Puppies love to chew—it’s a natural instinct that helps them explore the world and soothe teething discomfort. Puppies use their mouths to explore their environment, learning about new objects and textures as they grow. But finding the right puppy chew sticks that are safe, nutritious, and long-lasting can be tricky. Long-lasting chews are generally deemed more cost-effective and beneficial for a puppy's chewing needs. That’s why we’ve compiled a guide to the best puppy dog chew options that are gentle on young teeth while providing maximum enjoyment. Discover the best things and top natural chews for puppies available in the UK and ensure your pup gets the best start!
Introduction to Puppy Chewing
Chewing is an essential part of a puppy’s development, offering both comfort and health benefits as they grow. When puppies are teething, their sore gums can make them restless and eager to find relief. Providing the right things to chew on—like natural chews, raw bones, or nylon chews—can help soothe their gums and satisfy their instinct to chew. A good chew not only keeps your puppy’s teeth healthy but also encourages positive chewing habits, steering them away from shoes and furniture. By offering a satisfying chew, you’re helping your puppy explore their world in a safe and healthy way, supporting strong teeth, healthy gums, and overall well-being.
Why Choose Natural Puppy Chews?
Not all chews are created equal. Many commercial options contain artificial additives, excessive fat, or are too hard for developing teeth. Natural chews for puppies offer a safer, healthier alternative, promoting strong teeth and good chewing habits. Natural options are among the best chews for puppies, providing quality and safety during the teething phase. Here’s why they’re a must-have:
✅ Supports Teething – Helps soothe sore gums and reduce destructive chewing. ✅ Promotes Oral Health – Removes plaque and tartar buildup, and helps clean dog teeth. ✅ Safe & Digestible – No artificial ingredients or harmful chemicals. Natural chews are also easier for puppies to digest than many commercial alternatives. ✅ Long-Lasting Enjoyment – Keeps your pup entertained and engaged.
Types of Chews
With so many options available, choosing the best chew for your puppy can feel overwhelming. Raw bones are a great alternative to cooked bones, as they don’t easily splinter and can provide hours of satisfying chewing. Nylon chews, including popular options like bully sticks and pizzle sticks, are designed to withstand vigorous chewing and are highly digestible, making them suitable for most puppies. Tendon chews offer a softer texture, perfect for puppies with sensitive tummies or those who prefer a gentler chew. Pig ears can be a tasty treat, but always supervise your puppy to prevent choking hazards. When selecting a chew, consider your puppy’s chewing style, age, and size to ensure you’re providing a safe and enjoyable experience.
Chews for Different Life Stages
As your puppy grows, their chewing preferences and needs will change. Teething puppies often need softer chews to help relieve sore gums, while older dogs may enjoy tougher, more durable options that can withstand their stronger jaws. Puppies on a raw diet may benefit from raw bones, which help keep their teeth clean and gums healthy, while those on a conventional diet might prefer nylon or tendon chews. It’s important to introduce new chews gradually and always supervise your puppy to ensure safety. The right chew at each stage supports dental health, satisfies their natural urge to chew, and keeps your dog happy and engaged.
Chews for Light Chewers
Not all puppies are power chewers—some are light chewers who need softer, more easily digestible options. For these pups, sweet potato chews or frozen treats can provide a satisfying chew without the risk of choking or damaging their teeth. Frozen treats can help soothe teething puppies while providing a delicious chew. Soft nylon chews are another gentle choice, designed to be kind to sensitive gums while still offering a good chew. When choosing chews for light chewers, look for options that break down easily and avoid large or hard pieces that could pose a choking risk. These softer chews help keep your puppy’s teeth and gums healthy while ensuring a safe and enjoyable chewing experience.
Mental Stimulation Through Chewing
Chewing isn’t just about physical health—it’s also a fantastic way to provide mental stimulation for your puppy. Interactive toys like Kongs or Tricky Treat Balls can be filled with treats or food, encouraging your puppy to problem-solve and stay engaged. Chewing releases natural endorphins, promoting relaxation and calmness in puppies. This type of activity helps reduce stress, prevents boredom, and can even curb unwanted behaviours. Pairing chews with high-quality food options, such as those from Natures Menu, ensures your puppy gets both nutrition and entertainment. By offering a variety of chews and toys, you’ll keep your puppy’s mind active and support a happy, healthy relationship with your furry friend.
Top Puppy Chews from The Pets Larder
We’ve selected the best puppy chews available in the UK, including some single ingredient chews that are ideal for sensitive puppies, perfect for keeping your pup happy and healthy.
Top Puppy Chews from The Pets Larder
We’ve selected the best puppy chews available in the UK, perfect for keeping your pup happy and healthy.
🍏 Gentle on young teeth – Ideal for teething puppies.
🦷 Promotes fresh breath – Natural apple extracts help maintain oral hygiene.
🌿 Low fat & natural – A guilt-free, delicious snack.
🍗 Rich in protein – Essential for growing puppies.
💪 Supports muscle development – Natural source of nutrients.
🐾 Easily digestible – No artificial preservatives or additives.
✔️ Safe to eat – This chew is fully consumable and safe for puppies to eat.
🦌 Perfect for teething – Soft enough for young teeth but durable for long-lasting chewing.
💎 Rich in minerals – Supports healthy bones and teeth.
🌱 Eco-friendly & sustainable – Naturally shed antlers.
🐶 Handpicked selection – The best variety of puppy-friendly chews.
📉 Safe & low calorie – Ideal for weight-conscious pups.
🎉 Great for training – Keeps puppies occupied and focused.
🦴 Keeps your dog occupied – Perfect for preventing boredom and helping your dog stay engaged with safe chew bones.
How to Introduce Puppy Chews to Your Pup’s Routine
Introducing puppy dog chew options into your pup’s daily routine is easy with these tips:
🐾 Supervised Chewing – Always monitor your puppy with new chews. Watch closely to ensure your dog does not swallow large chunks or large pieces, as these can get stuck in the throat or mouth and pose an obstruction risk in the digestive system. Remove chews before they break into small pieces that could be chewed off and swallowed, which may cause issues in your dog's mouth or digestive tract.
🦴 Rotate Chew Types – Keep things exciting with different textures and flavours.
🥣 Use as a Training Reward – Reinforce good behaviour with a chew treat.
🛒 Choose Age-Appropriate Options – Ensure chews are soft enough for young teeth.
Final Thoughts
Finding the right puppy chew sticks is essential for your pup’s development, providing both health benefits and hours of entertainment. Choosing good things for your puppy to chew on is key to their health and happiness. At The Pets Larder, we offer a variety of natural chews for puppies to support their growth and happiness. Explore our range today and give your puppy the best start!