Thanks to puppy soft toys, we can give our furry friends a cuddly companion to cuddle up and play with. If we cast our minds back to our early years, we all had that one toy we were attached to in our early years that went with us everywhere we went, and it’s no different for our puppies. Some puppies form emotional attachments with their soft puppy toys as they bring them a sense of security and comfort in situations where they may feel anxious or scared, just like our own childhood toys gave us. Many puppies use soft toys to self-soothe so you may find them suckling on them or nuzzling up against them during naps.
The world can feel like a scary place when you’re a puppy. You’re being introduced to lots of new people, noises and places and your mum and the rest of your littermates aren’t there anymore. There are lots of situations where a puppy is experiencing something for the first time, which can be quite stress-inducing to a little bundle of fluff. Some pups may instinctively reach for a puppy soft toy when they’re not feeling sure of something as it carries a familiar scent, either of their new owners or their mother. For this reason, you may find that your puppy likes to carry a soft toy in their mouth to mimic the sensation of comfort they felt when being carried like that by their mum.
Best puppy soft toy at a glance:
• Best overall: Little Petface Freddi Cord Puppy Dog Toy – View on Viovet
• Best heartbeat puppy soft toy: All For Paws Little Buddy Heart Beat Sheep Puppy Toy – View on Amazon UK
• Best puppy soft toy multipack: Jodsen 8 Pack Puppy Toys – View on Amazon UK
While puppy soft toys are great for comfort and snuggles, let’s not forget that they’re also designed for play. Many plush toys for puppies are made to be interactive puppy toys as they have hidden squeakers and different textures to explore with their mouth. It’s worth noting that soft toys for puppies aren’t the toughest of toys and as your dog’s teeth are at their sharpest during the early stage of development, you may find that you have a few toy casualties.
If your puppy enjoys a bit of gentle play and you think they would benefit from having something softer to cuddle up with, we’ve rounded up all the best soft toys for puppies that are cuddly yet entertaining. Remember, soft toys aren’t supposed to be chewed so if you find that your little one is destroying them on the regular, you may want to consider other toy types, such as puppy chew toys.
Best puppy soft toy
Best overall
Viovetwww.viovet.co.uk
Designed to offer all the soft, squishy cuddles, the Little Petface Freddi Cord Puppy Dog Toy boasts a cord fleece texture on the exterior that will not only feel nice to snuggle up to, but also provide a delightful sensory experience for your pup to explore with their mouth. Adding to the excitement, a built-in squeaker ensures an extra layer of fun, making this lovely little dog plush a well-rounded source of entertainment for your canine companion.
Customer review: "My little dachshund loves her new toy. Arrived next day in a large brown paper bag. Seems well made & sturdy enough so hopefully will last a while. The squeeze isn't too loud or annoying which is good for us! It feels soft to the touch & is finished well. It's now the favourite toy! Highly recommended."
Pros
- Great value
- Good size for young pups and small dogs
Cons
- Will eventually become susceptible to 'chew' damage
Best heartbeat puppy soft toy
AmazonGetting your puppy to settle and dealing with separation anxiety can be challenging aspects for both you and your pup as they adjust to their new home. Fortunately, there are soft toys for puppies, such as the All For Paws Little Buddy Heart Beat Sheep Puppy Toy, that are designed to help. This plush toy is equipped with a heartbeat that is designed to replicate the comforting rhythm of their mum’s heartbeat to help them feel like they’re not alone in their new surroundings.
Customer review: "Very durable product. We used ours with our cockapoo pup as she was coming to us straight from being used to hearing heartbeats and have the heat of her brothers and sisters. It worked a treat and helped her adapt to sleeping alone (no sleepless puppy howling nights for us) she loved it so much that when she no longer needed the heat/heartbeat I've sewn the pocket closed and 18mnths on 'Lamie' is her toy of choice at bedtime. I would highly recommend this product."
Pros
- Great companion to settle your pup into their new home
- Made from a soft, skin-friendly fabric that will be nice for your pup to cuddle up to
Cons
- Some pups may want to use this as a shaking toy rather than a comforting toy
Best puppy soft toy multipack
AmazonAs we mentioned earlier, puppies just don't realise how sharp their teeth are when they're young, so you may find yourself going through a lot of soft toys. With this Jodsen 8 Pack Puppy Toys, you'll have plenty of soft toys on hand for when one inevitably gets destroyed so you can replace it when you notice the first signs of damage. Each of the eight plushes in this multipack has squeakers inside so they'll keep your pup entertained for longer.
Customer review: "These are absolutely fantastic and excellent value for money. We have a teething puppy who loves all the different squeaks and crinkles. Couldn’t ask for better."
Pros
- Multiple toys in a pack
- Each one has a squeaker for added entertainment
Cons
- Not the best quality
Best for interactive play
AmazonIf you're after a soft toy that will keep your pup busy, the Belcka Teddy Bear Dog Toy is a great candidate. The legs are made from a crinkle material that your baby dog will love shaking about to hear the sound it makes, and inside there's a concealed squeaker that will keep your dog engaged as they try to find and activate it. It's not all about the fun though as it's made from a safe, high-quality plush fabric so your dog will equally enjoy cuddles during quiet time. This one is a good all-round for relieving boredom as well as anxiety.
Customer review: "The quality is really good on this multi-sensory puppy toy. It squeaks, it crinkles, it's floppy and is soft which is great for Shih Tzu size puppies first toy. I recommend highly."
