Best Chew Toys for Shih Tzu Puppies (2026): Safe Picks for Teething
Disclosure: This guide contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, Shih Tzu Pedia earns from qualifying purchases on Amazon.com and Amazon.ca, at no extra cost to you. Our picks are based on veterinary safety guidance and published product details, not on hands-on testing.
How we chose these toys: We used chew toy safety guidance from VCA Animal Hospitals and puppy chewing advice from the American Kennel Club. We then compared current Amazon listings for material, size for small dogs, customer ratings, and availability in the United States and Canada. Last reviewed: September 2026.
Shih Tzu puppies chew. It is how they explore, and it helps with teething. The American Kennel Club notes that puppies lose all their baby teeth before they are 6 months old as the adult teeth come in.
The right chew toy protects your shoes, your furniture, and your puppy’s teeth. The wrong one can chip a tooth or become a choking hazard. This guide shows you how to tell the difference and lists four safe, small-size picks.
Quick Picks: Best Chew Toys for Shih Tzu Puppies in 2026
| Pick | Best for | Material | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|
| KONG Puppy Goodie Bone | Teething puppies | Puppy rubber | Amazon.com |
| KONG Classic, Small (2-pack) | Stuffing with food | Natural rubber | Amazon.com | Amazon.ca |
| West Paw Zogoflex Tux, Small | Treat puzzles | Flexible Zogoflex | Amazon.com |
| West Paw Zogoflex Hurley, X-Small | Chewing and fetch | Flexible Zogoflex | Amazon.com |
How to Choose a Safe Chew Toy for a Shih Tzu
VCA Animal Hospitals gives clear rules for choosing chew toys:
- Size: A toy should never be small enough to fit entirely in your dog’s mouth. For a Shih Tzu, this rules out tiny balls and small chew pieces.
- Hardness: Use the fingernail test. If you cannot make a dent in the toy with your fingernail, it is too hard. VCA warns that very hard items such as bones and cow hooves can chip or fracture teeth.
- No loose parts: Avoid toys with ribbons, plastic eyes, or other parts that can be pulled off and swallowed.
- Replace worn toys: Throw away any toy with exposed stuffing, frayed rope, or broken rubber.
- Supervise: Watch your puppy while they chew, and take the toy away if they bite off pieces.
Skip these: Cooked bones, antlers, hooves, and very hard nylon chews fail the fingernail test. Small dogs like Shih Tzus have small teeth, so a fractured tooth can mean a painful dental procedure. If you see a broken tooth, bleeding, or your puppy chewing on one side, call your vet.
The Best Chew Toys for Shih Tzu Puppies, Reviewed
1. KONG Puppy Goodie Bone
Best for: Teething Shih Tzu puppies. This is our top pick for young pups.
- Made for small puppies, according to KONG
- Made from KONG’s puppy rubber formula, designed for growing puppies
- Goodie Grippers hold treats or puppy snacks
Why we picked it: It is a flexible, puppy-specific rubber chew, and the treat grooves keep a puppy busy.
Keep in mind: Puppy rubber is made for baby teeth. Move to a stronger toy once adult teeth come in. It was not in stock on Amazon.ca when we checked.
2. KONG Classic, Small (2-Pack)
Best for: Stuffing with kibble or soft food to keep a puppy busy.
- Natural rubber with an unpredictable bounce
- Hollow center you can fill with kibble or KONG snacks
Why we picked it: It is a long-standing favorite, with more than 93,000 ratings. A stuffed and frozen KONG can also soothe sore gums during teething.
Keep in mind: Choose the small size, not extra small, so the toy cannot fit fully in your dog’s mouth. Count stuffing toward your puppy’s daily food.
Check price on Amazon.com → | Check price on Amazon.ca →
3. West Paw Zogoflex Tux, Small
Best for: Puppies that like to work for treats.
- Small, 4-inch treat-dispensing toy
- Holds kibble, treats, or peanut butter, per the listing
- Made in the USA and dishwasher safe, according to West Paw
Why we picked it: It combines chewing with a food puzzle, which gives your Shih Tzu something to think about.
Keep in mind: If you use peanut butter, choose one without xylitol, which is toxic to dogs. It was not in stock on Amazon.ca when we checked.
4. West Paw Zogoflex Hurley, X-Small
Best for: Chewing, gentle tug, and short games of fetch.
- X-Small bone shape made from flexible Zogoflex
- Floats and is dishwasher safe, per the listing
Why we picked it: It is a flexible alternative to sticks and hard bones, and the X-Small size suits a small mouth.
Keep in mind: The X-Small size is for small dogs. Check that the toy is too large to fit fully in your puppy’s mouth, and size up if needed. It was not in stock on Amazon.ca when we checked.
Tips to Stop Your Puppy Chewing the Wrong Things
- Trade, do not chase. The AKC suggests redirecting your puppy, or trading the item for something better, when you catch them chewing something off-limits.
- Rotate toys. Put some toys away and swap them every few days so they feel new.
- Use cold for sore gums. The AKC notes cold chews can ease teething pain. A frozen, damp washcloth or a frozen stuffed KONG works well under supervision.
- Puppy-proof your home. Keep cords, shoes, and small objects out of reach.
- Watch the treat calories. Food in toys counts. See our puppy feeding guide and our treat guide.
For more on raising a young Shih Tzu, read our Shih Tzu puppy care guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the safest chew toys for Shih Tzu puppies?
Flexible rubber toys that pass the fingernail test are the safest choice. Good options include the KONG Puppy Goodie Bone, the KONG Classic in size small, and West Paw Zogoflex toys. Always choose a size too big to fit fully in your puppy’s mouth.
How can I tell if a chew toy is too hard?
VCA Animal Hospitals recommends the fingernail test. If you cannot make a dent in the toy with your fingernail, it is too hard and could chip or break a tooth.
When do Shih Tzu puppies stop teething?
The AKC notes that puppies lose all their baby teeth before 6 months of age. Chewing often continues after that, so keep safe chew toys available.
Are bones, antlers, and hooves safe for Shih Tzus?
They are not recommended. VCA warns that very hard items such as bones and cow hooves can chip and fracture teeth. Choose flexible rubber toys instead.
Can I leave my Shih Tzu puppy alone with a chew toy?
It is safest to supervise chewing. VCA advises watching your dog while they chew and removing toys that break or lose pieces. Check toys often and replace worn ones.
Sources
- VCA Animal Hospitals: How to choose the best chew toy for your dog
- American Kennel Club: What can puppies safely chew?
- Amazon.com and Amazon.ca product listings, checked September 2026
This article is for general information. It is not a substitute for advice from your veterinarian. Read our medical disclaimer.
