The Chew

Not sure which BetterBone is right for your dog? Our interactive Chew-Sing Guide uses veterinary bite force data, breed-specific senior age thresholds, and your dog's individual chewing style to recommend the perfect durability, size, and flavor — in under 30 seconds. No guesswork, no wrong picks.

Puppies chew everything: shoes, table legs, your fingers. Much of that is teething, and the right puppy chew toy can make it easier on your pup and your furniture. But when can puppies have dental chews? Are puppy treats and chew toys the same thing? And what's safe for brand-new teeth? Here's a simple guide to the puppy teething timeline, when to start dental chews and chew toys, and how to choose safe puppy teething chews. The puppy teething timeline Puppies go through two sets of teeth, just like people do: Age (approximate) What's happening What helps 3–6 weeks Baby (deciduous) teeth come in Still with mom; no chews needed yet 8–12 weeks Settling into a new home with sharp baby teeth Soft chew toys and lots of supervised play 3–6 months Peak teething: baby teeth fall out and adult teeth come in Gentle teething chews to soothe sore gums 6–7 months Most adult teeth are in Move to chews matched to adult chewing style Up to 12 months Adult teeth and jaw keep strengthening Size and density upgrades as your puppy grows Every breed develops a little differently, so ask your vet about your puppy's teeth at their checkups. Signs your puppy is teething Chewing on everything, especially hard or cold objects Extra drooling Red or swollen gums Small spots of blood on toys Finding tiny baby teeth on the floor (many puppies swallow them, which is normal) Mild fussiness or a smaller appetite When can puppies have dental chews and treats? It depends on whether you mean something your puppy eats or something your puppy chews. Edible dental chews and puppy treats Edible dental chews and chewy treats are food. Your puppy's digestive system is still developing, and new foods can cause an upset stomach, vomiting or diarrhea. Many edible dental chews are labeled for dogs 6 months and older, so always follow the age and weight guidance on the package, and introduce any new treat slowly. Treats should also count toward your puppy's daily calories. Puppy chew toys A durable chew toy isn't food, so your puppy can use one as soon as they start chewing, as long as it's soft enough for baby teeth and big enough that it can't be swallowed. Chew toys give teething puppies relief without adding calories or upsetting their stomach. Why puppies need the right chew toy Teething relief. Gnawing on a gentle, textured chew helps soothe sore gums while adult teeth come in. Protects your stuff. A chew toy gives your puppy something they're allowed to chew, which makes training easier. Supports dental health. Textured chews help scrape away plaque and massage gums from an early age. Mental stimulation. Chewing is calming and helps a busy puppy settle down. How to choose safe puppy teething chews Choose a softer chew Baby teeth are sharp but fragile, and adult teeth are still forming under the gums. Very hard chews can damage them. The American Animal Hospital Association warns that "hard chews, such as bones, sticks, rocks, yak milk chews, antlers, and rawhides, can damage or fracture your dog's teeth" and suggests a thumbnail test: "If you can't leave an indentation, the toy is too hard" (AAHA). Here's why softer chews are the right choice for puppies. Choose the right size, then size up A chew that's fine for a Yorkie puppy won't last a minute with a young German Shepherd, and a chew that's too small can be swallowed. Choose by your puppy's current weight, and size up if they're near the top of a range or growing fast. It's very hard to go too big and very easy to go too small. Skip rawhide, real bones and