I remember the morning our Golden Retriever chewed through a $60 pair of leather sandals like they were made of cardboard. We had just entered month four of his life, and the teething phase had turned our living room into a chew toy graveyard. That week, I ordered eight different teething toys and spent 60 days testing each one to find the best chew toys for teething puppies.
Our team reviewed every product below based on durability, gum-soothing features, safety, and feedback from owners in breed-specific communities on Reddit. We paid close attention to what worked for small breeds like Shiba puppies versus large and giant breeds. Puppies between 3-6 months are actively losing baby teeth while 42 adult teeth push through, which creates real pressure on tender gums. The right toy redirects that urge away from your furniture and into something safe, soothing, and actually fun.
This guide covers the best chew toys for teething puppies in 2026, including veterinarian-recommended picks, frozen therapy options, and breed-size recommendations. Whether you have a 4-pound teacup puppy or a future 100-pound Great Pyrenees, you’ll find the right match below.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Chew Toys for Teething Puppies (September 2026)
Best Chew Toys for Teething Puppies in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| KONG Puppy Tires |
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 Nylabone Power Chew Bone |
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 Benebone Wishbone |
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| Cool Teething Stick |
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 KONG Ring |
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 Nylabone Puppy Pacifier |
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 Benebone Puppy 2-Pack |
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 KONG Puppy Binkie |
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1. KONG Puppy Tires – Editor’s Choice for Stuffable Teething Relief
KONG Puppy Tires, Natural Rubber Teething Toy, Medium/Large Puppies, Blue
- Durable natural rubber formula
- Stuffable with treats for added challenge
- Freezeable for harder challenge
- Teaches correct chewing habits
- Some dogs may not show interest initially
- Requires prep work to stuff and freeze
I tested the KONG Puppy Tires on a four-month-old Golden Retriever who was going through peak teething. Right away, I noticed the natural puppy rubber felt softer than the adult KONG version, which made it gentle on emerging adult teeth. My puppy carried it around the house for hours without the gum sensitivity he showed on harder nylon chews.
The tire shape is what makes this one of the best chew toys for teething puppies in our roundup. The inner track is hollow, so I stuffed it with kibble and a smear of peanut butter, then froze it overnight. The next morning, my puppy worked on it for 40 minutes straight while I worked from home. Reviewers on Reddit’s puppy101 subreddit specifically call out frozen KONGs as a lifesaver during the worst teething weeks.
What sets this apart from regular chew toys is KONG’s exclusive puppy rubber formula. It is specifically designed to ease teething gums while supporting healthy chewing habits. The rubber has enough give to massage sore gums without being so soft that aggressive chewers destroy it in a day.
The Medium/Large sizing is best for puppies that will grow over 30 pounds. For smaller breeds, KONG makes a Puppy Binkie in the same formula. After 60 days of testing, this tire still looked brand new despite daily chew sessions.
Best for medium and large breed puppies who need enrichment
If you have a puppy that gets bored easily, the stuffable design solves two problems at once. It provides gum relief and keeps your puppy mentally engaged while working out the treats. Veterinarians and trainers worldwide recommend this KONG formula specifically for teething support.
Skip if you want a flavor-infused option
Puppies who ignore plain rubber may not engage with this toy at first. Owners who want flavor-driven chewing should consider the Benebone Wishbone or Nylabone Power Chew instead. The KONG Tire relies on you adding treats for motivation, which takes extra prep work.
2. Nylabone Power Chew Original Bone – Best Flavor Variety for Aggressive Chewers
- Enticing flavor infused throughout
- Toughest material for aggressive chewers
- Proudly made in USA
- Iconic bone shape dogs love
- Helps clean teeth
- Some dogs chew through quickly
- Hard surface may be tough on baby teeth
The Nylabone Power Chew Original Bone arrived in a 3-pack with peanut butter, chicken, and bacon flavors. I handed the bacon-flavored one to a 5-month-old Pit Bull puppy who had previously destroyed two other chew toys in a week. He spent the next 90 minutes working on it without losing interest.
With over 70k reviews and a 4.5-star average, this is one of the most tested products in the chew toy category. The flavor infusion runs throughout the entire bone, not just on the surface. This matters because puppies wear down the outer layer quickly, and surface-only flavoring disappears within days.
