Looking for a new puppy shopping list? We've rounded up the must-have essentials for you. Preparing for the arrival of a new puppy is super exciting, but it can also be overwhelming trying to decide what supplies you need.

That's why we've put together this list with the help of expert vet, Dr Rebecca MacMillan. It includes everything from leashes to food bowls, and maybe a few things that you hadn't considered like equipment for keeping your pup safe on car journeys.

We've covered everything you need to get to help you and your new pup get started off on the right paw. Let's see what essentials you need to add to your shopping list.

New puppy shopping list

1. Bed

Having a cozy place to sleep is essential. Dr Rebecca MacMillan adds, "Sleep is essential for your puppy’s development, and they need to be able to rest in a comfortable environment."

A dog bed can also offer your pup a place to go if they're feeling anxious or overwhelmed.

Some pet owners also choose to crate train as a place to feel safe.

2. Food

This one goes without saying, but you will need to spend time deciding which food you want to feed your pup. The best puppy food will ensure your dog gets all the nutrients they need to support their growing bodies.

You may also want to stock up on puppy treats. Treats are great for training sessions and are an easy way to improve the relationship with your dog.

3. Bowls

Of course, you will need food and water bowls to serve your dog. Dr MacMillan advises that they should be "sturdy and easy to clean to keep them hygienic".

There are plenty of options to choose from and even smart pet bowls that can make feeding your pooch even easier. These bowls offer automatic feedings and can even weigh food to ensure your dog is getting the right amount.

4. Leash

A leash is a must-have. There are many types of dog leashes, and you'll have to decide on the best dog leash for your pup. It's important to get a solid leash as you'll be spending a lot of time on walks, especially if you have a high-energy breed.

If you want advice on how to train a puppy to walk on a leash, check out our step-by-step guide.

Dr MacMillan also adds, "You will also need to invest in a collar, ID tag, and leash for your new pet. While they won’t be going out for walks until they have completed their primary vaccinations, you can get your puppy used to the sensation of walking equipment in the safety of your home."

5. Grooming

Unless you have a dog that hardly sheds, you should expect to have weekly grooming sessions scheduled. These can be done at home, and all you'll need is a dog brush and something to trim their nails.

When it comes to nail clippers vs grinders, there are pros and cons to both. But with new pups, you may prefer to use grinders as it's easier to avoid cutting too close to the quick. Grinders are also easier for new pet parents to maneuver. But whichever you choose, it's worth checking out our round-ups of the best dog nail clippers and the best nail grinders for pets.

But most importantly, you'll want to be sure that your keeping your pup's teeth clean. with a dog toothbrush. We've got an expert vet approved guide on how to brush a dog's teeth to help.

6. Car safety equipment

"A doggy seatbelt, dog guard, or a secured dog crate will help you and your pet to stay safe on car journeys," says Dr MacMillan.

Dog harnesses are an excellent choice as well. They will ensure your dog doesn't get jostled around in the event of a car accident.

7. Toys

We've saved the best for last. Toys are arguably the most fun item to buy for your pup., but there are a few things to consider when purchasing new ones.

"Make sure to stock up on a few different types, with varying textures and functions. This will keep your puppy mentally stimulated and will help you to work out what their favourite type of play might be," says Dr. MacMillan.

You'll also want to make sure they are made from strong and durable materials that can withstand plenty of puppy chewing. If you're looking for inspiration, check out our guide to the best puppy toys, tried and tested.

Read next: Things I'd wish I'd known before getting a dog and puppy habits you should nip in the bud

Edited by Georgia Guerin and Megan Milstead.

Buying the best puppy toys is an investment worth making. Dogs are smart animals, and, as puppies, sometimes they can be challenging as well as bags of fun and love. Pups need mental and physical stimulation daily to prevent problems due to stress, boredom, or discomfort from situations such as teething or separation anxiety.

Toys for puppies can also help as a second pair of hands if you are busy (which, let's face it, most of us are) and can’t give your full attention or in circumstances when you are learning how to crate train a dog for example.

Toys burn off energy helping your puppy to settle physically and mentally, and they're also super handy when your dog is teething so that you redirect them onto a toy instead of nipping your hands. The journal Applied Animal Behavior Science, adds that play develops a dog’s motor skills and assists with social cohesion so there is a lot more to it than just fun.

