Reviewed by Natural Farm Pet Team · Updated March 2026
TL;DR: Can puppies have bully sticks?
Yes, once they have their adult teeth, typically around 6 months of age. Before this, puppy teeth and jaws aren't developed enough for bully stick chewing. For puppies 6+ months, choose thinner or softer sticks (Pixie or Thin), supervise every session, and limit chewing to 10-15 minutes until they're comfortable.
Your puppy is chewing everything in sight: shoes, furniture legs, your hands. You've heard bully sticks are great for dogs, but you're not sure if they're safe for a puppy. Fair question.
The short answer: yes, but not yet if your puppy still has baby teeth. Bully sticks are safe for puppies once their adult teeth have fully come in, which happens around 6 months for most breeds. Before that, their jaws and teeth aren't ready for the resistance a bully stick provides.
This guide covers exactly when to start, which size and type to choose, how long sessions should last, what to watch for, and when to hold off.
📖 Part of the Ultimate Bully Sticks Guide. See also: Are bully sticks safe for dogs? · Which bully sticks are the safest? · Best bully sticks 2026
📖 In This Guide:
When Can Puppies Have Bully Sticks?
Puppies can have bully sticks once their adult teeth have fully come in. For most breeds, this happens around 6 months of age. According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), all baby teeth should fall out by the time a puppy is 6 months old. Some larger breeds may take a bit longer (up to 7-8 months), while smaller breeds sometimes finish earlier (around 5 months).
| Puppy Age | Teeth Stage | Bully Sticks? |
|---|---|---|
| 0-3 months | Baby teeth (deciduous) | No. Too young for any hard chew. |
| 3-5 months | Teething (losing baby teeth) | No. Teeth are loose and jaws are still developing. |
| 5-6 months | Adult teeth coming in | Maybe. Check with your vet if all adult teeth are in. |
| 6+ months | Full adult teeth | Yes. Start with Pixie or Thin sticks. Supervise. |
🔑 The simple rule: Open your puppy's mouth. If you can still see any loose, wobbly, or missing teeth, wait. Once all 42 adult teeth are firmly in place, they're ready for bully sticks.
Why 6 Months? The Science Behind the Rule
Puppies are born without teeth. Their 28 baby teeth come in around 3-4 weeks and start falling out around 3-4 months. According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), all 42 adult teeth should be in place by about 6 months of age. The USDA APHIS puppy dental guide confirms that a full set of adult teeth (42 total) typically appears by 7-8 months, though most breeds complete the transition by 6 months.
During this transition, giving a hard chew like a bully stick creates two risks. As PetMD explains, the teething process runs from approximately 3-7 months, and puppies need to be redirected to appropriate chewing opportunities during this time:
Waiting until adult teeth are fully in protects both the teeth and the jaw. Once those 42 permanent teeth are locked in, bully sticks become one of the best chews you can give them.
Which Bully Sticks Are Best for Puppies?
Not every bully stick is right for a puppy. You want something that provides the chewing engagement they crave without being too thick, too hard, or too long. Here's what works:
| Product | Best For | Why | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pixie Bully Sticks (6") | First-time puppy chewers | Softest option. Made from pizzle sheath, naturally hollow and gentle. | Shop Pixie Bully Sticks → |
| Thin Bully Sticks (4" or 6") | Small breed puppies | Thinner profile, easier for small jaws to grip. | Shop Thin Bully Sticks → |
| 6" Standard Bully Stick | Medium breed puppies (6+ months) | Standard thickness. Good once they're comfortable chewing. | Shop 6" Standard → |
| Bully Bites (2-3") | Training rewards / Kongs | Pre-cut small pieces. Lower calorie, great for portion control. | Shop Bully Bites → |
⚠️ What to avoid for puppies: Jumbo, Extra Thick, Braided, Power Chews, and Cold-Dried™ bully sticks. These are designed for adult dogs with fully developed jaws. Too dense and tough for puppies. Save them for when your dog is 12+ months and you know their chewing style.
The general rule: start softer and shorter, then work up. Pixie → Thin → Standard → Thick. Let your puppy tell you when they're ready for the next level by how they handle the current one.
