Key Points
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Chewing is essential to puppies' healthy development.
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Providing puppies with the right chew toys keeps them entertained, promotes appropriate chewing behavior, and aids teething.
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This article explores excellent chew toys for puppies with fun and other cognitive benefits.
Puppies love to chew, and it's an essential part of their development. Supplying them with the right chew toys keeps them entertained for hours, helps with teething discomfort, and redirects their chewing behavior from household items to appropriate toys.
Researchers James Brooks and Shinya Yamamoto report in Frontiers In Psychology that dogs not only chew for play but also that chewing indicates dogs' intelligence.
They say, "We therefore do not claim that stick chewing can never be characterized as play," they say, "but instead emphasize that regardless of whether stick chewing can in some cases be classified play, the overt behavior fits most major definitions of tool use and thus can be considered as such."
This article explores some of the best chew toys for puppies that offer fun and other cognitive benefits.
Chews for Teething Puppies
Soothe teething puppies with specialized chew toys. These dental aids give relief from discomfort while promoting healthy teeth and gums. Specially designed textures encourage gnawing, reducing destructive chewing behavior. High-quality materials are reliable and safe for your growing pup.
by Benebone
Benebone Real Flavor Dental Chew
The Benebone Real Flavor Dental Chew is explicitly designed for teething puppies. Made with strong nylon, this chew toy features a unique shape and texture that helps clean teeth and prevent plaque buildup. The realistic bacon, chicken, or peanut butter flavor entices puppies to chew on it, giving them a satisfying chewing experience.
The toy is available in different sizes to accommodate various breeds and jaw sizes. It's recommended for puppies aged three months and older. The Benebone Real Flavor Dental Chew receives rave reviews from dog owners who find it long-lasting and sturdy, even with aggressive chewers. The flavoring is natural and poses no harm to the puppy.
It's essential to supervise your puppy while they're chewing to prevent any choking hazards. This chew toy is an excellent choice for teething puppies that need relief and mental stimulation.
by Nylabone
Nylabone Puppy Chew Toys
Nylabone Puppy Chew Toys are renowned for their durability and variety of textures. These chew toys are designed to withstand the intensity of teething puppies and relieve their sore gums. They come in different shapes and sizes, allowing you to choose the one best suited for your puppy.
The material used is non-toxic and safe for puppies, ensuring they chew on the toy without any health concerns. The Nylabone Puppy Chew Toys receive positive feedback from puppy parents who appreciate their long-lasting nature. The textures on the toy clean teeth and massage the gums, promoting dental health.
These toys are great for redirecting the puppy's chewing behavior from household items to a more appropriate target. It's crucial to select the correct size for your puppy to guarantee safe chewing.
by KONG
KONG Puppy Toy
The KONG Puppy Toy is a classic choice for puppies. Made with long-lasting and flexible rubber, this toy withstands even the most aggressive chewing. Its unique shape and design allow treats or peanut butter to be stuffed inside, allowing puppies a rewarding challenge as they try to extract the delicious fillings.
The KONG Puppy Toy is perfect for solo play and interactive games, keeping your puppy entertained for hours.
Many puppy raisers consider the KONG Puppy Toy a must-have for teething puppies. Its durability withstands sharp puppy teeth. The ability to stuff it with treats or food aids in mental stimulation, keeping puppies engaged. The KONG Puppy Toy is available in different sizes to accommodate various breeds.
Interactive Puzzle Toys for Mental Stimulation
Engage your puppy's mind with interactive puzzle toys. These brain teasers offer mental stimulation and prevent boredom. Hide treats within the puzzles to encourage problem-solving and reward curiosity. Strengthen the bond with your pet through interactive play sessions.
by Outward Hound
Nina Ottosson Dog Tornado Puzzle Toy
The Nina Ottosson Dog Tornado Puzzle Toy is a fantastic choice for puppy owners who want to mentally stimulate their young pets during playtime. This interactive toy requires puppies to use their paws and nose to move the different compartments and uncover hidden treats. It challenges their problem-solving skills and keeps them entertained and mentally engaged.
The Dog Tornado Puzzle Toy is made from tough, non-toxic materials that are safe for puppies. It comes in a variety of difficulty levels. Start with easier settings and gradually increase the challenge as the puppy grows.
