Puppy playing with a toy

The 6 Best Puppy Toys Australia: Tested & Evaluated 2024

Written By Vedrana Nikolic | Canine Coach, B.A Ethnology & Anthropology, M.A Semiotics.
Edited & Fact Checked By Renae Soppe | B.A Journalism & Science. 
Last Updated: 18th January 2024

Is there anything more adorable in the world than puppies? Probably not. And naturally, we want to give them everything they might need or desire. One of the most important tools in the development of all puppies is the humble dog toys.

However, choosing the best dog toy for puppies isn't as straightforward as you'd think. 

In order to help you decide, our experts worked together with other professionals to test different puppy toys available in the Australian market. They spent months of research in order to come up with a guide for puppy owners and reveal which toys are the best.

Today, we’ll go over everything you need to know to find the right puppy toys for your precious pooch.


Quick Picks - The Top 3

Our Number 1 Pick - 
KONG Puppy Toy

  • Rubber texture optimized for puppies
  • Made with natural rubber
  • Multifunctional toy
  • Well-made and durable
  • Comes in different sizes

Runner Up - 
Nylabone Keys Puppy Chew Toy

  • Made specifically for teething puppies
  • Enhanced flavour
  • Safe materials
  • Fun design

Third Choice - 
Aussie Dog Puppy Pack

  • Made to last
  • Made with non-toxic materials
  • Contains 4 different toys to keep the puppy engaged


Australia's Best Puppy Toys Reviewed

As you can see, there are quite a few interesting toys you might get for a puppy. What will they like? It depends, but teething toys, for example, are an absolute necessity in the life of every pet parent.

Even if you are not sure what you are looking for, take a look through this list of high-quality toys made specifically for puppies. You’ll surely find something that inspires you!

#1: Best Overall: KONG Puppy Toy 

KONG Puppy Toy

What sets this product apart from the rest?

  • Rubber texture optimized for puppies
  • Made with natural rubber
  • Multifunctional toy
  • Well-made and durable
  • Comes in different sizes

The KONG toys for puppies are an absolute classic. In fact, this is basically the original KONG toy (the one that gave popularity to the brand), only optimized for tiny puppy teeth.

Not sure what we are talking about? As you can see, the KONG is this weirdly bubble-shaped toy. What’s so interesting about it, you might ask? Well, this strange shape gives the toy amazing functionality that can make almost any dog happy.

We chose this product as our first choice because compared to the second brand, Nylabone, it is more durable and not too soft to be easily broken by puppies with permanent teeth.

Related: The Best Dog Subscription Box Australia.

First of all, this is the perfect teething toy for puppies. The texture of the rubber has been designed specifically with puppies in mind. It’s strong enough to resist the bites for a considerable amount of time, but still not so tough that it would hurt the gentle gums of a young puppy.

The Kong Dog Toy being tested by our independent expert team

The second feature is what makes the KONG stand out among others. There is a hollow space inside that you can fill with kibble, treats, peanut butter, or something similar to create a challenge for your pup. If done right, this trick will keep the puppy engaged for hours.

Related: Best Dog Treat Toys.

Finally, the KONG is also a great toy for playing fetch (when your puppy is ready for that). The irregular shape makes the KONG bounce in random directions which keeps the dog engaged and adds an extra level of fun to the game.

Overall, it’s a great choice for any new pet parent and canine companion.

We LOVE this brand because it is multifunctional. We can use it as a teething toy and, at the same time, an interactive one to keep our puppies entertained for a long time while allowing them to eat food slowly.

Pros

Cons

  • Rubber texture optimized for puppies
  • A bit pricey
  • Made with natural rubber
  • List Element
  • Multifunctional toy
Cell
  • Well-made and durable
Cell
  • Comes in different sizes
Cell

#2: Best for Teething Puppies: Nylabone Keys Puppy Chew Toy 

Nylabone Keys Puppy Chew Toy
  • Made specifically for teething puppies
  • Enhanced flavour
  • Safe materials
  • Fun design

Nylabone is probably the most well-known manufacturer of chew toys. They specialize in chewing toys which is why they offer many different options. What makes Nylabone stand out among others is the fact that they make their chew toys with added flavour which makes them extra enticing, and they offer different options in terms of softness. That way, it’s possible to find the perfect chew toy for any dog, although some trial and error might be involved.

Unlike the first choice, KONG, this brand is more affordable, but you can get more than you pay for because the material is durable enough for puppies to chew the toy for a long time.

In any case, this attention to detail is exactly what makes the Nylabone Keys one of the best teething toys for puppies we have encountered. However, you should keep in mind that this chew toy was designed specifically for young puppies that don’t have permanent teeth yet. For this reason, the material is fairly soft, and perfect for getting your puppy used to chewing on their toys - and not your shoes or furniture.