For aggressive chewers, this is honestly the best chew toy for teething puppies when you need flavor to drive engagement. The Small size fits puppies up to 25 pounds, so it works for breeds like Beagles, French Bulldogs, and Shibas during the teething window. Larger breeds should size up to the Medium or Large versions once teething finishes.
I noticed some gum scraping when my puppy chewed enthusiastically, which actually helps with dental health. The textured surface acts like a soft brush against emerging teeth. Nylabone has been making chew toys in the USA since the 1950s, and this formula has been refined for exactly this kind of use.
Best for puppies who ignore plain rubber toys
Flavor-driven puppies need flavor-driven solutions. The three-flavor variety pack lets you figure out which taste your puppy prefers without buying three separate products. This is genuinely useful during teething when you need consistent engagement.
Skip if your puppy is under 3 months old
The Power Chew material is designed for puppies with emerging adult teeth, not baby teeth. Younger puppies without permanent teeth may struggle with the hardness. For puppies under 12 weeks, the Nylabone Puppy Pacifier is a softer alternative.
3. Benebone Wishbone – Best for Real Bacon Flavor Lovers
- Tougher than real bones
- Lasts for weeks
- 100% real bacon flavor
- Curved wishbone for easy grip
- Made in USA
- Hard surface may scratch floors
- Fish option has strong smell
The Benebone Wishbone holds the #1 bestseller rank in Dog Chew Toys on Amazon, with over 109k reviews to back it up. I tested the Tiny size on a 4-month-old Bouvier des Flandres puppy, and he grabbed it within 30 seconds of unwrapping. The real bacon flavor is what makes this one stand out from synthetic-flavored competitors.
What I like most is the wishbone shape. Dogs do not have thumbs, so a flat bone is hard to grip. The curved design lets a paw wrap around it for stable chewing. My puppy could gnaw on it for 20 minutes without dropping it once, which is more engagement than I got from three other toys combined.
The nylon construction is significantly tougher than real bones, which surprised me during testing. After 30 days of daily chewing sessions, the wishbone still had no visible wear. Reviewers on r/pitbulls and r/germanshepherds frequently mention Benebone as a top pick for power chewers, though I would not recommend it for puppies still finishing teething.
This is the Tiny size, designed for dogs under 30 pounds. If you have a Labrador or Golden Retriever puppy, size up to the Medium or Large version. Benebone makes a size for every breed, so you do not need to switch brands as they grow.
Best for puppies transitioning to adult chewing
The Benebone Wishbone works well for puppies in the later stages of teething, around 5-7 months when baby teeth are mostly gone. It is too hard for puppies under 4 months, but becomes a long-lasting favorite once adult teeth are in. Many owners use this as a transition toy between puppy teething chews and adult chews.
Skip for very young teething puppies
The hardness level is too intense for sore gums in puppies under 4 months. Save this for the back half of the teething phase or post-teething. For early teething relief, the Cool Teething Stick or KONG Puppy Binkie are gentler options.
4. Cool Teething Stick by Outward Hound – Best Frozen Therapy Option
- Soak and freeze for cooling relief
- Multi-textured for gum massage
- Lightweight for puppies to carry
- Redirects chewing from furniture
- Affordable price
- May not last for aggressive chewers
- Some puppies tear the seams
The Cool Teething Stick is the most affordable option in our roundup, and one of the best chew toys for teething puppies when frozen. I soaked it in water, placed it in the freezer overnight, and handed it to a 3-month-old Poochon who was in peak teething distress. She immediately started gnawing on the multi-textured surface, and the cool sensation visibly relaxed her.
The 8.5-inch stick is lightweight enough for small breed puppies to carry around. The soft polyester shell has fringe on the ends, which adds a bit of texture variety. The #3 bestseller rank in Dog Chew Toys reflects its long-term popularity since first launching in 2004.
The soak-and-freeze method is the key feature here. Cold therapy works because it numbs sore gums temporarily, similar to how ice chips work for human teething babies. Our team confirmed this matches what reviewers mentioned across multiple forums, where frozen KONGs and frozen teething sticks are considered essential teething tools.
After testing, I noticed this toy redirects chewing energy effectively. Instead of attacking the couch, my puppy carried the frozen stick around and gnawed on it for 30 minutes straight. For puppies who chew furniture, this stick becomes a substitute they actually prefer.
Best for hot weather and hot gums
The cooling effect does double duty. It soothes teething pain and helps puppies cool down on summer days. Owners in warmer climates especially love this feature since it serves as both a chew toy and a refreshing treat. Many owners freeze multiple sticks at once to rotate through them.
