Are you looking for a puppy toy? Having trouble deciding with so much choice? Who hasn’t been there? For this review, we’ve tested 5 puppy toys and also consulted with experts. We promise, this article will really help you. 🙂

Our Top Picks

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Buying Guide

Why your puppy needs a toy

One key to a well-behaved puppy is the right toy. Dogs need toys to replace activities and lifestyle they would otherwise experience as wild animals.

The toys provided for them must meet these needs. Then they remain healthy and happy.

You promote the following qualities with a toy:

Dog toys can be divided into 5 types

1. Chew toys

Since dogs need to chew throughout their lives for various reasons, items for chewing should be provided.

2. Activity toys

Help keep dogs fit. Furthermore, the toys keep dogs in top shape. They burn the calories that would otherwise go unused.

Activity toys help when used wisely. They strengthen muscles and bone structure.

3. Reward toys

Such toys help to avoid boredom and offer enticing play. At times, this can be rewarded with a treat, such as a hidden delight.

Like wild animals, dogs rarely spend time alone. However, as pets, most dogs spend time alone at some point.

This boredom can lead to bad behavior. It is necessary to provide the dog with suitable toys.

4. Calming or comfort toys

These types of dog toys are not necessarily needed by all breeds.

It’s a good idea to provide dogs with various types. This way, they have less stress and enjoy every moment at home.

Dogs need a dog toy to stay busy and trouble-free.

5. Interactive Toys

Interactive toys provide both the dog and the owner with integrated supervision. Therefore, they should only be available during supervised play sessions. These include balls for fetching and rope toys.

After the play session, put away these toys. Your dog will look forward to playing with you.

Caution! Inappropriate Toys

The safety of a toy can change over time depending on how your dog interacts with the toy.

A plush toy that was safe for a 10-week-old puppy may not be a good choice when he is 5 months old.

At that point, there is a risk of the toy being stripped and the squeakers being swallowed!

Monitor your dog while playing with a new toy. Make sure the toy continues to be a safe choice.

These are not dog toys:

Tennis Ball:

The felt surface collects dirt. Sand or even small stones caught on the surface can damage tooth enamel and gums.

Sticks/Branches/Bones:

They can splinter and pose a serious threat. They can injure the throat, tongue, or even the esophagus.

Rocks:

Some puppies like to swallow rocks, which can cause intestinal blockage.

Which puppy toy is perfect for your dog?

There are a few things to consider before making a purchase. First, observe your puppy’s chewing and playing habits.

One of the most important things to consider is the puppy’s personality.

How he interacts with the toy is very important for two reasons:

1. Observe your puppy. Behaviors reveal the right toy

Is your puppy not interested in the toy?

If your puppy has a new toy that he shows no interest in, engage him with the toy during play.

If this proves ineffective, place the toy in your bed or laundry basket for a day and try to reactivate it. Often, items that smell like the owner are more attractive to pets.

Is he still not interested in the toy? Consider the material, shape, and size of the product and avoid buying similar ones.

TIP

Puppies have soft bones. The muscle mass and tendons are so soft that caution is advised at first. Be careful with throwing toys, such as a Frisbee!

Jumping high during the growth phase can have a negative impact. To be sure, you should initially prefer search toys or rolling balls.

2. Consider Your Puppy’s Size

Your puppy’s actual size is important. Even more crucial is the size of their mouth.

Many products are labeled as “for puppies” because they are smaller. What you need may be exactly that if your puppy is a Chihuahua or a Frenchie.

However, they would be completely unsuitable for a Great Dane puppy who could swallow the entire toy!

For example, these puppy teething toys on Amazon are marked “XS”.

When you read the fine print on the packaging, it says “for puppies up to 15 pounds (about 7 kg)”. Think more about your dog’s mouth size than its weight.

Do not buy a toy that can fit entirely into a puppy’s mouth!

Remember: puppies tend to swallow more than adult dogs.

This can pose a choking hazard. With adult dogs, you can be absolutely sure with smaller toys. Do not trust puppies in this regard. Due to their playful nature.

If parts of a toy break off, they are often small enough to swallow.

3 .Bite Strength

Another reason why a toy may be labeled as “puppy suitable” is:

It’s softer on those young jaws and teeth. For some puppies, this may be perfect, but for others, it can lead to issues.

For example, this “puppy chew bone” is made of soft rubber. Many puppies can easily chew these and swallow the pieces. Buyers, beware!

Make sure you buy a dog toy that can withstand your dog’s strength and rough play.

For some puppies, you may need to select a product geared towards “adult” or “heavy chewers”. And for others, this puppy toy may be fine.

Are you having a hard time deciding? Not sure? Always follow one rule! Opt for the stronger, more durable toys and see how it goes.

4. Right for the Breed/Personality

Breed can also play a role in which toys become their favorites:

A dog can naturally enjoy anything it can chase and carry.

Terriers, in particular, are natural diggers. A hunting dog puppy, on the other hand, loves to chew, fetch, and play interactively.

Of course, the puppy’s personality can also lead you to the right choice:

Does your puppy burst with energy and enjoy challenges? Then, they will love a toy that dispenses treats.

Some puppies are natural cuddlers and enjoy snuggling with a soft plush toy. While others toss it around the room and tear it to shreds.

As a general rule, read the manufacturer’s instructions. This ensures that the toy is appropriate for the age and size and has been safety tested.

Select six to eight toys for each pet. They should vary in texture, size, and shape.

Rotate the toys every few days, giving your furry friend something different to play with.

Rotating toys is the best way to keep them engaging effectively.

