But first, allow us to share what we believe to be the very best puppy toys. Below, you’ll find detailed descriptions of each of these puppy toys, including the features of each one, what we like best about them, and what other parents of puppies who have used each product have had to say.
Best Toys for Puppies
1. Chuckit! Dog Ball Launcher
First up on our list of the best dog toys for puppies is the Chuckit! Dog Ball Launcher. This toy is a great choice for puppies of all sizes, from the tiniest Miniature Schnauzer to a mid-sized English Springer Spaniel, and even a massive Mastiff puppy.
This toy is designed to make the game of fetch easier and even more enjoyable; both for pooches and for pet parents. It’s a long stick that measures 26 inches long that has a cup-like feature on the end. To use it, just place a tennis ball in the cup and swing the stick to launch it. It’s that simple! The ergonomic handle makes it easy to control and operate, and you can easily scoop up the ball with it, too.
It comes complete with a brightly colored tennis ball that your little one will be able to spot in all environments, or you can use any standard-sized tennis ball with it. Since the ball floats and the stick will not be damaged by moisture, it can certainly be used as a water toy for dogs, too. Use this toy for hours of fetch-playing fun with your little pup.
What We Like About It
- Makes the game of fetch easier to play
- Launches balls a great distance
- Comes with a brightly colored tennis ball
- Can be used with any standard sized tennis ball
- Can be used in the water
- Easy to operate
- Ergonomic handle
Reasons to Complain
- Some owners said that their puppies chewed right through the tennis ball
- A few customers noted that figuring out how to use it was a bit complicated
Final Verdict: With the Chuckit! Dog Ball Launcher, you and your puppy will enjoy hours of fun playing the game of fetch. This toy does exactly what it’s designed to do; launch balls a far distance. Additionally, thanks to the design of the stick, you won’t have to constantly bed over to pick up the ball.
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2. iFetch Too Interactive Ball Launcher for Dogs
Parents of puppies that have lots of energy or love to retrieve items, such as Golden retrievers, Labrador retrievers, Border Collies, and Australian shepherds, will definitely want to have a few automatic fetch machines around to keep their furry family members’ entertained, and the iFetch Too Interactive Ball Launcher for Dogs is a great option.
Essentially, this toy is an automated device that plays the game of fetch for you! Just load it up with standard sized tennis balls, press a button, and it will launch the balls 10, 25, or 40 feet! If you’re willing to put a little effort in, you can even teach your pooch how to operate the toy himself! The toy comes with three tennis balls, but will work with any other standard sized tennis ball, too.
Turn on the random distance setting and it will mix up the distance that the balls are launched to add an element of surprise. And, since it runs on rechargeable batteries, you can use it anywhere!
What We Like About It
- Automates the game of fetch
- Tosses balls three distances; 10, 25, and 40 feet
- Operates with a rechargeable battery
- Comes with three balls and accepts any standard tennis ball
- The majority of pet parents said that their dogs are obsessed with this toy
Reasons to Complain
- Some users said that the battery doesn’t hold its charge very long
- The price is a bit steep
Final Verdict: With the iFetch Too Interactive Ball Launcher, you’ll be sure to keep your puppy entertained – and tire him out, too!
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3. PetSafe Busy Buddy Kibble Nibble Meal Dispensing Toy
Puzzle toys for dogs are a great option for puppies, and that’s essentially what the PetSafe Busy Buddy Kibble Nibble Meal Dispensing Dog Toy is. Puzzle toys are require your pet to use his wits in order to complete a task and access a reward; in this case, the reward is a tasty dog treat!
This ball-shaped toy is made out of durable, non-toxic plastic and rubber, so it will be able to withstand those sharp and powerful puppy jaws, and it won’t harm him, either. To use it, just load it up with your puppy’s favorite treat or a few pieces of premium-quality dog food from one of the most reputable dog food brands, close it up, and let your pup get to work.
As he rolls it around on the floor, pieces of dry dog food or treats will be dispensed, which he’ll happily gobble up. What we really like about this toy is that it can also double as an automatic dog feeder. If your puppy has a tendency to eat too fast, replace his dog bowl with this toy. Since it only dispenses a small amount of food at a time, he’ll slow down on eating, which will reduce the risk of chocking and bloat.
What We Like About It
- Offers hours of interactive fun
- Encourages mental stimulation
- Slows down eating, reducing the risk of choking and bloat
- Dishwasher safe
- Non-toxic
- Can be used as an automatic dog feeder
Reasons to Complain
- It does have a tendency to make a lot of noise
- Some users said that their puppies were able to chew through it
Final Verdict: For a fun, interactive toy that can also serve as a dog bowl, the PetSafe Busy Buddy Kibble Nibble Meal Dispensing Dog Toy is a great option. It holds enough food for a puppy’s meal, promotes interactive play, and provides mental stimulation.
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4. SmartPetLove Snuggle Puppy Behavioral Aid Toy
If your puppy tends to suffer from separation anxiety, there are a number of ways that you can help to ease his mind; CBD oil for dogs and medications for dogs are two great options for anxiety. However, if you’d prefer not giving your puppy any medications or if he is too young to take them, then the SmartPetLoveSnuggle Puppy Behavioral Toy might just do the trick.
This toy creates a pulsing heartbeat, which creates a sensation that will make your puppy think that he is surrounded by other dogs, or you, his human pack leader. That feeling appeals to your pet’s natural instincts, which will automatically soothe him and reduce negative behaviors that pups often exhibit when they are anxious, such as excessive barking and whining.
