Bones and chews should be tailored to your puppy’s specific age, size, breed, and chewing intensity. Not all products are safe or suitable for young dogs.
Providing your puppy with appropriate chewing options is an often-overlooked aspect of puppy care, especially during the teething phase. Just like human babies, puppies go through a stage where their baby teeth fall out and adult teeth emerge. This process can be uncomfortable and comes with an instinctive desire to chew on objects to relieve the pressure in their gums. Offering the best chews for teething puppies during this developmental window not only helps soothe their pain but also prevents them from targeting your belongings as chew toys. Among our favorite choices for puppy chews are the Kong Puppy Chew Dog Toy and the Nylabone Teething Ring Puppy Chew Toy.
The Best Chew Bones for Puppies
The best bones and chews for your puppy are those that promote safety and healthy dental development while satisfying your puppy’s urge to chew. Avoid very hard or cooked bones. Instead, look for softer bones, natural chews, soft rubber toys, and specially formulated puppy products. Reconsider if you’re looking at a rope chew for your puppy. Accidents can happen.
A good rule of thumb when selecting a chew is to look for products labeled specifically for puppies. These are tested, or at least developed, with safety in mind while meeting the chewing needs of a younger dog. Additionally, you should match the size and density of the chew to your puppy’s breed and age. A small-breed puppy needs a much smaller and softer chew than a large breed puppy who might require something a bit more robust to keep them occupied and satisfied.
Puppies Need Softer Chews
Marrow bones are sometimes recommended for adult dogs, but they are not ideal for teething puppies. While these bones contain nutrients and offer a natural chewing experience, they can be too hard for a puppy’s mouth and fragile milk teeth. Additionally, the hollow center can get wedged onto their jaws, leading to a vet visit.
No cooked bones for puppies. These should always be avoided as they are brittle and can splinter, leading to choking or internal injuries. Raw bones are less likely to splinter.
Consider beef knuckle bones for puppies. When it comes to bones, beef knuckle bones can help get stubborn puppy teeth out due to their shape. They are also softer than most of the long bones sold as marrow bones. Puppy-safe antlers and natural chews can also be considered, though they must be chosen carefully. Split elk antlers, for example, are sometimes recommended over whole antlers as they expose the softer marrow center and reduce the risk of tooth fractures. However, even these should be introduced cautiously and monitored closely.
Natural chews for puppies. Bully sticks and tendons are natural alternatives that provide a satisfying chew and can be easier on young teeth. These products tend to be digestible and flavorful, making them a popular choice among pet owners, though some can be high in calories and should be fed in moderation. Many pet brands offer synthetic bone alternatives specifically designed for teething puppies. These chews are often made from soft rubber or nylon, and some can be frozen to provide additional relief for sore gums.
Chewing should always be supervised, and the chew should be taken away if it begins to break apart, or if it becomes too small, as chunks can pose a choking hazard and obstruction risk. Consult with your veterinarian if you have concerns about which options are most appropriate for your dog’s age, breed, or health condition.
