Many dog owners wonder if it’s safe to give a dog a bone, especially when they see their pup happily chomping on big bones or juicy bones in videos or real life. From my own experience with bones, I’ve learned that raw bones can be an ultimate treat and even play a critical role in a dog’s diet when chosen wisely. They help stimulate your dog’s mind, satisfy natural chewing instincts, and support good oral health. When dogs consume good bones like beef bones that are part of a natural diet, the saliva enzymes produced during chewing help prevent plaque and gum disease, promoting a healthy mouth and reducing unwanted behaviors caused by boredom.
However, not all bones are safe. Cooked bones are a recipe for disaster, as they can splinter and pose serious risks like internal injuries or blockages. Veterinarians recommend avoiding leftover bone from cooked meals and focusing on appropriate bones that match your dog’s age, size, and experience with bones. While raw diet supporters often highlight the advantages of raw bones as a healthy treat, it’s also important to understand the disadvantages—some dogs may struggle to eat bones safely. Always consult your vet before offering bones, as finding the right balance between nutrition and safety is key to maintaining a happy, healthy companion.
Can Dogs Have Bones?
From my own experience, not all bones are safe for dogs, no matter the kind. While raw bones may seem natural, even they can break into small shards that might pierce the digestive tract or cause a choking hazard. Cooked bones are especially dangerous because they tend to splinter, creating higher risks of getting stuck in the windpipe or even the lower jaw, sometimes needing vet removal. Small bones or round bones are never recommended, as dogs can easily choke on them. Always remember—just because a dog loves to chew doesn’t mean any kind of bone is safe.
The Benefits of Bones for Dogs
From my years of raising dogs, I’ve seen how chewing is a natural and rewarding activity that helps stimulate both the body and mind. Allowing dogs to chew on bones not only supports their oral health but also helps alleviate boredom and curb unwanted behaviors. The gnawing action works like a natural toothbrush, creating an abrasive effect that helps remove plaque and tartar buildup, which in turn can prevent gum disease and lead to healthier teeth. When dogs are engaged in mental stimulation, they stimulate brains, stay entertained and occupied, and are less likely to get into mischief. This enjoyable habit can also alleviate anxiety and redirect destructive chewing, turning restless energy into calm focus.
Beyond behavior and dental health, raw bones provide real nutritional value. They contain essential nutrients that help enrich nutrition, including marrow, fat, phosphorus, calcium, and trace minerals. These components not only add additional calories for active dogs but also protect oral health by strengthening the jaw and teeth. Watching my dogs settle in with a bone reminds me how something so simple and natural can support their physical and emotional balance every day.
Why Are Bones Bad for Dogs?
Many people assume bones are safe since they’re not toxic, but from my years of caring for dogs, I’ve learned that they come with serious risks. One of the biggest dangers is the choking hazard caused by small bones that can get stuck in a dog’s esophagus or throat. Larger bones can break or splinter into smaller pieces, leading to intestinal damage when sharp pieces perforate the intestinal tract. This can cause an intestinal obstruction, a life-threatening emergency that often requires costly surgery. I’ve seen aggressive chewers and small dogs suffer dental trauma like tooth chips, tooth fractures, and cuts on the cheeks, tongue, and gums. Cooked bones are especially risky—they can cause punctures, lacerations, and wounds inside the mouth and digestive tract.
Even raw bones can be problematic if meat attached is not temperature-controlled, as germs can spread and make dogs sick, causing vomiting, diarrhea, and other digestive issues. Dogs with sensitive stomachs or digestive problems like constipation, diarrhea, or pancreatitis can develop severe reactions after eating fatty bones or marrow bones. When sharp bone fragments or tiny fragments move through the system, they can cause rectal trauma, bleeding, or perforation, turning a simple chew into a dangerous situation.
Weight-bearing bones from large animals, such as cow bones or pig bones, are extremely hard and can lead to broken teeth or damaged teeth, often requiring a dental procedure for repair. These bones, especially bone marrow rings and hollow bones, can become stuck teeth or create sharp edge bones that injure the dog’s mouth. The ring shape of some bones can also trap the jaw or cause cuts and wounds around the face. Hard bones may seem nutritious, but the danger of shards, splinters, and sharp blade edges far outweighs the benefits.
