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Bringing home a new puppy is all kinds of fun, but let's be honest: It's a lot of work, too. To prevent your new furry BFF from chewing up everything in sight, investing in the best chew bones for puppies is a must. That said, there’s no shortage of options, so Dr. Rebecca Greenstein, veterinary medical advisor for Rover, is here to help narrow them down. The first step is deciding between edible or non-edible chew bones, but whichever one you pick, it should be made from safe ingredients or materials.
How To Choose Between Edible And Non-Edible Chew Bones
Since many dogs are motivated by food, you may want to consider edible puppy bones that you can use as a reward or training treat. According to Dr. Greenstein, however, they're not all created equal: “The benefits (and risks!) of a particular edible chew vary greatly.” For example, “certain animal-derived chews like pig ears and pizzle sticks have been associated with cases of bacterial contamination.” You should also only give edible chew bones to your pup while they’re being supervised, since even the so-called edible ones aren’t always fully digestible and can cause internal blockages “if accidentally swallowed in giant pieces,” according to Dr. Greenstein. And keep an eye out for a bone that simultaneously “does work” — like cleaning your dog’s teeth while they chew.
Some pups can chew through an edible bone in minutes, so if that's your dog, a non-edible chew may be a safer, longer-lasting option. “When it comes to non-edible chews, the choice of material is key. Always look for something just pliable enough to dent with your fingernail,” Dr. Greenstein wrote. “Anything super hard [like bones, hooves, antlers] can risk breaking a dog’s teeth.” For that reason, synthetic materials are a good option, especially for “tenacious chewers or large dogs with powerful jaws.”
Not sure which one to start with? Here's are some of the best chew bones for you to choose from.
Shop The Best Chew Bones For Puppies
In a hurry? Here are the best chew bones, both edible and non-edible.
- The Best Edible Option: Himalayan Dog Chews
- The Best For Aggressive Chewers: Nylabone Flavored Durable Dog Chew Toy
- These Edible Treats For Teeth-Cleaning: Purina DentaLife Chew Treats
- The Best For Mental Stimulation: KONG Puppy Goodie Bone Dog Toy
- A Long-Lasting Edible Bone: Rachael Ray Nutrish Soup Bones
- A Bone That Comes In Many Shapes: Benebone Puppy Dog Chew Toy
- A Variety Pack For Picky Pups: Nylabone Triple Packs FlexiChew Moderate Dog Toys
- A Rubber & Nylon Bone For Bigger Breeds: Apasiri Dog Chew Toy
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The Best Edible Option: Himalayan Dog Chews
- Also available on Petco, $8
These all-natural bones are perfect for pups who are motivated by treats. There's no gluten, grains, or other ingredients that could harm your puppy's sensitive stomach in these bones. In fact, there are just four ingredients: yak's milk, cow's milk, lime juice, and salt. This combination creates a bone that's tough on the outside yet gradually softens as it's chewed. As your pup wears it down, small pieces release to satisfy them without any splintering. And, while these treats come in multiple sizes, the small option is best for small puppies.
According to one reviewer: "I have a 15 week puppy who LOVES to chew on things. All the toys we buy him get destroyed and I get worried he will injest something from his destroyed toys that will not be good for him. I heard about these dog chews from a Australian Shepherd Facebook group, and they really do live up to the hype. Our dog LOVES this thing!”
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The Best For Aggressive Chewers: Nylabone Flavored Durable Dog Chew Toy
- Also available on Chewy, $2
Thousands of reviewers can't say enough good things about this durable chew bone. It's made from tough, high-quality nylon that even the most aggressive chewers won't be able to bite through. Plus, this bone is lightly textured to clean your puppy's gums and teeth while they play, and it's also flavored to hold their interest for the long haul. Amazon reviewers agree that this bone has saved them from constantly replacing toys. There are even multiple flavors and chew strengths to choose from.
According to one reviewer: "My puppy is a chewer from hell. She chews on EVERYTHING! This includes rocks and other hard things. My new vet recommended these and so far she loves them and doesn’t chew random things. Hopes up she keeps chewing them not rocks. Update: we have had it for a while and it’s holding up well to get super aggressive chewing.”