As pet owners, we've spent more than enough time (and money) finding out what makes great puppy toys worth it. We tested several products from cuddly companions for helping our pups sleep to fetch toys and chewy options to sink their teeth into. Assisted by vet and pet behavior consultant, Joanna Woodnutt MRCVS, we've rounded up nine options we'd buy time and time again and we've highlighted the benefits of each choice too.

“Puppy toys provide mental stimulation, learning through play, and an outlet for their chewing instinct,” Dr Woodnutt affirms, so here are our favorites.

The best puppy toys 2026

How we tested the best puppy toys

Hands on testing

We couldn't bring you a guide to the best puppy toys without putting each product through its paces with the experts...puppies! Each and every one of the products in this guide has been tested by real puppies and used for several weeks (and much longer in many cases as you'll see above) to see how well it fared.

Durability and safety

We took into account things such as the durability of each toy and whether it was safe for a little pup with razor sharp teeth to play with because the last thing any pet parent needs is potential choking hazards for their pooch.

Since puppies can have a tendency to tear things up, especially when they're teething, we considered how long lasting these toys were and whether they were also easy to clean to keep them hygienic.

Squeaks and fun elements

During testing, we made note of any fun elements that made the toys even more appealing to our puppies. Squeakers are great fun for dogs but not all owners will be keen on listening to them so we've taken this into account. Some of the food-related toys we tried also needing testing for how difficult they were for the pups to figure out as anything that's too challenging can be incredibly frustrating for the dog, rather than engaging.

Should my puppy always have toys?

Your puppy needs toys to prevent them from becoming bored, but whether or not a puppy should have toys all of the time is another question entirely. In general, it's never a good idea to have too many toys out at once and to only bring out playthings when you feel a puppy will benefit from them. It will stop a pooch from becoming overwhelmed while keeping their interest high.

“It’s generally a good idea to give your puppy free access to at least one toy, especially when they’re going through a chewing phase,” says veterinarian Dr Joanne Woodnutt MRCVS. “However, keeping most toys hidden away and rotating them stops them from becoming boring.”

It's also a good idea to remove toys during mealtimes so that a puppy's focus is on food rather than play. Unless the toys are robust, you should also try and supervise play sessions rather than always leave puppies to their own devices.

How to choose the best puppy toy

It can be tempting to just stock up on the cutest, brightest, and perhaps cheapest puppy toys when buying for your new dog but it pays to do some research before committing to buy.

Cheap toys probably won’t last very long and those which are non-durable toys can leave a lot of mess behind – even presenting a choking hazard for very young dogs. It's a good idea to invest a little more money and look out for toys that claim to be durable. Check the type of material used: rubber tends to be a good option for most puppies because of their sharp teeth.

It's a good idea to buy toys with little to no stuffing, especially for destructive puppies. Stuffing can be easily ripped out and spread around your home, while those that feature other materials, such as rope, tend to last a lot longer.

Toys with flavorings, such as vanilla, mint or meat flavorings can help keep your puppy’s attention for longer, giving them extra motivation to chew. And look for toys that feature squeakers if your dog likes sound stimulation – although be aware that many puppies will try their hardest to rip out and destroy squeakers.

What toys should you not give to a puppy?

All of the toys we have listed here can be freely given to a puppy to play with but you should be aware that not all toys are suitable. Shy away from cheaply-made squeaker toys because there's a chance they could break apart and end up being swallowed. Also, avoid giving puppies toys with loose parts including batteries: you don't want to risk your dog swallowing such items.

Don't give puppies toys made for human children either – they're not robust enough to last enthusiastic chewing. Finally, if you are looking to give a puppy a food-related toy, avoid rawhide chews which can get lodged in a puppy's intestine.

“Avoid anything that isn’t made for puppies or seems to be poorly made.” says veterinarian Dr Joanne Woodnutt MRCVS. “Those teeth can get through many toys easily and you don’t want your pup to need surgery to remove a broken toy from his stomach!”

How many puppy toys should a dog have at once?