Even bones bought from butchers or a supermarket can pose hidden dangers. Some weight-bearing bones are cut with a sharp blade, leaving edges that can slice the tongue or gums, causing bleeding and intense pain. If a dog gulps instead of chewing properly, it may safely ingest only part of the bone while the rest causes blockage, severe constipation, or even death. As a pet expert, I always remind owners to be cautious—raw bones might look like a nutritious treat, but they can easily turn into a painful and dangerous experience for both pet and owner.
Are Bones Good for Dogs?
From my personal experience, bones can offer some nutritional benefit when given properly, especially those with a bit of meat and connective tissue attached. They contain essential nutrients like calcium, protein, and collagen, which can contribute to your dog’s nutritional benefits and overall strength. However, it’s important to remember that bones also come with risks. They can cause damage to your dog’s teeth or even harm the digestive system if not chosen carefully. While the rewards are real, balancing safety and nutrition is key when it comes to feeding bones.
The Benefits of Bones for Dogs
From my years of feeding raw bones to dogs, I’ve noticed they act as natural sources of vital minerals, vitamins, and essential amino acids that help dogs thrive. These bones provide protein and amino acids needed for healthy skin, shiny fur, muscle development, and tissue repair. Inside, you’ll find calcium phosphate, which supports bone growth and keeps the skeletal system strong enough to regenerate and adapt over time. I’ve also seen how magnesium improves muscle function and contributes to heart health, while phosphorus strengthens bone structure, maintains cell structure, and assists in cell energy production.
The marrow in bones is incredibly rich—it’s packed with collagen, iron, vitamin B, and vitamin D, which promote healthy joints, smooth skin, a glossy coat, and better digestion. Many owners, including myself, have noticed that dogs with healthy digestive systems tend to prevent issues like leaky gut or poor gut function, leading to more energy and a longer, happy, healthy life. The presence of glucosamine in raw bones also helps keep joints flexible and supports natural movement, making it one of the most complete natural supplements nature provides.
What about cooked ones?
From my experience, cooked bones are never safe for a dog because once raw bones are heated, they lose their moisture-rich texture and become dry, brittle, and less flexible. This makes them more likely to splinter into sharp pieces or shards that can cause cuts, wounds, or even broken teeth. I’ve seen dogs suffer from constipation, severe intestinal blockages, and sometimes even need surgery after chewing on roast dinner leftovers. If your dog has eaten a cooked bone accidentally, it’s best to get them checked by a vet right away, as these bones can pose a choking hazard or injure the mouth and tongue.
What To Give Your Dog Instead
For dogs that love to chew, it’s better to choose dental chews that promote oral health rather than giving raw bones. These products are approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) and carry the VOHC seal of acceptance, meaning they’re safe and effective for your pup’s teeth. I always supervise and monitor my dog’s chewing activity because even with approved chews, breaks or trouble can happen if a piece is swallowed or ingested, leading to a vet emergency. It’s always better to be safe than sorry, especially when your dog’s health is on the line, and these chews can support their teeth and gums while keeping them busy and happy.
Can dogs eat chicken bones?
Dogs should never eat chicken bones because they are hollow and can easily break or splinter, leading to serious internal bleeding or intestinal obstruction. While some people think raw bones are safe, even those can cause injury to the mouth or digestive system. In my experience, I’ve seen pets fall sick after chewing chicken bones that could also transmit E.coli and other bacterial infections, making them unsafe for any dog.
Can dogs eat pork bones?
Dogs should not eat pork rib bones whether cooked or raw, as they can be dangerous and often splinter, creating a serious choking hazard or internal injury. From my own experience as a pet owner, I’ve seen how quickly a dog can get hurt by these bones. Raw pork bones can also carry bacterial contamination like salmonella, which can make your dog seriously ill.
Can dogs eat rib bones?
