The best puppy toys for solo and interactive play, tested and reviewed

Playtime is a crucial part of a puppy's development. It helps them build impulse control, develop social skills, and expand their cognitive abilities. One of the most effective ways to help your dogs thrive is by offering them the best puppy toys that are safe and appropriate for their age and size.

You'll want to have an assortment of different types of toys, since many puppies show clear preferences — enthusiastically engaging with some styles while completely ignoring others. "It's all about variety, what the dog likes and cannot destroy," says Dr. Katherine Houpt, a veterinary behaviorist and professor of behavior medicine at the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. Popular toys include stuffed plushies, squeaky balls, and food puzzles. Just remember that not every toy is safe, and it's important to avoid anything with sharp edges and parts that are easy to chew off or swallow.

For this guide, I tested 27 different toys with Herschel, my basset hound puppy. I also asked other pet guardians, veterinarians, and a dog trainer about the most enriching, durable toys for puppies. My top pick is the West Paw Zogoflex Toppl, an interactive treat toy that's also great for tossing and chewing.

Read more about how Insider Reviews tests and researches pet products.

Our top picks for the best puppy toys

Best overall: West Paw Zogoflex Toppl - See at Chewy

Best chew toy: Petstages Dogwood Calming Chew - See at Chewy

Best for aggressive chewers: West Paw Zogoflex Hurley - See at Chewy

Best heartbeat toy: Smart Pet Love Snuggle Puppy - See at Chewy

Best puzzle: Outward Hound Puppy Smart Interactive Puzzle - See at Chewy

Best squeaky: Outward Hound Invincibles Minis Dog - See at Chewy

Best crinkle: Frisco Frosted Pastry Plush Toy - See at Chewy

Best plush: Kong Wild Knots Bear - See at Chewy

Best for fetch: Kong Wubba - See at Chewy

Best ball: Chuckit! Ultra Squeaker Ball - See at Chewy

Best for tug: Mammoth Cottonblend 3 Knot Rope Toy - See at Chewy

Best overall

The Toppl is a chewable interactive toy that holds food within its hollow interior. "Owners can fill the toy with their puppy's regular dog food and a few extra small treats, allowing puppies to explore their environment using their sense of smell while having fun simultaneously," says Brad Phifer, a certified dog trainer and executive board director for the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers.

This toy rolls and bobs too — extra features that boosted it to the top spot for the best puppy toys. The soft, stretchy, BPA-free plastic composite material is super tough, making it excellent for puppies who like to chew. It comes in three sizes, starting at 3 inches tall and 2.5 inches wide. After playtime, just run it through the dishwasher.

The Kong Classic for Puppies is also a good option to add more variety to your food toy collection. It lost out to the Toppl because accessing the food inside is more challenging and may frustrate some puppies.

Best chew

Chewing is both an exploratory and play behavior, Houpt says. Puppies need a variety of toys to satisfy their chewing needs. These toys can also be used to redirect your puppy from chewing on undesirable items like furniture and sneakers. However, safety should be top of mind since puppies can chew off a small piece of a toy in seconds.

Over four weeks of use, the Dogwood Calming Chew held up to 15- to 20-minute chew sessions a few times a week. It also stood up to adult dogs when we tested it for our guides to the best dog toys and best dog toys for aggressive chewers. The stick-like toy is made from a combination of wood fiber, polypropylene, and plastic. This toy is unique because it has the same flavor as the sticks your dog might enthusiastically collect from your backyard. The stick comes in four sizes, the smallest being 4 inches long. When the toy has obvious damage, replace it immediately.

Best for aggressive chewers

When pet guardians research what to give an aggressive chewer, the results are typically bully sticks or hard bones. But Phifer says that special consideration needs to be taken before providing dogs with hard bones, such as antlers, hooves, or even Nylabones, which can result in cracked, broken, or loose teeth," he says. "Rubber toys are the most tooth-friendly toys for dogs of all ages," says Dr. Mallory Kanwal, a veterinary dentist at VCA Animal Hospitals Great Lakes. She recommends sticking with toys you can indent with your fingernail to reduce the risk of tooth fracture.

Extra-durable yet softer toys are recommended for aggressive chewers. My puppy gravitates toward the Hurley, which has a soft texture and flexibility that appeals to chewers. Like the overall best toy, the Toppl, it is made from extra-durable BPA-free Zogoflex material. It also floats, making it great for water-loving dogs, and cleans up easily in the dishwasher. The stick-shaped toy is available in three sizes; the smallest is 4.5 inches long.

Best heartbeat toy

Nothing is familiar to your puppy when they first arrive at your home, and it can be a scary time for them. Before Herschel came to live with me, I bought the Snuggle Puppy, a battery-operated plush dog with two heartbeat modes and a removable heating pad that stays warm for up to 45 minutes.