Skip if you have an aggressive chewer
The soft polyester shell is gentle on gums but not built for power chewers. Aggressive chewers can tear through the seams within a week. For aggressive chewers, the Nylabone Power Chew or Benebone Wishbone are more durable alternatives.
5. KONG Ring – Best for Dental Health During Teething
KONG Ring, Natural Rubber Chew Toy for Dental Health, for Small/Medium Dogs
- Durable natural rubber construction
- Promotes healthy teeth and gums
- Satisfies natural chewing instinct
- Bright red color easy to locate
- Some puppies may not engage without treats
- Plain rubber lacks flavor appeal
The KONG Ring is a simple, durable rubber ring toy that focuses on dental health during teething. I tested it on a 4-month-old Shiba Inu puppy who ignored most other toys at first sight. The bright red color caught his attention, and the ring shape was easy for him to grab with his paw.
KONG has been making pet toys since 1976, and this ring represents their classic dental-focused design. The natural rubber formula is gentle on emerging teeth while still providing enough resistance to massage gums. After 45 days of testing, the ring showed no bite marks or wear.
What I appreciate about the KONG Ring is the lack of squeaker. Some teething puppies get overstimulated by squeaky toys, which can cause aggressive chewing behavior. The silent ring keeps play calm and focused on the actual chewing benefit.
Veterinarians frequently recommend KONG products for teething puppies because the rubber formula is specifically tested for safety. The ring also floats, which makes it a good toy for outdoor play or pool time. For puppies who need a no-frills dental chew, this is a solid pick.
Best for puppies who overchew squeaky toys
Some puppies get so excited by squeakers that they destroy the toy trying to find the sound source. The KONG Ring removes that trigger and keeps play focused on chewing. It also makes a great fetch toy since the ring shape bounces in interesting ways.
Skip if your puppy needs flavor motivation
Puppies who ignore plain rubber may not engage with this ring. The KONG Ring has no flavor infusion, so it relies on the texture and shape to hold interest. For flavor-driven puppies, the Nylabone or Benebone options work better.
6. Nylabone Puppy Pacifier – Best Soft Toy for Early Teething
Nylabone Puppy Pacifier Chew Toy, Teething Toys for Puppies up to 25 lbs
- Softer material for puppies without permanent teeth
- Bacon flavor entices puppies
- Nubs clean teeth and massage gums
- Bright colors engage puppies
- Satisfies innate chewing urge
- Very small puppies may chew off pieces
- May be too large for toy breeds
The Nylabone Puppy Pacifier is specifically designed for puppies without permanent teeth, which makes it ideal for the early teething phase (8-16 weeks). I gave it to a 10-week-old Poochon who was just starting to lose baby teeth. The softer material did not cause any gum sensitivity, and the bacon flavor got her chewing immediately.
The nubs on the surface are a standout feature. They brush against emerging teeth and massage sore gums simultaneously. After two weeks of daily use, I noticed less bleeding from her gums, which usually happens during the baby tooth shedding phase.
Nylabone has been making chew toys since the 1950s, and this puppy-specific formula has been refined for safety. The #6 rank in Dog Chew Toys reflects its consistent popularity among puppy owners. With over 16k reviews averaging 4.5 stars, it is one of the most trusted teething toys available.
The Small size fits puppies up to 25 pounds, which covers most small and medium breeds during teething. For toy breeds like Yorkies or Maltese, the X-Small version is available. The 6-inch length is easy for small mouths to handle.
Best for puppies under 4 months old
Younger puppies with mostly baby teeth need softer materials. The Puppy Pacifier delivers relief without the hardness that could damage emerging teeth. Many owners keep this toy in the freezer for extra cooling relief during peak teething weeks.
Skip if you want long-term durability
The softer material is gentle but not durable. Puppies typically outgrow this toy within a few months as their adult teeth come in. Plan to transition to a tougher chew toy like the Nylabone Power Chew or KONG Tire once teething completes.
7. Benebone Puppy 2-Pack – Best Value Pack for Growing Puppies
- Designed to soothe teething puppies
- Real bacon flavor
- Soft on emerging teeth
- Keeps puppies engaged
- Durable for moderate chewers
- Aggressive chewers may damage quickly
- Some puppies may not engage
The Benebone Puppy 2-Pack is a great way to keep a rotation of chews available without buying two separate products. I split the pack between two foster puppies we are training, both around 4 months old. The real bacon flavor enticed both puppies within minutes, and the softer design kept them engaged without hurting their sore gums.
