If your puppy is chewing your shoes, your furniture and your hands, it’s not bad behavior. It’s teething. Puppies start losing their baby teeth at around 3 to 4 months, and most have their adult teeth by 6 to 7 months. In between, their gums hurt, and chewing is how they cope, a lot like babies do when their first teeth come in.
The right chew toy gives them a safe outlet and saves your house in the process. We compared vet guidance, brand specs and thousands of owner reviews to find the picks that are soft enough for puppy teeth and tough enough to last.
Our Top Picks at a Glance
| Pick | Best for | Why |
|---|---|---|
| KONG Puppy | Best overall | Softer rubber made for baby teeth; you can stuff it and freeze it |
| Nylabone Puppy Chew 2-in-1 Freezer Bone | Small puppies (up to 25 lb) | Wells you fill with a treat and freeze |
| Nylabone Chill ‘n Chew (3-pack) | Very sore gums | Made for the freezer, turns orange when frozen |
- KONG Puppy — Best Overall
The KONG Puppy is the puppy version of the famous KONG Classic, made with a softer rubber formula for baby teeth and tender gums. It’s hollow, so you can fill it with a little kibble, wet food or puppy-safe peanut butter (no xylitol).
The freezer trick: stuff it, freeze it overnight, and you’ve got a cold, long-lasting chew that soothes sore gums and keeps your puppy busy for a while.
What we like:
- Softer rubber made specifically for puppy teeth
- Stuffable and freezable
- Comes in sizes from extra small to large
Keep in mind:
- Some strong-chewing puppies can damage it. Supervise and replace it when it shows wear
- Once adult teeth are in, switch to the KONG Classic
- Nylabone Puppy Chew 2-in-1 Freezer Bone — Best for Small Puppies
Designed for puppies up to 25 pounds, this flavored bone has wells you can fill with a spreadable treat and then freeze. The cold soothes sore gums, and the treat keeps your puppy busy. It’s a great pick for toy and small breeds that are overwhelmed by bigger toys.
What we like:
- Sized and textured for small mouths
- Two in one: a chew and a frozen treat holder
- Flavored, so puppies actually want to chew it
Keep in mind:
- Not meant for large breed puppies or strong chewers
- Check the weight range on the package before buying
- Nylabone Chill ‘n Chew — Best for Very Sore Gums
The Chill ‘n Chew is made to be frozen before use, and it turns orange when it’s frozen, so you know it’s ready. The cold numbs the gums, which is exactly what a miserable teething puppy needs. It’s on the softer side, so it’s best for moderate chewers.
What we like:
- Cooling relief straight from the freezer
- Soft enough for sensitive puppy mouths
Keep in mind:
- Not durable enough for heavy chewers
- It comes in a 3-pack, so you can always keep one in the freezer
Comparison Table
| KONG Puppy | Nylabone 2-in-1 Freezer Bone | Nylabone Chill ‘n Chew | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material | Soft rubber | Soft, puppy-safe nylon | Soft, freezable |
| Freezable | Yes (stuffed) | Yes (wells) | Yes (made for it) |
| Best size | XS to L | Up to 25 lb | Regular size |
| Stuffable | Yes | Yes (wells) | No |
What to Avoid While Your Puppy Is Teething
- Toys you can’t dent with your fingernail. A common vet rule of thumb: if it’s too hard for your fingernail to make a mark, it may be too hard for puppy teeth.
- Antlers, hooves and cooked bones. Very hard chews can crack teeth, and cooked bones can splinter. Check with your vet before giving these.
- Toys with small parts your puppy could bite off and swallow.
- Toys that are too small. The toy should be bigger than your puppy’s mouth, so it can’t be swallowed.
- Unsupervised chewing with a new toy. Watch how your puppy chews before leaving them alone with it.
How to Get Through Teething (Without Losing Your Shoes)
- Rotate toys every few days so they stay interesting.
- Swap, don’t scold. When your puppy chews something it shouldn’t, calmly trade it for a chew toy.
- Use the freezer. Frozen toys and stuffed KONGs are the easiest gum relief there is.
- Puppy-proof the floor. Cables, socks, kids’ toys and anything small should be out of reach.
Have a Baby at Home Too?
Teething puppy plus a baby at home is a real thing. Puppies love the smell and texture of baby toys, pacifiers and teethers. Keep baby items off the floor and store puppy toys in a separate bin. Teach your puppy that only their toys are for chewing. It’s safer for both of them.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do puppies stop teething?
Most puppies have all their adult teeth by around 6 to 7 months. Chewing often continues after that, so a durable adult toy is the next step.
Can I give my teething puppy ice cubes?
Many owners do, but frozen chew toys are a safer, longer-lasting option. Ask your vet if you’re unsure.
How many chew toys does a puppy need?
Three to five is a good start, with different textures (rubber, frozen, soft), so you can rotate them.
Is it normal for my puppy’s gums to bleed a little?
A little blood on toys can be normal when baby teeth fall out. If there’s a lot of bleeding, swelling or your puppy stops eating, call your vet.
The Bottom Line
For most teething puppies, the KONG Puppy is the best place to start: soft enough for baby teeth, stuffable and freezable. For small breeds, go with the Nylabone 2-in-1 Freezer Bone, and keep a Chill ‘n Chew in the freezer for the really rough days.
Ready for an adult toy once those big teeth are in? Read my KONG Classic review.
This guide is for general information and isn’t a substitute for advice from your veterinarian.
Written by Raf’s Mom
Baby and mom gear from real experience. Dog guides built from vet advice and owner reviews.
