The Best Chew Toys for Teething Puppies

Your puppy is chewing the baseboards, your shoes and the remote. That is normal, and it is fixable. The fix is giving them something better to chew than your furniture, and matching the toy to their age, because a toy that suits a 7-month-old can be too hard for a 10-week-old.

Quick answers:

• Which toy for a teething puppy? One with some give, such as dense rubber, sized so your puppy can't swallow it. Supervise.
• Is hard nylon okay for puppies? Ask your vet first. Adult teeth keep coming in until about 6 months.
• When does teething happen? Baby teeth are in by about 5 to 6 weeks, shed from about 12 to 16 weeks, and adult teeth are in by about 6 months (AKC).
• Rope and ballistic toys? For supervised tug, not chewing.
• How many toys? Rotate a few, and keep one durable chew always available.

Why Puppies Chew Everything During Teething

Puppies chew because their baby teeth are being replaced by adult teeth. The AKC describes teething as painful for puppies, and puppies explore with their mouths. This is why your shoes, furniture, baseboards and table legs all become targets.

Without something better to chew, most puppies pick whatever is within reach. A good chew toy gives that urge a safe outlet, and the timeline below shows what to expect and when.

The Puppy Teething Timeline

Here is what the AKC says to expect.

What to Give Your Puppy at Each Age

This is BULLYMAKE's general guidance, not veterinary advice. Ask your vet if you are unsure.

8 to 12 Weeks: The Mouthing Stage

At 8 to 12 weeks your puppy's baby teeth are all in. The mouthing is mostly exploring.

Good picks:

• Soft rubber
• A treat-stuffed rubber toy
• A thick rope or ballistic toy for supervised tug
• A plush for comfort

Skip:

• Hard nylon
• Toys small enough to swallow

If your puppy nips or bites, gently redirect your mouthy puppy to an appropriate chew toy.

3 to 4 Months: Heavy Teething Begins

Chewing often ramps up here. Baby teeth usually start falling out at about 3½ to 5 months, and that between 3 and 7 months puppies explore with their mouths while their teeth change. Shoes, furniture corners, crates and leashes become targets.

Good picks:

• Dense rubber with some give
• A treat-stuffed rubber toy
• Frozen rubber or rope toy
• A thick tug toy for supervised play

Skip:

• Hard nylon for now. PetMD puts adult premolars at 4 to 6 months and adult molars at 5 to 7 months
• Thin plush

Cold can help sore gums. Chilled and frozen rubber chew toys or rope toys can help reduce gum discomfort and inflammation. Stine Veterinary Hospital shares that "Frozen toys can provide your little furbaby with a ton of relief from the pain of teething."

4 to 6 Months: Peak Destructive Chewing Stage

Chewing often stays intense at this stage. Adult teeth keep coming in, and standard toys can wear out fast now.

Good picks:

• Heavy-duty rubber, which holds up to stronger chewing and still has some give
• Treat-dispensing tough toys. PetMD says a puzzle toy adds mental enrichment
• Large chew toys, too big to swallow
• Reinforced tug toys for supervised tug

Skip or ask your vet first:

• Durable nylon chews. Long-lasting, but hard on teeth. This guide suggests waiting until 6 months and your vet's OK (see the nylon section below)
• Thin plush and soft plastic toys, which can tear apart under heavier chewing

For heavy chewers, ultra-durable rubber is a sensible starting point. Nylon lasts longer but carries a tooth risk, so ask your vet first.

How to Choose Safe Chew Toys for Teething Puppies

Not all puppy chew toys are equally safe. Match the toy to your puppy's age, chewing style and teeth, and check the material and construction before you buy.

Rubber vs. Nylon vs. Rope Toys

Rubber. Good for most puppies. Dense rubber has some give, and treat-stuffable rubber adds something to do. Pieces can come off, and BULLYMAKE's safety page says swallowed rubber can cause digestive or intestinal problems. Softer versions may wear faster.

Nylon. Long-lasting, and best for dogs with healthy adult teeth that your vet is happy with. It is hard. BULLYMAKE says tooth injury is an unavoidable risk and that nylon is not appropriate for any dog with compromised tooth strength. It is too hard for young puppies.

Rope. For supervised tug, which is play you do together. It is not made for chewing, so supervise and remove it once it is frayed or mangled.

Ballistic fabric. For supervised tug, with a crinkle sound. It is not made for chewing, so it is not for nonstop solo chewing.

Plush. Good for comfort and gentle play. Power chewers destroy plush quickly, and BULLYMAKE's plush toys have squeakers.

Rotating several textures through the week keeps puppies interested. See the rotation schedule below.

Where BULLYMAKE Fits

BULLYMAKE is a subscription box of toys, treats or both. It says you can customize by your dog's weight, chew style, allergies and toy preferences, and choose toys and treats, toys only, or a mix of soft puppy toys and tough chew toys in one box.