Dogs should never be given rib bones, whether they come from pork or beef, because they can cause splintering that leads to choking, broken teeth, and painful internal injuries. From my experience, even a small piece can create serious issues like blockages in the digestive system, putting your dog’s health at risk.
Can dogs eat turkey bones?
No, dogs cannot eat turkey bones. From my own experience, both cooked and raw turkey bones can splinter, creating sharp fragments that pose a choking risk, cause punctures, or lead to painful intestinal blockages that may require emergency care.
How to Safely Give Your Dog a Bone
Many dogs love to chew on a bone, but not all bones are safe. Some can be dangerous if swallowed or splintered. According to vets, especially those in Cumming, the key is choosing the right type of bone and supervising your dog while they eat it. Always ask your vet if a particular bone is safe before offering it—because when it comes to your dog’s health, there’s no silly question.
The Benefits of Bones for Dogs
When dogs enjoy chewing on raw bones, it’s more than just fun — it’s natural and helps stimulate their oral health while easing boredom and unwanted behaviors. Regular gnawing acts like an abrasive toothbrush, helping to remove plaque, tartar buildup, and prevent gum disease, leading to healthier teeth and better dental care overall. This kind of mental stimulation keeps their brains sharp, reducing anxiety and destructive habits by keeping them entertained and occupied. Beyond that, bones provide real nutritional value, offering nutrients like phosphorus, calcium, and other minerals that enrich nutrition. The marrow and fat inside add extra calories, giving dogs a boost of energy and satisfaction while supporting their instinctive urge to chew and protect their teeth naturally.
What bones are not safe for dogs?
Cooked bones, especially chicken and turkey ones, can easily break into sharp splinters that cause serious problems for dogs. These small pieces can get stuck in the throat or even the intestinal tract, creating dangerous choking hazards and painful trauma to the mouth. I’ve seen cases where T-bones, due to their circular shape, became lodged around a dog’s jaw or esophagus, causing swelling, airway blockage, and breathing trouble. The risky design of these bones can lead to cutting injuries that may require sedation for safe removal by a vet. Watching a terrified dog struggle after swallowing the wrong bone is heartbreaking, which is why avoiding these bones altogether is the safest choice.
Do’s & Don’ts for Bone Safety
When it comes to your dog and bone safety, following a few simple rules can make all the difference. Always choose raw meat bones and store them in the refrigerator to keep them fresh, and discard them once they dry out or become too small. Large breeds like German shepherds, bloodhounds, and mastiffs benefit from bigger bones suited for heavy chewing, while smaller dogs need appropriately sized options. From my own experience, being educated about the wrong type of bone prevents stomach problems and broken teeth. Never give cooked bones, as they can splinter into small pieces that cause harm. Always stay around your pup during chew time to ensure safe play.
How do I know what bone to give my dog?
Choosing the right bones for your dog starts with seeking guidance from a veterinary professional who understands your pet’s health and can help you avoid danger, injury, or harm. While bones can offer dental and mental stimulation along with nutritional value, they also carry risks like dental injuries, choking hazards, and digestive issues. As a responsible pet owner, it’s important to weigh the potential benefits and concerns before giving bones. An informed decision should always involve your veterinarian, who can recommend safe, appropriate options based on your dog’s circumstances. Remember, this is informational guidance—not medical advice—so book an appointment with your vet to diagnose your pet’s condition and ensure their pets stay safe and happy.
What bones can dogs eat and how to feed them safely?
When it comes to dogs, knowing what bones to give is essential for their safety and health. From my own experience and through learning from my canine community, the best way to start giving a bone is by first gathering proper information and talking to a trusted advisor who understands your pet’s needs. Raw bones offer benefits such as nutritional support and mental engagement, but you must also avoid cooked or brittle ones that can splinter. Always learn from reliable sources and group discussions where pet owners share what they know about safe feeding practices. If you still have questions, reach out to your vet or pet nutrition expert before offering any new bone to your dog.
