Top 10 Best Toys for Puppies

First, not all puppies are alike- the only common denominator for puppies is that they are all insanely adorable, but the similarities probably end there. Big, small, feisty, curious, energetic, lazy- same like it is the case with adult pooches, puppies also come in all shapes and sizes, and with different personalities to match it. Needless to say, when you are buying toys for your pet, you’ll have to account for those differences and quirks. Not only that it will make sure your puppy is happy with your choice, but it will also give you the best bang for your buck. I mean, a Lab puppy will probably go through a toy meant for toy breed puppies in seconds, and petite dogs won’t even be able to play properly with tough and big toys meant for their larger furry friends. And that’s just some of the factors you should pay attention to.

Different bells and whistles and factors aside, the starting point for best toys for puppies is that they are made from safe and durable materials. Those tiny puppy teeth are sharp and many puppies have the ability to destroy a toy in a matter of minutes with their single-minded focus. The style of the toy, how much it interests your dog, the size- it will all be for naught if your pooch rips it to shreds before he has the chance to actually play with the thing for a bit. To help you make sure that you’re getting toys for puppies that will suit your dog’s playing style, age, size, and other needs- check out our comprehensive buying guide for more information. And for a quick selection of the best toys for puppies your money can buy, scroll on to see our top 10 picks!

The Importance of Play and Toys for Puppies

You might think that the only cause for buying your puppy toys is to keep them away from your shoes (OK, OK, and to make them happy), but there’s much more to it. While the fun definitely makes up for a big part of playtime, play and toys actually have a far greater significance for dogs than pure entertainment. For puppies, playing helps them develop important life skills and socialize, as well as serve as a great learning opportunity about boundaries and which behaviors and actions are OK and which are not.

Even when they are just a few weeks old, puppies start playing with their mom and littermates, and it helps build their confidence and gain social skills. It doesn’t take long before puppies start expressing interest in playing with toys, and most start really enjoying it when they’re about a month old. Toys that they can nibble on, balls they can learn to bring back to you, and different simple yet entertaining games and toys are a good choice for a young puppy. Now is the time to teach them how to play fetch or to gently correct them if they are too aggressive in their play since they’ll be soaking up everything like little sponges. As they grow bigger, they will be able to have fun with puzzles and interactive toys that will challenge their minds and help them develop logical skills and occupy their mischievous selves at the same time.

Lack of play, both the physical and mental aspects of it, can have a significant impact on your dog’s behavior and happiness level. Playing with toys develops a puppy’s brain and builds their cognitive skills, give them healthy exercise and a productive outlet to burn off all that pent up energy. It’s a great way to redirect your pet’s chewing to an object that can be gnawed without consequences, unlike it’s the case with your valuables. Lastly, when you’re using a toy to entertain your pooch and play with them, the bond between you two is strengthened.

What to Look for in Toys for Puppies

Based on your puppy’s preferences, it might seem like the perfect toy is a smelly old sock or a pair of your favorite shoes. But, luckily, you know better than that! Toys for puppies should be chosen with care for their wellbeing and preferences both, as not all toys that can be found in pet shops are tantalizing enough for a young pooch or safe enough for them to play with. To make sure you’re choosing the right type of toy for your new pet, pay attention to the following factors:

Age

The age category “puppy” is a pretty broad one, as it includes those that are just a week old and still spending their time napping and nursing, all the way up to those that are 2 years old. Your puppy might be just a few weeks old when you get them their first toys to play with or you might be looking for something fun and challenging for your big puppy. Make sure that the toy you’re getting them is age-appropriate, both because it’s a safer bet that the type of toy will actually be interesting for them and because it will ensure that it’s not unsafe to use. Not that different than what you’d think about when choosing kids’ toys when you think about it!

Size/breed

What works for a Siberian Husky puppy definitely won’t for a baby Shih Tzu. I mean, some puppies are bigger than adult dogs- the breed and the expected size of your puppy will have to play an important role in your choice of their toys. Durability and the dimensions differ, so pay attention when picking something cute for your new pet- if the toy is too big, your puppy won’t be able to play with it, and if it’s too small or fragile for their rowdy play style and size, they can destroy it seconds, or, worse, swallow something and end up at the vet’s office.

Durability

Some dogs can be aggressive chewers, but it is particularly frequent with puppies. Even in cases when their teeth can’t do as much damage (although you should definitely take those needle-sharp baby teeth serious), with a bit of effort, they can easily destroy toys that are not as well made and durable as quality toys for puppies. Not only that it beats the purpose and wastes your money, but it can be dangerous for your pet, too- gnawed of bits of toys can often seem like a tasty treat to a silly puppy so they could end up swallowing it and get an intestinal blockage. To prevent this scenario, go for age and size appropriate toys for puppies that are made from durable materials, specially chosen to withstand all the nibbling, gnawing, and chewing a lively puppy can throw at them.

Toughness

While it’s important for toys for puppies to be durable and able to withstand the eager chewing of your puppy, it doesn’t necessarily have to mean that the material in question should be hard and tough. Sure, it makes fast destruction less likely, but your puppy might dislike his new toy if it’s too rough on his gums. A good chunk of puppyhood is spent in the teething phase when a dog’s gums are sore and sensitive, and the need for chewing that much greater because of the emerging adult teeth- gnawing on toys that are too hard could hurt them, instead provide the relief they seek. When your puppy is changing his baby teeth, go for chew toys designed for their age- it will make sure that the irritation and discomfort they feel during this stage of their life are minimal.

Appearance

One thing that many newbie pawrents tend to overlook is the appearance of their puppy’s toys- or, to be more precise, their similarity with household items they don’t want their puppy to destroy. Sure, a shoe-shaped toy might seem like a great substitute for your expensive pumps, but how is your furry baby going to make the difference between Louboutins and pet shop knockoffs? Spoiler alert: he won’t. When you want to prevent your puppy from chewing household items and valuables or to redirect their destructive chewing onto an allowed object, the last thing you want is to confuse them with similar-looking objects.