The material and the shape of these keys seem to be especially fun for puppies. The design is also great if you have more than one puppy as they can play together. This toy is also made with added bacon flavour (most Nylabone toys have added flavour). This makes it perfect for a puppy’s first toy as the smell will get them interested in playing with it.

What we like about this brand is its fun design because our puppies love playing with its keys as they chew on each of them.

Also, this chew toy has a flavour, so your puppy will surely like to chew it as long as they want.

Pros

Cons

  • Made specifically for teething puppies
  • The ring that holds the ‘keys’ together might break easily
  • Enhanced flavour
  • Too soft for puppies with permanent teeth
  • Safe materials
Cell
  • Fun design
Cell

#3: Best Combo Pack for Puppies: Aussie Dog Puppy Pack

Aussie Dog Puppy Pack Medium
  • Made to last
  • Made with non-toxic materials
  • Contains 4 different toys to keep the puppy engaged

Aussie Dog makes dog toys that are safe and seriously tough. Their toys might not be as pretty as some other options, but, let’s be honest, puppies can’t see if their new toy looks like a bear - the cute designs of dog toys are made for humans. On the other hand, if you are looking for indestructible puppy toys - this starter pack is probably the right choice.

Compared to the first and second options, this brand includes not only one, not two, but four different toys that your puppies can surely chew and play with. Each toy has a specific function, and you can choose one depending on what type of play you want your puppy to have.

This starter pack includes 4 dog toys that are perfect for introducing your new pooch to playing. First of all, there is the “Tuckerball”. The Tuckerball is called like this because kibble can be tucked inside. As the ball rolls around, the kibble will rattle and gradually fall out, providing great fun for the pup.

The second toy is Ringathong - a simple ring that can be used for your doggie’s first games of tug-of-war and fetch. There is another fetch toy included (“the Slapathong” - this one is straight), and a high-quality rubber ball. The ball is made from non-toxic rubber and designed to last as long as possible.

If you are not sure what to get, this is the perfect starter pack. It also makes a great gift for any new pet parent.

What we love about this brand is its variety and quality. This toy is very useful, especially for our puppies, who easily get bored with their toys.

Also, we recommend this if you are a first-time puppy owner and are still unsure of what to get for your puppy. You can explore your puppy's preferences through this brand's choices.

Pros

Cons

  • Made to last
  • Expensive
  • Made with non-toxic materials
  • List Element
  • Contains 4 different toys to keep the puppy engaged
Cell

#4: Best Squeaky Toy For Puppies: Chiwava Standing Stick Squeaky Latex Dog Toys

Chiwava Standing Stick Squeaky Latex Dog Toys
  • Sold in a package of three toys
  • Suitable for small and medium-sized puppies
  • Affordable
  • Made with certified non-toxic rubber

Does your pooch enjoy playing with squeaky toys while indoors, and gets all hyped up when fetching sticks outdoors? If the answer is yes, then this is something your pup needs. These toys made by Chiwava are great for all kinds of interactive play with your little canine friend.

Unlike Aussie Dog and the previous brands, this one is great for puppies who are fond of squeaky toys. There are puppies who are more interested in playing when they hear some squeaky sounds because it stimulates their sense of hearing instead of just their sense of touch, taste, sight, and smell.

These toys come in the packaging of three squeaky animals - a pig, a duck and a frog. They’re made of non-toxic latex rubber that’s soft to touch and gentle to puppy teeth and gums. These toys are sturdy, but not chew-proof, so don’t let your pup play without your supervision. Each of them has a squeaker that makes noise as your pooch chews on them. The squeaker is durable and will last a very long time, unlike most sounding toys on the market nowadays.

The first thing you’ll notice about these toys is that their bodies are elongated. They’re 22 cm long, which makes them ideal for games that puppies love, like fetch or tug of war. They’re a great replacement for wood sticks, which can cause all kinds of injuries, especially in young pups. The size and weight of these toys make them suitable for small and medium-sized pups.

We chose this as our fourth option because of its unique design and size. We love how this can be used for medium-sized pups because the previous chew toys were usually small.

Also, if you are looking for a budget-friendly option, we recommend this one because you can have three toys at an affordable price.

Pros

Cons

  • Sold in a package of three toys
  • Not chew-proof
  • Suitable for small and medium-sized puppies
  • List Element
  • Affordable
Cell
  • Made with certified non-toxic rubber
Cell

#5: Best Puppy Toys Gift Box: Zenify Puppy Dog Toys Gift Box

Zenify Puppy Dog Toys Gift Box
  • Contains both cotton rope and rubber toys
  • Very affordable
  • Most items will work for older pooches too
  • Features a bowl suitable for outdoors

Welcoming a new puppy into the home can be stressful, albeit fun. What toys will your new canine friend like? Balls? Ropes? The best thing you can do is get different toys and let the pup choose. And the easiest way you can do that is to get a toy gift box, like this one by Zenify Pets.