It can be tempting to open up the toy box and have many playthings available to your fur baby at any given time. But experts suggest rotating your puppy toys weekly so they have only access to four or five, each offering a variety of uses. These can include their favorite comfort toy, a rolling toy that will keep them busy, a chew toy to gnaw on and a puzzle toy to keep their mind active.

Should puppies have toys in their crate?

Adding toys into the crate can be a great way to associate that space with fun and interesting things for your pup to do. It’s worth making sure you rotate the toys so that they are still fresh and interesting to your dog, rather than leaving them in there for long periods of time.

What is the best toy for a puppy to chew on?

Dogs and puppies are usually very willing to give most toys a try, particularly where chewing is concerned. Toys made of harder rubbers tend to be good and safe contenders for chewing which also last. They are generally made in various shapes and sizes to cater to different mouths and puppy teething stages. Thick knotted rope toys are another good option especially if they like tug-of-war games as well as chewing and gnawing. Balls are a further option to consider however the popular tennis ball is not a great one to offer, while it is good for fetch games they don’t hold up to chewing.

Check with your vet if you are thinking about offering a rawhide chew product as these present a potential choking hazard plus many rawhides are by-products of the fur trade.

Do eight week old puppies need toys?

Toys should be classed as a necessity not a luxury for any dog and puppy due to their benefits. It is recommended that toys are offered to puppies between the ages of two and 10 months old as during this period they are experiencing rapid development. The toys given to your young furry friend need to be age appropriate but their breed and personal preference will also likely play a role in their favorite choices.

How many toys should a puppy have? This feature has the answer. If you’re not sure where to get started with these toys, here are some fun games to play with dogs.

Finding the best puppy teething toys has two benefits: you’ll find you have a much happier and more content pet on your hands, plus you also distract attention away from your furniture and clothes. After all, a teething puppy needs to find an outlet to relieve pain and discomfort during this natural part of growing up and it’s better to provide something safe, appealing and robust.

In this guide, we take a look at some of the best teething toys for puppies including toys that have a delicious flavor and those that can contain treats. We flag up products that can mentally stimulate puppies and toys that will also maintain good dental hygiene. As such, you should easily find something suitable here but it’s important that you consider more than one.

“Make sure you are providing your puppy with plenty of chew toys,” advises expert vet Dr Rebecca MacMillan. “Give him a variety of textures. Some pups like something firm to bite down on, and others want something softer or more textured.”

The best puppy teething toys 2026

How we chose the best puppy teething toys

The best puppy teething toys are specifically designed to be chewed and gnawed on by your teething puppy so our primary concern was safety and resilience. To that end, we looked at the materials being used – we found they were typically made from rubber – and examined whether or not they would stand up to your young canine’s fearsome bite. It’s important that a toy offers enough give to avoid hurting them or damaging their new teeth.

Why are puppy teething toys important?

When you find a puppy teething you’ll notice their behavior changes. They may bite more, become more aggressive, eat more slowly or cry more often. They may also start to chew on your furniture. A teething toy provides a safe outlet for a puppy’s discomfort at this time, in much the same way that the best dog chew toys will prove to be a welcome distraction.

Different teething toys for puppies relieve the problem in different ways. A chew toy will simply allow a puppy to enjoy something firm to bite on while a frozen toy will soothe gums. 

What age do puppies need teething toys?

Teething starts at different times depending on the breed but puppies usually get their baby teeth through in the first four to six weeks. They typically start losing their baby teeth a few months later.

"Puppies start to lose their deciduous (milk) teeth at around four to five months of age," explains Dr Rebecca MacMillan. "The process usually starts with the small incisors at the front of the mouth, with the larger teeth following later on."

Different teething toys for different stages?

At eight to 12 weeks, you’ll be looking for products which massage a puppy’s gums or those that can be filled with soothing frozen treats. When they are reaching the end of the teething period introduce the best chew toys for dogs including rope toys, fetch toys and more hard-wearing ones.

“By six months of age or older your dog will have lost all of his deciduous teeth and will have all 42 permanent ones,” says Dr MacMillan. Here’s some more info about how long puppy teething lasts.

Teething toys to avoid

You should avoid natural chew toys, such as bones, antlers and hooves, as these can be too hard on your young pup's mouth or even too large for them in the first instance. Always look for a product that's been professionally devised to help with your puppy's teething phase. 

