Puppy feeding and growth
When can puppies start having chew treats?
Last updated 23 September 2026 · How we write and check this
Short answer
Softer chew treats designed for young puppies are generally fine from around 12 weeks, once most of the baby teeth are in and jaw strength has developed a bit. Harder chews, bones, or antlers are better held off until closer to 6 months, when adult teeth have mostly come through.
Matching chew hardness to dental stage
A puppy under about 12 weeks is generally still working with fragile baby teeth and limited jaw strength, making most chew treats either too hard to be worth the effort or a genuine risk to those baby teeth. Soft, puppy specific chews are a better starting point at this stage.
The teething window and chew choice
Between roughly 4 and 6 months, puppies are losing baby teeth and growing in adult ones, a period when chewing on suitable textures can actually help soothe sore gums, provided the chew is appropriately soft and always supervised during this vulnerable dental stage.
Introducing harder chews later
Once adult teeth are fully in, usually by around 6 months, a puppy is generally ready for firmer chews, always supervised, sized appropriately, and chosen with an eye to genuine safety rather than just toughness, since even at this age some chews remain too hard or too small a risk.
Key takeaways
- Softer, puppy specific chews are appropriate from around 12 weeks.
- The teething window between 4 and 6 months calls for soft, soothing chew options.
- Harder chews are generally more appropriate once adult teeth are fully in around 6 months.
- Always supervise a puppy with any chew, regardless of its age or the chew's hardness.