Pros
- Great for sensory play
- Ideal for entertainment and cuddles
Cons
- Customer reviews mixed on durability
Best for comfort and cuddles
Pets at Homewww.petsathome.com
In a set that would make a great gift for anyone welcoming a new puppy into their home, this Trixie Junior Cuddly Set includes a nice soft blanket and a cuddly rabbit plush which is sure to bring a sense of comfort to your new arrival as they get used to their new surroundings. You can pop their blanket into their bed or cage to keep them lovely and cosy, and the rabbit toy has sound built-in for that extra soothing touch.
Pros
- Two-in-one blanket and toy
- Lovely and soft
Cons
- No customer reviews yet as it's a new product
Best for chewers
AmazonIf your pup is a bit of a chewer, choosing a soft toy that is made from corded material, like the Speedy Panther Duck Dog Toy, should last a little longer as it's thicker but that doesn't mean it's not soft enough for little mouths to suckle on. Not only does the corded material help to make it more durable but it's also great for helping with dental care as chewing on this type of material can help to reduce plaque build-up and relieve aching gums. This plush ducky has also got a hidden squeaker for that added fun element.
Customer review: "I purchased this for my four month old Patterdale Terrier. Delivery and packaging was good and on time. This toy has taken some ragging and chewing and it is holding out well, and the squeeker is still working! Overall happy with the purchase and my puppy loves it so all round thumbs up!"
Pros
- Durable material
- Helps contribute to dental health
Cons
- May be slightly big for smaller breed pups to carry around
Best highly rated puppy soft toy
AmazonKONG is a much-loved toy brand for whatever lifestyle your dog is at and with over 36,000 reviews, the KONG Cozie Pastels Indoor Cuddle Dog Toy is another hit. This deluxe plush is perfect for indoor snuggles with an oh-so-soft material on the outside, and it's double-layered to add a level of durability. Available in a choice of characters, your little bestie will have a cute companion to cuddle up to, and it's got a squeaker inside to entice your pup to engage in active play.
Customer review: "This is my 4 month old puppies favourite toy, I know it's a cosy and she does sleep with it but it has been thrown and chewed but there's no seams ripped or anything hanging off and its lasted a lot longer than other toys made for dogs, I've handwashed it and it looks like new again, so it's puppy tested for a few months and its well passed the test, so an excellent buy"
Pros
- Oh-so-soft material
- Double-layered for strength
Cons
- Some reviewers thought it would be bigger so they questioned whether it would be too small for larger breeds
FAQs
Are soft toys good for puppies?
Soft toys are great for puppies as they offer a combination of comfort and entertainment, plus they play a part in aiding their overall development.
Just like a toddler with a safety toy or blanket, puppy soft toys are comforting for your little dog. If they’re feeling anxious or scared, a quick snuggle or a play with their favourite toy can soon have them feeling calm again. Sucking or chomping on a soft toy can also help to soothe aching gums when your pup is teething, so these toys are great for oral health and can be used as a teething puppy toy, too.
Soft toys for puppies can also provide a source of mental and physical stimulation, helping to develop your pup’s cognitive and motor skills through more interactive play. Your pup can enjoy playing with soft toys on their own or you can join in through a game of fetch, which will build on the relationship of you and your little bundle of fluff and strengthen your bond.
Are soft toys safe for puppies?
Generally, soft toys are safe for puppies, but there are a couple of things you’ll want to bear in mind when choosing the best plush toy for a puppy to ensure they’re as safe as possible. Firstly, when selecting a toy, you’ll want to make sure it’s appropriately sized for your pup’s mouth to avoid it being a choking hazard. You’ll want to choose a toy that’s small enough for them to be able to bite and carry but also not too small that they can fit the whole thing in their mouth.
As any puppy owner knows, your pup will go through MANY toys during their puppyhood as they discover how strong their teeth are. For this reason, you’ll want to ensure you regularly inspect their toys for any signs of damage. Small parts, like the limbs of animal toys and stuffing from inside the toy that has come off during play, are also choking hazards. If your puppy’s toy is showing any signs of wear and tear, it’s time to say goodbye to them.
Do puppies need a comfort toy?
While puppies don’t necessarily need a comfort toy, there are many benefits to giving your puppy soft toys. They can be a source of comfort and security, especially when your puppy is alone and experiencing new environments, providing your pup with a sense of familiarity to reduce their stress. Not only that, but the best puppy soft toys can keep your pup entertained and occupied, stopping them from getting bored and ultimately preventing them from turning to destructive behaviours.
Why does a puppy hold his soft toy in his mouth for so long?
A puppy carrying a soft toy in their mouth is similar to the behaviour they will have seen from their mum carrying her pups in her mouth back when they were with their litter. Being carried by their mum brings them comfort and security, so pups may try to mimic it with their soft toys for a sense of familiarity. Carrying a toy in their mouth can be a way for your puppy to form a bond and attachment to it, especially if it has the scent of their mum or their owner.
Puppies also explore the world through their mouth during their formative months and years, so your puppy carrying their soft toy may be just their way of trying to understand how it works.
Rosie Floyd is a Pets, Homes and Garden Product Writer for Take A Break Pets, specialising in all things dogs. She grew up always having at least one dog as part of the family and has experience in owning a variety of breeds, including Labradors, Cockapoos and Yorkshire Terriers.