Are Beef Marrow Bones Good for Dogs? 10 Reasons Why

I was talking with a friend from high school the other day over coffee. She had brought her gentle Bullie over for a playdate with my three fur babies. They chased each other around my yard, fell down, and rolled around. They think I've just opened a new neighborhood dog park.

As the morning ended, and she was packing up to leave, she looked surprised when I gave each dog (including hers) a marrow-filled dog bone. I immediately regretted not asking her if it was okay for her dog to have one. It's such a usual thing around our house that it slipped my mind.

She asked me: Are beef marrow bones good for dogs? She said she'd heard they're too high fat and that real bones can shatter. I told her that I had heard the same things and had researched it. She had a few minutes longer to stay, and here is what I shared with her.

Free Marrow Refill Recipe Guide

1. Rich Nutritional Profile

First off, let's talk about healthfulness. Marrow bones are packed with:

• Collagen protein
• Vitamins A, E, and B12
• Glucosamine and chondroitin

Collagen is the most abundant protein in a mammal's body. It forms the framework on which bones, connective tissues, and skin are built, contributing to the health of body structures.

Vitamin A is important for vision, reproductive organs, and the immune system. Vitamin E is an antioxidant that promotes healthy skin, blood cells, and brain.

She mentioned the high-fat content. And I know it has people asking: is bone marrow good for dogs? Or not?

I first visited the USDA website, where I get nutrition information for my own food choices. Here, I found that one marrow bone can have as many as 22 grams of fat. Yikes!

But as it turns out, that wasn't the whole story. Only 9 grams are saturated fat. So I wondered, what makes up most of the remaining fat?

Most of it is conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), an omega-6 essential fat. In humans, it has anti-inflammatory properties that help protect bones as we age.

Human studies have shown that consuming more CLA can:

• Reduce the risks of developing atherosclerosis (hardened arteries)
• Increase lean mass (through bone density)
• Modulate immune responses.

Now, human studies don't always translate to other species. But according to Today's Veterinary Practice, "LA {Linoleic acid} is essential for both dogs and cats...deficiency of omega-6 fatty acids can cause skin and coat abnormalities, reproductive problems, and failure to thrive."

2. Promotes Dental Health

Chewing on dog chew bones, especially those as tough as marrow bones, helps scrape away plaque and tartar buildup. This action cleans their teeth naturally while massaging the gums, promoting better oral health and preventing the progress of some dental diseases.

3. Mental Health Support from All-Natural Dog Bones

I'm not saying that a bone can replace veterinary care if your dog has depression or severe anxiety. You should speak with your vet if your dog has mental health symptoms. However, marrow bones for dogs do support mental health.

Chewing is a natural pastime for dogs. They do it because it's fun, relieves boredom, and alleviates stress. In my house, we always make sure our dogs have something healthy to chew on.

B12 is critical for mental health in humans and dogs alike. We (humans and dogs) can't make it, and we both have to get it from food. I found out that some dogs have difficulty absorbing B12, so they need more of it. These include:

• Australian shepherds
• Border collies
• Beagles
• Giant schnauzers
• Shar-Pei

4. Joint and Bone Health from a Dog Bone

This is a big one, so it deserves its own section. Many dogs, especially large ones like my lab mix, are prone to bone and joint deterioration as they age. The glucosamine and chondroitin in these dog bones are well-known for their joint-supporting benefits. This is a top reason I buy grass-fed beef marrow-filled bones.

5. Improve Skin and Coat

My dog's hair used to be coarse and brittle. I thought that abrasiveness was normal until I decided to do more to improve its nutrition. My dogs' coats are smoother and softer to the touch these days.

6. Long-Lasting Enjoyment with Marrow Bones for Dogs

Beef marrow bones for dogs are just the right hardness for prolonged chewing without risking healthy teeth. That perfect density allows these bones for dogs to last and last, even with my aggressive chewer, for whom I get this Goliath meaty marrow-filled bone.

They are an excellent choice for keeping my dog entertained, especially when I host a cookout and don't want my dogs greeting every guest with an excited lick to the face. My dogs stay occupied and content with their dog bones.

7. Natural and Safe

When sourced responsibly, marrow-filled dog chew bones are very safe. I prefer not to give my dogs synthetic chew toys because of forever chemicals. Dog bones are natural. They're what dogs want to chew on.

Knowing where the dog bones come from is important for safety. I prefer to get marrow bones from cattle raised in the USA.

I have nothing against cows or farmers from other countries. However, longer trips have a greater impact on the environment. Plus, I prefer to support American farmers and our local economy when possible.

It's also important to source dog bones from grass-fed cattle because they have less saturated fat and more vitamin E and CLA.

Finally, how the bone is prepared matters. A marrow dog bone should be slow-cooked at a low temperature. For example, low-heat hickory smoking the bones helps maintain the nutrition and tasty meaty bits while reducing the risk of pathogens and any off smells.

8. Supports Immune Function

The marrow bones for dogs not only support the immune system with nutrition. Reducing dog stress can also support healthy immune functions.

9. Cost-Effective

Compared to many high-end or specialty dog treats, marrow bones for dogs offer a cost-effective way to provide quality-of-life enrichment and nutrition. They're generally less expensive over the long term, given how long they last.

10. Highly Palatable

Now, let's talk about taste. I have not personally tried one of my dog's marrow bones, so I'm not speaking from experience. But I can see from my dogs' behavior that every dog bone I give them tastes good. My dogs never turn their dog chew bones down.

And I wish I could give them one every single day. But veterinarians advise that treats be no more than 10% of a dog's diet. So, that usually lets them have a dog bone two to maybe four days a week for 15–20 minutes.

Is Bone Marrow Good for Dogs: My Tasty Verdict!

Are beef marrow bones good for dogs? I'd say they're hard to beat. From healthy fats to protein to dental health benefits, there are so many reasons for me to want to give my dog these dog chew bones filled with beef marrow. And with permission, I gave my friend a couple from my stock for her Bullie to enjoy later. I know where to buy more.

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