The Best Dog Bones
Dogs love bones, and we love dogs — which is why we love giving our dogs bones. Not only does a good bone keep our canine companions stimulated and occupied when we can't give them the attention they deserve, but these natural chew toys are also good for their overall health, helping to strengthen their gums and jaws and remove tartar build-up and plaque from their teeth. And while any old meat bone from the supermarket may keep our pups satisfied, we know that there are other options out there that are even more delicious and safe for them. We combed through dozens of dog bones on the market to find the best of the best, including the safest, the toughest, and the tastiest.
Dog Rawhide Bones
The best bone
For traditionalists, here is the classic rawhide dog bone. Made from one piece of thick rawhide with no other ingredients, this is as pure a dog bone as you can get. Dogs love these bones so much that you may have to confiscate them if you want your dog to stop chewing. They are hard enough that they will last for a few days and not get eaten immediately. But they are soft enough that they won’t crack or hurt your dog’s teeth. They’re actually good for your dog’s teeth and very easy to digest. These tasty bones come in 3 sizes and also come with a 100 percent moneyback guarantee.
Pros:
- Unlike other bones of this kind, these are made from one single piece of rawhide, so there are no messy pieces (unless, of course, you dog tears it to shreds).
- The natural rawhide material is tough enough for aggressive chewers, but also soft enough for younger or older dogs with weaker jaws.
- We appreciate that these come in packs of three, so we don’t need to order replacements as often.
Cons:
- They’re not the toughest bones out there, so dogs do go through them fast.
Premium Elk Antlers Dog Bones
Exceptional elk
On the less traditional side, we have elk antler dog bones from Devil Dog Pet Co. These dog bones come from wild elk in the Rocky Mountains. They are all natural and organic. Elk antlers make great dog bones because they taste great, are extremely nutritious, and last for a long time, even with the most aggressive chewers. They are also clean and odorless, which makes them less of a nuisance to you. The company donates a percentage of every sale to dog rescues, so you can feel good about buying these dog bones. Your dog will be grateful, and the dogs at the rescue will be grateful.
Pros:
- Because they come from wild elk, with no processing or additives, these are some of the most natural bones you can find.
- Elk antlers are packed with nutrients, making this a healthy option, too.
- They’re antlers, so they’re really tough, making them ideal for aggressive chewers.
Cons:
- These may be too hard for some dogs. You should especially watch out for broken teeth.
K9 Connoisseur Dog Bones
Marrow in the middle
These are a great choice for dog bones from K9 Connoisseur. They come from free-range, grass-fed cows in the USA. They are shank bones with marrow in the middle. This is a delectable treat for your dog; once they eat all the marrow, you can refill it with peanut butter or something else they love to eat. These bones will keep your dog occupied for hours, as well as clean their teeth and gums. Best for dogs less than 50 pounds, these bones come in packs of 3, 6, or 12.
Pros:
- These are cut from the bones of real free-range, grass-fed cows, so you don’t have to worry about quality.
- Dogs will love the savory marrow in the middle and work extra hard to get to it.
- We like that you can also fill the inside with other treats, such as peanut butter.
Cons:
- While they take the work out of roasting our own cow bones, they’re definitely more expensive than ones found in the supermarket.
Jack & Pup Premium Grade Dog Bones
Full-on flavor
Jack & Pup has made a really tasty meaty dog bone. These shin bones from grass-fed, free-range cattle are slow-roasted and smoked with pieces of meat to give them an amazing meaty flavor. In addition to tasting great, these bones are really healthy too. They have tons of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals that will keep your dog feeling their best. Processed in a USDA Human Grade Certified and Inspected facility, you can be sure you’re getting the highest-quality bone that is all-natural and safe for your dog to eat.
Pros:
- These bones look so delicious that they even had us salivating over them.
- Not only are they packed with smokey, meaty flavor, but they’re also full of protein, omega-3’s, vitamins, and minerals.
- The whole bone is digestible, so you don’t have to worry about stomach problems.
Cons:
- They’re huge, maybe even too huge for smaller dogs.
Our Tips and Tricks
Dogs love bones, so much so that they’ll continue to gnaw away at one until there’s nothing left. But depending on what kind of bone they’re chewing, this can present problems, both for their health and safety and for your wallet. Softer dog bones may break apart and even splinter in the mouths of especially aggressive chewers, which can hurt their gums and cause digestive issues. Alternatively, less aggressive chewers may find some bones too hard, which can result in mouth problems. We’ve found this to be especially true for puppies, which tend to have softer, more sensitive teeth (but which also love bones, since it helps ease the pain of teething). However big or small your dog is, it’s always a good idea to keep an eye on them while they enjoy their bone, especially when you’re trying out a new product.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I give my dog leftover bones from meat that I ate?
You can, but be careful. Certain kinds of bones, such as chicken bones, can splinter and choke your dog. Packages of bones, such as those we reviewed, are specially processed and inspected to be safe for dogs to eat.
When should I throw out the bone?
You should throw out a dog bone when it has gotten so small that your dog can choke on it. So keep an eye on the bones you give your dog as they continue to chew on them. But until your dog chews it to a dangerously small size, you don’t have to throw it away.
Do I need to refrigerate dog bones?
No, you do not need to refrigerate dog bones. They will stay good if you store them in the pantry or cupboard.
Why Trust Us
Since 2008, DogTime has served as a leading resource for millions of dog owners and pet lovers alike. Our goal is to give every dog and pet a happy, healthy home by providing owners with all the information they need to be the best pet parents possible. Our experts share their insights and recommendations to make caring for your beloved pets a breeze.