Best Chew Toys for Teething Puppies Under $20
Welcoming a puppy into your home is an unforgettable experience filled with joy, cuddles, and plenty of curious mischief. Yet along with the love comes the reality of teething. From about three weeks to six months of age, puppies experience sore gums and an irresistible urge to chew on anything in sight. This is a perfectly natural stage, but without the right toys, your shoes, furniture, and even your hands might become their preferred targets. That’s where affordable chew toys come to the rescue. In this guide, we’ll explore the best chew toys for teething puppies under $20, making sure you can keep your pup happy, healthy, and entertained—without breaking the bank.
Understanding Why Puppies Need Chew Toys
Teething is more than just discomfort; it’s a crucial developmental phase for every dog. Puppies chew instinctively to relieve pressure on their gums as new teeth emerge. If they don’t have access to safe chew toys, they’ll improvise with whatever’s nearby. Investing in durable, puppy-friendly chew toys ensures that your dog’s needs are met while also protecting your household. Beyond soothing pain, chew toys also help strengthen jaw muscles, encourage healthy dental hygiene, and provide mental stimulation during those long stretches when you can’t play with them directly.
What Makes a Good Teething Toy?
When searching for the best puppy toys for teething, it’s important to look for certain qualities. First, the toy should be made of non-toxic, puppy-safe materials. Soft but durable rubber, nylon, or natural fibers are all good options. Secondly, the texture matters. Toys with ridges or nubs gently massage sore gums and clean teeth. Finally, consider the toy’s size. Puppies need toys that are easy to grip yet large enough that they won’t accidentally swallow them. Balancing these qualities is key to finding toys that provide comfort and last long enough to justify the purchase.
The Importance of Budget-Friendly Options
Puppies grow quickly, and the toys that comfort them today may not interest them six months down the line. Spending less on chew toys makes sense, especially when you’re still experimenting to see which textures and shapes your pup prefers. The good news is that the best chew toys for teething puppies don’t have to cost a fortune. Many reliable brands produce high-quality options under $20, proving that relief and fun are accessible on any budget.
Durable Rubber Chew Toys Under $20
Classic Rubber Chews
Rubber toys have long been favorites among dog owners for good reason. They are durable, safe, and come in a variety of shapes that keep puppies engaged. A well-designed rubber toy can withstand hours of chewing, making it an economical investment. These toys also bounce unpredictably, which adds a playful element beyond chewing, encouraging your puppy to chase and interact.
Treat-Dispensing Rubber Toys
Another variation that fits within the under $20 range is the treat-dispensing rubber toy. These toys can be filled with small kibble or puppy-safe treats, turning chewing into an interactive game. As your puppy gnaws and paws at the toy, the treats slowly fall out, rewarding their efforts. This combination of chewing relief and mental stimulation makes treat-dispensing rubber toys some of the best puppy toys for teething.
Rope Toys: Affordable and Engaging
Gentle Gum Massage with Ropes
Rope toys are another excellent option for teething puppies. Typically woven from cotton or similar fibers, rope toys offer both durability and softness. The strands of the rope work almost like dental floss, helping to clean teeth while providing a satisfying chewing texture. When your puppy tugs and chews on a rope toy, the fibers massage sore gums in a way that plain rubber toys cannot replicate.
Interactive Playtime with Rope Toys
What makes rope toys stand out is their versatility. They’re not only chewable but also perfect for interactive games like tug-of-war. Puppies love the engagement, and the bonding experience is invaluable for building trust and companionship. Many rope toys cost well below $20, giving you a reliable and budget-friendly way to support your puppy’s teething phase.
Plush Chew Toys for Comfort Seekers
Soft Yet Durable Designs
Not every teething puppy is a power chewer. Some prefer soft, plush textures to snuggle with and gently gnaw on. Plush chew toys designed specifically for puppies combine soft exteriors with reinforced stitching or internal squeakers. While they may not last as long as rubber or nylon, they provide comfort and entertainment, especially for smaller breeds or gentler chewers.
Managing Expectations with Plush Toys
It’s important to note that plush toys require supervision, especially with teething puppies. A determined pup can tear through fabric and expose stuffing, which could be harmful if ingested. For that reason, plush chew toys are best used during supervised play sessions. Even so, they remain among the best puppy toys for teething under $20 for dogs who crave a cozy chewing companion.
