The 6 Best Dog Bones for Puppies

Written by Angie Menjivar
Updated: March 21, 2023
© iStock.com/Roman Bjuty

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Everyone has a favorite pair of shoes. They’re comfortable, they’re worn in, and they just feel good. When you bring a puppy into your home though, those favorite shoes will become chew toys unless you do something to prevent it.

Puppies absolutely need something to chew on. Otherwise, they won’t just get to your shoes, they’ll get to everything you love and cherish. To redirect this behavior, you can pick up some dog bones for puppies. In fact, keep several dog bones on hand and store them in different locations so that your puppy has something appropriate to chew on in different parts of the house. You’ll thank yourself later.

You can’t just throw any dog bone at a puppy. They should be made from safe materials and ingredients, and to help you out, we comprised a list of the six best dog bones for puppies. We highlight different flavors, different materials, and ingredients, and we even picked out a dog bone for those puppies that are aggressive chewers. We also break down each product with a pros and cons list and answer the most asked questions when it comes to selecting the right products for your pup.

  1. N-Bone Puppy Teething Sticks Chicken Flavor Dog Treats
    • Pack includes multiple teething sticks
    • Designed specifically for puppies
    • Made with real chicken
    • Completely digestible
    • Free from artificial preservatives and colors
    Check Chewy Check Amazon
  2. Nylabone Healthy Edibles Puppy Starter Kit
    • Available in roast beef, turkey and apple, and bacon flavors
    • Healthy, edible chews
    • Formulated with DHA, which supports brain and eye development
    • Highly digestible, even for pups with sensitive tummies
    • Made with all-natural ingredients and no artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors
    Check Chewy
  3. Himalayan Pet Supply Himalayan Dog Chew Original Yak Cheese Dog Chews
    • Made from yak and cow milk
    • The curing process removes lactose
    • Harder and longer-lasting than rawhide or bully sticks
    • Free from lactose, gluten, and grains
    • Available in a variety of sizes and "chew levels"
    Check Chewy Check Amazon
  4. Benebone Bacon Flavor Tough Puppy Chews
    • Pack of 2
    • Flavored with 100% real bacon
    • Designed for modest chewers
    • Easy for your puppy to pick up and carry
    • Created on the premise that canines experience scent and flavor very differently than humans
    Check Chewy Check Amazon
  5. Nylabone Power Chew Dog Bones for Aggressive Chewers Tough Chew Toys for Dogs
    • Created from durable nylon that can endure hours of aggressive chewing
    • Available in the following flavors: original, bacon, peanut butter, or beef jerky and chicken
    • Designed to discourage destructive chewing
    • Cleans teeth and freshens breath
    • Be sure to select the correct size and chewing strength for your puppy
    Check Amazon
  6. Nylabone Just for Puppies Peanut Butter & Banana
    • Designed to teach teething puppies healthy chewing habits
    • Available in two flavors: peanut butter and banana and bacon
    • The soft texture is made just for puppies
    • Features dental knobs to help clean teeth and prevent plaque and tartar
    • Durable
    Check Amazon

A-Z-Animals’ Top Picks for the Best Dog Bones for Puppies

#1 Best Overall: N-Bone Puppy Teething Sticks

The best overall dog bone for puppies is by N-Bone Puppy Teething Sticks. These come in a pack of several teething sticks that are designed specifically for puppies. They help to satisfy the urge puppies get to chew and are made with a real chicken recipe that’s completely edible and digestible. This product doesn’t contain any artificial colors or preservatives and the texture is just right for puppies to experience some relief from teething pain and sore gums.

Each teething stick is flexible and pliable, which satisfies that strong urge puppies got to chew and gnaw at everything. Because the teething sticks are flexible, they don’t damage your puppy’s developing teeth. They contain soy protein concentrate, wheat gluten, gelatin, corn gluten meal, and chicken meal.