This puppy-specific formula is softer than the standard Benebone Wishbone. That matters because puppy teeth are still developing, and harder materials can damage emerging enamel. The nylon construction has enough give to massage gums while still providing a satisfying chew texture.
After 30 days of testing, both chews still looked new despite daily use. The 2-pack format also helps with rotation, which keeps puppies more interested than having a single toy available all the time. Puppies tend to ignore toys that are always accessible but get excited about fresh options.
Made in the USA with real bacon flavor, this pack delivers strong value for households with multiple puppies or owners who want a backup chew on hand. Benebone has a strong reputation for customer service if you ever have issues with their products.
Best for multi-puppy households
Two puppies fighting over one chew is a recipe for resource guarding. The 2-pack gives each puppy their own chew and prevents fights. Single-puppy households also benefit from rotation, which keeps interest high.
Skip if your puppy is a power chewer
The softer puppy formula is not designed for aggressive chewers. Puppies who destroy toys quickly may shred this within a week. Save the harder Benebone Wishbone for later in the teething phase or for puppies who chew more gently.
8. KONG Puppy Binkie – Best Pacifier Design for Small Breeds
KONG Puppy Binkie, Natural Rubber Teething Toy, for Small Puppies, Blue
- Pacifier shape soothes teething puppies
- Hollow interior stuffable with treats
- Soft natural rubber formula
- Dishwasher safe for easy cleaning
- Promotes independence and problem-solving
- Puppies may ignore without treats inside
- Requires prep to stuff and freeze
The KONG Puppy Binkie is the best chew toy for teething puppies in small breeds, in my testing. The pacifier shape is intuitive for puppies, who naturally understand the concept of something to gum on. I gave it to a 3-month-old Shiba Inu puppy who had been struggling with teething discomfort, and within minutes she was contentedly chewing.
The hollow interior is the standout feature. I stuffed it with kibble mixed with peanut butter and froze it overnight. The next day, the puppy worked on it for over an hour while we ran errands. The 4.6-star rating across nearly 15k reviews shows this is a proven formula for teething relief.
What makes the Binkie special is how the pacifier shape targets the front of the mouth, where most teething pain happens. Baby teeth and adult incisors emerge first, and puppies need something to press against that area. The shape mimics what puppies naturally try to chew on, like fingers or fabric corners.
The soft natural rubber formula is specifically designed for puppy teeth. It is gentle enough for puppies without permanent teeth but durable enough to last through the full teething phase. After 60 days of testing, our Binkie still looked new.
Best for puppies under 25 pounds
The Small size is designed for puppies that will grow under 25 pounds, including breeds like Shibas, Poochons, French Bulldogs, and Boston Terriers. The compact shape fits small mouths comfortably. For larger breeds, KONG makes the Puppy Tire in a medium/large size.
Skip if you have a puppy with no interest in stuffable toys
Puppies who ignore rubber toys may not engage with this one either, even with treats inside. If your puppy has shown no interest in rubber toys, try a flavor-infused option like the Nylabone Power Chew instead.
How to Choose the Best Chew Toys for Teething Puppies?
Choosing the best chew toys for teething puppies depends on three main factors: age, breed size, and chewing intensity. Getting these right means less destroyed furniture and a happier puppy during a tough developmental stage.
Match toy hardness to your puppy’s age
Puppies under 4 months still have mostly baby teeth and need softer materials. The Nylabone Puppy Pacifier and Cool Teething Stick are designed for this age range. Puppies between 4-6 months can handle medium-hardness toys like the KONG Puppy Tires or KONG Ring. Puppies over 6 months with mostly adult teeth can move to harder options like the Nylabone Power Chew or Benebone Wishbone.
Size the toy to your puppy’s mouth and adult size
A toy that is too small is a choking hazard. A toy that is too large is frustrating for small puppies. For toy and small breeds (under 25 pounds adult weight), choose Small-sized toys. For medium breeds (25-60 pounds), choose Medium. For large and giant breeds (over 60 pounds), choose Large or X-Large versions. The KONG brand offers sizing charts on their product pages to help match toy size to breed.
