Bones & Chews

Guidelines & Alternatives

  • Dog’s Chew Style

    • Do’s & Don’ts

  • Weight Bearing Bones (Recreational)

    • femur, marrow, knuckle

  • Edible Bones

    • wings, necks

  • Chews

  • NOT Recommended

  • Dental Chews

  • Dog Toy Alternatives

Before giving your dog a bone or chew there are several things you need to take into consideration. Two rules to follow anytime you give your dog any type of bone or chew; make sure the item is safe for your dog, and always supervise. As a general rule I do not give my dogs anything harder than their teeth since they have broken teeth on bones in the past. Treat dispensing toys are a great way to stimulate and engage all your dog’s senses. There are lots of other options we can consider, but first we must consider the dog’s chew style. There are aggressive chewers, gnawers, and scarfer’s.

2 Top Picks for heavy chewer

Himalayan Yak - Natural Dog Cheese Chew (Longest Lasting)

Dog Chew Styles:

Soft chewers will gently gnaw on a hard object. With supervision I’m okay giving these dogs recreational bones, edible bones, selective chews, and food stuffed toys.

Scarfer’s will swallow large chucks of bones, chews and items that are small enough to fit in their mouth.  This can result in throat/esophagus, or intestine obstructions, and inflammation of the GI tract. Anything at a size close to fitting in the dog’s mouth I would throw out for safety reasons. This results in a lot of waste and expense so I generally prefer food stuffed toys. I recommend food stuffed toys for these dogs.

Aggressive chewers are often crushers and can break off large chunks and whittle bones down to a size that can be swallowed. This can result in throat/esophagus, or intestine obstructions, and fractured teeth. With aggressive chewers I avoid anything harder than their teeth like recreational bones or other things they can break off and swallow. I recommend food stuffed toys for these dogs.

With aggressive chewers it’s recommended to not give them anything hard because aggressive chewers are prone to fracture teeth, throat or esophagus obstructions, intestine obstruction, and inflammation of the GI tract. For aggressive chewers choice a safe food stuffed toy to satisfy their need for chewing. (See Alternatives)

Bones and chews fall into three general categories. 

  • Recreational Bones – raw, not processed: femur bones (marrow bones), knuckle bones (thawed, not frozen)

    • The abrasion from gnawing on these bones can help remove tartar and reduce the risk of gum disease

    • “Bones should be large enough to not fit inside the dog’s mouth so as to avoid them forcefully chopping down with a strong vertical bite force breaking small pieces that can be swallowed, or breaking teeth.” For larger dogs this may limit them to large knuckle bones

  • Edible Bones – non-weight bearing bones from birds: fresh whole chicken wings/chicken and turkey necks (thawed, not frozen)

    • These can be chewed and swallowed in their entirety.  

  • Chews  –  large variety from natural to synthetic chews. One issue with natural chews is that once they get chewed down to a small size dogs will often swallow them which can result in an obstruction.  I do not recommend synthetic chews.  

  • Food Stuffed Dog Toys (See below)

https://peterdobias.com/blogs/blog/best-bones-for-dogs/#rightbones

RECREATIONAL BONE

Whole Beef Knuckle Bones https://carnivorecomplete.com/product/whole-beef-knuckle-bones/

EDIBLE BONE

Chicken Necks https://primalpastures.com/products/1-2-pound-primal-chicken-necks?variant=41264072143

FOOD STUFFED TOYQwizl w/ Jerky or Tendons

FOOD STUFFED TOY

Qwizl w/ Jerky or Tendons

Multiple Dog Homes

If yours is a multi-dog home, follow the 50-300 rule. To varying degrees most dogs show a desire to compete for resources, food, attention, toys, etc… A common reason dogs fight is due to limited resources. Many problems can be prevented with the 50-300 rule. The 50-300 rule is simply provide 50-300% more identical toys, chews, water bowls, etc. so resources are not limited. If there are two dogs leave at minimum three identical toys, chews, etc. out. Leaving six out is better insurance by far.

