When it comes to finding the right chew for your puppy, safety, digestibility, and durability are key. Puppies have different chewing needs compared to adult dogs—whether they’re teething, exploring their environment, or simply looking for comfort. Giving them appropriate chews not only keeps them entertained but also supports their dental health, reduces destructive chewing, and soothes sore gums during the teething phase.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best chews for puppies, highlighting their benefits and suitability for young dogs.
Understanding Puppy Chewing Behaviour
Puppies chew for many reasons, including:
🐾 Teething – Puppies start teething around 3 weeks old and continue until around 6 months, making chewing a natural way to relieve sore gums.
🐾 Exploration – Puppies use their mouths to learn about the world, much like human babies do.
🐾 Boredom & Anxiety – Chewing releases endorphins, which help puppies stay calm and engaged.
🐾 Learning Bite Inhibition – Providing appropriate chews teaches puppies what is acceptable to chew (instead of your furniture or shoes!).
Puppy chews must be soft enough to protect developing teeth, digestible to prevent stomach issues, and free from harmful additives.
Below are our top 3 recommended chews for puppies, carefully selected to be safe, nutritious, and enjoyable.
🐄 1. Natural Puppy-Safe Pizzle Sticks aka Bully Sticks
Pizzle sticks (bully sticks) are one of the best natural chews for puppies. Unlike standard bully sticks, puppy-safe pizzles (standard pizzles) are softer, thinner, and easier to chew, making them perfect for delicate puppy teeth.
🔹 Benefits:
✔️ Highly digestible & rich in protein
✔️ Gently scrapes plaque off teeth
✔️ Natural & free from chemicals
✔️ Lasts longer than soft treats but is still gentle on teeth
👉 Tip: Start with thinner pizzles for young puppies and gradually introduce thicker chews as their jaws strengthen.
🐇 2. Dried Rabbit Ears – A Gentle, Tasty Chew
Rabbit ears are a fantastic first chew for puppies. They’re light, easy to digest, and gentle on small teeth, making them a safe and satisfying option.
🔹 Benefits:
✔️ Soft yet durable enough for extended chewing
✔️ Naturally low in fat and high in protein
✔️ Some varieties contain fur, which can aid digestion
✔️ No artificial additives or preservatives
👉 Tip: If your puppy has a sensitive stomach, opt for fur-free rabbit ears, as they are even easier to digest.
🐄 3. Beef Tendons – The Longer-Lasting Option
Beef tendons are softer than bones but tougher than typical puppy treats, making them a great in-between chew. They naturally clean teeth and are packed with collagen, which supports healthy joints and skin.
🔹 Benefits:
✔️ Long-lasting but safe for puppy teeth
✔️ Natural source of glucosamine for joint support
✔️ Low in fat but rich in protein
✔️ Free from artificial additives and easy to digest
👉 Tip: Look for air-dried beef tendons rather than smoked or processed ones, as they retain more nutrients and have a milder scent.
❌ What NOT to Give Puppies
Some chews can be too hard for puppy teeth or cause digestive issues. Avoid:
❌ Rawhide – Often chemically processed and can cause choking or blockages
❌ Hard bones – Can break puppy teeth or splinter into dangerous shards
❌ Cooked bones – Brittle and prone to splintering
❌ High-fat chews (like pig ears) – While great for adult dogs, they may be too rich for some puppies
⭐ Puppy Chew Box – Try a Variety of Safe Chews
Not sure which chew is best for your puppy? Try a curated Puppy Chew Box, featuring a variety of puppy-safe chews so you can discover your pup’s favourites while keeping their teething needs in check.
Remember the Puppy Chewing Golden Rules:
✅ Refresh – Always provide fresh water while your puppy chews
✅ Reconnect – Supervise chewing to ensure safety
✅ Remove – Discard small pieces to prevent choking
For personalised advice, our team is always happy to help you find the perfect chew for your puppy!
🐶 Explore our full range of puppy-safe chews today or try a customisable Puppy Chewbox!