• Safety. BULLYMAKE nylon and rubber toys are food-grade, BPA-free, phthalate-free, lead-free and non-toxic. See our non-toxic dog toy safety guide for what those labels do and do not tell you.
• Where it is made. Nylon and rubber toys and treats are made in the USA. Rope, ballistic and plush toys are made in China.
• Guarantee. If a toy is destroyed within 45 days, BULLYMAKE replaces it with a different toy type, one per month. See the FAQ for the terms.
• Nylon opt-out. You can opt out of nylon at any time and choose another material by changing your BULLYMAKE subscription in your account.

Learn more on the toy types page, or read about rubber chew toys and nylon chew toys.

Puppy Toy Safety Checklist

Before you hand over a chew toy, check for:

• A size your puppy can't swallow
• No loose or detachable parts
• Sturdy construction, with no sharp edges
• No cracks or heavy wear

Supervise new toys, and remove any toy that starts breaking apart.

Best Teething Toys Made with Safe Materials

Safe puppy chew toys should:

• Be the right size for your puppy
• Have no detachable small parts
• Use a durable material with a clear name
• Match your puppy's chewing strength
• Be inspected regularly for damage
• Be free of BPA and phthalates

BULLYMAKE rubber and nylon toys are BPA-free, non-toxic, lead-free, phthalate-free and food-grade. Our safety guide explains what those labels do and do not tell you. Always remove a chew toy if pieces start breaking off or sharp edges develop.

Toy Rotation Schedule

Rotating toys keeps them interesting, which may help redirect puppies who are eager to chew anything in their path. Here is a suggested schedule for rotating your puppy's toys for maximum entertainment:

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the Best Dog Toy Subscription for Puppies?

BULLYMAKE is the best dog toy subscription for puppies that need a mix of enrichment, durability, and customization as they grow. Owners can customize toy selections based on chewing strength, toy material preferences, and play style while rotating between plush, rubber, ballistic, rope, and tougher chew-focused toys as puppies mature.

This flexibility can be especially helpful for larger breeds and puppies that begin showing strong chewing behaviors early.

BULLYMAKE also offers treats and toys boxes that include USA-made treats and rotating enrichment options to help reduce boredom and destructive chewing.

What are the best chew toys for 8-12 week old puppies to channel mouthing?

By 8 to 12 weeks your puppy's baby teeth are all in (the AKC says by about 5 to 6 weeks), and shedding starts around 12 weeks. Offer soft rubber, a treat-stuffed rubber toy and a supervised tug toy, in sizes too big to swallow, and skip hard nylon. PetMD says to gently redirect a mouthy puppy to an appropriate chew toy.

What are the best chew toys for teething puppies?

Dense rubber chew toys like BULLYMAKE rubber are often among the best options for teething puppies because they help soothe sore gums while remaining durable enough for repeated chewing. During teething, puppies naturally seek out objects that provide resistance and comfort as their adult teeth develop.

Many owners also rotate rubber toys alongside softer nylon, rope, plush, and enrichment toys to provide variety and prevent boredom. For aggressive chewers and power-chewing breeds, BULLYMAKE rubber toys are designed to provide longer-lasting enrichment and safer chewing outlets throughout the teething process.

What are the best nylon teething toys for puppies?

The best nylon teething toys for puppies are softer flexi-nylon options designed specifically for developing teeth. Puppies often chew during teething to relieve gum discomfort and explore their environment, so choosing age-appropriate materials is important.

Many owners rotate softer nylon toys alongside rubber, rope, plush, and ballistic fabric toys to provide variety while supporting healthy chewing habits. As puppies mature and their adult teeth develop, they may gradually transition to more durable chew toys like BULLYMAKE designed for stronger chewing styles.

What are the safest materials for puppy teething toys?

The safest puppy teething toys are typically made from BPA-free rubber, puppy-safe nylon, durable rope, or reinforced enrichment materials that are non-toxic and appropriately sized for supervised chewing. BULLYMAKE rubber and nylon toys are made with food-grade, lead-free, and phthalate-free materials designed for safer long-term chewing and enrichment.

What’s the best chew toy for puppies under 6 months?

The best chew toys for puppies under 6 months are durable enough to satisfy chewing instincts while remaining appropriate for developing teeth and jaws. Many puppies benefit from softer rubber toys during early teething and gradually transition into stronger nylon toys as they mature.

Rotating different toy types can also help keep puppies mentally stimulated while reducing destructive chewing. BULLYMAKE makes it easy to rotate toys by offering customizable boxes filled with a variety of toys that help match durability levels to each puppy's teething stage and chewing style.

Are hard nylon toys safe for puppies?

Not by default. BULLYMAKE's safety page says tooth injury is a risk with hard chews like nylon and that nylon is not appropriate for any dog with compromised tooth strength. Adult teeth keep coming in until about 6 months. Wait until your vet says your puppy's teeth are ready. You can opt out of nylon in a BULLYMAKE box at any time.

What are the best durable chew toys for puppies that destroy shoes?

