The 5 Best Puppy Toys For Play

We all know that play is the name of the game for pups, so give in and get that fur ball something special with these perfect puppy toys.

Puppy toys are crucial for new pet parents who need to find a way to wrangle the rambunctiousness of their pooch. Toys are important for all dogs, but especially for puppies, as they are still babies that need to progress in their physical and mental capabilities. Toys may seem frivolous, but in actuality, they are necessary for your dog’s development. Puzzle toys engage your puppy’s brain and even strengthen their IQ, while health of their teeth and gums. Then, of course, one has to factor in one of the most important reasons for puppy toys: Fun. Your dog does not have the same luxuries as you and cannot go out dancing or for dinner and drinks. Instead, you are their entertainment, their world. You might not be able to play all the time, but with these toys, when you do play, you will make it count.

Best Puppy Toys to Consider

So we have convinced you your puppy needs a boatload of toys, but where does one even start? No worries, that is where our list below comes in. We have put together an arrangement of toys because, like people, not all puppies are alike. We recommend you start simple: A plush stuffed animal toy designated to be your pup’s best pal is a guarantee of shreddings and snuggles. Afraid that it will get too messy? We have got you covered. Some puppies actually wish to be soothed by their toys as they, like us, experience anxiety. A soft toy that mimics the sound of a heartbeat is perfect in these instances as the rhythm calms and comforts the dog.

Ultimately, a toy is just the product of play, and as long as you engage with your puppy, take them on regular walks or runs, and indulge them with a toy or two, they will be more than canine content. But if you want bonus points for being the best pet parent, check out our list below.

Napojoy Stuffed Dog Toy for Puppy

Ruh-roh! I do not know what to get my pup! No worries, we have got you covered with this plush puppy toy. This made the top of our list because it is a complex classic packed with fun surprises for your puppy. To start, it is a stuffed animal that your lil’ teething terror will be happy to have its way with. However, there are many hidden features, like the hemp rope appendages for tug-of-war purposes, a built-in squeaker, and a crinkle paper tail, so you can be sure all your pupper’s senses will be stimulated. The textured corduroy fabric of the stuffy is intended to keep it rip-resistant while also acting as a way to clean your dog’s teeth. It is made of waterproof material that is not affected by your puppy’s drool allowing you to avoid the moldy and smelly consequences. Lastly, it is just too gosh dang cute and the perfect stuffed animal your pup will love to snuggle up.

Pros:

  • Waterproof
  • Suitable for all sizes and breeds
  • Adorable

Cons:

  • Not suitable for overly aggressive chewers
  • The squeaker may be too irritating and high-pitched for sensitive ears

PetDroid Interactive Dog Ball Puppy Toy

Gone are the days of throwing out your arm from playing fetch now that there is the PetDroid interactive ball. We all know how much a puppy can play, which is why this is the invention of the doggy decade. The ball even comes in two modes — Irregular Running and Crazy Bouncing — so your precocious pup will never be bored. The built-in motion detection sensor means your dog can play up to four hours without you moving a muscle. It can even be used in the dark due to the flashing LED light feature.

We especially love that it is made with non-toxic materials to ensure your dog’s safety — a happy pup is a happy human.

Pros:

  • Hands-free
  • Two movement modes
  • Water-repellant

Cons:

  • It is not suitable for thickly carpeted floors because it will get stuck
  • It requires charging

KIPRITII 20-Pack of Puppy Toys

Why spoil your fur baby with one toy when you can spoil them with 20? This multi-pack is perfect for the pet parent who just cannot decide what toy to get their endless ball of energy. This set comes with nine rope toys, four plush toys, two treat balls, one teething toy, and a complimentary set of waste disposal bags with a matching dispenser. Puppies are notorious for destroying anything they can get their paws on, so get ahead of the game with this array of distractions. The rope and plush toys are great for tug-of-war, while the treat balls and teething toy are perfect for when your puppy gets a case of the nibbles. These chew toys will keep them entertained and promote the development of canine teeth and gums as they massage the mouth during the chewing process.

Pros:

  • Chew toys promote tooth and gum health
  • A wide variety for your pup to choose from so they will not become bored
  • It comes with complimentary waste disposal bags, which you can never get enough of with an un-potty trained pup

Cons:

  • They are intended to be chewed and enjoyed, which means they may not be the most durable
  • It may be too overwhelming of a selection for some

iHeartDogs Heartbeat Puppy Toy

Even dogs get anxious, especially high-wired pups which is why this puppy toy is perfect for your manic mutt. The iHeartDogs heartbeat puppy toy pillow does what it sounds like: It features a prerecording of a heartbeat encased in a soft, puppy-shaped pillow so your pup can be alone with ease. Additionally, it contains a heat pack to mimic the body warmth of its mother, or you, the pet parent.

This pick is a game-changer for nervous dogs that need comfort when being crate-trained, have a tendency towards anxiety, or need soothing in a variety of stressful settings like car rides.

This puppy toy is a way to provide your pet with mental health support without using medicines.

Pros:

  • Purchase supports a small business
  • It reduces anxiety when you are not around to do so
  • It aids in crate-training

Cons:

  • Requires AAA batteries which are not included
  • Heat pack is intended to be disposable and lasts 24 hours

HIPPIH Puzzle Toys for Puppy Two-Pack

Provide your pup with the best kind of puzzle: One with treats in it. The green rubber ball creates a game of hide-a-treat that your hungry puppy will be sure to love. The design of the rubber ball is soft but sturdy so that your dog can bite into it without destroying it in the process. The hiding features are designed to make getting treats tricky, slowing your pet’s natural instincts to gobble food down. However, the blue ball in the pack serves a different purpose as it has rubber teeth along the sides intended to help clean your dog’s teeth and gums as they chew. To make it a bit more enticing than a trip to the doggy dentist, one can rub peanut butter along the sides of the toy or put treats inside the teeth so your dog will be enticed to chew this toy. All in all, this is a fun puzzle toy for your pup that also prevents them from needing doggy dentures.

Pros:

  • Helps with IQ training
  • Promotes fresh breath
  • Provides an alternative option for chewing so your dog finally leaves your new shoes alone

Cons:

  • It is not a substitute for brushing your dog’s teeth, but additional maintenance much like bully sticks
  • Your dog may learn to get the treats out quickly

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my puppy like this toy?

Every pup is different in their play preferences, so we cannot guarantee your puppy will like a given toy, but we have put together a fairly comprehensive list so that there must be something on here they will fall in love with.

If you are unsure what your puppy likes, we recommend getting the KIPRITII multi-pack option that comes with a variety of different toys to suit whatever mood your mutt may be in.

Are these toys chew-proof?

When it comes to the razor-sharp teeth of puppies, it is hard to guarantee anything will be chew-proof; however, if you are looking for our most durable option, we recommend the HIPPIH puppy puzzle balls. They are each made of a rubber material that cannot be ripped or worn down easily. Puppies are destructive by nature, and we recommend you prepare for this and buy many toys for the sake of you and your furniture.

What kind of toy will allow my puppy to play on their own?

We recommend engaging with your puppy and playing with them regularly as it aids in their development. However, if you do need a break from playing puppies, we recommend the interactive PetDroid dog ball, which rolls and bounces on its own and is even activated by touch. Still, play with your puppy because they love you and want you to, and you may find yourself having just as good of a time as they are.

Why Trust Us

Since 2008, DogTime has served as a leading resource for millions of dog owners and pet lovers alike. Our goal is to give every dog and pet a happy, healthy home by providing owners with all the information they need to be the best pet parents possible. Our experts share their insights and recommendations to make caring for your beloved pets a breeze.