One reviewer tried these with her 13-week-old, 22-pound puppy. Right away she noticed that the treats are soft and have optimal flexibility. While some dog products have a strong odor, she noticed that these are not smelly and didn’t leave a mess behind. It takes her dog about 10 minutes to get through one of these teething sticks, which affords her 10 minutes of peace. Her only complaint is she wishes they lasted longer but she’s happy to have found a product that soothes her fur baby’s teething pain and is easy on her wallet.

Several reviewers expressed concern that these teething sticks may pose a choking hazard.

Pros and Cons of N-Bone Puppy Teething Sticks

ProsCons
This product comes in a pack including several teething sticks.Several reviewers expressed concern that these teething sticks may pose a choaking hazard.
They’re completely edible and digestible and are free from artificial colors and preservatives.Some reviewers said they wished that they lasted longer.
Chewing these flexible, pliable teething sticks gives puppies some relief from teething pain and sore gum without damaging puppies’ developing teeth.
They contain soy protein concentrate, wheat gluten, gelatin, corn gluten meal, and chicken meal.
Best Overall
N-Bone Puppy Teething Sticks Chicken Flavor Dog Treats
  • Pack includes multiple teething sticks
  • Designed specifically for puppies
  • Made with real chicken
  • Completely digestible
  • Free from artificial preservatives and colors
Check Chewy Check Amazon

2. Best for Sensitive Tummies: Nylabone Healthy Edibles Bacon, Roast Beef, & Turkey Puppy Starter Kit

These healthy, edible Nylabone Healthy Edibles Bacon, Roast Beef, & Turkey Puppy Starter Kit come in roast beef, turkey and apple, and bacon flavors. This variety pack is perfect for the phase when you get to know your puppy’s tastes. He might love them all or prefer one over the other. These are designed to offer the support your growing puppy needs. Each is formulated with DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid, to support brain and eye development and is highly digestible, even for pups with sensitive stomachs. These dog bones are made with all-natural ingredients as well; no artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors are included.

Your puppy can enjoy these as a soothing treat while enjoying the mouthwatering flavors. They’re long-lasting and gentle on your little one’s delicate digestive system. One reviewer is a first-time puppy owner. She quickly realized that rawhides are not healthy or digestible for her teacup Yorkie. She loves that these chew bones last a long time and are apparently very tasty for her pup. She’s relieved that all of the ingredients are edible and digestible, and her only complaint is that there aren’t more flavors and quantities in a single pack. However, she intends to keep using this product and guarantees that your puppy will love them.

Several reviewers said that their puppies got sick after eating this product. One pet parent reported, ” A piece of this puppy specific, highly digestible product became lodged in my puppy’s throat requiring surgery.”

Pros and Cons of Nylabone Healthy Edibles Bacon, Roast Beef, & Turkey Puppy Starter Kit

ProsCons
This variety pack includes bacon, roast beef, and turkey flavored edible puppy Nylabones.Several reviewers said that their puppies got sick after eating this product.
They are formulated with DHA to support brain and eye development.
They’re highly digestible, long-lasting, and made from all-natural ingredients.
They’re free from artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors.
Best for Sensitive Tummies
Nylabone Healthy Edibles Puppy Starter Kit
  • Available in roast beef, turkey and apple, and bacon flavors
  • Healthy, edible chews
  • Formulated with DHA, which supports brain and eye development
  • Highly digestible, even for pups with sensitive tummies
  • Made with all-natural ingredients and no artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors
Check Chewy

3. Best Grain-Free: Himalayan Dog Chews

Himalayan Dog Chews are crafted with a recipe from the mountains of Nepal. Artisans use ancient techniques that have been passed down through families for ages to create these dog bones. These are incredibly long-lasting, providing your puppy with a chew treat that lasts for hours. Your pup will enjoy chewing, licking, and hiding his special treats. They’re made with milk from yaks and cows. There are no binding agents included in the ingredients list and there are no preservatives or additives either. The curing process removes lactose from these dog chews, and they are both gluten-free and grain-free.