Can puppy teething toys damage teeth?

Where tiny teeth are involved, it goes without saying that you'll want teething toys that are highly durable so that smaller parts don't come off and pose a hazard to your pup. But it’s also important to look for high quality, tough rubber that's firm enough to stand up to chewing but that's soft enough for developing teeth. You'll find many puppy teething products use softer material than their adult counterpart for this reason. 

If you’re in the midst of teething, check out these puppy teething tips to help you out, plus we’ve got more advice on how to stop a puppy chewing, too.

How many toys should a puppy have? After all, when you welcome a new pup into your home you want your dog to feel comfortable, safe, and interested in their new surroundings. 

But there are so many of the best puppy toys that it can be hard to know when to stop adding playthings to your pooch’s collection

Put simply, there is no one answer to how many toys a puppy should have. Any loving pet parent will want to have a good selection of toys to hand to make sure their four-legged animal gets all the physical and mental stimulation they need to thrive. But you don’t want to overwhelm them with choices.

So, generally speaking, investing in somewhere between 10-15 toys is a great goal to have in mind. This number will mean your pup has a wide range of toys to keep them entertained, without feeling like they don’t know where to start and what to play with first. But along with the number of toys, you’ll also want to give some thought to the kinds of playthings you bring into your home. For example, some toys are great for outdoor games like fetch or tug of war. While others will keep your pup happy and feeling safe and comfortable while catching up on some sleep. 

To help you figure out what toys to add to your canine’s collection, we’re running through the quantity, quality, and type of toy you should be buying.

How many toys should I leave out for my puppy?

While there's no hard and fast rule when it comes to exactly how many toys you should leave out for your puppy at any one time, too many will simply overwhelm your puppy and leave them unsure as to which one to play with. 

As we mentioned earlier, it's a good idea to only invest in 10-15 toys and to mix them up so that they all have their own purpose. For example, you might look at getting a few teething toys, some soft and comforting toys for snuggling, and a few outdoor toys that are good for playing fetch with. Once you've purchased your selection, stick to leaving out a few at a time and keep the others tucked away.

Speaking of which, it's also a good idea to have a designated “place” for your puppy’s toys – check out our inventive dog toy storage ideas or simply pop a box or crate in the corner of the room. You shouldn’t expect your dog to put the toys back in their place, but them knowing where to find them means they can rummage for new ones when they feel the urge to play, and you can hide them away neatly when they’re not in use. 

Can you give a puppy too many toys?

In a sense, the answer is both yes and no. It’s difficult to “spoil” a puppy as such, but it’s a good idea not to give them so many toys that they can’t play with them all. 

A good tip to help keep your puppy stimulated is to “rotate” the toys you give to them. Hiding away some of their toys and swapping them out for toys that they haven’t played with for a while helps keep things interesting and will stop your pup from getting bored.

It’s also a good idea to have just a few toys out at any one time to give your puppy a sense of boundaries – i.e. these are their toys for chewing and playing with, while everything else is not for them.

Should puppies have toys all the time?

Again, there’s not necessarily a definitive answer to this, as it will often come down to the traits of your dog, and how they use toys. There will be times when it's appropriate to let your puppy play and other times when it isn't.

If your puppy is very young, it's likely that they use toys to comfort themselves, especially the soft and cuddly ones which mimic the warmth they would have gotten from their mother. We don't recommend taking a favorite toy away from your puppy that they like to snuggle with unless it's absolutely necessary.

And sometimes, it is. If your puppy has been misbehaving, then rewarding them with a toy isn't a good idea. Likewise, if it's meal time or you're trying to get them ready to go for a walk, removing the toys will help your puppy learn that it's not always playtime. 

You should always be mindful of your puppy being left alone with toys, especially if they are destructive or the toy you have has parts that may come loose and present a choking hazard. We recommend that wherever possible, you supervise your puppy during their play sessions.

Should I leave toys in my puppy’s crate?

Generally speaking, it’s not a good idea to leave toys in your puppy’s crate. If you have a very placid puppy on your hands who isn't much of a chewer, you might consider popping a toy in with them, but we don't recommend this. That's because most toys have stuffing or exterior parts that could either cause a blockage in the stomach if swallowed or present a choking hazard.