Recreational Bones (Femur bones & knuckle bones)

Recreational bones are intended to be gnawed on and not eaten. These bones should be raw, and not processed. “If you are going to give your dog a bone to keep him happy, it should be fresh (or fresh-frozen). Ideally, these still have tissue still attached to them; the act of chewing, licking, and tearing at these tissues is incredibly helpful for scraping plaque from a dog’s teeth.”  Unprocessed raw bones should only be given to the dog thawed and not frozen. Raw bones will be in the refrigerator section or freezer and not on a store shelve at room temperature. Bones processed so they don’t spoil at room temperature becomes more brittle and fractures easier.[1]

The gnawing of the bone helps wear down plaque and tartar on teeth over a period of time as the dog works on the bone.[1] These bones do not provide significant dietary nutrition for dogs.[2] Bones should be large enough to not fit inside the dog’s mouth so as to avoid them forcefully chopping down with a strong vertical bite force breaking small pieces that can be swallowed, or breaking teeth.    “Dogs who try to eat marrowbones in one sitting are often not good candidates for knuckle bones because they can't distinguish between an edible bone and a recreational bone. When the bone has been gnawed down in size, throw it out. Don't allow your dog to chew it down to a small chunk he can swallow.” https://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2018/05/09/best-dog-bones.aspx

“Offer bones when your dog is full from a meal. Hungry dogs (or dogs rarely offered bones) are more likely to swallow a bone whole or break it apart and swallow large chunks. This increases the risk of an obstruction in the digestive tract.” https://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2018/05/09/best-dog-bones.aspx

Many Vets’ advice never giving dogs bones because of:

  • Throat or Esophagus Obstructions

  • Fractured Teeth

  • Intestine Obstruction

  • Bacterial Contamination

  • Inflammation of the GI Tract

These may be appropriate for some dogs (always supervise your dog)

• Recreational Bones – unprocessed knuckle bones for soft chewers who gnaws

Guidelines

Don’t give - Cooked Bones             - these are subject to splintering

Don’t give - Frozen Bones              - these are harder than the dog’s teeth

Don’t give - Chicken Bones            - these easily splinter causing obstructions

Don’t give - Turkey Bones              - these easily splinter causing obstructions

Don’t give - Fish Bones                   - these can cause intestinal obstructions

Don’t give - Pork Bones                  - these can splinter causing obstruction

Two Life-Saving Rules to Follow If You Give Your Dog Bones

Edible Bones

Edible Bones – are hollow, non-weight bearing bones of birds (e.g.,turkey necks, chicken necks, & wings). These are soft, and pliable and do not contain marrow. Dogs that will swallow them whole should not be given whole edible bones. Fracturing the edible bones with a mallet first and feeding small bite sized pieces can minimize the risk. [4]

“Poultry bones can be safe and healthy if they’re the right size and uncooked. Cooked bones become brittle because the molecular structure changes. They are not digested properly, so they are more likely to lodge or perforate the gut lining if they have been boiled or smoked. Whether your dog is little or big, a chicken neck may be appropriate if he is a chewer and not a gulper. A raw duck neck is slender and long: great for most medium to large dogs. Turkey necks in my opinion are too large of vertebrae for all dogs. These are the type of bone most likely to lodge, so I advise against feeding turkey necks.” https://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/something-to-chew-on/

These may be appropriate for some dogs (always supervise your dog)

• Edible Bones – whole or coarsely ground chicken wings/turkey necks (Raw & not frozen)

Safe Bones for Dogs: What Bones Are Best?

Chews

Chews – variety of products - tendons, bully sticks, pig ears, hooves, nylon/plastic,  etc… Chews are not recommended for scarfers. Freeze-dried chew treats will not be long lasting.

These may be appropriate for some dogs (always supervise your dog)

  • Vital Essentials - Turkey Necks – (freezed-dried)

  • Vital Essentials - Salmon Skins – (freezed-dried)

  • Honest Kitchen Beams - Dried Fish Skins

  • Himalayan Dog Chew – not long lasting for aggressive chewers (NOT FOR DOGS OVER 65LBS) They are recommended for dogs less than 65 or 70 lbs. They are hard and can break into large chunks that dog may try to swallow. If supervised I would not have a  safety issue using them. But when they get chewed down to a size close to fitting in the dogs mouth I would remove them from dogs. That’s going to be a big piece so in reality so I think it provides very little chewing before needing to taken away for safety reason. But its not wasted if you do. They can be soaked in warm water for 5 minutes and then placed in the microwave for approx. 45seconds to create a cheese puff. Just cool before giving to the dog.

