Dog Toys for Puppies: What to Buy for Each Stage
Updated October 31, 2026
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Puppies explore with their mouths. The right toys give them something better to chew than your shoes and help with training and alone time.
Toys by purpose
| Purpose | Toy types | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Teething | Soft puppy-formula rubber, chew toys that can be chilled | Avoid very hard toys while adult teeth come in |
| Alone or crate time | Stuffable rubber toys filled with part of a meal | Count food in toys as part of daily meals |
| Brain games | Snuffle mats, level 1 puzzles | Keep sessions short and easy |
| Play with you | Soft tugs, balls | Teach 'drop it' early |
| Comfort | Plush toys | Supervise; remove if torn |
Puppy toy rules
- Rotate a few toys every few days so they stay interesting.
- Pick toys too big to swallow, and size up as your puppy grows.
- Ask your vet before giving bones, antlers or other very hard chews.
Where to shop
Potty training too? Try PottyMat's free puppy potty schedule maker.
Safety
No toy is truly indestructible. Supervise play with any new toy, check toys for cracks, loose pieces or exposed stuffing, and throw out damaged toys. If your dog swallows part of a toy, or shows vomiting, straining or loss of appetite afterward, call your veterinarian.
New guides
- Dog Toys for Small Dogs: Sizes, Types and Safety
- KONG Dog Toys: How to Pick the Right One and What to Stuff It With
Related guides
- Dog Toys for Aggressive Chewers: What Actually Holds Up
- Interactive Dog Toys: Types, Uses and How to Pick One
- Puzzle Toys for Dogs: Difficulty Levels and How to Start
- Squeaky Dog Toys: Are They Safe and Which Kind to Get
- Tug Toys for Dogs: How to Choose and Play Safely
Potty training a puppy too? See PottyMat's guides to dog potty pads and indoor potties.