What can my puppy chew?

Puppies love to chew, but you only want them to chew on the right things. Here are some suggestions that might just save your slippers…

Puppies and chewing go hand-in-hand. They’re little balls of energy with a natural desire to explore the world through their mouths. But as a new puppy owner, you might find yourself asking, "What can my puppy chew?"

Providing safe things for puppies to chew on is essential for their development, especially when teething. So, let’s dive into the best things for puppies to chew, saving your shoes, furniture, and sanity in the process.

Why does my puppy want to chew everything?

Puppies chew for several reasons. The most common is teething. When those little teeth start coming in, the soreness can be intense for them. Chewing helps relieve that discomfort. But it's not just about teething. Chewing is an instinctual behaviour that helps puppies relax. When they chew it releases feel-good endorphins that calm them down. So, chewing isn’t just a relief for their sore gums—it’s a natural stress-buster.

Chewing is also a natural way to look after your dog's teeth as some chews and toys are designed to rub against their teeth to clean them.

What’s the best thing for puppies to chew on?

When teething, puppies need something safe but satisfying. For raw-fed puppies, raw bones can be a fantastic option. These are the best things for puppies to chew on when teething because they provide a natural, long-lasting chew. However, always avoid cooked bones—they splinter easily and can cause harm.

If your pup isn’t on a raw food diet, there are plenty of alternatives. Natural chews made from vegetable matter or animal skins are good things for puppies to chew on. They’re tough enough to keep your puppy occupied, yet soft enough to be safe for those little teeth.

Safe chewing for mental stimulation

Want to keep your puppy mentally engaged while helping with their teething? Try stuffing a toy, like a Kong, with their food. This not only satisfies their need to chew but also provides mental stimulation. A Kong can be one of the best things for puppies to chew on because they can gnaw at it for hours while trying to get the food inside. For an extra soothing treat, freeze the toy with the food inside. The cold can provide relief for sore gums, and it gives them something to focus on for a longer period.

Help your puppy chew the right things

Here are five ways to help your puppy chew the right things:

Provide plenty of options – Keep a variety of safe things for puppies to chew on, like toys, puppy-safe food, or chews, so they always have something satisfying.
Supervise playtime – Always watch your puppy when they’re chewing to ensure they stick to safe items and don’t chew on something harmful.
Use puppy-safe chews – Using things specifically designed for teething or puppy play is a good way of avoiding anything that can break or splinter.
Rotate toys – Keep your puppy interested by rotating their toys and chews regularly. This keeps things fresh and exciting, preventing boredom.
Positive reinforcement – Reward your puppy when they chew on the right items with treats or praise. It helps them learn which things are okay to chew.

What are the best free things for puppies to chew?

Looking for budget-friendly options? You don’t always have to splurge on chews for your puppy. There are several free things for puppies to chew on that you can find around the house. Old, clean cloths, frozen carrots, or even a knotted tea towel can make great, free alternatives. Just be sure to supervise them with anything they’re chewing to ensure it’s safe and doesn’t break apart.

Ideas for things for a puppy to chew

Here are some more ideas for things for a puppy to chew:

Raw bones - (for raw-fed puppies, never cooked bones).
Vegetable-based chews - like sweet potato or carrot sticks.
Natural animal skin chews - such as pig ears or cowhide.
Kong toy - stuffed with puppy food or treats, for longer-lasting fun.
Frozen carrots – a healthy, cold chew to soothe teething gums.
Rope toys – durable and safe for light chewers.
Teething rings – specially designed for puppies’ soft mouths.
Knotted tea towels - soaked in water and frozen for cooling relief.
Old, clean cloths - supervised for free and safe chewing.

A word on safety

Not everything is safe for your puppy to chew on, so supervision is key. Always keep an eye on your puppy to ensure they aren't chewing on something dangerous. Small objects like buttons, coins, or rubber bands can be choking hazards. Sharp items such as sticks or metal objects can cause injury. Cooked bones are a big no—they can easily splinter, leading to internal damage. Avoid plastic toys that can break into small pieces, or anything that contains toxic materials. Safe things for puppies to chew on should be sturdy, non-toxic, and too large to swallow.

Best chews for every puppy

Puppies are curious, energetic, and need plenty of stimulation. By giving them the right things to chew on, you’re helping them through their teething phase while ensuring they don’t destroy your home. Whether you opt for raw bones, natural chews, or frozen toys, providing safe and satisfying options is key.

In conclusion, the best thing for puppies to chew on varies depending on their diet and chewing preferences, but make sure it’s always safe and appropriate for their age and size.

Thank you to Natures Menu for contributing this article. To find out more about their puppy and dog food, click here.

By Natures Menu & Kennel Club Pet Insurance. Last reviewed by Adam Jolley, September 2024.