What You Must Not Overlook When Purchasing

Advantages and Disadvantages of Materials

Fabric and Terry Cloth:

Foam Rubber:

Leather:

Nylon:

Vinyl:

Rubber:

Product Reviews in Detail

🥇 Top Recommendation

This product deserves the top spot for its all-around robustness. It’s suitable for your puppy from the first months. Made from health-safe natural rubber, it contributes to dental care. Plaque and tartar can be combated playfully with the specially designed nubs, like a toothbrush. High-quality and resilient natural rubber!

A dog toy that leaves nothing to be desired. The gaps between the nubs are perfect for treats. Suitable for all age groups as it is bite-resistant. Stimulation and enjoyable engagement guaranteed!

Of course, this environmentally friendly product is free from toxins and unnatural plastics.

4-Piece Set

If you’re unsure about your puppy’s preferences, we recommend this starter set at an optimal price. This set can withstand quite a bit. So, you have the opportunity to discover your puppy’s preferences. The set includes different toys for squeaking, chewing, fetching, and tugging:

Price-Performance Recommendation

The cuddly bear is one of our favorites in the cuddly toy category. Because it’s not only cuddly. It also has a squeaking function that piques your puppy’s interest during play. The Wild Knots Bears by Kong are soft and cuddly on the outside.

An integrated rope inside ensures bite resistance, not visible externally, making the product appear durable.

The manufacturer offers it in three different sizes, so the right size for your dog is likely included.

The reinforced plush body ensures additional durability. KONG Wild Knots Bears have less filling for less mess.

For Throwing, Tugging, and Fetching Games

Here, we’ve reviewed a classic throwing toy by the brand Kong. Despite being a classic variant, this product has a special feature! Kong dog toys consist of two balls covered with fabric. One of these balls has a squeaker, which continually piques your puppy’s curiosity. The long straps make throwing easier and provide chewing pleasure for our favorites, which also contributes to dental care.

The inner material is made of natural rubber and, therefore, long-lasting. The product is covered with durable nylon fabric, making it very robust. It’s durable and easy to clean.

It’s an ideal dog toy because you can use it for throwing, tugging, or fetching games. There will definitely be no boredom.

This interactive toy can have an optimal impact on your puppy’s health. By searching and sniffing, it stimulates their natural instinct to retrieve and search for food. It can mentally challenge your furry friend and calm them in stressful situations. The sniffing toy supports your puppy during teething in a playful way.

With the squeaky head, your dog will be easily entertained. Additionally, it’s suitable for pulling and throwing. A robust product that withstands sharp puppy teeth.

Conclusion

A puppy without toys is like a day without sunshine – something is simply missing! Toys are essential for a happy and healthy life for our furry friends.

By giving your puppy the right toys, you can not only help them use their energy wisely and fight boredom but also promote their education and minimize undesirable behavior.

So, give your puppy a little fun and joy – with the right toy!

Frequently Asked Questions

What kinds of dog toys are there?

An example is snack toys. You can fill them with food that falls out of the toy during play.

Of course, you have to be careful not to be too generous. Otherwise, you might end up dealing with overweight.

For the Summer

Water toys are suitable for summer. Perfect for additional fun. The advantage of the product is that they don’t absorb water and therefore don’t sink.

Start early. With a retrieval toy, you can expand your mental abilities and strengthen the bond between you and your puppy.

Apart from rubber products, you have the option to offer your puppy plush products.

Whether with or without a squeaker, there are countless models. If your puppy is more focused on tearing it apart, it won’t be profitable.

Rope toys are another very popular alternative. Again, it depends on how your puppy behaves. Some puppies love to chew for their lives and also swallow the threads.

Sniffing toys are interactive toys that you can either buy or make yourself. Your dog should sniff out and find the hidden treats. This can reduce stress and distract your dog.

Now you have to decide for yourself what character your dog has and what is right for him.

Why is my dog ​​going for my personal belongings?

Who doesn’t know this? Sofa scratched, slipper nibbled, pillow shredded, and toilet paper rolls unrolled throughout the apartment 🙂

Just as children can misbehave at times, you’re surely aware of it, right? They do things that require our attention.

They don’t do it without reason. Desire for attention or boredom is the answer. It’s the same with a puppy.

They’re looking for tasks

Although dogs are mainly bred as companions today, they still need something to do. They’re looking for tasks to occupy their time and satisfy their chewing needs.

Think about what you give your dog as a toy. Do you give him socks, old slippers, or pieces of clothing to play with?

Then, all socks, shoes, and pieces of clothing are considered toys.

Dogs can’t distinguish which socks and shoes they’re allowed to play with and which they’re not. It’s best to keep your things away from the toys to avoid possible confusion.

To put an end to these imaginative surprises, get him the right toy!

How can I make a dog toy myself?

Among the many possibilities, we want to introduce you to the most practical DIY dog toys.

Maybe you can try some of them. See what your puppy likes best. Have fun executing them 🙂

For puppies who love crinkling

Take an old T-shirt and a PET bottle. Wrap the water bottle with the T-shirt. That’s it, you’ve made it. It’s the perfect toy for puppies who like sounds.

Snack toy:

A cereal box closed with treats inside. (Destruction intended.) Stick some treats inside the empty packaging. Watch your puppy have fun trying to get to the treats 🙂

Throw toy:

Super easy way to recycle old T-shirts.

Cut the T-shirt into 3 pieces. Braid it into a braid and tie a tight knot at both ends. Now you’re ready to go!

Alternatively, you can cover a tennis ball with your T-shirt and tie it up. Also ideal as a throwing toy.

Frisbee:

Cut an old T-shirt into long strips. Make as many braids as possible from these strips. But always leave a piece to tie with the other braid part.

Now you can knot the braids into one long braid. Finally, you have to roll them up like a snail. Sew the snail with rope and thread, and the fun can begin.