Cooling Chew Toys: Relief for Sore Gums
Freezer-Friendly Options
Few things soothe teething pain better than something cold. Many puppy chew toys are designed to be placed in the freezer, offering cooling relief for sore gums. These toys are often made from soft, pliable rubber or fabric that stiffens slightly when frozen but remains gentle enough for a puppy’s teeth.
Homemade Cooling Hacks
If you’re on a strict budget, you can even create a homemade version by wetting a rope toy and freezing it. The icy texture provides a similar soothing effect while still being safe to chew. However, store-bought freezer-safe chew toys often last longer and are more durable than DIY alternatives, making them a smart choice under $20.
Nylon Chew Toys: Long-Lasting and Safe
Textured Nylon for Dental Health
Nylon chew toys are known for their durability and textured designs. They come in bone-shaped varieties or playful alternatives like rings and sticks. The textured surfaces scrape away plaque and tartar as your puppy chews, promoting dental health from an early age. This makes nylon one of the best materials for teething toys, especially for puppies that love to chew vigorously.
Flavor-Infused Nylon Toys
Many nylon toys are infused with puppy-safe flavors like chicken or bacon, making them even more irresistible. The flavoring keeps your pup coming back, ensuring they chew on the toy instead of your furniture. Since most nylon toys are priced affordably, they easily fall into the under $20 category, making them one of the best long-term investments for teething puppies.
Natural Alternatives: Safe and Affordable
Edible Chew Treats
Some pet owners prefer natural chew options, like edible puppy treats specifically designed for teething. These chews are made from digestible materials that are gentle on sensitive gums. They provide the dual benefit of soothing discomfort and offering a tasty snack. Since puppies can go through them quickly, edible chews may not last as long as traditional toys, but they still provide short-term relief during peak teething phases.
Eco-Friendly Materials
Natural rubber and sustainably sourced materials are also making their way into the puppy toy market. These eco-friendly alternatives are safe for your pup and kinder to the environment. Many of these chew toys are surprisingly affordable, proving that responsible choices don’t always come with a hefty price tag.
Safety Tips When Using Chew Toys
Even the best puppy toys for teething require a watchful eye. Always supervise your dog during chew sessions, especially when introducing a new toy. Check toys regularly for signs of wear, and replace them if pieces start to break off. Puppies are curious and may swallow fragments, which can pose a choking hazard. By rotating toys and keeping a close watch, you can ensure that playtime remains safe and enjoyable.
Training Benefits of Chew Toys
Chew toys aren’t just for teething—they’re also valuable training tools. When a puppy chews on something inappropriate, like a shoe or table leg, redirecting them to their chew toy reinforces positive behavior. Over time, your pup will learn what’s acceptable to chew, making your home safer and your bond stronger. Chew toys also help with crate training, providing comfort and distraction during moments of separation anxiety.
Affordable Brands Offering Quality Chew Toys
Several trusted brands specialize in affordable, high-quality chew toys for puppies. They consistently deliver options that balance safety, durability, and fun. By exploring different toy styles and materials, you can discover which brand resonates most with your puppy’s preferences—all while staying under the $20 price point.
Why Variety Matters in Puppy Chew Toys
Just like people, puppies crave variety. Having multiple textures and shapes available prevents boredom and ensures that their chewing needs are met at every stage of teething. A collection of rubber, rope, nylon, and plush toys will keep your puppy entertained and comfortable. Rotating toys also helps extend their lifespan, as no single toy is chewed excessively at once. Variety is a simple yet effective way to maximize both value and satisfaction.
Transitioning Beyond the Teething Stage
By the time your puppy reaches six to eight months of age, their teething phase will largely be over. At that point, you can begin introducing more advanced chew toys designed for adult teeth. Still, the habits formed during teething—seeking comfort and stimulation through toys—will continue throughout their life. By starting with the best chew toys for teething puppies under $20, you’re setting your dog up for a healthy, safe, and playful future.
Final Thoughts
Raising a teething puppy can be a challenge, but the right chew toys transform the process from stressful to rewarding. The best puppy toys for teething don’t have to drain your wallet. Options under $20 provide everything your pup needs: relief from sore gums, mental engagement, and safe redirection away from destructive chewing. Whether you choose durable rubber, interactive rope, plush comfort toys, cooling options, or natural alternatives, each serves a valuable purpose during this critical stage of your puppy’s development.
By being proactive and providing a variety of affordable, safe chew toys, you’re not only easing your puppy’s discomfort but also laying the foundation for a well-adjusted, happy companion. And that’s an investment worth every penny.