“What pet toys should I get for my puppy?”If you’re a first-time pet parent, you’re not alone in asking this. I remember when we first brought Fido home — I thought any toy would do. But oh, how wrong I was.
🐾 A Little (Funny) Backstory with Fido…
Okay, let me be honest here,
Whenever I went to the toy store for Fido, it was more of me shopping to please my eyes 🤪
“Omg, this squeaky cupcake plush looks ADORABLE.
Fido will LOVE it!!”
Spoiler: He didn’t.
He sniffed it, gave me a “seriously?” look, and walked away like a boss.
I was buying toys based on how cute they looked & not based on what my pup actually needed.
Bright orange frisbees, heart-shaped plushies, a rubber duck (don’t ask) — my shopping cart looked like a toddler’s birthday party.
The worst part?
I once bought what I thought was a tug toy… turned out a chewer for him. Fido loved it, though — so maybe I was accidentally onto something.
But jokes apart, it wasn’t really my fault. Like many first-time pet parents, I simply didn’t know what puppies really need during different growth stages. And instead of helping Fido grow, I was overwhelming him with useless fluff and squeaks.
If we don’t give them right toys at right time, this is something happens to the things which we can’t
even image 😅
Eventually, I got it right. I figured out how to match his energy, his chewing stage, and his comfort needs with the right toys.
And guess what? The difference was HUGE — less destruction, more bonding, and a much happier Fido.
So, if you don’t want to burn your money on glittery disaster-toys like I did, keep reading. 😄
Here’s a list of tried-and-tested puppy toys (plus why they actually matter) — so your journey starts with less chaos and more tail wags.
1. Teething & Chew Pet Toys
Why: For sore gums and tiny teeth
Puppies start teething early (3 weeks onwards), and it lasts until about 6 months. Chew toys aren’t just a relief for them… they’re a savior for your shoes and furniture too 😅
🦴 Why they’re essential:
- Soothe teething discomfort
- Promote healthy chewing habits
- Aid in dental development
🔍 What to look for:
- Puppy-grade rubber or nylon
- Soft yet durable
- Non-toxic and appropriately sized
🛒 What worked (and what didn’t):
Fido loved these chew toys, but others didn’t impress him at all like these rubber toys. Trial and error is real so try to understand your pup & his/her likes dislikes are!
2. Interactive Puzzle & Treat-Dispensers Pet Toys
Why: For brain training and boredom relief
Mental stimulation is crucial during the early weeks. I once left Fido home with nothing to do and came back to a chewed slipper and shredded pillow. Lesson learned.
🧠 Why they’re essential:
- Keep your puppy mentally engaged
- Prevent destructive behavior
- Reduce separation anxiety
🔍 What to look for:
- Beginner-level puzzles
- Safe for chewing
- Easy to clean
🛒 Top pick:
The Lickable Mat — stuff it with frozen curd or peanut butter and your pup’s entertained for hours Or a Treat Dispenser Cum Ball to keep them engaged & entertained.
3. Soft Plush Comfort Pet Toys
Why: For bonding and emotional safety
When Fido was new to our home, I remember him sleeping with his nose buried under a soft plush toy. It became his pillow, his buddy, and sometimes, even his anger outlet. 😅
🧸 Why they’re essential:
- Comfort during crate training
- Help pups feel less alone
- Create safe emotional bonds
🔍 What to look for:
- No plastic buttons or beads
- Reinforced seams
- Machine washable, Its a good to have feature.
Example Toys Like: Long Giraffe Or Cute Interactive Sandwich
💡 Pro Tip: Buy him/her a soft toy, which will work for him as a companion, a friend. You will notice, over the period of time, he will take the toy with him while sleeping also 🥹.
4. Fetch & Tug Pet Toys
Why: For early bonding and bite control
I learned the power of fetch a little late, but once I introduced it, it changed everything. Fido became calmer and more connected to playtime rules.
⚽ Why they’re essential:
- Develops motor skills
- Teaches impulse control
- Builds play & trust routine
🔍 What to look for:
- Soft, safe materials
- Size-appropriate
- No sharp ends or frays
🛒 Tug-of-war favourite:
Soft fetch toy — light enough for baby jaws, tough enough for zoomies.
5. Snuffle Mats & Foraging Pet Toys
Why: For engaging their instincts naturally
If you’ve never watched a dog explore a snuffle mat, you’re missing out on pure joy. Fido would spend 20+ minutes happily “hunting” treats, wagging his tail like he just found treasure.
🌿 Why they’re essential:
- Tap into natural foraging instincts
- Slow down fast eaters
- Calm hyper or anxious pups
🔍 What to look for:
- Deep pockets or folds
- Non-slip base
- Easy to wash
🛒 Must-have:
Super Cute Snuffle Toy Or Foraging Toy— hours of sniff-and-search fun!
🧼 Don’t Forget: Pet Toy Safety Rules
No matter how excited your puppy gets:
- Always supervise toy time (especially with plush or puzzle toys)
- Replace worn-out or broken toys immediately
- Clean regularly to avoid germs
🐶 Final Words from a (Wiser) First-Time Parent
I had no idea in the beginning. I bought Fido what looked nice, not what felt right for him. And that led to wasted money, ignored toys, and a slightly grumpy pup.
But when I started understanding his age, behavior, and instincts, the toy choices improved — and so did our bond.
So here’s your shortcut to avoid the mistakes I made — and help your little furball grow happy, healthy, and so very loved.
🛒 Handy Shopping List
- Bunch of Chew Toys
- Rubber Chew Toys
- Lickable Mat
- Treat Dispenser Ball
- Long Giraffe
- Cute Interactive Sandwich
- Soft fetch toy
- Super Cute Snuffle Toy
- Foraging Toy
Even if you tempt to buy all of them, don’t worry, still it wont cost you more than your wooden furniture’s leg or your designer carpets 😛