Health benefits of bones for dogs
From my experience with dogs, giving them raw and meaty bones is one of the best ways to keep their teeth and gums healthy. The act of chewing and gnawing provides a great jaw workout, almost like a natural exercise that strengthens their mouth muscles. The gristle and cartilage in bones help floss and clean their teeth, reducing plaque buildup. Raw bones also support the digestive tract by firming up faecal motions, which naturally express the anal glands and promote overall gut balance. I’ve noticed that regular chewing on raw bones keeps my dog’s mouth fresher and their body stronger.
Behavioural benefits of bones for dogs
Giving bones to your dog has great behavioural benefits because chewing is a natural activity that supports healthy mental wellbeing. Regular chewing releases endorphins, the “feel-good” hormones,” which have a calming effect and make dogs happy while helping to reduce anxiety. This vital activity not only keeps your pet occupied but also encourages positive behaviours, provides mental stimulation, and improves overall behaviour, making your dog feel relaxed, happy, and mentally balanced.
Can dogs digest bones?
Dogs eating a raw diet can often digest bone if given in the right pieces, as their stomach acid and PH are conducive to breaking down bone better than kibble alone. Small bones are easier to process in the intestine, while large pieces may cause constipation, impaction, or a struggle to pass. Conditioned dogs, used to a raw diet, handle bone more safely, but owners should always monitor their pet to ensure smooth digestion and avoid intestinal issues.
Can dogs eat cooked bones?
Dogs should never be given cooked bones, as the cooking process changes their consistency, making them likely to shatter and splinter, which can damage the mouth, throat, and intestines. Unlike raw bones, cooked ones lose nutritional value and become difficult to digest, increasing the risk of blockage and serious health issues, so it’s always safer to stick with raw options.
Can you leave a dog alone with bones?
You should never leave a dog alone with a bone, especially if it is small enough to swallow whole or snap into a piece that could get stuck, as even a high-value treat can become a risk. Dogs may guard a bone like a resource, and without supervision, they could gnaw too aggressively or swallow chunks unsafely. Always prepare bones in the correct size, store extras in a bag in the fridge for a few days, and only return them when you can monitor your pet, ensuring food safety and natural chewing enjoyment.
From what age can dogs eat bones? Is it safe for puppies?
Puppies can start enjoying bones once their developing teeth are ready, usually after about 6 months, when adult teeth begin to appear. Start with soft bones or chewable bones like chicken wings or the neck of chickens and neck of ducks, which are gentle on a pup’s mouth and help build eye-mouth coordination while letting them chew safely. Avoid rigid bones or really hard bones such as a cow’s leg bone, as these can damage teeth or gums before the mouth is strong enough, ensuring your pup gets all the goodness of chewing without risk
What kind of bones are safe for dogs?
When choosing a bone for your dog, consider their size and age. Small dogs and puppies do well with chicken necks, duck feet, or chicken wings, while medium dogs can safely enjoy duck necks, chicken thighs, or turkey wings. Large dogs benefit from bigger options like chicken carcass, lamb ribs, or lamb neck pieces, and extra large dogs can handle venison ribs, venison neck, or turkey neck. Using appropriately sized bones ensures safe chewing and helps prevent choking while giving your dog a satisfying and nutritious treat.
What are the risks of feeding bones to your dog?
Feeding bones to dogs can be rewarding, but there are important risks to know. Cooked bones and extra hard bones can break teeth or damage the mouth, while small raw bones may pose a choking hazard if not the appropriate size for your dog. Eating bone fragments too quickly or in large amounts can make it hard for your pet to comfortably digest and sometimes throw up bile. Repeated feeding of bones from the same animal without ground bone or properly balanced meal can cause an excess of high calcium in the diet, leading to dry poo, crumbly poo, or constipation.
To reduce these risks, limit time chewing, use high value treats, and replace some bones with plain mince, steamed leafy vegetables, pureed pumpkin, or squash to soften poo and provide insoluble fibre for digestion. Choosing smaller bones carefully, ensuring they are comfortable to chew, and monitoring your dog’s meal intake keeps them safe while still benefiting from the structure of bone and natural chewing activity.
What should I do if my dog is choking on bone?