The toy receives positive feedback from reviewers who note decreased destructive chewing behaviors and increased focus and concentration.
Outward Hound Hide-a-Squirrel Puzzle Toy
This puzzle toy provides excellent mental stimulation for puppies, keeping their minds active and engaged. The plush squirrels and tree trunk are made with high-quality materials, ensuring durability even during intense play sessions.
The Outward Hound Hide-a-Squirrel Puzzle Toy is well-received by users who appreciate its ability to keep their puppies entertained and mentally stimulated. It combines the excitement of plush toys and the mental challenge of a puzzle.
A plush tree trunk with multiple holes has a set of squeaky plush squirrels hidden inside. Puppies must learn how to retrieve the hidden squirrels using their paws and problem-solving skills.
by Chuckit!
Chuckit! Ultra Ball
While not a traditional puzzle toy, the Chuckit! Ultra Ball offers a mentally stimulating play experience for puppies. This heavy-duty, bouncy ball is perfect for games of fetch and encourages physical and mental engagement. Made from natural rubber, it features a textured surface for easy gripping.
Using the Chuckit! Ultra Ball during playtime improves coordination and focus in puppies. It's suitable for various environments, such as the backyard or the beach, producing a versatile and interactive play experience.
The toy's durability means puppies don't quickly destroy or damage the ball.
© BarkSpot Testing Lab.
Plush Toys for Gentle Play
Delight your puppy with soft and plush toys, perfect for gentle play. These cuddly companions soothe anxiety and loneliness.
Find toys crafted with non-toxic materials for a safe playtime experience. Choose from various adorable designs to keep your pup entertained and content.
by ZippyPaws
ZippyPaws Skinny Peltz No Stuffing Squeaky Plush Toy
The ZippyPaws Skinny Peltz No Stuffing Squeaky Plush Toy is an excellent option for puppies that prefer gentle play. This set of three plush toys features cute and colorful animal designs without any stuffing inside. Each toy contains multiple squeakers that produce an exciting sound to capture the puppy's attention.
The Skinny Peltz Plush Toy's lack of stuffing makes it safer for puppies, as there is no risk of swallowing or choking on loose filling. The hard-wearing construction withstands moderate chewing while maintaining a soft and cuddly play experience.
by Goughnuts
Goughnuts Chew Stick
The Goughnuts Chew Stick is a highly durable and robust chew toy for even the most aggressive chewers. Made from natural rubber, this toy endures intense chewing sessions without breaking or splintering. Its stick shape allows for easy gripping and chewing.
The Goughnuts Chew Stick is a safe and reliable option for puppies. It features a safety indicator that shows if the toy is still intact or needs to be replaced.
This chew toy isn't only suitable for teething puppies but also for adult dogs who have tenacious chewing tendencies. The toy is one of the toughest chew toys on the market.
by KONG
KONG Puppy Plush Toys
The KONG Puppy Plush Toy line is a great option for teething puppies and a fantastic plush toy for gentle play. The soft and plush exterior is perfect for puppies that enjoy carrying around a toy or cuddling with it during nap time. It withstands moderate chewing.
The KONG Puppy Toy, with its plush exterior, provides a comforting and satisfying play experience for puppies preferring a softer texture. Choosing the appropriate size for your puppy to ensure safe playtime with this toy is important.
© BarkSpot Testing Lab.
Adventurous Chewing
Minnesota Public Broadcasting reported in May 2023 that puppyhood is full of wonderful adventures. When choosing chew toys for your puppy, it's essential to consider their teething needs, mental stimulation, and play preferences.
The Benebone Real Flavor Dental Chew and Nylabone Puppy Chew Toys are excellent options for teething puppies, yielding relief and redirecting their chewing behavior. The Nina Ottosson Dog Tornado Puzzle Toy and Outward Hound Hide-a-Squirrel Puzzle Toy offer engaging challenges for mental stimulation. The Chuckit! Ultra Ball is perfect for interactive and physically stimulating play.
Lastly, the ZippyPaws Skinny Peltz No Stuffing Squeaky Plush Toy and Goughnuts Chew Stick provide different options for gentle play.
Training is hard! Always supervise your puppy during playtime and choose appropriate toys for their size and chewing habits.
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