Best Chews for Teething Puppies: 7 Safe Options for Sore Gums (2026)
Teething hurts — for puppies and your furniture. We tested 10 teething chews with Milo to find what soothes sore gums safely.
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I learned the hard way that teething puppies will chew anything. Furniture legs. Shoes. Remote controls. The baseboard in my living room (RIP).
Milo, my neighbor’s Golden Retriever puppy, went through teething from 12 weeks to about 6 months. I tested every teething chew I could find — some helped, some didn’t, and a few were outright dangerous.
Here’s what actually soothes sore gums and saves your furniture.
Quick Picks
| Category | Product | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | Nylabone Puppy Teething Set | $9.99 |
| Best Freezable | Kong Puppy Toy | $12.49 |
| Best Edible | Pet ‘n Shape Puppy Chews | $8.99 |
| Best Soothing | Hartz Chew ‘n Clean Teething Rings | $6.97 |
How We Tested
Milo (Golden Retriever puppy, 12 weeks to 6 months) tested each chew. Criteria: gum relief effectiveness, chew duration, safety (no pieces breaking off), and furniture diversion success rate.
Detailed Reviews
1. Nylabone Puppy Teething Set
Price: $9.99 | Check Price on Amazon →
Best for: All-around teething relief — different textures for different stages
This set comes with three different textures (smooth, nubby, ridged) so you can figure out what your puppy likes best. Bacon flavor keeps interest. Nylon material is non-splintering and gentle on baby teeth. Milo preferred the ridged bone — the texture massaged his gums.
⚠️ Caveat: Some puppies lose interest after a few days. Rotate with other toys to keep novelty.
Verdict: Essential teething tool. For $10, it’s the best value in this category.
2. Kong Puppy Toy
Price: $12.49 | Check Price on Amazon →
Best for: Freezable relief — fill with peanut butter and freeze
The Kong Puppy is made from softer rubber than the classic Kong — perfect for baby teeth. Fill with peanut butter (or yogurt for lactose-sensitive pups), freeze, and give to your puppy. The cold soothes gums, the chewing provides relief, and you get 20-30 minutes of peaceful furniture preservation.
⚠️ Caveat: Puppies can get frustrated if the filling is too hard to reach. Start with softer filling before freezing.
Verdict: The best ‘active’ teething tool. Freezing adds therapeutic cold — brilliant for sore gums.
3. Pet ‘n Shape Puppy Chews
Price: $8.99 | Check Price on Amazon →
Best for: Edible chews that actually digest
These are digestible rawhide alternatives made from chicken and natural binding agents. Milo could chew them for 15-20 minutes. They’re soft enough for puppy teeth but firm enough to provide gum massage. No rawhide concerns.
⚠️ Caveat: Don’t last as long as Nylabone. Some puppies finish them in under 10 minutes.
Verdict: Good edible option for supervised teething sessions. Replace Nylabone when puppy needs softer relief.
Other Products We Tested
- Hartz Chew ‘n Clean Teething Rings: Budget-friendly at $7. Flavored rings are good for mild teething. Milo wasn’t super enthusiastic.
Teething Puppy Tips
- Cold is your friend — Frozen carrots, frozen Kong, frozen washcloth. The cold numbs gums.
- Swap when worn — Teething toys degrade faster. Check for sharp edges.
- Supervision is key — Always watch your puppy during chew time, especially with edible chews.
- Teething timeline — 3-6 months. Adult teeth come in around 6 months.
FAQ
What NOT to give a teething puppy?
Avoid: hard nylon bones (too hard), ice cubes (can crack teeth), and real bones (too hard for baby teeth).
How to tell if teething is bothering my puppy?
Increased chewing, drooling, whining, loss of appetite, red/swollen gums, and occasionally blood on toys.
Final Verdict
Nylabone Puppy Set for everyday, Kong Puppy frozen for acute teething pain. These two cover everything.
Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. This does not affect the price you pay or our editorial recommendations.
Always consult with your veterinarian before making significant changes to your pet’s diet or health routine.