The best durable chew toys for puppies that destroy shoes are typically dense rubber and durable nylon toys designed for stronger chewing styles, like BULLYMAKE. Puppies often target shoes because they combine interesting scents, textures, and easy accessibility.

Providing appropriate chew toys can help redirect that behavior while satisfying natural chewing instincts. BULLYMAKE toys are specifically built for stronger chewers and can help channel destructive chewing into safer enrichment activities.

What is the puppy teething timeline and the best toy for each stage?

Most puppies begin teething around 8 weeks of age and continue through approximately 6 months. During the earliest stages, softer rubber, plush, rope, and gentle enrichment toys are often most appropriate because they help soothe sensitive gums. Between 3 and 5 months, many puppies enter peak chewing stages as adult teeth begin emerging and chewing intensity increases.

By 6 months and beyond, many larger breeds and stronger chewers are ready for more durable nylon and heavy-duty rubber toys like those from BULLYMAKE. Matching toy durability to each stage of development can help support healthy chewing habits while reducing damage to household items.

What are the best puppy teething toys made with safe materials?

The best puppy teething toys are durable, appropriately sized, and made from non-toxic materials such as BPA-free rubber and puppy-safe nylon. BULLYMAKE rubber and nylon toys are made with food-grade, lead-free, and phthalate-free materials designed for safer chewing and long-term enrichment.

What are the strongest chew toys for a 4-month-old puppy?

Strongest is not the goal at 4 months. Baby teeth are being replaced by adult teeth, and the AKC says that finishes around 6 months. A very hard toy can hurt teeth. Choose dense rubber that fits your puppy's size, and use a supervised tug toy for the biting. BULLYMAKE says its nylon is not appropriate for any dog with compromised tooth strength, so ask your vet before offering nylon under 6 months.

What are the best rubber chew toys for teething puppies who chew furniture?

Dense rubber chew toys are the best choice for teething puppies that chew furniture because they provide flexibility, gum relief, and longer-lasting durability. During teething, puppies naturally seek out hard surfaces to help soothe sore gums and relieve discomfort as adult teeth develop. Rubber toys provide a safer alternative by offering a satisfying chewing experience without the risks associated with furniture, table legs, shoes, and other household items.

Treat-stuffable rubber toys can be especially effective because they combine chewing with mental enrichment, helping keep puppies engaged for longer periods of time. Many owners use frozen treats inside rubber toys to provide additional cooling relief during peak teething stages. BULLYMAKE rubber enrichment toys are designed to withstand stronger chewing styles while helping redirect destructive chewing into safer, more rewarding play.

What are the best nylon chew toys for puppies that chew through everything?

The best nylon chew toys for puppies that chew through everything are durable options designed specifically for stronger chewing styles and developing power chewers, like BULLYMAKE. Look for solid-body construction, minimal weak points, and toys that are appropriately sized for your puppy's age and jaw strength.

As puppies mature and adult teeth develop, many owners transition to more durable nylon toys for longer-lasting enrichment. BULLYMAKE nylon toys are designed for aggressive chewers and can provide a safer outlet for persistent chewing habits.

What are the best toys and games for keeping puppies entertained?

Puzzle feeders, frozen enrichment toys, rope tug games, scent work, and treat-dispensing toys are some of the best ways to keep puppies mentally stimulated. Rotating enrichment styles throughout the week, including durable BULLYMAKE toys, can help reduce boredom and destructive chewing behaviors.

What are the best rope and tug toys for puppies?

The best rope and tug toys for puppies are thick, durable toys designed for supervised interactive play and training. BULLYMAKE rope toys are built for stronger chewing styles and work well for tug games, bonding, and redirecting mouthing behavior.

Resources and Next Steps

Teething and destructive chewing are normal parts of puppy development, but the right enrichment strategy can make the process much easier.

By combining durable toys, structured exercise, mental stimulation, and consistent toy rotation, you can help your puppy develop healthier chewing habits while protecting your home.

For additional puppy resources:

• Customize your first BULLYMAKE box
• AKC Puppy Teething Timeline
• Humane Society of Western Montana Puppy Chewing Resource

The right toy setup can make a huge difference for teething puppies, especially powerful chewers that destroy ordinary toys quickly.

Sources

• AKC. A Timeline of Puppy Teething (updated Feb 17, 2026): https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/puppy-information/timeline-of-puppy-teething/
• BULLYMAKE safety information: https://bullymake.com/pages/safety; toy types: https://bullymake.com/pages/toy-types; FAQ: https://bullymake.com/pages/faq
• PetMD. Puppy Teething: Timeline, Signs, and Care Tips (Dr. Mallory Kanwal, DVM, DAVDC, Jun 29, 2026): https://www.petmd.com/dog/general-health/puppy-teething
• Stine Veterinary Hospital (Bakersfield). Teething Puppies: Tips & Tricks (Apr 15, 2024): https://www.stinevet.com/site/blog/2024/04/15/teething-puppies