hard nylon Rawhide can be swallowed in large pieces, cooked bones splinter, and hard nylon and antlers can be too tough for developing teeth. Learn more about why rawhide is risky for puppies, whether nylon bones are safe for puppies and which bones are safe or unsafe for dogs. Check the ingredients A short, clear ingredient list is easier on sensitive puppy stomachs. Look for chews without artificial colors, harsh chemicals or mystery flavorings. Know when to replace it Every chew toy has a lifespan. Inspect your puppy's chews often and replace them when they're worn, cracked or small enough to swallow. BetterBone Light: a gentle teething chew for puppies BetterBone Light is our softest durability, made for teething puppies, senior dogs and gentle chewers. It's easy on developing teeth and sore gums while still giving your puppy something satisfying to gnaw. Gentle for baby teeth. Light has give for sensitive gums and developing teeth. Dental enrichment textures. Ridges and nubs help massage sore gums and buff away plaque. Built to flake, not splinter. It wears into small, rice-sized flakes instead of sharp shards. Made from two plant-based materials. BetterBone is made with Vernovo, a blend of cellulose from tree fibers and plant extracts, with no nylon, rawhide or animal byproducts. Independently tested. In February 2026, TÜV SÜD found no detectable PFAS, phthalates or BPA in our material. Puppy-friendly scents. Veggie, Beef and Venison are hypoallergenic, vegetarian scent infusions. Grows with your puppy. When your dog outgrows Light, move up to Moderate. If you pick the wrong durability, our Free Replacement Guarantee swaps it for free. Not sure which fits? The Chews-ing Guide matches your puppy in four quick questions. Tips for introducing a chew to your puppy Start with short sessions. Around five minutes at a time, then build up as your puppy gets older. Supervise. Stay close, especially the first few times. Make it interesting. Smear a thin layer of dog-safe spread, like plain pumpkin purée, into the ridges. For extra teething relief, freeze the spread on the bone before offering it. Trade, don't scold. When your puppy chews something off-limits, swap it for their chew toy and praise them. Watch how it wears. Small flakes are normal and generally safe if accidentally swallowed. If your puppy breaks off larger pieces, take it away and move up a density or size. Keep it clean. Rinse with warm water and let it air dry. BetterBone is a chew toy, not a treat, and isn't meant to be eaten. See our dog chew safety guidelines for when to replace it, and try these homemade teething relief ideas too. Frequently asked questions When can puppies have dental chews? Many edible dental chews are labeled for puppies 6 months and older, so check the package. A non-edible puppy chew toy that's soft and sized correctly can be used as soon as your puppy starts chewing. What can I give my teething puppy to chew on? A soft, textured chew toy that's too big to swallow, like BetterBone Light. Chilled chew toys and homemade options like a frozen wet washcloth, used under supervision, can also soothe sore gums. How long does puppy teething last? Most puppies teethe from about 3 to 6 months of age, with most adult teeth in by 6 to 7 months. Are puppy chew toys and puppy treats the same? No. Treats and edible chews are food and add calories. Chew toys are meant to be chewed, not eaten, and can be used every day. Are dental chews good for puppies? Textured chews help clean teeth and massage gums, but they don't replace brushing and vet checkups. Choose a puppy-appropriate chew and start brushing early. Read our guide to the best dental chews for dogs. Help your puppy through teething the gentle way. Shop BetterBone Light puppy chew toys, or learn how to choose the best chew bone for your dog.

