As a new puppy parent, you’re probably overwhelmed with the sheer amount of information out there about caring for your furry friend. One topic that often comes up is chew toys – specifically, natural chews for puppies. You want to give your pup the best. However, with so many options available, how do you choose? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! In this article, we’ll explore the 8 best natural chews for puppies, helping you make informed decisions.
Why Natural Chews Matter for Your Puppy
Before we explore specific chew options, let’s talk about why natural chews are so important for puppies.
- Teething relief: Just like human babies, puppies go through a teething phase. Natural chews can help soothe sore gums and provide relief during this uncomfortable time.
- Mental stimulation: Chewing is a natural behavior for dogs that helps keep their minds engaged and prevents boredom.
- Dental health: Regular chewing can help clean your puppy’s teeth and promote good oral hygiene.
- Behavior management: Providing appropriate chew options can redirect your puppy’s chewing instincts away from your furniture and belongings.
How to Choose the Best Natural Chews for Puppies?
When it comes to choosing the best natural chews for puppies, there are several factors you need to consider. Here are some things to keep in mind:
1. Materials
The first thing to look for in a natural chew is the materials used. You want to make sure that the product is made from high-quality, natural ingredients that are safe for your puppy to consume. Look for chews made from materials like:
- Rawhide
- Beef
- Pork
- Chicken
- Lamb
Avoid chews that contain artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives, as these can be harmful to your puppy’s health.
2. Size and Texture
The size and texture of the chew are also important considerations. You want to choose a chew that is the right size for your puppy’s breed and age. For example, larger breeds may require larger chews to prevent choking hazards.
The texture of the chew is also important. Some puppies prefer softer chews, while others prefer harder, more durable chews that can withstand heavy chewing. Consider your puppy’s chewing habits when choosing a chew.
3. Safety
Safety is always a top priority when it comes to choosing a chew for your puppy. Look for chews that are made from natural materials and have been tested for safety. Avoid chews that are too hard or too small, as these can pose a choking hazard.
It’s also a good idea to supervise your puppy when they are chewing to ensure that they don’t accidentally swallow large pieces of the chew.
4. Price
Finally, consider the price of the chew. Natural chews can be more expensive than synthetic chews, but they are often safer and healthier for your puppy. Look for chews that offer good value for money, and don’t be afraid to shop around to find the best deals.
By considering these factors, you can choose the best natural chews for your puppy that are safe, healthy, and enjoyable for them to chew on.
8 Best Natural Chews for Puppies Review
After researching and testing various natural chews on the market, we have compiled a list of the best options for your furry friend. These chews not only promote good dental health but also provide hours of entertainment for your puppy. Check out our top picks below.
1. Get Naked Grain Free 1 Pouch 6.2 Oz Puppy Health Dental Chew Sticks
If you’re looking for a natural chew for your puppy that can help with teething pain, Get Naked Grain Free Puppy Health Dental Chew Sticks are a great option.
Pros
- Fortified with calcium for healthy teeth and bones
- Helps reduce plaque and tartar during chewing
- Grain-free with added DHA Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids
Cons
- Not long-lasting
- Some dogs may not like the taste
- Not suitable for dogs with allergies to fish or fish oil
We’ve used these chews with our own puppy and have found that they do help with teething pain and sore gums. The added calcium is also a plus for healthy teeth and bones.
Additionally, the grain-free formula with added DHA Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids is a great way to support your puppy’s overall health.
However, these chews are not very long-lasting, so if you’re looking for something that will occupy your puppy for an extended period of time, these may not be the best option.
Additionally, some dogs may not like the taste, so it’s important to monitor your puppy’s reaction when introducing them to these chews. Finally, if your dog has allergies to fish or fish oil, these chews may not be suitable for them.
Overall, if you’re looking for a natural chew that can help with teething pain and support your puppy’s overall health, Get Naked Grain Free Puppy Health Dental Chew Sticks are definitely worth considering.
2. Nylabone Healthy Edibles Puppy Natural Long Lasting Dog Chew Treats
If you’re looking for a healthy, natural chew for your puppy, Nylabone Healthy Edibles Puppy Natural Long Lasting Dog Chew Treats Lamb & Apple X-Small/Petite (8 Count) is a great option.
Pros
- Highly digestible and specially formulated with DHA for puppies to help support brain & eye development
- Made with no artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors
- Flavored with delicious lamb & apple flavors that dogs love
Cons
- May not last as long as expected for some puppies
- Some puppies may not care for the roast beef flavor as much
- Can be a bit pricey for the amount of chews included
We’ve tried these chews with our puppy and have been impressed with their quality and taste. They’re highly digestible and contain DHA to support brain and eye development, which is important for growing puppies. We also appreciate that they’re made with natural ingredients and contain no artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors.