That said, if you really do want to leave toys in the crate, perhaps as a comforter, try to find toys that are particularly durable and designed to be long-lasting, making sure to check the toy over for any signs of damage after any time the dog has been alone in the crate with it. The best puppy sleep aids are a great choice when it comes to toys that can be placed alongside your fur baby in their crate.

Should puppies have soft toys?

There's no denying it, soft toys are super snuggly, cozy and comforting and can help your puppy to feel safe and secure. There's no reason to avoid giving your puppy a soft toy but just a word of caution – only let your puppy play with a soft toy when you're able to supervise them. You want your puppy to avoid swallowing or choking on small or detachable parts of a toy, or on the stuffing you will often find in soft toys. 

To help teething puppies, look for durable toys that have been designed specifically with chewing in mind. The best teething toys for puppies come highly recommended for soothing sore gums and relieving some of the pain associated with new teeth breaking through. 

You should also be mindful to not give your dog toys that are made for humans. Generally speaking, soft toys for children haven’t been designed with heavy destruction in mind, so they won’t usually withstand chewing, biting and clawing from a dog.

How many toys does the average dog have?

This is always a tricky question to answer because just like us humans, no two dogs are the same. Some puppies absolutely adore toys and would quite happily surround themselves with hundreds of playthings if given half the chance. Others aren't that big on toys and will be more than satisfied with just a few tried and true favorites.

If you’re concerned that your dog has more toys than average – well, simply, don’t worry. There’s no right or wrong answer to how many toys your puppy should have – it all comes down to your individual needs (and that of your puppy’s).

That said, a good rule of thumb is about 10-15 toys, which are swapped and changed around at regular intervals, giving your dog plenty of variety. You might find that as they get older, your dog needs fewer toys than when they were a puppy – but generally, you’ll get to know what is right for your dog.

What toys should you not give a puppy?

When you go to the pet store, you will see a huge variety of different toys, some of which are specifically geared towards puppies, and plenty that are intended for any age of dog, or particularly for older dogs.

The majority of the best dog toys you can buy for dogs are perfectly safe for puppies, but there are a few things you should be mindful of. For example, it’s wise not to give a puppy anything which is stuffed with beads or beans, anything which contains batteries or anything in which a small animal could get themselves trapped or stuck. 

If in doubt, go for toys that have specifically been sold or recommended for puppies, and always supervise your puppy when they’re playing with a toy – especially for the first time.

What toys should a puppy have?

When it comes to puppy toys, variety really is the spice of life. Puppies need a range of toys that meet their different needs and help to keep both their developing bodies and brains active.

When shopping for puppy toys, try to get lots of different sizes, shapes, sounds and textures and you should keep your dog happy. You could also invest in the best brain games for dogs to provide a good amount of mental stimulation, too.

You’ll find lots of different toys available, but consider balls, at least one squeaky toy, something soft, something specifically designed for chewing and teething, and perhaps something you can hide treats in as this will provide a good range of enrichment and stimulation.  

Need advice on how to play with a puppy? We spoke to a vet to find out the dos and don’ts of playing with your pooch. Alternatively, find the best puppy food or our guide to homemade puppy teething toys. 

If you’re like us and the thought of making something causes you to break out in a sweat, don’t worry because all of the DIY puppy toys below are so simple that even we could knock them together! 

Welcoming a new puppy into your home is an exciting time, but if you’ve spent ages selecting the best puppy toys only to find out that your new fur baby would rather play with a cardboard box, then saving your money and getting back to basics can be a great idea. 

Just like our favorite DIY dog toys, these DIY puppy toys will provide your energetic ball of fur with plenty of mental and physical stimulation, engaging all of their senses and helping them grow up to be happy and healthy. 

Puppies explore their world with their mouths and paws, so whether you’re buying a toy from a shop or making one yourself, always make sure it’s safe for them to chew and throw around. Avoid small parts, sharp edges, or any loops or holes that your puppy could get tangled up in.

These DIY puppy toys are all safe options and they’re a  great way of making use of any old or unused items you have lying around at home. Plus, they’re super easy to make and won’t take up much of your time. Here are a few of our top picks...