Houpt says that the heartbeat and warmth simulate the mother that the puppy has been separated from. "My own dog played with hers every evening for years," Houpt says. "I have recommended the Snuggle pup for young puppies with separation-related anxiety or distress, and it has helped," Anderson says.

You'll want to observe your dog with this toy, as the ears and tail don't hold up well to chewing. It also doesn't do well in the washing machine. However, it may be the best option for soothing your puppy.

Best puzzle

Houpt encourages guardians to introduce their puppies to puzzle toys, which give dogs an opportunity to problem-solve to get to the food hidden inside. "Interactive puzzle games can help puppies challenge their minds while having fun," Phifer says. Start with an easy puzzle toy so your puppy doesn't become discouraged.

This beginner-level puzzle has nine small plastic bones to hide the best dog treats under. Your dog must remove each bone to find the hidden kibble or treats. However, you'll want to supervise your puppy as the loose bone pieces may be a tempting chew for some dogs. The base can be washed in the dishwasher.

Best squeaky

Research suggests that dogs may have more interest in toys that make noise and engage with these toys longer. This Invincible Minis Dog's loud squeaker satisfied my puppy.

Like many of the best puppy toys, this one is stuffing-free, meaning no mess if your dog destroys it, and double-layer seams provide extra reinforcement. Dog trainers recommend toys with this type of durable construction. "Used, natural rubber, or tough cloth-based toys with no bells and whistles, such as stuffing, plastic eyes, or ribbons, can provide long-lasting playtime fun," Phifer says.

This toy may be too small for older or large-breed puppies. However, at 7 inches long, it's well-sized for a young puppy.

Best crinkle

Crinkle toys add an auditory experience in addition to an oral one, Houpt says. The crinkle paper inside the Frisco Frosted Pastry was particularly stimulating for my puppy. The toy also has a soft exterior and a plush filling that appeals to dogs.

At 6 inches long by 4 inches wide and just a half-inch thick, the toy is easy for puppies to pick up. It held up well after weeks of being tossed around and chewed on by my 8-month-old basset hound. However, this isn't suitable if your puppy is a strong chewer.

Best plush

Plush toys are a favorite among many puppies. "The tactile feeling and ability to chew them is why I suspect many dogs like [them]," says Dr. Katherine Anderson, a veterinarian and assistant clinical professor at the Duffield Institute for Animal Behavior at the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. She emphasizes the importance of supervision since dogs who ingest pieces of plush toys can get intestinal blockages.

While many plush toys can be destroyed in minutes, the Wild Knots Bear is one of the best puppy toys because it's super durable for moderate chewers. My puppy hasn't managed to get an arm off even though it's his favorite toy to shake. Puppies will love latching onto and chewing the knotted rope "skeleton" sewn inside.

Best for fetch

Fetch is an interactive, social game that supports your puppy's development. It may also be a rewarding activity for dogs particularly driven to engage in training. "Using toys and play as rewards for dogs that already have a high training drive is a great way to take advantage of their motivation to work," Houpt says.

The Kong Wubba is my favorite toy for fetch. The toy, which resembles an octopus, is made with ballistic nylon. It has two bouncy, squeaky balls wrapped within the fabric and long tails that make it easy for dogs to pick up, shake, and play tug. It's available in three sizes, starting 8.75 inches long.

Best ball

Like fetch, ball play is a great game that helps build cooperation. I tested a few different types of balls and the Chuckit! Ultra Squeaker Ball stood out as one of the best puppy toys. It has a very high bounce and loud squeak, and the colors are bright enough for your dog to see them at dawn or dusk.

We played with this ball in every type of weather and could easily clean it off with a damp cloth, even when it was covered in mud. Because it's so durable, your puppy can spend some time chewing on it without destroying it. Make sure to supervise your dog with this toy as they can accidentally swallow balls.

Best for tug

Tug is a rewarding game for puppies and a great way to introduce training. This tug rope toy from Mammoth is the most durable of the bunch we tested and comes in puppy-appropriate sizes. It's made of 100% cotton and held up to Herschel's strong grip and multiple dishwasher cycles when I cleaned it.

Choosing appropriate tug toys is important. "Rope toys are excellent when the dog and their owner are playing tug or fetch," Phifer says. "However, owners should supervise their dogs with these toys because young dogs often enjoy unraveling the rope, which can lead to blockages in the intestines." Go up a size or two when buying this for tug.

What to look for in puppy toys

According to the experts I interviewed, safety, size, durability, materials, enrichment, and your dog's personality are the most important factors to consider when choosing toys for your puppy.