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These Edible Treats For Teeth-Cleaning: Purina DentaLife Chew Treats
- Also available on Chewy, $9
Dr. Greenstein recommends chews that clean your dog’s teeth while they keep themselves occupied. “Always look for the distinctive VOHC seal on the packaging, which means that a product has been clinically tested and approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council to help with dental hygiene,” Dr. Greenstein wrote. While they won’t last too long, these Purina DentaLife chews have the aforementioned VOHC seal, not to mention more than 6,000 reviews and an overall rating of 4.8 stars. They reduce tartar buildup by 57%, according to the brand. Plus, they’re made without artificial flavors or colors.
According to one reviewer: “My dog absolutely LOVES these treats! And they have made a noticeable difference in her teeth. She freaks out if I try to come near her with a toothbrush, and even finger brushes are difficult to get her to sit through. So her teeth had a brownish ring towards the bottom - very concerning. So after one bag of these, I noticed there was not nearly as much brown as there used to be.”
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The Best For Mental Stimulation: KONG Puppy Goodie Bone Dog Toy
- Also available on Chewy, $6
For pups that love to play games, these Kong puzzle bones are a must. For one, they're extremely durable, yet they're also soft enough that they won't bother puppies who may be teething. Each bone features multiple treat pockets in the ends where you can stuff small goodies or soft treats like peanut butter. Then sit back and watch as your puppy tries to figure out how to get the snacks from the pockets — a task that isn't as easy as it looks. This style is designed for puppies, but the brand also makes ones for more developed dogs.
According to one reviewer: "I bought this because of the treat stashing. I was pleasantly surprised. The bone is softer rubber than the (regular) Kong toy. We put 4 treats in ours - 2 at each end - and our puppy loves to chew the end of the bone to eat them and get them all the way out. She has actually started carrying the bone around without treats in it. She is able to chew it and relieve her teething.”
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A Long-Lasting Edible Bone: Rachael Ray Nutrish Soup Bones
- Also available on Chewy, $10
If you’re worried about synthetic or hard materials in your dog’s digestive tract, consider these Rachael Ray Nutrish soup bones. Like a treat, they’re fully digestible and made with great ingredients like real beef and barley — but like a bone, they last a little bit longer to keep your pet entertained while they chew. When your dog finally gets to the center, they’re rewarded with a soft, delicious interior. While these aren’t the types of bones that last for days, this order comes with three bags and there are multiple bones in each.
According to one reviewer: “We got these hoping the puppy would enjoy them more than shoes and furniture. It keeps her occupied periodically several hours. That’s a win in my book.”
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A Bone That Comes In Many Shapes: Benebone Puppy Dog Chew Toy
- Also available on Petco, $12
Dogs don’t have thumbs, which is why they often have trouble holding onto a toy that’s in the shape of a traditional bone. These Benebone puppy chew toys, on the other hand, come in different shapes from a wishbone to a maple stick, so they’re much easier to handle. This one in particular is made with synthetic nylon and has an infusion of maple wood and bacon for taste. It’s soft enough to remain safe, but durable enough to keep your pup occupied for quite a while.
According to one reviewer: “Our goldendoodle now has his adult teeth but is still a puppy and a very active chewer though no longer teething. This is his favorite chew toy by far. It is safer than other brands because they can’t pull big pieces off of it to swallow. It stays intact over time. The horseshoe shape lets them hold it themselves. Highly recommend.”
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A Variety Pack For Picky Pups: Nylabone Triple Packs
If you’re not sure what your pup would like, snag this chew bone starter pack to give a few different options a try. It comes with a flexi chew, a gentle chew, and an edible bacon-flavored bone. All three of them are designed for small dogs who are moderate chewers, and since there are three different options for one low price, they’re a great value.
According to one reviewer: "I raised a litter of puppies for a rescue and they enjoyed these. They used them until they moved to their permanent homes at 8 weeks and there was no sign of wear.”
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A Rubber & Nylon Bone For Bigger Breeds: Apasiri Dog Chew Toy
- Also available on Walmart, $35
Made from rubber and nylon, this dog chew toy is designed to be more durable than most, plus it won’t splinter off. That being said, it’s also designed larger for breeds up to 80 pounds — and its textured center helps to clean their teeth while they chew. You can get it in a huge range of flavors (from beef to peanut butter) to keep your pet enticed and entertained.
According to one reviewer: “I have a young mastiff who’s an aggressive chewer. I’ve tried every ‘durable’ bone. Very few last more than a month. I’ve had this one for 3 weeks and it’s holding up really well! Totally worth the money!”
Expert:
Dr. Rebecca Greenstein, veterinary medical advisor for Rover
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