The Best Bones for Dogs, According to Veterinarians

Sometimes, you just have to throw a dog a bone — and there are many reasons why you should. “The benefits of bones for dogs fall into two main categories: dental and mental health,” says veterinarian Sarah Jacobs of the Veterinary Emergency Group. “Bones, especially ones recommended by the Veterinary Oral Health Council, have been proven to help prevent tartar buildup and gingivitis. They can also prevent behavioral issues and boredom by providing a dog with something engaging to do.”

What to Look for in a Dog Bone

Pet owners can choose between a few different types of bones. Some of the best ones are actually synthetic or hard chews that are in the shape of a bone. Often made from nylon and rubber, these are primarily used to clean the teeth and work out the jaw. Marrow bones can accomplish that, too, but contain more nutrients, meaning they double as treats with health benefits.

There are also several safety concerns to keep in mind while shopping for dog bones. The first is size. “Pet parents should be careful not to give their dog a toy so small it can be swallowed whole,” says Jacobs. And, although it seems convenient, Jacobs says that pet owners should not feed dogs cooked or raw bones from food at home — this can lead to GI problems, broken teeth, rectal bleeding, choking, vomiting, or diarrhea. (Cooked bones splinter into small, sharp pieces, she explains.)

What the Experts Say

For this story, SPY interviewed multiple veterinarians and pet industry experts about the best bones for dogs, as well as the potential safety pitfalls to look out for.

According to Ashley Elizabeth Navarette, a clinical assistant professor of primary care at Texas A&M’s College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, there’s a general rule of thumb when shopping for dog bones: “Chew toys [should be] soft enough that you can indent them with your fingernail,” she says. “[You should be able to] hit them on your knee and it should not cause pain, too.” However, no material is 100% safe, as each individual dog has different chewing habits. “Generally, hard rubber toys or those chews designed specifically to be consumed are recommended,“ she adds.

Matthew McCarthy, a veterinarian and founder of the Juniper Valley Animal Hospital in Queens, New York, agrees. He also warns against animal bones, specifically. “There really are no animal bones that are not without risk,” he says. “Steak bones are too hard for teeth. Antlers are worse than bones because they’re harder and smaller. Poultry bones — chicken, turkey, and duck — are really awful because they’re full of air and splinter easily. The pieces can get stuck in the dog’s palate and cause an abscess or choking. If the bones get past the oral cavity, we can get a blockage in the esophagus, stomach, or intestines.“

While some vets like McCarthy agree that raw or non-synthetic bones can cause health issues, other vets like Linda Simon, DVM at a range of clinics in West London, says that this all depends on the size of the dog: “Large dogs sometimes cope well with large bones such as beef marrow bones,” she says. “Marrow contains nutrients including calcium, B12, and collagen, which can be beneficial to a dog’s health.”

Overall, according to our experts, buying the right bones doesn’t just mean being a better pet parent — it can possibly save a dog’s life, and that starts with being an educated consumer. Read on to learn more about the best dog bones on the market now.

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