Welcoming a new arrival? These are the best puppy toys that kept my dogs and other pups entertained

I just had to kickstart my list with the KONG Puppy Toy. The KONG is a super versatile toy so that's why it's taking our top spot for the best puppy toy. It's one of the very first toys I bought Bella when I first brought her home as I was recommended it by her breeder to use as a boredom buster when crate training her. I used to fill it with tasty treats and natural yoghurt and then would freeze it so it would then take her a while to get through it.

It's made from soft rubber so it's sturdy while also being a great material for your pup to gnaw on to satisfy those chewing cravings. It's a little bouncy too so you can throw it for fetching games and I found that Bella was just as happy chasing after it as she was to chew on it when it was filled with something tasty. The size of this KONG is made for small mouths so it's great while your pup is young but they will outgrow it eventually and need a larger one to avoid it being a choking hazard, especially when you've got a larger puppy. This makes some paw-rents question whether it's value for money, but personally, I feel like you're getting multiple toys in one so you'll get a lot of use out of it when they're still small.

The Nylabone Gentle Puppy Dog Teething Chew Toy Keys are specifically designed for teething puppies who have not formed any adult teeth. They're made from soft materials yet durable, making them a good option for teething pups. They keep puppies busy, satisfying their natural urge to chew, while the tiny raised bits on the end of the keys act like a mini toothbrush to keep their teeth clean.

These keys are also flavoured to taste like bacon so your pup won't be able to resist it. Bella could sniff these keys through the box they arrived in so I just knew she would be all over them once I took them out of the packaging. Some flavoured toys have a really synthetic scent to them but I was surprised that these keys actually smelt like a realistic bacon scent - not my fave but Bella loved it.

With a cord fleece texture on the outside for their mouth to explore, pups will love playtime with the Little Petface Freddi Cord Puppy Dog Toy. It's ideal for squishy cuddles, with customers loving the softness of it. Also, there's a squeaker inside for when your pup is in the mood for a more active playtime.

The size of this toy is larger than some of the other toys on our list, but reviewers have found it's just about the right size for little mouths to pick up and take with them wherever they go. As any experienced puppy owner knows, all toys will eventually become susceptible to chew damage but many paw-rents felt it was quite durable against their pup's razor-sharp teeth.

Separation anxiety can be one of the hardest things for your pup to deal with when they first come home to you, but luckily there are toys such as the All For Paws Little Buddy Heart Beat Puppy Toy that can help. Customers have found it to be very soothing for their little bundles of fluff.

This plush toy contains a heartbeat simulator inside which is designed to mimic the heartbeat of their mother to provide comfort as they get used to new surroundings. It's made from a soft, skin-friendly fabric and is machine washable with the heart removed. Something to be mindful of is that customers have reported that it uses a lot of battery power so be sure to test it regularly so it doesn't run out while your precious little angel is relying on it.

As pups learn the power of their own chewing, they may go through a few puppy toys. That's why this Labeol Puppy Chew Toys multipack is handy as there are 10 toys included. That way, you'll always have a new one to hand if (more like when) they manage to destroy the toy they're currently playing with.

We are impressed with the variety of toys included and so are customers. This pack includes rope toys, balls, rubber rings and a plush toy so there's plenty to keep them entertained. Customers have rated this product highly for its great value for money and fun selection of toys but felt the durability and quality could be better.

This chicken-flavoured puppy start kit from Nylabone is perfect for pups looking for something to chew that's also tasty. They're a popular choice with customers on Amazon as they have over 14,900 reviews, with them raving about the size, quality and value.

It includes a soft, flexible bone for when they're in the early stages of teething, a blue bone that will help to clean their teeth as they're starting to cut through and a tough white bone that is designed for them to get their teeth around when their adult teeth are completely grown so you've got a bone for each stage of puppyhood. Reviews are mixed about the texture with some customers saying they were too hard and others saying they were too soft but this could all depend on the breed of your pup and the power of their jaw.

Give your puppy's brain a workout at the same time as providing something to help them burn off some energy with this IFOYO Pet Snuffle Mat. After you've hidden food in between the layers, your pup will have to use their nose and their head to figure out where they are.

Research shows that sniffing for 10 minutes is equal to an hour of running for your pup and it also aids with relieving stress and helping your pup to relax. Customers agree that this mat kept their pup busy for ages. Some wished there was a way to secure the mat to the floor to stop it from sliding around while hunting for food but overall this gets a thumbs up from puppy owners for being a good quality, fun toy and easy to clean after having food inside.

These classic Fisher-Price characters are a nostalgic throw-back to the playtimes of our childhood – and now it's time for puppy to have fun! The Fisher-Price Pets Tugs with Friends Interactive Tug Toy is ideal for light tug-of-war games with your puppy. The playful interaction of a game of tug-of-war encourages bonding between you and your puppy and helps a fur baby to build social skills with other dogs.

The toy has a variety of textures for your puppy to explore with their mouth to pique their curiosity. The ropes can be added and removed from the TPR ring so you can vary how your puppy plays with it. At £6 it's great value for money and specifically designed for puppies to be safe and durable but please note that it's designed for light tug-of-war play so if your pup like to play rough, you may want to consider another option.

The Emwel Small Dog Toys are perfect for helping puppies burn off excess energy and prevent boredom but are also great for toys who seek comfort through their toys. They help with separation anxiety by providing them with some soft to cuddle up with and strengthen the bond with their paw-rents and pet siblings through play. Made from high-quality plush and soft cotton fabric, these toys are non-toxic, durable and comfortable for small dogs to bat, paw and wrestle.

The set includes six fun toys: Carrot, Banana, Strawberry, Bone, Eggplant, and Mushroom. Each plush toy is about 10-15cm in size and contains a squeaker for extra fun. Customers praise this plush set for its cute design, plus the size and texture of each toy are ideal for puppies. They are designed for small dogs and are not intended for larger dogs or heavy chewers.

B-Corp-certified brand Earth Rated makes eco-friendly, innovatively designed pet products. This little dog ball is designed to enhance fetch games due to its unpredictable bounce. The unique shape of the ball makes retrieval easier for small mouths. Its erratic bounce engages a dog's interest and makes play varied and stimulating. This 51mm ball is suitable for indoor and outdoor play, and it's available in various sizes for larger dogs.

The natural rubber ball floats in water and can be cleaned on the top shelf of a dishwasher, so it's a practical and long-lasting toy. Customer reviews say the fetch toy is durable, easy to clean and the perfect size for a small dog's mouth. The unpredictable bounce makes play fun. However, a review comments that the toy is unsuitable for aggressive chewers.