Treats and chews
Can young dogs chew on bones the same as adult dogs?
Last updated 23 September 2026 · How we write and check this
Short answer
Young dogs with developing teeth and jaws generally need softer, smaller chews than fully grown adults, since their teeth and growing jaw structure are more vulnerable to damage from very hard items, and their tendency to gulp rather than chew thoroughly raises choking risk further. Bones sized and marketed for adult dogs are usually not an appropriate substitute during this developmental stage.
Why developing teeth need extra caution
A young dog's teeth, particularly before the adult teeth are fully set, are more prone to damage from very hard chewing than a mature adult dog's teeth, which have had time to fully harden and settle into the jaw, making hard bones a proportionally bigger risk during this developmental window.
Behavioral differences that add risk
Young, less experienced dogs are often more likely to gulp excitedly rather than chew methodically, since they have not yet learned to pace themselves with a new item, which increases choking risk with any bone regardless of its overall hardness or size.
Safer alternatives during this stage
Softer chews specifically designed and sized for younger dogs, offered under closer supervision than an adult dog might need, provide a similar outlet for the natural urge to chew without the same level of dental and choking risk that bones can present at this stage of development.
Key takeaways
- Developing teeth are more vulnerable to damage from very hard chewing than mature adult teeth.
- Young dogs often gulp rather than chew methodically, raising choking risk.
- Softer, appropriately sized chews suit this developmental stage better than bones.
- Closer supervision is warranted for young, less experienced chewers.