This toy is powered by two AAA batteries, which are included, and last for two weeks of continuous use, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It also features a non-toxic heat source that remains warm for 24 hours. Lastly, it’s machine washable for easy care.
What We Like About It
- Mimics the sensation of a being surrounded by other dogs to sooth anxious puppies
- The stuffed puppy is adorable!
- Well made
- Non-toxic
- Machine washable
- Most users said that it effectively reduced anxiety in their puppies
Reasons to Complain
- Some users said that they didn’t see any results
Final Verdict: With the SmartPetLove Snuggle Puppy Behavioral Aid Toy, you’ll be able to ease your anxious puppy. Most pet parents said that it was highly effective and did exactly what it was supposed to do.
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5. Nylabone Puppy Starter Packs Puppy Chew Toys
The option on our list of the best dog toys for puppies is the Nylabone Puppy Starter Packs Puppy Chew Toy. This pack features three different chew toys for dogs; one smooth bone, one bone that is covered in rounded nubs, and one edible bone.
Each offers a different sensation and will help to ease any pain that your teething puppy may be experiencing. The smooth and nubbed bone are made out of non-toxic, highly durable materials, so they’ll last a long time.
The edible bone is made of wholesome ingredients and features an apple and lamb flavor that your little guy will love.
What We Like About It
- Comes with three different bones that are perfectly sized for a puppy’s mouth
- Promotes healthy chewing habits
- Helps to reduce teething pain
- Covers all stages of chewing
- Made in the USA
- Most users said that they – and more importantly, their puppies – were very pleased
Reasons to Complain
- Some users did say that their puppies ate right through the toys
Final Verdict: The Nylabone Puppy Starter Packs Puppy Chew Toys will help to encourage healthy chewing habits while soothing your pup’s teeting pain.
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The Best Toys for Puppies: A Buyer’s Guide
It’s no secret that puppies need a lot of supplies in order to ensure that all of their needs are met. A dog collar is a must-have to display his tags; a dog harness and a leash for dogs that pull are necessary for those daily walks; indestructible dog beds that offer support and can’t be damaged by teething pups will keep your pooch comfortable while he sleeps, and you might want to keep some anti chew dog spray on-hand, too, to prevent your puppy from damaging your furniture, shoes, and clothes.
While all of these supplies are important and will make caring for your pet easier, toys are just as important as all of these supplies. Like human children, dogs learn through play. By offering your puppy plenty of toys, you’ll offer healthy mental stimulation that will help to expand his growing mind. You’ll also help him avoid negative behaviors, such as chewing and digging, as he will be occupied with things that he should be playing with. Toys are also a great way to teach different skills, as well enjoy some bonding time with your pooch. But, as we mentioned in the start, not just any toy will do for a puppy. There are some careful considerations that need to be taken into consideration.
Why Puppies Need Special Toys
You don’t have to purchase toys that are made for puppies only; you can certainly offer your canine companion toys that are made for dogs of all ages. However, with that said, you do want to make sure that it meets his specific needs. Puppies have different needs than full-grown adult dogs. They are still learning about the world around them, and therefore, they need items that will foster positive behavior. They also need mental stimulation in order to ensure promote healthy cognitive development. Lastly, puppies, like human children, go through a teething stage. With all of these things mentioned, it’s easy to see why careful consideration needs to be taken when you are selecting toys for your puppy.
Factors to Consider When Selecting Puppy Toys
When you are purchasing toys for puppies, there are several factors that you are going to want to take into consideration to ensure that you are selecting the best options to meet his needs. These factors include the following:
- The size. Obviously, puppies have smaller mouths than adult dogs. Therefore, you want to make sure that you are selecting a toy that is properly sized for your little furry friend’s mouth. If it’s too large, it could harm his mouth; however, you don’t want it to be too small, as he could choke on it.
- The material. Just as important as the size is the material of the toy. Puppies have super sharp, powerful teeth. If you give your pup a toy that is not made of a durable material, it’s almost guaranteed that he will tear right through it in a matter of minutes. The more durable the material, the longer the toy will last; the longer the toy lasts, the less money you’ll have to spend on replacements. More importantly, durable toys are hard to break, which reduces the risk of injuries.
- Lastly, you want to make sure that the toy you choose for your dog is engaging. It should be appealing so that it encourages him to play with it. Brightly colored toys, and toys that make sounds are just some of the options that will encourage your furry friend to engage in play.
By taking these factors into consideration, you will be able to find a suitable toy that your pup will love playing with.
Summing It Up
Becoming the parent of a dog of any age is a huge responsibility, but puppies can be particularly challenging. From house training to obedience training, and making sure that they are getting the balanced nutrition that they require to grow into healthy, thriving adults, there are a lot of supplies that you’re going to need to ensure that your puppy is getting the care that he needs. The basic essential for puppies include a dog crate (which will make potty training a lot easier), a dog training book (to teach those essential commands), and a premium quality dog food or perhaps a puppy milk replacer, depending on the age of your new furry family member (to meet his nutritional needs). But there’s something else that you’re going to want to make sure that you have on-hand if you’re welcoming a puppy into your family: toys! – And plenty of them!
Toys are essential for puppies; the promote learning, the offer opportunities for physical and mental stimulation, they promote positive behavior; plus, they’re just fun! Any of the toys featured on our list will be sure to make a great option for the tiniest and furriest member of your family. Each one offers distinct benefits that and is well-suited to meet the unique needs of developing puppies. Offer your pooch any of these toys and he’ll love you even more than he already does!
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