Puppies are natural chewers – it’s an innate behavior stemming from exploration, teething discomfort, boredom, and stress. Providing appropriate chew toys and bones isn’t just a convenience; it’s a fundamental part of responsible puppy training and development. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know.
The Indispensable Role of Chewing for Puppies
Before diving into what to offer, let’s understand why chewing is so crucial for your growing pup:
- Teething Relief: Just like human babies, puppies experience discomfort as their 28 baby teeth fall out and 42 adult teeth emerge (typically between 3-6 months). Chewing helps alleviate gum pain and facilitates the process.
- Redirection & Prevention of Destructive Chewing: Without appropriate outlets, puppies will chew whatever they can find – furniture, shoes, carpets, electrical cords. Providing attractive alternatives teaches them what is acceptable to chew.
- Mental Stimulation & Enrichment: Chewing is a natural and satisfying activity that engages a puppy’s mind, reducing boredom and helping to prevent behavioral issues.
- Stress & Anxiety Relief: Chewing releases endorphins, which have a calming effect. It can be a great tool for managing separation anxiety, crate training, or periods of overstimulation.
- Jaw Exercise & Dental Health (Limited): While not a substitute for brushing, some appropriate chews can help scrape plaque off teeth. However, dental health should not be the primary reason for choosing a chew, as many effective chews offer little dental benefit and some “dental” chews can be unsafe.
- Self-Amusement & Independent Play: Chews allow your puppy to entertain themselves, fostering independence and giving you a much-needed break.
What Makes a Chew Toy or Bone “Appropriate”? (Safety First!)
The most important consideration when providing chews is safety. An “appropriate” chew adheres to these criteria:
- Size:
- Too Small: Can be swallowed whole, leading to choking or intestinal blockage. The chew should be too large to fit entirely in your puppy’s mouth.
- Too Large: Can be difficult or uncomfortable for the puppy to manipulate and enjoy.
- Durability:
- Too Hard: Can fracture teeth, leading to painful and expensive dental work. Avoid anything that you can’t indent with your thumbnail or that bounces off a hard floor with a loud click.
- Too Soft: Can be quickly destroyed and ingested in large pieces, leading to digestive upset or blockage.
- Material & Digestibility:
- Non-Toxic: Ensure all materials are safe for ingestion, even in small amounts.
- Splinter-Proof: Avoid items that can break into sharp shards (e.g., cooked bones, some antlers).
- Digestible (for edible chews): Edible chews should be easily broken down by the digestive system. Many “natural” chews are minimally processed and can cause gastrointestinal upset if consumed too quickly or in large quantities.
- Texture:
- Inviting and satisfying to chew on, but not overly abrasive. Varied textures can keep interest high.
- Supervision:
- Always Supervise: No chew toy or bone is 100% safe when unsupervised. Always watch your puppy, especially with new chews or when they’re particularly enthusiastic. Remove chews when they become small enough to be a choking hazard or if they show signs of breaking or fraying.
Types of Appropriate Chew Toys & Bones for Puppies
Let’s categorize chews to make selection easier:
A. Non-Edible Chew Toys (Durable & Meant to Last)
These are designed for long-term chewing and mental stimulation, not for ingestion.
- Rubber Chew Toys (e.g., Kongs, West Paw, Benebones):
- Pros: Extremely durable, come in various shapes and sizes, often chew-proof, can be stuffed with treats or peanut butter for extended engagement, great for teething.
- Cons: Some puppies may lose interest if not stuffed.
- Recommendations:
- Classic Kongs: Indispensable for puppies! Start with a “puppy” specific Kong (softer rubber) and graduate to the red (adult) or black (extreme) as they grow. Stuff with kibble, yogurt, peanut butter, or canned pumpkin and freeze for a long-lasting challenge.
- West Paw Toys: Many durable, non-toxic rubber toys that float and are dishwasher safe.
- Benebones: Made of durable nylon with real flavor (bacon, peanut, chicken). They are not meant to be consumed, but tiny shavings are generally safe. Good for moderate to heavy chewers. Always supervise and inspect for sharp edges. Replace when significantly worn.