These are a harder texture than some of the other options for puppies, but it is ultimately what makes them longer lasting. One reviewer has a 15-week-old puppy that loves chewing on things. Anything! The owner kept buying different toys and his puppy kept destroying them. He became concerned that his pup would ingest one of the broken-off pieces of his toys and that he would end up at the emergency vet. However, when he introduced these dog chews, his puppy became obsessed. He licks it, chews it, carries it around with him wherever he goes, and it keeps him busy for hours. The reviewer loves that it’s safe for his pup if he does happen to ingest it. But seeing how long-lasting this chew is, he knows it’ll take his puppy a while to get through it.

A few reviewers reported finding broken pieces of these dog chews throughout their homes.

Pros and Cons of Himalayan Dog Chews

ProsCons
These chews are made from yak and cow milk.A few reviewers reported finding broken pieces of these dog chews throughout their homes.
They’re incredibly long lasting.
These chews are free from binding agents, preservatives, additives, gluten, and graine.
The curing process removes the lactose from these chews.
Pack of 3
Himalayan Pet Supply Himalayan Dog Chew Original Yak Cheese Dog Chews
  • Made from yak and cow milk
  • The curing process removes lactose
  • Harder and longer-lasting than rawhide or bully sticks
  • Free from lactose, gluten, and grains
  • Available in a variety of sizes and "chew levels"
Check Chewy Check Amazon

4. Best Limited Ingredient: Benebone Puppy 2-Pack Dental Chew/Wishbone Dog Chew Toys

Bacon-flavored Benebone Puppy 2-Pack Dental Chew/Wishbone Dog Chew Toys are designed for modest chewers. They are made to last but have a little “give.” You’ll notice that they’re firm when you touch them, but they’re perfect for teething puppies. The bacon flavor comes from 100% real bacon. They’re curved so that your puppy can easily pick them up, and take them to all his favorite spots inside your home.

Benebone started its line of products on the premise that pups experience scent and flavor in a way that humans can’t even fathom. They ditched traditional models and instead created dog bones designed to appeal to your puppy’s powerful sense of smell.

One reviewer has a new puppy at home along with her older dog. She offers a word of advice up front: Get one for each of your dogs! Otherwise, they won’t stop fighting over them! She had previously tried a harder texture, but her puppy wasn’t into it. Since she introduced these, her puppy has been completely captivated. Her puppy stays busy chewing on these dog bones for hours on end. She is so pleased and intends to buy more as her puppy keeps growing.

Some reviewers said that these bones are too hard and heavy for puppies, especially small breeds.

Pros and Cons of Benebone Puppy 2-Pack Dental Chew/Wishbone Dog Chew Toys

ProsCons
These bacon-flavored chew toys are designed for modest chewers.Some reviewers said that these bones are too hard and heavy for puppies, especially small breeds.
They’re made to last, but have a little “give” and they’re flavored with 100% real bacon.
They’re curved so they’re easy for puppies to pick up and carry.
Benebone creates all their dog bones to appeal to your puppy’s powerful sense of smell.
Best Limited Ingredient
Benebone Bacon Flavor Tough Puppy Chews
  • Pack of 2
  • Flavored with 100% real bacon
  • Designed for modest chewers
  • Easy for your puppy to pick up and carry
  • Created on the premise that canines experience scent and flavor very differently than humans
Check Chewy Check Amazon

5. Best for Aggressive Chewers: Nylabone Dura Chew Giant Original

Nylabone Dura Chew Giant Original is a multi-texture chew toy that you can purchase in an original flavor, bacon flavor, peanut butter flavor, or beef jerky and chicken flavor. It comes in different sizes, so you can pick the appropriate one for your puppy and it’s made it durable nylon so that even the most aggressive chewer can remain busy for hours. It’s designed to discourage destructive chewing and also helps clean teeth, and freshen breath as your puppy satisfies his urge to chew with it. As your dog gets older, you can keep updating his chew toy. Simply select the correct size and strength for your dog.

