Puppy toys are an absolute must-have for new (and old) pet parents. Not only do they keep your furry friend busy and entertained, but they can also be a great form of exercise. Just like kids, puppies have different personalities and interests. Some like to chew, some like to fetch, and others just want to play keep-away. So how do you know which toy is suitable for your pup?
The Benefits of Introducing Toys Early On
One of the best things about puppy toys is that they can help stimulate your pup’s development. Puppies are learning new things all the time, so it’s crucial to provide them with plenty of opportunities for exploration and enrichment. Toys encourage puppies to use their brains and muscles, which helps them grow into healthy adult dogs.
As they grow and mature, puppies need a lot of stimulation to keep them from getting bored. Toys help prevent destructive behaviors like chewing on shoes or furniture by giving your puppy something else to do with his time.
The benefits don’t stop there! Playing with toys can also be great for your pup’s physical health. Toys like Kongs can help clean your dog’s teeth and gums, while others can provide a good workout for your pup’s muscles. Even just throwing a ball around the yard can be enough to burn off some of your pup’s excess energy.
Of course, not all toys are created equal. It’s important to know what type of toy is best for puppies before you go out and buy one for your furry friend.
Factors to Consider Before Buying a Toy
Choose Toys That Will Grow With Your Pup
A good puppy toy is one that your pup can grow into. For example, if you have a small breed puppy, look for toys that will be fun to play with when he’s an adult too. The same goes for medium and large breeds—the bigger the dog, the bigger his toys need to be.
Avoid Toys That Are Too Small or Fragile
Puppy toys that are too small can be a choking hazard. Puppies have a tendency to put everything in their mouths, so it’s important to choose toys that are large enough and sturdy enough not to be broken or swallowed.
Choose Toys That Are Safe for Chewing
Chewing is a natural behavior in dogs and puppies, so it’s important to choose toys that are safe for chewing. A good chew toy should be made from durable materials like rubber or nylon. It should also have no plastic parts that could break off and become a choking hazard.
Avoid Using Old Toys From Previous Pets
It’s always best to use new toys with your puppy—especially if you have an older dog in the house. Old toys can carry germs and bacteria that could make your puppy sick, so it’s important to choose new ones for him.
What Are Some Good Puppy Toys?
Now that you know what type of toy is best for puppies, let’s take a look at some good ones. Here are our top picks:
1) Kong Classic Dog Toy
KONG Classic Puppy Toy is the perfect way to keep your furry friends entertained. Its soft rubber formula is customized for a growing puppy’s baby teeth and gums, and it helps satisfy instinctual needs by providing mental stimulation.
The unpredictable bounce of the toy makes for exciting games of fetch and other interactive play. At the same time, the stuffable design is irresistible to puppies when filled with bits of kibble, peanut butter, or other snacks.
Best of all, it’s dishwasher safe for easy clean-up. Vet recommended the KONG Classic Puppy Toy is one of the best durable puppy toys available. My favorite feature about this toy is the ability to stuff it with kibble or treats! Provides hours of fun!
Pros:
- Soft rubber formula for baby teeth and gums
- Great for stuffing with kibble or treats
- Dishwasher safe for easy clean-up
Cons:
- None!
2) ZippyPaws – Squeaky Dog Toy
These fun and cuddly toys come with exclusive noisemakers that make a loud squeak to excite your pup and keep them entertained. Made from soft fabric, Liam the Llama Squeaky Toy is perfect for all sizes of dogs and provides hours of rewarding play. Durable and safe, these toys are a must-have for any pup! Just the right size, these toys are great for tossing around or keeping your dog occupied while you go to work.
Pros:
- Made from soft fabric
- Noisemakers keep pup entertained
Cons:
- May be too small for bigger dogs
3) ZippyPaws – Squeaky Toy Set Birthday Box
The ZippyPaws Squeaky Toy Set Birthday Box is the perfect way to celebrate your pup’s birthday! This set comes with two squeaky toys and an adorable birthday hat, all packaged in a festive birthday gift box. The soft and chewable toys are perfect for pet birthday parties or events, and the unique design will make your dog’s day!
Pros:
- Small, soft, and cuddly
- Perfect for indoor or outdoor play
- Durable enough for light chewing
- Fun squeaky noises to play with
Cons:
- Aggressive chewers may be able to tear the toy apart
4) Squeaky Hide and Seek Interactive Plush Toy
Hide and Seek Interactive Plush Toy is the perfect plush toy for your pup to play with. These toys feature three adorable unicorns, each of which includes one squeaker and a challenging puzzle that will stimulate interactive play. They are just the right size, so they can be played with by dogs of any size – from small pups to those who have more energy! This product has been beautifully designed, ensuring that your pet will love it just as much as you do. As an added bonus, these toys are made with high-quality materials to make sure they last long – meaning hours of entertainment for your furry friend!