- Nylon Chew Toys (e.g., Nylabone, Petstages):
- Pros: Long-lasting, come in many shapes, sizes, and flavors. Some have textures that help clean teeth.
- Cons: Can be very hard, posing a risk to delicate puppy teeth. Some aggressive chewers can break off large pieces.
- Recommendations:
- Nylabone Puppy Chews: These are specifically designed for puppies with a softer, flexible material. Avoid the harder “adult” Nylabones until your puppy’s adult teeth are fully in and strong.
- Caution: Inspect regularly for sharp edges or significant wear. Discard when small.
- Rope Toys (Cotton/Fleece):
- Pros: Good for tugging and gentle chewing, satisfying texture.
- Cons: High risk of ingestion! Puppies can shred and swallow strands, leading to serious intestinal blockages.
- Recommendations: Use only under direct supervision for interactive play (tug-of-war). Do not leave a puppy unsupervised with a rope toy. Remove immediately if strands start to come loose.
- Interactive Puzzle Toys:
- Pros: Provide excellent mental stimulation, dispense treats, encourage problem-solving.
- Cons: Not primarily for chewing, but can be chewed on. Durability varies greatly.
- Recommendations: Kong Wobbler, Snuffle Mats, treat-dispensing balls. Choose options made from durable, non-toxic plastic or rubber.
B. Edible Chews & Bones (Meant to be Consumed Gradually)
These should be chosen with extreme caution, focusing on digestibility and safety.
- Bully Sticks (Pizzle Sticks):
- Pros: Single-ingredient, digestible, satisfyingly chewy for most puppies.
- Cons: Can be expensive, can be consumed quickly (especially by enthusiastic chewers), can be messy, and some brands have odor. Calorie dense.
- Recommendations: Choose an appropriate size (thick enough for your puppy’s mouth, but not so thick it’s frustrating). Always supervise! When it gets down to a small, swallowable piece, take it away to prevent choking. Consider a bully stick holder for added safety.
- Yak Chews (Himalayan Dog Chews):
- Pros: Very hard, long-lasting, low odor, generally digestible (made from yak and cow milk, salt, lime juice).
- Cons: Can be too hard for young puppy teeth! Risk of tooth fracture is significant, especially with aggressive chewers. Can become a choking hazard when small.
- Recommendations: Introduce with extreme caution, likely after major teething and with adult teeth. Supervise very closely. When small, you can microwave the remaining piece into a softer puff, but ensure it’s cooled completely before offering.
- Dental Chews (e.g., Greenies, Whimzees, Virbac C.E.T. Chews):
- Pros: Marketed for dental health, often palatable.
- Cons: Many are consumed very quickly, offering minimal chewing time. Some are high in calories. Some contain ingredients that can upset sensitive stomachs.
- Recommendations: Choose products that are VOHC (Veterinary Oral Health Council) approved for efficacy and safety. Use sparingly and monitor for digestive upset. They are more of a treat than a long-lasting chew.
- Dehydrated Chews (e.g., Chicken Feet, Beef Trachea, Fish Skins):
- Pros: Single-ingredient, natural, satisfying texture.
- Cons: Vary wildly in hardness and digestibility. Can be consumed very quickly, leading to digestive upset or choking if large pieces are swallowed. Some can be quite messy or smelly.
- Recommendations: Introduce with extreme caution and always supervise. Look for reputable brands. Smaller, softer options like fish skin chews might be okay for younger puppies, but monitor closely. Avoid harder options like beef tendons or ears until older and stronger.
What to ABSOLUTELY AVOID (Major Safety Hazards)
These items pose significant risks to your puppy’s health and safety:
- Rawhide:
- Risk: Can swell in the stomach, leading to intestinal blockages. Can become gummy and form a choking hazard. Often treated with chemicals.
- Verdict: Avoid entirely.
- Cooked Bones (ANY type – chicken, beef, pork, etc.):
- Risk: Cooked bones become brittle and can splinter into sharp shards that can perforate the digestive tract, get lodged in the throat, or cause severe internal damage.
- Verdict: Never give cooked bones.
- Real Animal Bones (Even Raw):
- Risk: While proponents argue raw bones are safe, they still pose risks. Raw bones can still break teeth, harbor bacteria (salmonella), and cause choking or internal blockages, especially if large pieces are swallowed.