A reviewer has a puppy that chews on her and her husband‘s feet and shoes, both when they’re wearing them and when they’re not. So, she decided to check out this product. She was a little concerned that her pup would be able to break off pieces from this non-edible dog bone and swallow those pieces. She made sure to supervise her pup as he got acquainted with the bone. To her surprise, the bone has been indestructible. Her puppy chews it often and she consistently checks his gums to make sure that he’s not hurting himself. She’s super pleased with it and her puppy, Jackson, is pleased too. It’s like his new bestie!

A few reviewers said that their puppies were able to chew these bones to pieces in short order. Others said that they were too hard for their puppies to chew at all.

Pros and Cons of Nylabone Dura Chew Giant Original

ProsCons
These multi-texture chew toys are available in original flavor, bacon flavor, peanut butter flavor, or beef jerky and chicken flavor.A few reviewers said that their puppies were able to chew these bones to pieces in short order.
It’s available in different sizes so you can just “size up” when your puppy outgrows their current one.Others said that they were too hard for their puppies to chew at all.
They’re designed to discourage destructive chewing, clean teeth, and freshen breath.
Best for Aggressive Chewers
Nylabone Power Chew Dog Bones for Aggressive Chewers Tough Chew Toys for Dogs
  • Created from durable nylon that can endure hours of aggressive chewing
  • Available in the following flavors: original, bacon, peanut butter, or beef jerky and chicken
  • Designed to discourage destructive chewing
  • Cleans teeth and freshens breath
  • Be sure to select the correct size and chewing strength for your puppy
Check Amazon

6. Best Made of Rubber: Nylabone Just for Puppies Double Action Bone

Nylabone Just for Puppies Double Action Bone comes in two flavors: peanut butter and banana and bacon. This dog bone is designed to teach your puppy healthy chewing habits. It has a soft texture that’s designed specifically for teething puppies. It’s textured with dental knobs to help clean and prevent plaque and tartar. This is a non-edible bone that’s made with softer rubber to keep your pup entertained and to discourage the development of destructive play and chewing habits. Because it has different textures, it keeps your dog engaged.

We sent this to a tester who has a Rottweiler and German shepherd mixed puppy. Anytime he would leave the room, his puppy would express his discontent with high-pitched barking. When he introduced this dog bone, his pup lost zero interest in his other toys, and the owner was able to leave the room without distressing the pup. The dog bone entertained his puppy for about four hours, which allowed the reviewer the time he needed to get tasks done around the house.

A few reviewers said that their puppies weren’t interested in this teething bone.

Pros and Cons of the Nylabone Just for Puppies Double Action Bone

ProsCons
This non-edible bone is available in two flavors: peanut butter and banana and bacon.A few reviewers said that their puppies weren’t interested in this teething bone.
It has a soft texture made specifically for teething puppies.
Textured dental knobs help clean your pup’s teeth and prevent plaque and tartar build up.
Best Made of Rubber
Nylabone Just for Puppies Peanut Butter & Banana
  • Designed to teach teething puppies healthy chewing habits
  • Available in two flavors: peanut butter and banana and bacon
  • The soft texture is made just for puppies
  • Features dental knobs to help clean teeth and prevent plaque and tartar
  • Durable
Check Amazon

How to Choose the Right Dog Bones for Puppies

You can see that there are plenty of dog bones for puppies for you to select from. If you’re still not sure which might be the best option for your puppy, we break down some important considerations to help you decide.

Puppy Size

Puppies range in size from extra small to extra large, and the bone you buy should be sized appropriately. One of the biggest mistakes that owners make when purchasing products online is failing to read all the fine print in the product description. Here, you find the measurements of the item because photos can be deceiving. Make sure you select a dog bone that is appropriately sized for your puppy.