If your dog starts to choke and a bone is stuck in the back of throat, first check if the airway is partially blocked by looking for retching, pawing at the mouth, or noise while breathing, and if you see blue gums or a blue tongue, it may be fully blocked. Stay calm, as an agitated or responsive dog may bite, and carefully open the mouth to sweep with your fingers to remove any visible lodged object. For larger dogs, if the object does not come loose, you can try the Heimlich manoeuvre by lying on back, placing your fist just below the rib cage, and giving thrusts to dislodge the bone while supporting front legs or back legs, then contact a vet quickly to reduce risk of serious injury.
Can you add bones to your dog’s raw food?
Adding bones to your dog’s raw food is a great way to make meals more balanced and nutritious. In a typical raw food diet, around 80% comes from human-grade meat and offal, while 20% can include bone, superfoods, and seasonal fruit or veg, giving your best friend a happy, healthy, and active life. From my experience, letting your dog chew on a bone as a treat not only satisfies their natural instincts but also reduces anxious behaviors and keeps them engaged, so you can safely give bones alongside meals for extra enjoyment and nutrition.
How often and how much bone can you give your dog?
When feeding a dog on a raw food diet, it’s recommended that bone makes up about 10% of your dog’s diet, as it helps balance nutrients and maintain healthy digestion. From my own experience with raw feeding, keeping this ratio steady ensures that meals stay gentle on the stomach while still providing enough calcium and phosphorus for strong teeth and bones. You can include whole bone or meaty bones that make up around 30% of the total meat portion when delivered together in mixed meals. This balance mimics what dogs would naturally consume in the wild and keeps their meals satisfying and nutritionally complete.
How we use bones in our meals
At Bella & Duke, we include beef, lamb, chicken, and duck bones in our meals by using ground animal bones through careful mincing of whole birds and other naturally sourced ingredients. Each raw meal contains ground bone to provide essential calcium, phosphorus, and proteins that support species-appropriate nutrition for dogs. I’ve noticed how using these ingredients with no added fillers keeps meals wholesome and balanced, just as nature intended.
Bone alternatives for dogs
If your dog can’t safely enjoy bones, there are great alternatives you can give that still offer natural benefits. Split antlers and antlers from deer are made of rapid growing bone that regrow and shed during the rutting season, packed with living cells, vitamins, and minerals while being low fat. I’ve found Yak milk dog chews excellent for all dog sizes—they’re grain free, gluten free, calcium-rich, and protein rich. You can also try bone broth as a food topper; it’s ready-made, tasty, and complements regular raw food to support your dog’s bone structure and immune system naturally.
Why are raw bones good for dogs?
From my experience, I’ve found that raw bones are fantastic for raw-fed dogs because they’re packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and omega-3 fats that promote good skin health and good joint health. The calcium and phosphorus in these bones help strengthen their teeth and bones, while glucosamine supports mobility and comfort. Plus, the act of chewing isn’t just satisfying and relaxing—it also works like a natural toothbrush, keeping their teeth clean and gums strong. Many owners also notice firmer poops, which is another benefit of a balanced raw diet.
How often should you feed raw bones?
When you feed your dog a raw bone, it’s best to offer it 1-3 times a week as a stimulating treat that keeps their teeth clean and strong. In my experience, dogs who have switched to a raw diet should start introducing raw bones slowly over 3-4 weeks to let their system adjust to the new diet. Allowing them to chew regularly supports dental health and gives them a natural outlet for energy while keeping mealtime exciting.
What raw bones can dogs eat?
When choosing raw bones for dogs, it’s important to know which different types are safe and suitable. From my own experience, chicken, turkey, beef, duck, and lamb bones are great options depending on your dog’s size. For smaller dogs, softer options like chicken wings or duck wings work well, while larger dogs can handle turkey necks or raw knuckle bones. However, you should never feed pork bones or smaller bones that can splinter, get stuck in your dog’s mouth, or become a choking hazard if swallowed whole. A simple rule I follow is to choose a bone about the size of your dog’s head to help them start chewing safely and happily.
Where should you get raw bones from?
