can actually help calm them down, kind of like how some people bite their nails or fidget with stress balls.

If puppies don’t get the chance to chew on something safe, they’ll look for anything handy to satisfy that urge—which could easily be your shoes or furniture! Giving them proper puppy chew toys is the best way to direct this natural behavior so it doesn’t turn into a habit that’s tough to break down the road.

• Chewing helps relieve teething pain.
• It keeps their teeth and jaws healthy.
• Chewing cuts down on boredom and even mild anxiety.
• It lets puppies safely explore their environment.

Think of it like a daily puppy need—just like sleep or food. The right chew toys aren’t just a luxury—they’re a must if you want a happy, healthy pup (and, let’s be honest, a damage-free home).

Best Types of Chew Toys for Puppies

Walking down the toy aisle can feel overwhelming when you’re looking for the right chew toy for your puppy. Not everything out there is safe or effective, and picking the wrong toy can mean wasted money (or worse, a trip to the vet). Here’s what actually works, and why:

puppy chew toys need to be gentle on puppy teeth but tough enough to last longer than a few minutes. Most experts suggest looking for toys made specifically for puppies—these are usually softer than adult dog toys since baby teeth can be damaged by really hard stuff.

• Rubber Chew Toys: These are classics for a reason. Toys like the KONG Puppy line are made with softer rubber just for young dogs. You can even stuff them with treats or a little peanut butter to keep your puppy busy and interested.
• Rope Toys: These are great for teething because they help massage your puppy’s gums. Just make sure you get one designed for puppies, as big, tough adult ropes might be too rough and heavy. Always check for frayed ends so your puppy doesn’t swallow bits of string.
• Soft Plush Toys: Some puppies find comfort in softer toys, especially if they still miss their littermates. Look for plush toys labeled for aggressive chewers or puppies to help them last longer. Remove any small parts, like squeaker inserts, if your puppy is a shredder.
• Teething Rings: Specially made for puppies, these offer different textures for chewing. Some even have spots you can pop in the freezer, offering extra relief for sore gums.
• Edible Chew Treats: These are great for short-term chewing. Brands like Nylabone and Benebone offer puppy-specific chews made to be softer for beginners. Watch your puppy with these to avoid choking on small pieces.

It’s not a one-size-fits-all situation though. Some puppies love squeaky toys, others go wild for ropes, and some want nothing but rubber chews. Don’t be afraid to test out a couple different types and see what your puppy actually cares about. Make sure you rotate the toys, too—this keeps boredom away and keeps your stuff safe.

To give you an idea what to expect, here’s a quick look at what puppy parents find most reliable, based on a 2024 survey by the American Pet Products Association:

Playtime with the right toys isn’t just about keeping your puppy entertained. It’s a way to help their teeth come in straight, soothe their gums, and stop destructive biting before it starts. Watch how your puppy chews, and swap out anything that starts looking worn down. If a toy loses parts easily or gets chewed down to small bits, toss it. Safety first, always.

What to Avoid: Dangerous Chew Items

Not everything that looks chewy is safe for your puppy. Some popular items can do real harm. A lot of people learn this the hard way, usually after a pricey vet visit. So, let’s talk about what you need to keep far away from those puppy teeth.

• Puppy chew toys that are too hard can actually crack their baby teeth. If you can’t press your thumbnail into the toy, it’s usually too tough for a puppy’s mouth.
• Animal bones—especially cooked ones—split and splinter. Swallowed pieces can block or tear up a puppy’s gut. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, bone-related injuries are a top reason for emergency vet trips.
• Rawhide chews might look harmless, but they can swell up inside a puppy’s stomach or cause choking if swallowed whole. Lots of vets have seen it happen more than once.
• Sticks from outside may seem like a free toy, but they break apart, stab gums, and can carry pesticides or mold.
• Old shoes, socks, or kid’s toys confuse puppies about what’s safe to chew and what’s not. Plus, swallowing fabric causes some serious stomach troubles.

Here’s a quick breakdown of common household and store-bought items to skip—and why:

When you're out shopping, stick to toys designed just for puppies and skip anything that isn’t labeled non-toxic or puppy-approved. If it looks like it could break, splinter, or swallow whole, it’s better off in the trash.

Homemade Chew Alternatives

If you’re tired of buying overpriced toys that your puppy ignores or destroys in a day, you’ve probably thought about making your own. Homemade chew options can totally work—but only if you know what’s safe and what isn’t. Some common things you have around the house can be lifesavers when your wallet needs a break.

• Puppy chew toys made from old t-shirts: Take a clean, worn t-shirt, cut it into strips, braid the strips tight, and tie a knot at each end. Toss the finished braid in the freezer—puppies love the cold on sore gums.
• Frozen carrots: Just grab a regular-sized carrot, rinse it, and pop it in the freezer for an hour or so. Most puppies like the crunch and chill, and carrots don’t splinter like bones. Just make sure the carrot is the right size to avoid choking.
• Old, clean socks: Knotting a sock into a thick rope works in a pinch. But keep an eye out, because if your puppy actually eats the sock, that’s trouble. This is a play-only option—not a snack.

People often ask if ice cubes are okay. For most puppies, plain ice cubes are fine—just don’t give them to pups with dental issues or baby teeth coming in painfully. You can even freeze low-sodium chicken broth into cubes for extra flavor.

Just because it’s homemade doesn’t always mean it’s safe. Stay away from things like cooked bones, which can splinter, or anything with stuffing, buttons, or strings that could break off. And always watch your pup the first time they try a new chew toy, homemade or not.

If you want to get creative, you can try different shapes and textures but always think about the puppy’s safety first. If in doubt, ask your vet or skip it. Safer homemade options help you control what your puppy is gnawing on—and keep their teeth off your furniture.

Tips for Safe and Happy Chewing

Chewing should never feel like a battle between you and your puppy. With some smart moves, you can keep your stuff safe and help your pup learn what’s okay to chomp on. Here’s how you make chewing a win-win for everyone:

• Supervise playtime: Always keep an eye out, especially with new toys. Some puppies go from gentle nibbles to determined shredding if you let them.
• Switch up the toys: Puppies get bored fast. Offer a few different chew toys and rotate them every couple of days. This keeps things exciting and keeps them off your shoes—yes, really!
• Pick the right size: A toy that’s too small can be a choking risk. Choose toys that can’t fit completely in your puppy’s mouth but aren’t so big they can’t get a good grip.
• Clean the toys: Germs can hang out in those toy cracks. Toss rubber or plastic toys in the dishwasher or scrub them with soapy water every week.
• Watch for wear and tear: Toss out anything that’s falling apart or has sharp edges. Swallowed stuffing or rubber chunks isn’t something you want to deal with on a vet bill.

Here’s a quick cheat sheet for how long puppies should spend chewing each day. Overdoing it can tire their jaws or even hurt their teeth!

Keep an eye as your puppy grows. Their chewing needs change as their adult teeth come in and their jaws get stronger.

One more thing—if your puppy keeps ignoring those amazing puppy chew toys you bought, make the toys more interesting. Try freezing rubber toys with a little wet dog food inside, or stuff a Kong with peanut butter for extra fun. Trust me, a distracted puppy is a well-behaved puppy!