A puppy will chew something. The only question is whether it is a chew you picked or the leg of your kitchen table. Collagen chews are one of the most common picks for young dogs, so here is a plain answer on whether they are safe, when to start, and which size to buy.
The short answer
Yes, a collagen chew can be a good choice for a puppy, as long as you pick the right size, stay in the room, and introduce it slowly. Collagen chews are made from the corium, the inner layer of beef skin. They are digestible, high in protein and low in fat, and they soften as the dog chews, which makes them gentler than very hard chews like antlers or bones.
Every puppy is different. If yours is very young, has a sensitive stomach, or has any health condition, ask your vet before adding a new chew.
Shop Fidelis Beef Collagen Chews
Rawhide free. Fully digestible. Free shipping on orders over $50.
When can a puppy start?
There is no single age that fits every dog, and your vet is the right person to ask about yours. As a general guide, wait until your puppy is fully weaned, eating solid food well and chewing with purpose. Many owners hold off on longer lasting chews until the adult teeth are coming in, because baby teeth are small and fragile.
Teething is when a chew helps most. Chewing eases sore gums and gives all that energy somewhere to go.
How to introduce a collagen chew
- Start short. Give the chew for 10 to 15 minutes, then put it away. A new food in a young stomach is best in small amounts.
- Stay in the room. Puppies try to swallow things they should not. Watch the whole session.
- Keep water close. Chewing is thirsty work.
- Take away the last piece. When the chew is small enough to swallow whole, trade it for a treat and throw it out.
- Watch the stool. Loose stool means too much too soon. Cut the time in half and build up again.
What size to buy
The rule is simple: the chew should be longer than your dog's muzzle, so it cannot be swallowed whole. When in doubt, go up a size.
| Your dog | Chew size | Fidelis pack |
|---|---|---|
| Small dogs and small breed puppies | 5 inch | 8 Pack, $13.99 |
| Medium dogs and growing medium breed puppies | 7 inch | 4 Pack, $26.99 |
| Large dogs, large breed puppies and strong chewers | 10 inch | 4 Pack, $33.99 |
A large breed puppy outgrows the small size quickly. If your puppy will be a big dog, start with the 7 inch and move to the 10 inch as it grows.
Collagen chews vs rawhide for puppies
Rawhide is the outer hide. It breaks down slowly in the stomach, and a puppy that swallows a piece can have trouble passing it. Collagen comes from the layer under the hide and is digestible, which is why so many owners choose it as the first long lasting chew.
How often?
For a puppy, a few short sessions a week is plenty to begin with. Chews are a treat on top of a complete diet, not a replacement for meals. As your dog grows and you see how its stomach handles it, you can offer one more often.
Shop Fidelis Beef Collagen Chews
Rawhide free. Fully digestible. Free shipping on orders over $50.