Puppies chew. It’s not bad behaviour — it’s developmental, and it’s how they explore, relieve discomfort during teething, and keep themselves occupied. The question is what you give them to chew on.
Most chew guides are written for adult dogs. Here’s one specifically for puppies.
When Can Puppies Start Chewing?
The short answer: from about 8 weeks, with the right products.
At 8–12 weeks, puppy teeth are still forming and the jaw is developing. You want chews that are softer and more pliable — nothing that requires significant force. Treats that would last 30 minutes for an adult dog might be fine for a puppy at this stage, but monitor closely.
From 12 weeks onwards, puppies can handle a wider range of chews. The key consideration is still size — a chew should be large enough that they can’t swallow it whole, but not so hard that they risk tooth damage.
At 6 months, adult teeth are coming in and you can start treating them more like a young adult dog. They’ll be chewing harder and more consistently.
Treats in this guide
Veal Tendon Scrolls
From 16
Safe Chews for Puppies by Age
8–12 weeks: - Rabbit ears with a soft texture, easy on developing teeth, very low fat - Chicken necks — natural chew, softer bone that doesn’t splinter - Veal tendon scrolls — softer than bully sticks, easier to manage for small mouths
3–6 months: - Veal ribs — bone-in, appropriate hardness for developing adult teeth - Lamb ears — similar to rabbit ears, slightly fattier
6 months+: - Most adult chews in appropriate sizes - 8” bully sticks for medium breeds growing into adult chewing habits - Veal tendons — long-lasting, satisfying, safer than hard compressed chews
Chews to Avoid for Puppies
Rawhide The most common chew people reach for is one of the least safe options for puppies. Rawhide softens with chewing, breaks into large chunks, and is a known choking and intestinal blockage risk. Avoid it entirely.
Antlers and hard bones Too hard for developing teeth. Slab fractures — where a tooth breaks — are a real risk with anything this hard, particularly in puppies whose enamel isn’t fully formed. Vet dentists call these “tooth fracture chews.” Save them until your dog is a fully mature adult, and even then, monitor.
Very hard compressed chews Same issue as antlers. If you can’t dent it with your thumbnail, it’s too hard.
Large size formats for small puppies An 8” bully stick might be perfect for a 20kg adult, but for a 6-week-old puppy it’s a hazard. Match the size to the dog in front of you, not the dog they’ll grow into.
How Long Should Chew Sessions Last?
For young puppies, supervise every chew session. As they get older and you learn how they chew (some dogs are careful; others are gulpers), you can relax supervision for safe products.
Keep sessions under 30 minutes initially. This isn’t about safety alone — it’s about preventing gum soreness and jaw fatigue in young dogs.
Remove the chew when it gets small enough to swallow whole. Most experienced dog owners use a bully stick holder for this reason — it lets the dog chew down to the last few centimetres without being able to swallow the end.
Why Chewing Matters for Puppies
Beyond keeping them out of trouble, chewing serves legitimate developmental functions:
- Teething relief — pressure on the jaw reduces discomfort when adult teeth are coming in
- Jaw muscle development — appropriate chewing builds the muscles they’ll use their whole lives
- Mental stimulation — a tired puppy who has had a satisfying chew is a calmer puppy
Getting puppies on good quality chews early also establishes habits. A puppy that learns to chew on appropriate single-ingredient chews is easier to manage than one that’s been taught to chew on rawhide or plastic toys.
The Bottom Line
Soft chews for young puppies, harder formats as they grow. Always single-ingredient, always the right size. For puppies under 12 weeks, rabbit ears and veal tendon scrolls are the safest starting points. Supervise early, relax as you learn your dog’s chewing style.