Bone Type

The type of bone is also important. Some bones are made to last, and others are meant to be an edible treat. If you want something your puppy can chew on that won’t slowly deteriorate, you may want to opt for a rubber option. If your puppy is currently teething, make sure you select a dog bone that is designed specifically for teething puppies. These will offer the most soothing effects. If you are interested in an edible dog bone, just make sure to double check the ingredients and make sure that the dog bone is designed specifically for puppies. Dog bones made for adult dogs are not suitable for puppies and are likely to cause damage to your puppy’s growing teeth.

Ingredients

Always double-check ingredients in any edible dog bone for puppies. This is especially important if your puppy has a sensitive stomach. When in doubt, always consult with your veterinarian to confirm that the chosen dog bone is appropriate for your puppy. This initial stage may be one of trial and error as you become accustomed to your puppy’s likes and dislikes. Just like humans, dogs develop preferences for certain flavors and textures. A variety pack can be a good way to introduce bones to your puppy.

Do Puppies Need Dog Bones?

Yes, but not the traditional hard bones that you might be thinking of. This is because your puppy’s teeth aren’t fully developed yet and if you provide him with a hard bone, that stiff texture could damage his teeth and gums. Puppies love to chew on things, especially when they’re teething. This phase is part of your puppy’s development process and instead of having to replace your shoes or other important items, you can provide your puppy with a dog bone to gnaw on.

Teething typically occurs between 12 and 16 weeks and this is a critical period when your dog will be experiencing the most discomfort. Chewing is a way for puppies to relieve that discomfort and if they’re not provided with a suitable chew toy, they will find something else to relieve that pain. Around eight months, your puppy will typically have its adult teeth. This means that for several months, your puppy will need plenty of appropriate items to chew on. Along with providing your puppy with dog bones, you can also puppy-proof your home and give him plenty of love and affection as he grows through the puppy phase.

About the Author

Angie Menjivar is a writer at A-Z-Animals primarily covering pets, wildlife, and the human spirit. She has 14 years of experience, holds a Bachelor's degree in psychology, and continues her studies into human behavior, working as a copywriter in the mental health space. She resides in North Carolina, where she's fallen in love with thunderstorms and uses them as an excuse to get extra cuddles from her three cats.

The 6 Best Dog Bones for Puppies FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

What is the best bone to give a puppy?

We highlighted the puppy teething dog bones in this list as the number one pick for puppies. This is because they’re both highly palatable and satisfy that irresistible urge to chew. They offer a safe alternative to shoes and other items and help to relieve the irritating teething pain that puppies experience. They’re made with all natural ingredients and don’t have any artificial colors are preservatives, which makes them completely edible and digestible.

Can 12-week-old puppies have bones?

Yes, this is typically the week when your puppy begins teething. Because this is a delicate stage, it’s important that you only provide your puppy with soft, chewable dog bones specifically made for puppies. Anything too hard can damage your puppy sensitive gums and growing teeth. During this phase, your puppy’s teeth are extra sharp and a dog bone that’s too soft may break up into larger chunks than he can swallow. It’s important that you be mindful during the puppy stage and extra observant, to make sure that your puppy can handle the dog bone you provide him with.

What bones can puppies chew on?

The teething sticks we highlighted as the number one pick in this list are ideal for soothing teething pain without damaging your puppy’s sensitive gums or sharp teeth. They’re flexible, chewable, and have a flavor your puppy can enjoy. For something more durable, you may want to try a rubber dog bone so that your puppy can experience the relief that comes with chewing without splintering off any edible pieces of the bone. Puppies can chew on edible bones made specifically for puppies and on teething sticks to help ease teething pain. They can even chew on rubber dog bones designed for puppies as well. They should never be given dog bones made for adult dogs and you should also keep any hard dog bones away from your puppy until adulthood when his adult teeth have grown in.

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