Out of all the toys mentioned here, this one stands out because it has many different toy items that your puppy can choose from! We included this as our top five because, unlike its competitors, Chiwava and Aussie Dog, the toys are made of different materials, too.

This toy box features eleven items every puppy needs. It contains six rope toys of different shapes and sizes, so you can play different games with your pooch. They’re made of cotton rope and are a great way to promote healthy teething.

This gift box also features a few things that you can use outdoors. You get a frisbee and a squeaky toy that your pooch can enjoy chasing after. And if your pup needs a drink or a meal while outside, this gift box has got you covered, too. It comes with a collapsible dog bowl that you can simply pop open and pour water or kibble, and collapse when done. When folded, it’s 1.5 cm thick, so you can pack it in basically any bag.

Finally, the box contains a grooming glove. These are great for introducing your pooch to regular brushing as it makes them feel like they’re simply being pet.

What we love about this brand is its usability and practicality. It does not only consider the needs of puppies but also the owners. It contains more than just toys, considering the bowl and the grooming glove that you can carry around, especially when you are outdoors.

Pros

Cons

  • Contains both cotton rope and rubber toys
  • Some rope toys are more fragile than others
  • Very affordable
  • List Element
  • Most items will work for older pooches too
Cell
  • Features a bowl suitable for outdoors
Cell

#6: Best Comfort Toy For Puppies: KONG Wubba Friends Ballistic Small

KONG Wubba Friends Ballistic Small
  • Well-made and durable
  • Works as a tug toy or fetch toy
  • Adorable design
  • Makes squeak sounds

This adorable toy from KONG does everything besides being a chew toy. Made from durable materials and designed for functionality, the Wubba Friend will provide the optimal distraction and entertainment for your little canine friend.

This is the second squeaky toy on this list, which makes it a good option when compared to the toys from Zenify Pets. Even if the previous brand offers more toys, it does not include a squeaky one that can also be used for different purposes.

The Wubba Friend is a combination of a squeaky toy, a fetch toy, and a tug toy. The middle of the toy’s body is shaped like a ball and contains the squeaky part. On top is a cute animal (choose tiger, rabbit, or piglet), and the bottom part is made of tassels. The tassels on the bottom are a great way to get the puppy interested and initiate tug-of-war. The whole toy is covered in reinforced nylon fabric so it not only looks adorable but is also quite strong.

We like the simplicity and versatility of this product. Not all of the toys in the market can work both as a tug toy and a fetch toy, and at the same time, a squeaky one, making it one of the best puppy toys available in Australia.

Pros

Cons

  • Well-made and durable
  • Cannot withstand chewing attacks
  • Works as a tug toy or fetch toy
  • List Element
  • Adorable design
Cell
  • Makes squeak sounds
Cell

My Puppy Toy Buying Guide

If you are a new pet parent, you are probably wondering if you should be getting toys for your puppy already. What kind of toys do puppies need? At what age should you start introducing toys? And which ones should you choose? While these are not the simplest questions to answer as a lot depends on the individual dog, we’ll do our best to solve the mystery in this guide.

When choosing the best toys for puppies, it makes sense to always think about what is the intended function of the toy you are buying. Yes, many dog toys look extremely cute, but canines see them with different eyes. Here are the 4 main types of toys for puppies:

Teething Toys

Puppy teething toys are the most important kind of toy you will need in the early life stages of your canine companion. Pretty much every puppy in the world goes through a phase where they try to chew up everything inside your home. Although this can be frustrating, it’s important to keep in mind that all of this is natural. Puppies look for things to chew on to ease the discomfort of their teeth growing out. Giving them an approved outlet in the form of a teething toy is the best thing you can do.

Related: Best Dog Chew Toys Australia.

But when exactly should you introduce teething toys? The teeth growing process in puppies is similar to that of humans, only it happens faster:

“Puppy teeth erupt [emerge from the gums] starting at about 2 weeks of age, and are usually completely in by about 8-10 weeks old [...] The permanent teeth start to erupt as soon as the baby teeth start to fall out.” -  Dr. Kris Bannon, DVM, FAVD, DAVDC, owner of Veterinary Dentistry and Oral Surgery of New Mexico for PetMD

The thing you need to know is that the first puppy teeth will not be your biggest problem. These tiny teeth are still gentle and fragile. It is when the permanent teeth start growing out that the pups start chewing on everything in sight. This happens around 10 to 12 weeks of age.

