There’s a moment every puppy owner dreads: you come home to find your coffee table leg gnawed to splinters. Teething is a normal-if messy-phase, and the right chew can save your furniture and your sanity. But not every chew is created equal. The best options soothe sore gums, satisfy the urge to gnaw, and hold up to determined little jaws without posing a safety risk.
We’ve compared chews across major brands-from freeze-and-soothe fabric toys to long-lasting yak cheese and bacon-infused nylon-to help you find the right fit for your growing pup. Whether you need a gentle starter for an 8-week-old or a durable option for a power-chewing adolescent, this guide breaks down the key differences so you can choose with confidence.
Best Chews for Teething Puppies – 2026 Reviews
Premium Bully Sticks – Long-Lasting Natural Chew
Teenie Dental Treats – Freshens Breath While They Chew
Puppy 2-Pack Dental Chew/Wishbone – Real Bacon for Teething Relief
Puppy Starter Set – Gentle Chews and Treat for Early Teething
Small 4-Pack – Variety of Shapes for Power Chewers
Pumpkin Flavor Teething Ring – Edible Relief for Sore Gums
Yak Cheese Chews – All-Natural Long-Lasting Chew
Cool Teething Stick – Freezable Soothing Chew
Grain Free Dental Sticks – DHA-Enriched Teething Aid
How We Evaluated These Chews for Teething Puppies
We didn’t conduct long-term durability testing or supervised teething trials across multiple litters. What we did: cross-referenced 9 chews for teething puppies from 8 distinct brands across 7 decision axes-material safety, teething-specific design, durability, flavour appeal, dental benefits, digestibility, and ease of cleaning. We triangulated published specifications, ingredient lists, and aggregated owner feedback where available against typical teething-puppy behaviour patterns and known chewing styles.
The scoring framework weighted real-world performance for teething (60%)-how well each chew soothes gums, withstands gnawing, and holds a puppy’s attention-against feature differentiation (40%)-unique design, ingredient quality, or additional benefits like dental care or nutritional support. We have no commercial relationship with any of the brands featured; recommendations track fit and differentiation, not brand preference. If you’re looking for a natural, long-lasting chew that works for most puppies, the Bully Bunches Premium Bully Sticks are your match; if you need an affordable starter kit for a young pup, the Nylabone Puppy Starter Set delivers great value.
How to Choose the Right Chew for Teething Puppies
What to Look for in a Chew for Teething Puppies
Teething chews aren’t one-size-fits-all. The ideal pick depends on your puppy’s age, chewing intensity, and whether they need something edible or just durable. For very young pups (8-12 weeks), a soft, freezable fabric toy like the Pupstages Cool Teething Stick can provide icy relief without overwhelming delicate gums. As they grow into the land-shark phase (3-6 months), firmer nylon chews like the Benebone Puppy 2-Pack or edible natural chews like bully sticks become more appropriate. Always consider material safety: avoid anything with small parts that can break off and become choking hazards, and opt for fully digestible edibles over rawhide, which can cause blockages.
Also pay attention to palatability-a chew that sits ignored is useless. Real bacon, chicken, or pumpkin flavours can be the difference between occupied jaws and a destroyed cushion. And don’t overlook dental benefits: chews that scrub plaque as they’re gnawed, like Greenies Teenie treats, give you an oral-care bonus.
Edible versus Non-Edible Chews: Which One for Your Teething Puppy?
This is the first big fork in the road. Edible chews, like N-Bone’s Pumpkin Teething Rings or Bully Bunches bully sticks, satisfy hunger alongside the chewing urge. They’re great for crate time or a quick distraction, and many are digestible with added nutrients. The trade-off: they don’t last as long, and calories add up. Non-edible chews, such as Benebone’s nylon bones or Mighty Paw’s yak cheese, are designed for prolonged gnawing. They can go for weeks and are often better for power chewers, but they must be inspected for wear and replaced before they become a hazard.
A mixed approach often works best: keep a few edible treats for quick rewards and a durable non-edible for daily chewing sessions. The Nylabone Starter Set, for example, bundles both types to cover all bases.
The Role of Durability and Material in Puppy Chews
Durability is a double-edged sword. A chew that’s too soft will be destroyed in minutes, leaving a mess and potentially a vet visit if swallowed. One that’s too hard can fracture puppy teeth or discourage use entirely. Nylon chews like Benebone offer a middle ground-firm but slightly yielding in the puppy line. Yak cheese is harder but softens with saliva, making it a unique option. Edible chews vary: bully sticks are tough and last a while, while teething rings are meant to be consumed quickly.
Watch your puppy’s chewing style. If they’re a determined destroyer, prioritize material toughness and supervision. If they’re a lazy nibbler, a softer fabric toy may be enough. Always check for sharp edges, splintering, or pieces small enough to swallow whole.
