How to Choose the Best Chews for Your Puppy: A Complete Guide for New Puppy Parents
Welcoming a new puppy into your family is a huge joy - but it also comes with a lot of preparation. A bed, toys, food, bowls… and something many new puppy parents don’t think about straight away: chews. 💛
Chewing is a completely natural part of being a puppy. The right chew can give your puppy an appropriate outlet for this instinct, help keep them occupied and provide something interesting to focus on - instead of your slippers, furniture or favourite pair of shoes. 😅
But not every chew is suitable for a young puppy.
So, how do you choose a safe chew for a puppy? Here are the key things to look for.
Why Do Puppies Need to Chew?
Chewing is a natural behaviour for dogs, and puppies often chew even more as they explore their surroundings and go through teething.
For a puppy, chewing can be a useful activity that keeps both their body and mind occupied. It can also give them an appropriate way to release energy and settle down.
Think of it as one of the many simple activities that can help your puppy learn how to relax - a little bit like yoga for dogs.
Chewing can also:
- provide mental stimulation
- keep puppies occupied
- give them an appropriate outlet for their natural chewing instinct
- gently massage the gums
- help relieve the urge to chew during teething
- keep their little teeth busy - and potentially away from your slippers!
What Should You Look for in a Puppy Chew?
When choosing a chew for a young puppy, there are three important things to consider: texture, ingredients and protein source.
1. Choose a Soft Chew
Puppies have small, developing teeth and sensitive gums, so their chews should be appropriate for their age and chewing ability.
Look for soft chews that are easier for young dogs to manage.
A chew that is too hard may not be appropriate for a puppy, particularly during the teething stage.
The goal isn't to find the hardest chew possible. It's to find something that gives your puppy a satisfying chewing experience while being suitable for their young mouth.
2. Keep the Ingredients Simple
When it comes to puppy treats and chews, simple can be a great choice.
Look for natural products with a short, understandable ingredient list and avoid unnecessary additives or ingredients you don't recognise.
For a young puppy who is just starting to explore different foods, keeping things simple can also make it easier to understand what works well for them.
3. Consider Monoprotein Chews
A monoprotein chew contains one main animal protein source.
This can be particularly useful when introducing treats to a puppy because keeping the protein source simple makes it easier to identify potential food sensitivities if your puppy develops a reaction to something they eat.
For example, if a chew contains only one animal protein, you know exactly which protein your puppy has been introduced to through that product.
Of course, if your puppy has a known or suspected food allergy or intolerance, speak with your vet before introducing new treats or chews.
When Should Puppies Start Chewing?
Puppies naturally begin exploring the world with their mouths from a very young age.
However, the right chew depends on the individual puppy's age, size, teeth and chewing behaviour.
If you're unsure whether a particular chew is appropriate for your puppy, your vet can help you choose a suitable option.
Can Chewing Help During Teething?
Teething is one of the biggest reasons puppies seem determined to chew absolutely everything.
As their baby teeth fall out and their adult teeth develop, puppies can experience discomfort and an increased urge to chew.
An appropriate puppy chew can give them something safe and engaging to focus on and may help soothe their gums through gentle chewing.
Instead of constantly saying:
"Leave that slipper alone!" 😅
You can redirect your puppy towards an appropriate chew.
How Do I Teach My Puppy What They Can Chew?
Puppies don't automatically know which objects in your home are toys and which ones are expensive shoes.
The easiest approach is to redirect rather than punish.
If your puppy starts chewing something they shouldn't:
- Calmly remove the inappropriate item.
- Offer an appropriate puppy chew or toy.
- Praise your puppy when they choose the chew.
- Keep appropriate chews easily accessible.
- Make tempting household objects harder for your puppy to reach.
With consistency, your puppy can gradually learn what is appropriate to chew.
Always Supervise Your Puppy While Chewing
This is one of the most important rules.
Never leave a puppy unattended with a chew.
Always supervise your puppy, particularly when introducing a new product for the first time.
Watch how your puppy chews and check the chew regularly for signs of excessive wear or pieces that could become a choking hazard. Remove the chew if it becomes too small, damaged or otherwise unsuitable.
The appropriate size and type of chew will also depend on your puppy's breed, size, age and individual chewing style.
When in doubt, ask your vet.
Puppy Chew Checklist
Before giving your puppy a new chew, ask yourself:
- Is it specifically suitable for puppies?
- Is the texture appropriate for young teeth?
- Does it have simple, natural ingredients?
- Is it monoprotein?
- Is the size appropriate for my puppy?
- Am I going to supervise my puppy while chewing?
- Does the product fit my puppy's individual dietary needs?
If the answer is yes, you're on the right track. 🐶💛
The Bottom Line
Chewing is a normal and important part of puppyhood. The right chew can provide mental stimulation, give your puppy an appropriate outlet for their natural chewing instinct and help keep them happily occupied.
When choosing a puppy chew, look for a puppy-appropriate texture, simple natural ingredients and, where suitable, a monoprotein recipe.
And remember: no matter how perfect the chew is, supervision always comes first.
A happy puppy, a calmer puppy - and hopefully a slipper that survives puppyhood. 😅🐾
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Best Type of Chew for a Puppy?
The best chew depends on your puppy's age, size, teeth and chewing behaviour. In general, choose a chew specifically designed for puppies, with an appropriate texture and size.
Are Soft Chews Better for Puppies?
Soft chews can be more appropriate for young puppies because they have developing teeth and sensitive gums. Always check that the product is suitable for your puppy's age and size.
What Does Monoprotein Mean?
Monoprotein means that a product contains one main animal protein source. This can make it easier to keep track of which proteins your puppy is consuming and identify potential sensitivities.
How Often Can I Give My Puppy a Chew?
This depends on the specific product, your puppy's diet, age and individual needs. Follow the manufacturer's feeding guidelines and remember that treats and chews should form an appropriate part of your puppy's overall diet.
Should I Supervise My Puppy With a Chew?
Yes. Puppies should always be supervised while chewing, especially when trying a new chew for the first time.
Can Puppies Chew Every Day?
Many puppies can have appropriate chewing activities regularly, but the amount and frequency of edible chews should fit within their overall diet. Always follow the product's feeding recommendations and consider your puppy's individual needs.