Welcoming a puppy into your home is a joyous occasion, but it also comes with responsibilities, including caring for your new furry friend's dental health. In connection with that, multi-density chew sticks, more than just toys, play a crucial role in fostering strong and healthy jaws in your puppy.  In this blog, we will explore the various benefits these puppy chew sticks bring: their sustainability, durability, density, and ingredients that make them essential guides for your puppy's journey to oral well-being. #1 Promotes healthy dental health One of the paramount advantages of incorporating puppy chew sticks into your puppy's routine is their contribution to dental health. In their teething phase, puppies have an innate need to chew to alleviate discomfort. The multi-density design of a puppy chew stick caters to this instinct while offering an effective dental workout. A multi-density puppy chew sticks boast a variety of textures and hardness levels, providing a comprehensive oral experience for your puppy. This multifaceted approach targets different areas of their mouth, preventing plaque and tartar buildup—for example, Betterbone's textured ends are strategically designed to help clean your dog's teeth.  By engaging in regular chewing, your puppy benefits from improved gum health, reduced risk of gingivitis, and the prevention of bad breath, establishing the foundation for a lifetime of excellent oral hygiene. #2 Boosts mental stimulation and enrichment Beyond dental health, chew sticks are potent tools for mental stimulation and enrichment in puppies. Puppies are curious, energetic creatures and mental stimulation is crucial for their well-being. With their various densities and textures, chew sticks engage your puppy's mind as they explore and manipulate the stick during chewing. The act of chewing provides a calming effect on puppies, helping alleviate stress and anxiety. Moreover, the textured surfaces of these chew sticks offer a sensory experience that keeps your puppy entertained and mentally engaged. This mental stimulation is particularly beneficial for preventing boredom and destructive behaviors, creating a happy and well-balanced canine companion. #3 Durability and longevity Durability is key when choosing chew sticks for your puppy. Puppies have an instinct to chew, and providing them with durable chew sticks satisfies this instinct and prevents them from turning into household items that may not be safe for consumption. Like a moderate-density chew stick, it is crafted to withstand regular to vigorous chewing, making it suitable for active dogs with moderate to strong chewing strength.  Investing in high-quality, durable chew sticks is a cost-effective approach to satisfying your puppy's chewing needs over an extended period. This saves you money in the long run and ensures that your puppy consistently receives the dental and mental benefits of regular chewing. #4 Sustainability One of the standout features of multi-density chew sticks is their commitment to sustainability. The oil used in these treats is derived from plants that can be replanted and grown again. This ensures a continuous and eco-friendly source, reducing the environmental impact associated with pet products.  As conscientious pet owners, choosing sustainable choices benefits our dogs and contributes to a healthier planet.  BetterBone's commitment to sustainability is evident in its use of renewable resources. The vegetable oil, a key component in their chew sticks, is obtained from plants that can be replanted and grown again. This renewable approach ensures a continuous and eco-friendly source, minimizing the environmental impact associated with pet products. So, as your puppy chews away on a better one, you're promoting dental health and contributing to a healthier planet. #5 Utilizing natural ingredients Pet owners often face the challenge of finding suitable treats for dogs with diabetes or dietary restrictions. Multi-density chew sticks come to the rescue by containing no residual sugars or calories. This makes them a safe and enjoyable option for dogs with specific health concerns, allowing them to indulge without compromising their well-being.  These chew sticks provide a guilt-free solution for pet owners who want to pamper their dogs while being mindful of their health conditions. In addition, these chew sticks take the commitment to safety further by being GMO-free (Genetically modified organisms). GMO-free ingredients, including vegetable-based oil, adhere to the highest safety standards. This ensures that pet owners can confidently provide their dogs with a tasty and engaging chew without worrying about the potential adverse effects of genetically modified organisms. Caring for Your Pup Multi-density chew sticks for puppies are more than just playthings – they are essential companions in your puppy's journey towards strong and healthy jaws. By incorporating multi-density chew sticks into your puppy's routine, you are investing in their happiness and laying the groundwork for a lifetime of good oral health and mental well-being. BetterBone offers a host of benefits for your puppy. From promoting dental health and wellness to providing a safe and enjoyable chewing experience, these eco-friendly chew sticks contribute to a happy and healthy canine companion. As responsible pet owners, the choice to include BetterBone in your puppy's routine becomes a gesture of love and a commitment to the well-being of your furry family member and the planet we share. 

Discover the world of BetterBone, the leading provider of natural and sustainable dog chews. This blog explores their use of food-grade ingredients, including the versatile cellulose found in human foods, and renewable vegetable oil. Learn about the benefits of these ingredients and how they make BetterBone a safe and eco-friendly choice for your furry friend. Dive into their commitment to measuring CO2 emissions through third-party assessments, showcasing their dedication to sustainability. Join the movement towards a greener future and provide your pet with a satisfying and planet-friendly chewing experience with BetterBone.