Our puppy loves the lamb and apple flavor and always gets excited when we give her one of these chews. However, we have noticed that they don’t last as long as some other chews we’ve tried, so we do have to replace them more frequently.
Additionally, the roast beef flavor doesn’t seem to be as popular with our puppy, so it may not be a hit with all puppies.
Overall, we would recommend Nylabone Healthy Edibles Puppy Natural Long Lasting Dog Chew Treats Lamb & Apple X-Small/Petite (8 Count) for anyone looking for a healthy and tasty chew for their puppy. Just be aware that they may not last as long as some other chews and can be a bit pricey.
3. Nylabone Healthy Edibles WILD Puppy Natural Long Lasting Turkey Dog
If you’re looking for a healthy and natural chew treat for your growing puppy, Nylabone Healthy Edibles WILD Puppy Natural Long Lasting Turkey Dog Chew Treats are a great option.
Pros
- These chew treats are highly digestible and gentle enough for your puppy’s delicate digestive system.
- Made with no artificial preservatives and no artificial colors, these treats are a healthy snack for your puppy.
- These treats are made in the United States with real turkey flavors that dogs love.
Cons
- These treats may not last very long, especially for aggressive chewers.
- Some customers have found the treats to be too small for their puppies.
- These treats may be a bit pricey compared to other options.
We recently tried these chew treats for our puppy and were impressed with how much she loved them. The turkey flavor was a hit with her and we felt good giving her a healthy and natural treat. We also appreciated that these treats were made in the United States and did not contain any artificial additives.
While these treats may not last very long for aggressive chewers, they were a great option for our growing puppy who needed something gentle on her digestive system. We did find that the treats were a bit on the small side, so if you have a larger breed puppy, you may need to purchase a larger size.
Overall, we would recommend Nylabone Healthy Edibles WILD Puppy Natural Long Lasting Turkey Dog Chew Treats for any puppy owner looking for a healthy and tasty snack for their furry friend.
4. Nylabone Healthy Edibles Long-Lasting Dog Treats
If you’re looking for a natural and long-lasting chew treat for your small dog, the Nylabone Healthy Edibles Long-Lasting Dog Treats might be a good choice.
Pros
- Made in the USA with no added salt, artificial preservatives, or colors.
- The petite size is perfect for dogs up to 15 pounds.
- The bacon flavor is irresistible to dogs.
Cons
- Some dogs might finish it quickly, especially if they are heavy chewers.
- It might not be suitable for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
- It might not be as durable as some other chews on the market.
We recently tried the Nylabone Healthy Edibles Long-Lasting Dog Treats for our small dog, and she seemed to enjoy them. The petite size was perfect for her, and the bacon flavor made it irresistible.
We appreciated that it was made in the USA with natural ingredients and no added salt, artificial preservatives, or colors.
However, we did notice that our dog finished it relatively quickly, and she is not a heavy chewer. It might not last as long for dogs that are more aggressive chewers. Additionally, some dogs with sensitive stomachs might not tolerate it well.
Overall, we think the Nylabone Healthy Edibles Long-Lasting Dog Treats are a decent option for a natural and tasty chew treat for small dogs. However, if you have a heavy chewer or a dog with a sensitive stomach, you might want to consider other options.
5. Nylabone Healthy Edibles Puppy Natural Long Lasting Lamb
If you’re looking for a natural chew treat for your puppy, we highly recommend the Nylabone Healthy Edibles Puppy Natural Long Lasting Lamb & Apple Dog Chew Treats.
Pros
- These treats are highly digestible and specially formulated with DHA for puppies to help support brain & eye development.
- Made with no artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors.
- Proudly crafted in the United States.
Cons
- Some puppies may break them down too quickly.
- Can leave behind specks that can be difficult to clean.
- Not ideal for powerful chewers.
We have tried several chew treats for our puppies, and these Nylabone Healthy Edibles are by far the best. Our puppies love the delicious lamb and apple flavors, and we love that they are made with natural and healthy ingredients. We appreciate that they are highly digestible and formulated with DHA for brain and eye development.
One thing to note is that some puppies may break them down too quickly, so it’s important to monitor them while they enjoy the treat.
Additionally, they can leave behind small specks that can be difficult to clean. So it’s best to give them the treat in an area that’s easy to clean. Lastly, these treats may not be ideal for powerful chewers as they don’t last very long.
Overall, we highly recommend the Nylabone Healthy Edibles Puppy Natural Long Lasting Lamb & Apple Dog Chew Treats for any puppy owner looking for a natural and healthy chew treat.
6. Raw Paws Himalayan Yak Chews for Small Dogs & Puppies
If you’re looking for a natural and healthy chew for your small dog or puppy, Raw Paws Himalayan Yak Chews for Small Dogs & Puppies might be the perfect option for you.
Pros
- Raw Paws Himalayan Yak Chews are made of 100% natural yak’s milk and contain no additives or preservatives.
