Chewing is normal. Puppies chew to soothe their gums while they're teething, and adult dogs chew from boredom, stress or simple enjoyment. The goal isn't to stop chewing; it's to give your dog the right thing to chew. The catch is that "chewer" covers everything from a puppy gently mouthing a toy to a dog that can unpick a seam in minutes. This guide helps you work out which kind you have, and covers the dog toys we stock in our Pet Toys collection that suit puppies and moderate chewers.
First, what kind of chewer is your dog?
Gentle chewers and "carriers"
They carry toys around, squeak them and lie down with them. Plush and squeaky toys usually last for these dogs.
Teething puppies
Puppies chew constantly and with surprising force, but their mouths are small and their adult teeth are still coming in. Soft rope and plush give them something to grip without being hard on new teeth.
Moderate chewers
They tug, shake and gnaw, and plush seams may eventually give way. Rope toys and toys with rope parts tend to hold up better than all-plush ones.
Power chewers
If your dog destroys soft toys in one sitting, none of the plush or rope toys below are the right choice. If you need durable or indestructible dog toys for aggressive chewers, look elsewhere for solid rubber or nylon toys made for heavy chewers, and keep play supervised. We'd rather say that plainly than sell you a toy that won't last.
What to look for in a chew toy
- Material that matches the chewing style: plush for gentle play, rope for gnawing and tug, puzzle toys for brain work.
- The right size: big enough that it can't be swallowed, small enough to carry.
- Easy to inspect: you should be able to see quickly when seams open or rope frays.
- Care: rope and plush need washing and drying fully, or they start to smell.
- Easy to check: safe chew toys for dogs are ones you can inspect at a glance and use under supervision.
Best chew toys for dogs: puppies and moderate chewers
Best for teething puppies: braided rope
Braided Cotton Rope Dog Toy for Teething
A braided cotton rope shaped like a vegetable (a yellow squash or a red pepper), with knotted ends and a squeaker inside. Rope is a good teething option: the rope gives a puppy something to gnaw, and the knots are easy to grip for gentle tug. Take it away once the knots loosen or the rope frays, because swallowed strands don't break down.
Best for tug games with small dogs
Christmas Dog Toy, Reindeer Plush with Rope & Crinkle
A reindeer about 40 cm tall with knotted rope arms and legs and crinkle paper inside. The long rope legs make it an easy tug handle for puppies and small dogs. The rope limbs are the durable part, and the plush body is the part that opens first.
Best first chew toy for a puppy
Durable Squeaky Puppy Chew Toy, Teething
A light mop-style plush with long strands to grab and shake, plus a squeaker. It's made for puppies and small breeds in the teething months, not for adult dogs that already shred soft toys.
Best for indoor fetch: soft and squeaky
Plush Frisbee Dog Toy, Squeaky and Soft
A soft disc that lands gently, which makes it good for indoor or small-garden fetch, with a squeaker to keep a dog interested in bringing it back. Roll it for puppies and throw it flat for adults. Don't leave a chewer alone with it.
Redirect chewing with brain games
Many chewing problems are really boredom, so treat and puzzle games give that energy somewhere to go. Browse rope, squeaky and interactive dog toys in our Pet Toys collection. Mental work tires a dog out too.
- Windmill Interactive Treat Ball for Cats and Dogs: the paddles spin as your pet nudges them and release kibble a little at a time. It's made for cats and small dogs. Start it loosely filled so the reward comes quickly.
- Treat Dispensing Puzzle Toy for Dogs and Cats: a giraffe-shaped treat launcher you trigger by hand to send small dry treats across the floor for a chase game. It's an interactive toy for playing together, not one to leave with a dog.
How to make chew toys last (and keep them safe)
- Supervise plush and rope play, especially at first.
- Inspect after every session. Remove a toy once a seam opens, stuffing shows or rope frays.
- Rotate toys. Two or three toys swapped every few days stay more interesting than ten left out at once.
- No plush or rope in the crate overnight.
- Wash and dry fully. Follow each product's care note, since several plush toys with squeakers shouldn't be machine-washed.
How to stop dog chewing the wrong things
Give an approved toy the moment your dog starts chewing something it shouldn't, and praise it when it switches. Make sure it's getting enough exercise and play (see why playtime matters at every age). Puppy-proof the room, and keep chewing toys within reach. Destructive chewing that suddenly appears or comes with anxiety is worth raising with your vet or a qualified trainer.
FAQ
What are the best toys for a teething puppy?
Soft rope and light plush toys the puppy can grip, used under supervision.
Are rope toys safe for dogs?
They're good for supervised gnawing and tug, but remove them once they fray, because swallowed strands can cause problems.
Are plush toys OK for dogs that chew?
For gentle and moderate chewers, yes, with supervision. For dogs that rip toys open, choose solid rubber instead.
What are the best dog chew toys for small dogs?
Rope toys and light plush toys sized for a small mouth, used under supervision.
How many toys does a dog need?
A few that cover different needs (one to chew, one to tug or fetch, one puzzle), rotated regularly.
See all toys in our Pet Toys collection.