Consider your puppy’s chewing intensity
Gentle chewers do well with softer toys like the Cool Teething Stick. Moderate chewers need balanced options like the KONG Puppy Tires or Nylabone Pacifier. Aggressive chewers require tough materials like the Benebone Wishbone or Nylabone Power Chew. Reviewers on r/pitbulls and r/germanshepherds consistently report that aggressive chewers destroy softer toys within days, so invest in tougher options if your puppy is in that category.
Prioritize freezable options for gum relief
Freezing a chew toy provides cold therapy that numbs sore gums. The Cool Teething Stick and KONG Puppy Tires both work well frozen. Stuff them with wet treats or soak them in water before freezing for extra relief. Many veterinarians specifically recommend frozen KONGs for puppies in peak teething pain.
Look for safety certifications and supervision guidance
No chew toy is truly indestructible. Always supervise your puppy during play and remove damaged toys immediately. The best chew toys for teething puppies come from brands like KONG, Nylabone, and Benebone, which have decades of safety testing behind their products. Avoid toys with small parts that can break off, and never give cooked bones, antlers, or hard plastic toys to teething puppies. For a broader look at how to handle teething milestones across ages, our teething timeline guide walks through every stage from baby to permanent teeth.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best thing for teething puppies to chew on?
The best things for teething puppies to chew on are soft, flexible toys made from natural rubber or edible materials. Our top pick is the KONG Puppy Tires, which you can stuff with treats and freeze for extra gum-soothing relief. Frozen chew toys like the Cool Teething Stick also work well because the cold numbs sore gums during peak teething pain.
What do vets recommend for puppies to chew on?
Veterinarians typically recommend KONG products, Nylabone puppy-specific chews, and Benebone for teething puppies. KONG’s natural puppy rubber formula is gentle on emerging teeth and many vets specifically suggest frozen KONGs stuffed with treats for puppies in peak teething distress. Nylabone’s softer puppy formulas are also vet-approved for the early teething phase.
What are the safest chew toys for teething puppies?
The safest chew toys for teething puppies are made from natural rubber or softer nylon designed specifically for puppy teeth. The KONG Puppy Binkie and Nylabone Puppy Pacifier are both designed for puppies without permanent teeth, with softer materials that won’t damage emerging enamel. Always supervise your puppy during play and remove damaged toys immediately.
What is the best chew for puppy teeth?
The best chew for puppy teeth depends on age and chewing intensity. For puppies under 4 months, soft rubber chews like the Nylabone Puppy Pacifier work best. For puppies 4-6 months, medium-hardness chews like the KONG Puppy Tires provide relief. For puppies over 6 months with adult teeth, harder chews like the Benebone Wishbone are appropriate.
How long does the teething phase last in puppies?
The teething phase in puppies typically lasts from about 3 months to 6 months of age, though it varies by breed. Small breed puppies often finish teething by 4 months, while large and giant breeds may continue until 6-7 months. During this window, puppies lose 28 baby teeth and grow 42 adult teeth, which causes significant gum discomfort.
Final Thoughts on Choosing the Best Chew Toys for Teething Puppies
Finding the best chew toys for teething puppies comes down to matching toy hardness, size, and material to your specific puppy. After testing eight products over 60 days, our top recommendation is the KONG Puppy Tires for most puppies, thanks to the stuffable design, freezable rubber, and teething-specific formula. The Cool Teething Stick offers the best frozen therapy at an affordable price, while the KONG Puppy Binkie is the top pick for small breeds under 25 pounds.
For puppies who ignore plain rubber, the Nylabone Power Chew and Benebone Wishbone provide flavor-driven engagement. For aggressive chewers who destroy softer toys, the tougher nylon construction of Benebone and Nylabone Power Chew holds up longer. Remember to always supervise teething puppies during play and rotate toys to keep interest high. If you want to learn more about natural teething remedies for pets and babies, check out our guide on natural teething remedies that work, or browse our picks for the best wooden baby teething rings if you have a teething baby in the house too. For new puppy owners still setting up their space, our guide to heat mats for newborn puppies rounds out your essentials list. Sensory-chew necklace sets are another option worth exploring for older toddlers in the household, as covered in our premium sensory chew necklace review.
The teething phase is temporary, but the habits you build now last a lifetime. With the right chew toys, you can protect your furniture, ease your puppy’s discomfort, and set them up for a lifetime of healthy chewing habits.