By this time, you should start introducing some teething toys - preferably those made for puppies. If your puppy destroys the toy amazingly quickly, don’t worry, it’s all normal. Just look for tougher toys and keep in mind that the chewing phase usually lasts somewhere around 10 weeks:

“Your puppy should be mostly done with teething around 24 weeks of age. Once the permanent teeth have come in, your puppy will be much more comfortable and (hopefully) much less inclined to chew on random household items.” - Leslie Gilette, DVM for PetMD

While many puppies will chew on almost anything, it’s a good idea to avoid toys that have small parts that your dog could accidentally swallow. You also don’t want any sharp edges that could hurt the puppy. But other than that, most chew toys are completely fine as long as they are made from non-toxic materials.

Comfort Toys

While teething toys and chew toys are made to be destroyed, comfort toys, for example puppy heartbeat toys, are the complete opposite. These are the lovely plush toys some dogs seem to keep around their whole lives. The truth is, any object can become a comfort toy to a puppy. Not all canines will be interested in those, though. Some simply love destroying any toy given to them, while others like to keep them around for comfort.

Distraction/Entertainment Toys

These are the kind of toys you’ll want to use to keep your canine companion busy. Boredom can quickly turn into frustration and destructive behaviour, so it’s always a good idea to keep your dog entertained when you can’t give them enough attention. In what ways and to what extent is this possible? It will depend on the dog’s character.

Related: Best Interactive Dog Toys Australia.

However, different kinds of toys can work as a distraction. Regular chew toys can actually keep a dog busy for quite a while, but what might be even more entertaining for puppies are toys like the Kong that you can stuff with food and let the dog go crazy. As the puppy grows older, various interactive toys might also become interesting.

Toys For Exercise/Active Toys

These are the kind of toys you’ll want to use to keep your dog engaged. These include tennis balls or anything else you might want to use to play fetch. Tug-of-war is another popular game in this category - for which you will need some rope or a similar tug toy.

In general, puppies under 8 weeks of age are not interested in this kind of toy, but they don’t typically move into their new home at this age either. So, in most cases, as soon as you get a puppy you can try introducing some active toys. Your canine companion might not seem to get the purpose of these toys right away (it depends on the breed too), but these are skills that can be taught.


My Final Verdict

What toy is best for your puppy? Well, each puppy likes something different. But one thing we know for certain is that puppies need toys to chew on. This is why we chose the best chew toys for puppies as our top picks, and we hope that this guide will help you decide which chew toy to get for your puppy.

We highly recommend the original KONG toy (the puppy version), which is a great first toy for a puppy since it works as a chew toy and a fetch toy. As a plus, you can turn it into a fun challenge for your dog by filling it with treats. A good alternative we can suggest for younger puppies is the chewable keys from Nylabone.

FAQ

What toys are best for puppies?

It’s hard to provide a definitive answer to this question. The best toys for puppies (and for any dog, for that matter) are toys that will get the dog engaged. This varies from dog to dog. However, there is one thing that we absolutely recommend for puppies: teething toys. Every puppy will inevitably go through a chewing phase, and a good chewing toy can make the process easier both for you and the dog.

What can 8 week old puppies chew on?

The best choice for 8-week old puppies are chew toys made specifically for dogs that age. For best results, you might want to get something soft, something hard, and perhaps one edible chewing toy. That way, the puppy can play and learn about different things there are in the world. For puppies this young, you should avoid any toys with small parts that could fall off or sharp corners.

Can 3 week old puppies have toys?

Yes, puppies can have toys practically as soon as they are born. The toys won’t harm them. However, you should keep in mind that your puppy will probably not be interested in any toys at that age. At 3 weeks, puppies do start playing with each other, but they still spend most of their time sleeping or eating.

How long does the puppy biting stage last?

The ‘biting stage’ will probably start as soon as the puppy starts teething. Some dogs get over it fairly quickly (in approximately 2 months), but in some puppies, it can last even until they are 12 months old.

References
  1. PetMD Editorial. June 22, 2020. “When Do Puppies Lose Their Baby Teeth and Stop Teething?”. PetMD. Retrieved February 8, 2023. https://www.petmd.com/dog/care/puppy-teeth-everything-you-need-know
  2. Gillette, L. July 30, 2020. “How to Pick the Best Chew Toys for Puppies”. PetMD. Retrieved February 8, 2023. https://www.petmd.com/dog/care/get-right-puppy-teething-toys-each-puppy-stage

Vedrana Nikolic


Vedrana Nikolić is Gentle Dog Trainers Canine Coach, Professional Writer, Anthropologist & dog lover.

With a Masters Degree in Semiotics & Bachelors Degree in Anthropology, studying the communication between animals and humans, Vedrana is able to use her expertise to analyse and review dog products and write informative posts on canine behaviour and training.

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