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Join Free →How to Give a Puppy a Bully Stick Safely
The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) recommends that chews should always be bigger than your dog's snout and slightly wider than their mouth. The AKC notes that bully sticks are easily digestible and do not splinter, making them one of the safer chew options. Here's the full checklist for puppies:
The first session matters most. Give the stick, sit nearby, watch how your puppy handles it. If they gnaw calmly, great. If they try to swallow chunks or get frustrated, take it away and try again tomorrow with a softer option (Pixie instead of Standard). Every puppy is different.
Why Bully Sticks Are Good for Puppies
Once your puppy is ready, bully sticks aren't just safe. They're one of the best chewing options available for young dogs:
Compared to rawhide (which is not digestible and poses serious blockage risks), synthetic chews (which contain multiple additives), and bones (which can splinter and crack teeth), bully sticks are the cleanest, safest single-ingredient chew option for young dogs. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) warns that commercially prepared pet treats have been recalled due to Salmonella contamination, reinforcing why sourcing and quality testing matter. Are bully sticks safe for dogs?
When NOT to Give a Puppy a Bully Stick
If your puppy is under 6 months and you need a chewing option right now, try frozen washcloths, rubber puppy teething toys, or softer treats designed specifically for teething puppies. Once those adult teeth are in, graduate to Pixie Bully Sticks.
Sources and References
- American Kennel Club (AKC): Puppy Teething and Nipping: A Survival Guide
- USDA APHIS: Aging Puppies by Teeth (Official Guide)
- AKC: How to Choose Edible Dog Chews That Are Also Safe
- American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA): Safe Handling of Pet Food and Treats
- American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA): Chew Toy Safety Guidelines
- PetMD: When Do Puppies Stop Teething?
Frequently Asked Questions
At what age can puppies have bully sticks?
Around 6 months, once all adult teeth are fully in. Some larger breeds may take up to 7-8 months. The key indicator isn't age, it's teeth: if all 42 adult teeth are firmly in place, they're ready.
Can a 3-month-old puppy have a bully stick?
No. At 3 months, puppies still have baby teeth and are actively teething. Bully sticks are too firm for baby teeth and developing jaws. Wait until adult teeth are fully in (around 6 months). For teething puppies, try frozen washcloths or rubber teething toys instead.
How long should a puppy chew a bully stick?
Start with 10-15 minute sessions. Over the first 1-2 weeks, you can gradually increase to 20-30 minutes as your puppy adjusts. If they show any signs of digestive upset (loose stools), reduce the time. One session per day maximum.
What size bully stick for a puppy?
Start with Pixie Bully Sticks (softest) or Thin Bully Sticks (4" or 6"). Medium breed puppies can graduate to 6" Standard once they're comfortable. The stick should always be longer than your puppy's mouth. When in doubt, size up.
Are bully sticks digestible for puppies?
Yes. Bully sticks are 100% digestible for dogs of all ages, including puppies. They break down completely in the stomach, unlike rawhide which can sit undigested for days and cause dangerous blockages. This is the #1 reason vets recommend bully sticks over rawhide for puppies. Can bully sticks cause blockage?
Can bully sticks give my puppy diarrhea?
Possibly, especially the first few times. Bully sticks are high-protein chews, and puppies with sensitive stomachs may need time to adjust. Start with short sessions (10 min) and increase gradually. If loose stools persist after 3-4 sessions, try Pixie sticks (softer, less dense) or reduce frequency to every other day.
Are bully sticks better than rawhide for puppies?
Yes, significantly. Bully sticks are fully digestible. Rawhide is not. Rawhide can sit in a puppy's stomach for days, causing blockages that sometimes require emergency surgery. Rawhide is also processed with chemicals (lye, hydrogen peroxide) and has been subject to FDA contamination recalls. Bully sticks contain one ingredient: beef. No chemicals, no blockage risk from the material. What are bully sticks made of?
Can I use a bully stick for crate training my puppy?
Yes, and it's one of the most effective uses. Give the bully stick ONLY inside the crate. This creates a powerful positive association: crate = best treat ever. The chewing releases endorphins that help your puppy relax and settle. Just make sure you can still supervise visually (crate in the same room, not in another room with the door closed).
Want the full picture?
Read our Ultimate Bully Sticks Guide for safety, sizing, comparisons, and more. Or explore the Natural Dog Chews: Complete Guide.
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