- Verdict: Consult your veterinarian before considering any raw bone feeding. For puppies, the risks generally outweigh the benefits, especially with so many safer alternatives available.
- Antlers (Deer, Elk):
- Risk: Extremely hard, a very common cause of fractured teeth in dogs.
- Verdict: Avoid, especially for puppies.
- Cow Hooves:
- Risk: Very hard and can easily splinter, causing tooth fractures or internal injury.
- Verdict: Avoid.
- Ice Cubes:
- Risk: Surprisingly, ice cubes can be too hard and cause tooth fractures, especially in puppies with delicate developing teeth.
- Verdict: Offer frozen Kongs or soft ice treats instead.
- Human Items: Shoes, socks, plastic bottles, remote controls, children’s toys, furniture – these are not designed for canine chewing and can be toxic, cause choking, or lead to intestinal blockages.
Practical Application: How to Provide Chews Effectively
- Variety is Key: Offer a rotation of 3-5 different safe chews to keep your puppy interested and engaged. Some for teething, some for mental work, some for quiet time.
- Supervise Always: Especially with new chews. Watch for signs of difficulty, frustration, or if the chew is breaking into small pieces.
- Timing & Location:
- Crate Training: A stuffed Kong or safe, non-edible chew can create positive associations with the crate.
- Quiet Time: Provide a long-lasting chew when you need your puppy to settle down.
- Redirection: If your puppy starts chewing something inappropriate, calmly remove it and immediately offer an approved chew, praising them when they take it.
- Teething Pain: Offer frozen chews (e.g., a frozen wet washcloth, frozen stuffed Kong) for extra relief.
- Prevent Resource Guarding:
- Teach a “trade” command early. While your puppy is chewing, offer a higher-value treat, gently take the chew, give them the treat, and then return the chew. This teaches them that giving up their chew results in something even better, preventing possessiveness.
- Never just snatch a chew away, as this can create fear and guarding behavior.
- Inspect Regularly: Check all chews for wear and tear. Discard anything that is damaged, too small, or could pose a risk.
- Cleanliness: Regularly wash non-edible chews with soap and water to prevent bacterial buildup.
- Know Your Puppy’s Chewing Style: Is your puppy a gentle nibbler or an aggressive power chewer? This will dictate the durability required for their toys. Adjust your choices as your puppy grows and their chewing habits evolve.
Troubleshooting Common Chew-Related Issues
- “My puppy isn’t interested in their chew toys!”
- Solution: Try different textures, shapes, and flavors. Stuff Kongs/puzzle toys with appealing treats. Rotate toys so they don’t get bored. Try freezing stuffed toys for a different experience.
- “My puppy destroys every toy too quickly.”
- Solution: You have a power chewer! Opt for the most durable, non-edible options (e.g., black Kongs, extreme Benebones). Limit edible chews, or use a bully stick holder to lengthen the chew time. Ensure you’re replacing broken toys promptly.
- “My puppy keeps chewing the furniture/shoes even with toys.”
- Solution:
- Management: Puppy-proof your home. Remove access to tempting items. Use baby gates, crates, or playpens.
- Redirection: Be vigilant. When you see them go for an inappropriate item, redirect them immediately to an approved chew.
- Bitter Sprays: Apply a pet-safe bitter spray to items you can’t move (e.g., furniture legs).
- Exercise & Mental Stimulation: A tired puppy is less likely to engage in destructive chewing.
- Solution:
- “My puppy growls when I try to take their chew.”
- Solution: This is resource guarding. Stop trying to take the chew forcefully. Immediately implement the “trade-up” game (as described above). If severe, consult a certified professional dog trainer or veterinary behaviorist.
Conclusion: A Happy, Healthy Chewer
Providing appropriate chew toys and bones is an ongoing commitment throughout your puppy’s development. By prioritizing safety, offering variety, understanding your puppy’s individual needs, and supervising conscientiously, you’ll successfully navigate the vital chewing phase. This will result in a happier, calmer puppy, a more intact home, and a stronger bond between you and your furry companion.
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