When choosing bones for your dog, it’s best to buy from a trusted brand like Natures Menu, which offers chews and chunks that are safely sourced and properly stored for safe raw consumption. Their batches are regularly tested for bacteria such as Salmonella and Enterobacteriaceae, ensuring the products meet high safety standards. These frozen and fresh products are handled carefully to reduce any higher risk of contamination.
If buying frozen bones or raw chew packs, always store them in a freezer and thaw them safely by defrosting in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 24 hours before feeding. Some dog owners also get bones from a local butcher, but make sure they’re properly handled and stored to limit the risk of bacteria. From my experience, choosing professionally prepared raw bones gives peace of mind and ensures your dog enjoys healthy, safe chewing without worry.
Your guide to Natures Menu raw bones
When it comes to raw bones, Natures Menu is a trusted provider offering a helpful guide for dogs of all experience levels and recommended ages. For those new to bones, their in-house vets suggest starting with soft, whole bone options like Turkey Necks, perfect for pups as young as 10 weeks, or other new starters such as Duck Wings, Duck Necks, Chicken Wings, and Chicken Portions for 6 months old experienced starters. For experienced chewers, tougher options like Lamb Necks, Lamb Ribs, Marrowbone (extremely tough, containing marrow), Beef Knuckle Bone, and Beef Ribs are ideal, each offering a great raw treat suited to your dog’s growth and chewing strength.
Are raw bones safe for puppies?
For young pups, giving size-appropriate bones like chicken wings, chicken necks, or duck necks can be a gentle start, as these make great starter bones that are softer and easily chewable. These help improve eye-mouth coordination and satisfy the urge to chew, especially while developing teeth. I usually advise waiting until a pup reaches around 6 months, when adult teeth start forming, before offering tougher bones such as lamb bones or turkey necks, which can then be given safely under supervision.
What raw bones are safe for dogs?
When it comes to safe options for dogs, some raw bones can be a great choice if handled properly. I often recommend chicken necks, chicken feet, pork tails, and lamb tails as they are softer and easier for dogs to chew safely. It’s very important to avoid cooked bones, especially cooked poultry like chicken or turkey bones, because they can splinter easily and hurt your dog’s mouth or stomach. Also, stay away from small bones that could become choking hazards or get stuck in the digestive tract.
Is it safe for a dog to eat a raw bone?
Feeding raw bones can be safe for your dog if the right bone option is chosen and handled carefully. From my experience, I always check for risks like a bone splinter that can break a tooth or cut the gums during excessive chewing. It’s also important to store the bone properly; it should be refrigerated when not in use and discarded after a few hours to avoid bacteria. Giving the wrong size or type may cause constipation, so always monitor your dog while chewing to keep the treat both fun and safe.
How often should you give a dog a raw bone?
Raw bones can be fed once or twice a week to promote dental hygiene and keep your dog happy and engaged. From my experience, a naturally satisfying chew session not only cleans the teeth but also relaxes the pet. Some bones last longer, especially the hard ones, but young dogs or older dogs with weaker teeth should always choose a softer, appropriate bone to chew safely. The key is moderation—too many bones may cause tummy troubles, while the right schedule maintains strong teeth and a healthy habit.
Do vets recommend raw bones?
Many vets agree that raw bones from chicken, turkey, lamb, beef, or oxtail can be safer options for dogs when chosen wisely, but they still warn about possible risks. I’ve seen a dog enjoy chewing a raw bone, yet if the bone is too hard, it can break a tooth or cut the gums. Sometimes, small pieces may splinter and cause constipation or even more serious internal issues if swallowed in excessive amounts. While raw bones provide natural satisfaction and nutrients, being cautious and supervising your pet during chew time is always the smarter choice.
What bones should dogs never eat?
From my experience, dog owners should always refrain from giving their dogs pork bones or ribs, as these types are extremely dangerous. These bones can splinter easily compared to raw beef bones, and the result can be severe injury or even choking. I once read on Pet MD that such sharp fragments can tear through a dog’s stomach or throat, causing life-threatening damage. It’s important to remember that while some raw bones are safe, these specific ones are not worth the risk.