Pros:
- Cute design so it looks good in your home
- The puzzle makes playing fun and challenging for any dog
- The perfect size to fit into most places, such as cars or under beds when not being played with! They are also lightweight enough that you can take them anywhere without worrying about carrying too much weight.
Cons:
- The toys aren’t very durable and can be ripped apart fairly easily, so they may not last as long as other toys.
5) Puppy Cheifer 3000
Introducing Puppy Cheifer’s brand new 9.5″ stuffed toy! Made to be used by all sorts of dogs, this fun and unique gift is sure to be a hit with your furry friend while you’re away at work or on those dreaded winter vacations. The squeaker inside will keep them busy while you enjoy some rare moments of peace while cozied up watching Netflix as your pup happily chews away.
Pros:
- Keeps dogs entertained
- Squeaker inside for added fun
- For all dog types
- Unique and funny gift
Cons:
- Materials are somewhat thin, so this may not be the best toy if your dog likes to chew
- It could rip easily with rough treatment.
6) MJJYPET Chew Toy
The MJJYPET Chew Toy is perfect for small and medium dogs. The toys are made of natural and non-toxic materials, ensuring the safety of your furry friend. The fabric is thicker, and the stitching is better, making these toys more durable for chewing. The toys also have a squeaker inside to catch your pup’s attention. Best of all, these toys help reduce anxiety in dogs and save your furniture from being chewed up!
Pros:
- Made from non-toxic materials
- Better stitching and thicker fabric make them more durable
- Squeakers inside will catch your pup’s attention
- It helps reduce anxiety in dogs
Cons:
- Only for small and medium dogs
- Not washing machine friendly
7) ZippyPaws Popcorn Bucket
Your dog will love playing with the ZippyPaws Popcorn Bucket! This interactive toy is made from durable materials that can withstand hours of playtime. The fun design and squeaky noisemaker will keep your pup entertained for hours on end. The bucket is also just the right size for small and medium-sized dogs. This toy is not recommended for extra tough chewers, though.
Pros:
- Interactive toy with a squeaker and crinkly material
- Fun design looks like a popcorn bucket for the movies!
- Just the right size for small and medium-sized dogs
Cons:
- Not recommended for extra-tough chewers.
- Not ideal for larger breeds
8) Original Parody 2-Pack Squeakers
If you’re looking for something to keep your pup amused that’s also a little bit different, then these Original Parody squeakers are perfect. They come in a pack of two, so you’ll get a squeaky dog toy for twice the fun!
Each of these toys is made from natural materials, which means that they’re both safe and non-toxic. They’re also designed to be tough, so your pup can play with them as vigorously as they like without having to worry about them breaking. These toys are ideal for teething puppies, as the softness and flexibility of the material are designed to soothe sore gums.
Pros:
- Made from natural materials
- Soft and flexible, ideal for teething puppies
- Rigid construction means they can be played with vigorously
Cons:
- May be too soft for some puppies
- It only comes in a pack of two toys
9) Doggy Doobie Squeaky Plush Toy
This 9.5 inches soft, squeaky plush toy is an excellent gift for all dogs- especially those that love to play fetch. The built-in squeaker will keep your pup entertained for hours. It’s a unique and fun gift for your furry friend, or for a fur parent. The soft, plush fabric is also perfect for small, medium, and large dogs. If for some reason, you’re not 100% happy with your purchase, the company will take care of it. It’s a win-win for you and your pup!
Pros:
- Fun and unique gift for any dog lover
- Squeaker inside will keep your pup entertained for hours
- It comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee
- Just the right size
Cons:
- May be too soft for some puppies
- It only comes in a pack of one toy
10) Star Pups Coffee Plush Squeaky Toy
Star Pups Coffee Plush Squeaky Toy is the perfect way to include your furry friend in your morning coffee routine. This toy squeaks, keeping your pup entertained while you relax and sip on your java. The 6.5-inch size is perfect for small, medium, and large dogs alike. Made of 100% durable plush fabric, this toy is also a great gift idea for dog lovers and all pooches alike!
Pros:
- Cute design, perfect for fur parents who love coffee!
- Lightweight and easy for dogs to carry around.
- Durable plush fabric, 100% safe for dogs.
Cons:
- Doesn’t squeak as loudly as other toys of the same shape and size.
In Summary
Stimulation is important in keeping your pets healthy and happy. Toys for puppies can be hard to find, but there are lots of options on the market today that will help keep their minds active as well as give them something to chew on! Aside from keeping your furniture safe, these cute and loveable toys also make great gifts for dog lovers.
You can find a wide selection of toys online or at your local pet store, but it’s worth remembering that not all are suitable for puppies. Remember the different factors mentioned above when choosing the right toy for your pup, and you’re sure to find one that will keep them entertained for hours!