Safety: Houpt says the most important consideration when choosing toys for your puppy. Look out for toys with sharp edges and parts that can be easily chewed off or swallowed. Avoid soft toys that can easily be torn apart since dogs may eat the stuffing and pieces of fabric. Toys with double-stitching provide extra durability.

Size: Avoid toys that appear to be too small or aren't labeled for the size of your dog. Your dog may swallow these toys, which could get stuck in their throat or gastrointestinal tract. Toys will always say on the package if they are intended for small, medium, or large dogs. If you're unsure about a toy's size, it's best to size up.

Durability: Some dogs are aggressive chewers, and even puppies can destroy the strongest and safest toys. Wear and tear is something to observe in the first week. The toys I selected for this guide were more durable than other products we tested.

"Durability is essential since puppies have sharp teeth and are more likely to chew things up quickly," Phifer says. "In addition, some breeds, such as terriers, might be more prone to shredding plush toys."

Materials: Avoid toys made with hard plastic and vinyl. These materials may damage a puppy's teeth and, if ingested, may be harmful. Double-stitched cloth is important for plush toys and stuffies. However, you should always supervise playtime as even the toughest toy can eventually come apart.

Enrichment: Enrichment consists of meeting a puppy's mental and physical needs. "Just like us, puppies benefit from a variety of physical and mental enrichment," Anderson says. "Engaging puppies in appropriate chew toys, food puzzle toys, training, games, and physical exercise are all important."

Your dog's preferences: Introduce a variety of toys to your puppy to find out what they like. This process may take weeks or even months. For example, you may find your puppy gravitates toward fetch toys and is excited to eat their meals from puzzles while they leave plush toys and squeakers lying in the corner.

How we tested the best puppy toys

I considered a variety of puppy toys that help nurture different types of play. I also consulted four experts who advised what to look for and avoid in toys for puppies.

After researching popular toys, I selected 2 to 3 toys to test for each category and tested 27 toys altogether. Each toy was tested by a basset hound puppy, Herschel, and his guardian. He has been playing with the Toppl, Hurley, Snuggle Puppy, Wubba, ans Outward Hound Puzzle since he was adopted. The other toys were tested with him at 8 months of age for approximately three weeks.

I evaluated each toy according to its safety, size, durability, materials, enrichment potential, and what Herschel gravitated toward among the category competition. After the first week, I checked the toys for any damage. During each play session, I paid special attention to any toys worn to the point of becoming too small and posing a choking hazard. Some toys only lasted a few minutes before falling apart.

Puppy toys FAQs

What toy is best for a puppy?

The best toy for your puppy really depends on their individual personality. Some puppies live for a game of fetch, while others are happiest to gnaw on anything that resembles a stick. Because puppies also have short attention spans, the best approach is often to offer a range of toys that meet different needs. For example, experts recommend incorporating interactive puzzle and food-dispensing toys to help challenge puppies' minds and encourage problem-solving. Above all, safety should guide your choices, Houpt says. Steer clear of toys with sharp edges and parts that can be easily chewed off and swallowed.

What is the safest toy for a puppy?

The safest puppy toys are simple ones without ribbons, ears, tails, and stuffing. Look for durable materials and double-stitched seams on fabric toys. Anderson recommends avoiding anything puppies can swallow in large pieces since this could be dangerous. Always supervise your puppy with a new toy until you know how your dog engages with it. "Be cautious about what toys are left alone with your puppy when they are not being supervised," Anderson says.

What toys should you not give a puppy?

Anderson says certain toys should be avoided altogether, including edible toys such as cornstarch bones, rawhide chews, pigs' ears, cow hooves, raw bones, and sticks — all of which can cause intestinal blockages if ingested. "I would also recommend avoiding laser pointers for puppies and dogs in general since they may contribute to overall frustration and the development of excessive light and shadow chasing behaviors," Anderson says.

What can a puppy chew on?

Not every toy or material is safe for chewing. Avoid bones, sticks, rawhide chews, and hard plastic toys. Always check a toy's packaging to see if it is labeled for chewing and what level of chewing it's intended to withstand. Some are designed for light or moderate chewers, while others are suitable for aggressive chewers. Brands like West Paw and Kong make durable yet soft rubber toys that held up in my testing and won't harm a puppy's teeth. For plush toys, double-stitched fabric is the top choice for durability.

How do I keep my puppy entertained?

Finding the right toys to keep your puppy engaged may require some trial and error. Aim for a variety of toys that encourage healthy play habits. "Remember your puppy has a short attention span so have a variety of toys — shapes, sizes, and types," Houpt says. Anderson recommends observing which toys your puppy interacts with the most and which they ignore. And don't be discouraged if the toys you buy don't immediately have your pup doing zoomies. Your new puppy may pick that toy out of the bin when you least expect it.

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