Puppy feeding and growth
Why does my puppy chew instead of eating during teething?
Last updated 23 September 2026 · How we write and check this
Short answer
During teething, roughly 4 to 6 months, chewing on a soft toy or blanket can feel soothing to sore gums in a way that biting down on kibble does not, which sometimes makes a puppy more interested in chewing than in finishing a meal at that exact moment.
Chewing as gum relief
The pressure and slight give of a soft chew toy against sore gums can feel more comfortable than the harder, more repetitive bite needed to eat kibble, so a teething puppy may genuinely prefer chewing on something soothing over working through a full meal at that moment.
Separating hunger from teething discomfort
A puppy that is hungry but avoiding kibble because of sore gums often still eats readily once the food is softened, which is a useful way to tell teething discomfort apart from a genuine loss of appetite that would need a different kind of attention.
Making mealtime more appealing during this stage
Offering a suitable soft chew before a meal can sometimes ease gum discomfort enough that the puppy then eats more comfortably afterward, alongside lightly moistening the food itself during particularly uncomfortable stretches of the teething period.
Key takeaways
- Chewing on something soft can feel soothing to sore gums during teething.
- A teething puppy sometimes prefers chewing over the effort of biting down on kibble.
- Readily eating softened food helps distinguish teething discomfort from true appetite loss.
- A soft chew before a meal, plus moistened food, can ease mealtime during this stage.