- These chews are fully digestible, lactose and gluten-free, and great for pets with sensitive stomachs or kidney issues.
- Raw Paws Himalayan Yak Chews support canine oral health by helping to improve bad dog breath and the health of your dog’s teeth and gums.
Cons
- These chews might have a slight odor, but it’s not too strong.
- Some dogs might not like the taste of these chews.
- These chews might be a little too hard for some dogs to chew.
We’ve tried Raw Paws Himalayan Yak Chews for Small Dogs & Puppies with our small dogs, and we’re happy with the results. Our dogs love the taste of these chews, and they keep them occupied for a while. We also appreciate that these chews are fully digestible and support our dogs’ oral health.
Raw Paws Himalayan Yak Chews are also a great option for dogs with sensitive stomachs or kidney issues since they’re lactose and gluten-free. The only downside is that these chews might have a slight odor, but it’s not too strong.
Overall, we recommend Raw Paws Himalayan Yak Chews for Small Dogs & Puppies as a healthy and natural chew option for your furry friend.
7. Whimzees Puppy Natural Dental Chews
If you’re looking for a natural and effective way to clean your puppy’s teeth, then Whimzees Puppy Natural Dental Chews are worth a try.
Pros
- These puppy dental treats are soft and gentle while cleaning teeth, freshening breath, reducing tartar and plaque.
- They are 2 times as effective in reducing plaque and tartar, and last 3 times longer than leading competitors for more cleaning time per treat.
- They are crafted with no artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, gluten or meat.
Cons
- Some puppies might not like the taste or texture of the chews.
- They might not be suitable for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
- They might not be as effective as professional dental cleaning.
We tried the Whimzees Puppy Natural Dental Chews on our 6-month-old Golden Retriever puppy, and she loved them. The grooved shapes helped work the chew into the smaller spaces between her teeth, and the calcium content supported her growing teeth and bones.
We fed her one Whimzee dental chew every day as a daily dental treat, and it was the most convenient, effective, and playful way to clean her teeth. Regular use kept her mouth fresh and her teeth clean.
Overall, we would recommend Whimzees Puppy Natural Dental Chews to puppy owners who are looking for a natural way to clean their puppy’s teeth. However, as with any chew, please monitor your pup and have fresh water available.
8. Mighty Paw Yak Cheese Chews for Dogs
If you’re looking for a natural and healthy chew for your puppy, we highly recommend the Mighty Paw Yak Cheese Chews for Dogs. These chews are made with only three all-natural ingredients – milk, salt, and lime juice – and don’t contain any added flavors. This makes them fully digestible and guilt-free. They’re also lactose-free, grain-free, gluten-free, chemical-free, preservative-free, mess-free, and smell-free!
Pros
- Long-lasting and hard consistency
- Encourages chewing and promotes oral health
- Rich in protein and calcium for muscle growth and bone health
Cons
- May cause diarrhea in some dogs
- Inconsistent size and shape in some packages
- Not suitable for dogs over 75 lbs
We love that these chews are a great alternative to bleached rawhide chews, making them perfect for dogs with sensitive stomachs and those with chicken, beef, pork, and grain allergies.
The hard consistency of the cheese sticks also makes them a long-lasting snack for teething puppies as well as bored or anxious power chewers. Plus, they encourage chewing, which reduces tartar and plaque buildup on your dog’s teeth and gums.
One thing to note is that some dogs may experience diarrhea after eating these chews, so it’s important to monitor your pup after giving them one.
Additionally, some packages may have inconsistent sizes and shapes, but this doesn’t affect the quality of the chews. Finally, these chews are not suitable for dogs over 75 lbs, so keep that in mind when purchasing.
Overall, we highly recommend the Mighty Paw Yak Cheese Chews for Dogs as a natural and healthy chew option for your furry friend.
Frequently Asked Questions
To wrap up our guide, let’s address some common questions pet parents often have about natural chews for puppies:
1. At what age can I start giving my puppy natural chews?
Most puppies can start with soft natural chews around 8-12 weeks of age. However, always consult with your vet before introducing new items to your puppy’s diet.
2. How often should I give my puppy natural chews?
This can vary depending on your puppy’s age, size, and chewing habits. Generally, one chewing session per day is sufficient for most puppies.
3. Can natural chews replace regular meals?
No, natural chews should be treated as supplements to your puppy’s regular diet, not as meal replacements.
4. Are rawhide chews considered natural chews?
While rawhide is derived from animal skin, many experts don’t recommend it due to potential choking and digestive risks. Stick to the natural chews we’ve discussed in this guide for safer options.
5. My puppy seems to swallow chews whole. What should I do?
If your puppy tends to swallow chews whole, try holding one end of the chew while they chew on the other end. If this behavior persists, consult with your vet and consider switching to a different type of chew.