Soothing Sore Gums: Freezable and Cooling Teething Options
Cold therapy is a proven comfort for teething pain. A few chews in this lineup are designed to be soaked in water and frozen, turning them into icy gum massagers. The Pupstages Cool Teething Stick is the standout here-its fabric shell holds moisture and becomes crunchy when frozen, which many puppies find irresistible. This type of chew is especially helpful during the early teething weeks when gums are most inflamed.
You can also freeze edible chews or even a wet washcloth knotted for a DIY version. Just avoid anything that becomes dangerously hard when frozen-yak cheese, for instance, is already quite hard at room temperature and freezing it would make it a tooth-breaking risk. Always supervise a puppy with a frozen toy to prevent over-chilling sensitive tissue.
Natural vs. Synthetic Ingredients: What Matters for Teething Puppies
Puppies put everything in their mouths, so ingredient transparency is key. Natural, single-ingredient chews like bully sticks or yak cheese minimize the risk of allergic reactions and let you know exactly what your pup is ingesting. They’re often rich in protein and free of artificial preservatives. Get Naked’s grain-free dental sticks go a step further by adding DHA for brain development.
Synthetic chews like nylon bones aren’t “dirty” by default-they’re safe when made food-grade and free of harmful chemicals. The important thing is to avoid chews with unknown fillers, rawhide (due to digestibility risks), or excessive additives. If your puppy has a known sensitivity, a limited-ingredient option like the Mighty Paw yak chews or a hypoallergenic synthetic chew may be the safest route. Always read labels and choose brands that prioritize safety testing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between the Nylabone Starter Set and the Benebone Puppy 2-Pack?
Both target teething puppies but take different approaches. The Nylabone Starter Set is a more flexible, all-in-one kit: it includes a soft bone for early teething, a firm nylon bone for later, and an edible treat. It’s softer overall and better suited for very young pups (8-16 weeks) who are just beginning to chew. The Benebone Puppy 2-Pack is harder and flavour-forward-infused with real bacon-and designed for puppies who are a bit older and more aggressive in their chewing. The ergonomic wishbone and dental chew shapes also encourage a satisfying grip. If your puppy is a gentle nibbler, go Nylabone; if they’re already showing power-chewer tendencies, Benebone will hold up better.
How do Bully Bunches bully sticks compare to Mighty Paw yak cheese chews for teething puppies?
Both are natural, long-lasting, and fully digestible, but they come from different worlds. Bully sticks are beef pizzle-they’re high-protein, have a meaty flavour that drives dogs wild, and last about 20-40 minutes for an average puppy. They soften as they’re chewed and can be consumed entirely. Yak cheese is far harder and lasts much longer-often several days-because the cheese is hardened to a bone-like consistency. It slowly softens with saliva, turning into a gnawable nub. Yak cheese is also virtually odorless and less messy, while bully sticks can have a slight smell (though Bully Bunches are marketed as low-odour). Choose bully sticks for a more natural chewing experience and faster consumption; choose yak cheese for marathon chewing and sensitive stomachs.
Are Greenies Teenie dental treats suitable for teething puppies?
Yes, with a few caveats. Greenies Teenie are formulated for small dogs of all life stages, so they’re safe for puppies as young as 8 weeks who weigh 2-7 kg. The flexible, chewy texture is gentle on baby teeth while still providing a cleaning action. However, they’re treats, not long-lasting chews-your puppy will finish one in under a minute. Use them as a daily dental-care supplement, not as a primary chew for occupying a teething pup. Also, be mindful of the wheat content if your puppy has grain sensitivities, and account for the extra calories in their daily diet. For a teething puppy that needs more chewing time, pair Greenies with a durable nylon or yak cheese chew.
How can I soothe my teething puppy's sore gums at night?
Nighttime teething pain can disrupt sleep for both you and your pup. A freezable chew like the Pupstages Cool Teething Stick is ideal-soak it, freeze it, and give it to your puppy in their crate before bedtime. The cold numbs the gums and the chewing action tires them out. Alternatively, offer a long-lasting edible like a bully stick (supervised, or in a safety holder) to give them a calming, gnawing ritual. Avoid very hard chews like yak cheese right before bed if your puppy is still teething hard-they can be frustrating and may discourage use. A consistent wind-down routine with a designated “nighttime chew” signals that it’s time to settle. Always ensure any chew is size-appropriate and remove it once it becomes small enough to swallow.
Final Verdict
For most teething puppies, the Bully Bunches Premium Bully Sticks strike the ideal balance: they’re natural, long-lasting, and safe, with dental benefits and a flavour dogs crave. If you’re watching your budget, the Nylabone Puppy Starter Set gives you three targeted chews for less than most single toys. For the premium experience-a chew that lasts for days and suits sensitive stomachs-the Mighty Paw Yak Cheese Chews are unmatched. And when your pup needs immediate, cooling relief, the Pupstages Cool Teething Stick is the go-to freezer stash. Whatever you pick, you’ll be saving your furniture-and your sanity-one satisfying chew at a time.