1) Water Bottle Cruncher

Many puppies go mad for the irresistible crinkly and crunchy sound of water bottles and while all that plastic can be dangerous on its own, a few ingenious pet parents have come up with a great way to make this cheap toy fun and safe.

To make your own water bottle cruncher, you’ll need the following items:

• Empty water bottle
• Scissors
• Dry kibble 
• An old sock

Directions:

1. Remove the bottle cap and cut off the ring that sits just below it. Discard the cap
2. Put some dry kibble inside the water bottle 
3. Slide the bottle inside an old sock
4. Tie a tight knot in the sock

You can leave the toy like it is or cut into the top of the sock above the knot to create fringes and make it look a little more fancy. 

It’s a good idea to keep an eye on your puppy when using this toy and replace it as soon as it starts to break down. This will ensure they don’t bite their way through the plastic, creating sharp edges that could injure their teeth and gums. 

2) The Octopus

If you have a young pup who loves to play fetch or tug of war, then this toy is going to prove a huge hit. It’s a great one to make if you have an old shirt lying around that you don’t know what to do with and if you’re creative, you’ll love the braiding element.

What you’ll need:

• Old T-shirt
• Tennis ball
• Scissors
• Measuring tape

Directions:

1. Cut the top of the T-shirt from the arms up, so that just the torso portion is left
2. Cut the hem off at the bottom of the shirt, cut it so that you make one long strip (rather than a circle), and set it aside. Then cut the shirt in half so that it measures approximately 17 x 14 inches. You’ll only need one side of the shirt to make one octopus toy
3. Cut slits into the shirt all around the edges to create the straggly ends you’ll braid together. Cut in about 2-3 inches and try to make an even number of stragglers
4. Put the tennis ball in the middle of the T-shirt and wrap the fabric around it
5. Tie the hem strip around the fabric to secure the ball in place
6. Cut into the fabric a bit more to make the straggly ends longer, then make braids. Tie a knot at each of the ends. You can extend the ‘octopus arms’ by knotting on scraps from the T-shirt hem

3) Treat Puzzle

If you have a bag of the best puppy treats lying around and you want to make your fur baby do some work for them, then this fun puzzle is just the ticket. This is a particularly good toy to make if you’ve been doing home renovations and have some excess PVC pipe that you want to put to good use.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• A piece of PVC pipe appropriate to the size of your pup
• Two PVC caps or tennis balls
• A drill
• Puppy treats 

Directions:

1. Grab your PVC pipe
2. Drill holes about 5mm wide all over the pipe – about as wide as your puppy’s treats. You want holes that are big enough to get the treats into but not so big that they all fall out in seconds
3. Put the treats into the pipe and then seal the ends with the caps or with tennis balls that you’ve cut a small hole into. 
4. The treat puzzle is now ready for your pup to roll, chew, and throw

4) Braided puppy toy

Another quick and easy way to use up those old T-shirts you no longer want is to make this simple yet entertaining braid toy. It's great for tug-of-war and depending on the fabric of the shirts you’re using, it's surprisingly durable.

You’ll need:

• A couple of old shirts in different colors
• Scissors
• Ruler or measuring tape

Directions:

1. Cut the hem off the shirts 
2. Start cutting strips that are about 2-inches wide and about 20-inches long until you end up with nine strips in total
3. Gather all the strips together and tie a knot at one end and pull firmly to tighten
4. Separate the strips into three sections and then braid them almost all of the way down
5. Tie a knot at the end

While you can use any kind of shirt for this toy – shirts that have a bit of give in them will be easier to tie. 

5) Muffin Tin Hide and Seek

This is a great toy for older puppies who are ready for a challenge. It’ll give their brain a workout while also providing them with a satisfying reward at the end of it all. Here’s what you’ll need for these DIY puppy toys:

• A muffin tin
• 12 tennis balls
• Some kibble or puppy treats

Directions:

1. Pop small portions of kibble or treats into a few of the muffin tins
2. Place tennis balls over all 12 of the tins
3. Bring your pup in and watch as they try to figure out which tins contain the kibble

At first, you might like to put kibble in all the tins until your pup has figured out what they need to do. When that becomes too easy, you can limit the kibble to just a few tins.