  • Beef Tendons - Supervise dogs with beef tendons and remove when they get chewed down to a size close to fitting in the dog’s mouth to minimize the risk of swallowing.

  • Beef Tendons - Supervise dogs with beef tendons and remove when they get chewed down to a size close to fitting in the dog’s mouth to minimize the risk of swallowing.

BULLY STICK HOLDER

I’ve not given my dogs bully sticks. If I were to give to a dog I would use a bully stick holder to minimize risk of swallowing. And I would supervise the dog. When they get chewed down to a size close to fitting in the dogs mouth I would through out for safety reason. For more information visit Bully Grip.

https://bullygrip.com/

BULLY GRIP BULLY STICK HOLDER SMALL

BULLY GRIP BULLY STICK HOLDER SMALL

BULLY GRIP BULLY STICK HOLDER MEDIUM

BULLY GRIP BULLY STICK HOLDER MEDIUM

BULLY GRIP BULLY STICK HOLDER LARGE

BULLY GRIP BULLY STICK HOLDER LARGE

NOT Recommended

Rawhides (not recommended)

Are they digestible?

“feeding rawhide chews to a dog who tended to consume large pieces could increase a dog’s risk for intestinal blockage.” [3] They can be dangerous for your dog!

dental chews

Human-Grade Dental Chew Bones for Dogs

  1. Natural cleaning abrasives for clean teeth and healthy gums

  2. Completely digestible

  3. Fresher breath

  4. 100 percent U.S.A. ingredients

LARGE OVER 25 LBS

LARGE OVER 25 LBS

SMALL UNDER 25 LBS

SMALL UNDER 25 LBS

LARGE OVER 25 (GENTLE)

LARGE OVER 25 (GENTLE)

SMALL UNDER 25 LBS (GENTLE)

SMALL UNDER 25 LBS (GENTLE)

As a general rule I do not give my dogs anything harder than their teeth since they have broken teeth. Treat dispensing toys are a great way to stimulate and engage all your dog’s senses. There are all types available but choose those items that are sturdy, well made, and relatively easy to clean. There are two types; dry kibble treat dispensing, and products that can be used to stuff and/or freeze treats inside. The rubber Kong was probably the first popular dog toy people stuffed with differing foods treats to keep dogs entertained. Kong’s are a longtime favorite for many dogs but some dogs’ loose interest quickly because the treats inside can be difficult to get. My favorites are Qwizl’s, and Tux. Although nothing is indestructible with aggressive chewers these toys are among the best, made in the USA and are easy to clean. Dog toys help to reduce boredom, stress, and frustration for dogs and puppies. Safe dog toys assist with reducing stress, anxiety, and frustration and behaviors such as, barking, jumping, spinning, chewing, among others. Boredom and loneliness are sources of excessive stress for both dogs and cats.

TOP PICKS

  • • Qwizl – stuffed with quality food or treats

  • • Tux – stuffed with quality food or treats

  • • Tizzi - stuffed with quality food or treats

Here Are More Great Toys to Entertain (food treat toys)

Enriching Your Dog's Life

Chewing & Destructive Behavior

 

TUX

TUX

QWIZL

QWIZL

TIZZI

TIZZI

For a special treat you can save the bones and simmer them in water to make a mineral-rich stock that you can share with your dog. (Drain the stock and throw out the bones) https://youtu.be/lI-vo8td7ME

[1] https://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2014/04/28/dog-bones.aspx

[2] https://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2017/03/20/feed-dog-bones.aspx

[3] https://thesciencedog.com/2015/03/25/keep-those-doggies-rollin-rawhide-rawhide/?fbclid=IwAR16J00THZkfNmHyUmwmWqG_A_st_BN-8yr6e9heUg41iMO5Cwejx7XW0uE

[4] https://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2018/05/09/best-dog-bones.aspx

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