How Many Marrow Bones Can a Dog Have? Too Much of a Good Thing

How many marrow bones can a dog have? Let me tell you a story. So, the other day, I was reorganizing my garage—one of those tasks that starts with the best of intentions and somehow turns into a massive project. As I stumbled upon an old box of hiking gear, I looked over to see my dogs watching me like I was digging up buried treasure—or perhaps the long-forgotten dog bone buried in the flowerbed.

"No dog bones here, Bruno," I called out to my lab mix, watching intently. "We get marrow bones for dogs in moderation in this house."

My dogs would gnaw on natural dog bones every day, all day, if they could. But as their dog guardian, I must consider their health and safety. Even the healthiest dog treats can become unsafe when overindulging. People can die if they drink too much water.

So, what's the safe limit for marrow bones? That's what I was determined to find out.

Why Limit Marrow Bones for Dogs?

Marrow bones are a great source of protein, collagen, vitamins, and minerals. But they're also very calorie-dense (although relatively low calorie per serving) and high in saturated fat with a little naturally occurring trans fat. Now, that fat also comes with a lot of healthy fats, including omega-3 and conjugated linoleic acid.

Both of these fats are known for their anti-inflammatory properties. But still, overindulgence in marrow bones can contribute to pancreatitis due to the rich fat content. It can cause dog diarrhea and weight gain. The "dose makes the poison" can apply to almost anything.

Additionally, eating too much of one food could prevent a dog from getting balanced nutrition. They may eventually develop deficiencies because there is no variety.

I like to think of my dogs as a 100% carnivore. But the truth is that even meat eaters in the wild eat various foods for health. Veterinarian-approved dog food is going to have this balance of macro and micronutrients.

But I have another more selfish reason for you.

If I ate crumbly cake cookies every day, I'd get sick of them—and what they were doing to my health. So, I like to eat those fun foods every once in a while to savor.

It's the same way for my dogs. I want to make sure that marrow bones stay a satisfying treat for my dogs. I love watching my dogs enjoy their bones. I live for how their eyes light up, and tails start wagging when I open the bag. I don't want to spoil that by giving them their chew treats every day.

And finally, supervision is important. If I let my dog have free access to their bones for dogs, that means I cannot stay close to them. Even though dog bones of the right density and size are relatively safe, the occasional breakage can happen, causing a choking hazard.

How Often Should I Give My Dog a Marrow Bone?

They should be given in moderation and treated as a treat. The American Kennel Club recommends that treats be no more than 10% of my dog's diet come from treats to make sure they don't spoil their dinner of a nutritionally-balanced kibble.

I did the math. And this comes out to around 2-3 times a week for about 15-20 minutes per session. This allows them to enjoy the flavor and dental benefits without overdoing it. It's important to balance their diet, to avoid weight gain and digestive issues.

How Many Marrow Bones Are Too Many?

Generally speaking, one chewing session equals one bone. But natural dog bones can last through multiple chewing sessions. I've had a dog bone last for weeks (sometimes longer) on this schedule. And once the bone marrow is empty, I refill the bones with tasty snacks like natural peanut butter and plain yogurt. I've got even more refill ideas in my marrow bone refill guide.

When each gnawing time is through, I use beef lung bites or trachea tube to lure the bone safely away from my pups. It's true: they love their bones but they'll drop them for these tasty and healthy treats.

Once I have the bones out of sight, I can freeze each of the natural dog bones in reused freezable bags and bring them back out later. They thaw very fast, and it's go-time again.

Choosing the Best Chew Bones for Dogs

The best chew bones for dogs are single ingredients—no additives, preservatives, synthesized flavors, or added sugar. They are just one ingredient: a beef bone with naturally-occurring marrow.

I also prefer grass-fed beef bones. And here's why! Grass-fed beef is higher in the healthier polyunsaturated fats (omegas) and lower in saturated fat. It's also slightly lower in calories and just an all-around more nutritious product—not to mention the better treatment of the cows who live in pastures instead of cramped warehouses.

How it's prepared also matters. I choose marrow bones that have been prepared using a slow and low heat cooking process that seals in the flavor and nutrition but also gets the bone to the right durability—not too soft or too hard. I stay away from raw marrow bones because I know my pups will be licking my face and dragging those germs around the house after. And dinner bones and used bone broth bones are out because they've been cooked too long or too high temp to be safe.

The size of the bone is also critical. Your dog should not be able to get their mouth around the whole thing. My lab mix Bruno loves to hold his extra large meaty mammoth bone down with his paws while he gnaws.

That leaves some of my favorites. Here are the best chew bones my pups love, and I'm breaking them into dog size.

Best Marrow Bones for Small Dogs

K9 Delights are perfectly sized for little mouths but can still hold up to aggressive chewing. They're pasture-raised and prepared correctly.

If you want to let your small pup or older puppies try them, here they are on Amazon.

Best for Mid-Sized Pups

My terrier, Pixie, likes the Dynamo bone. It's a whole lot of marrow bone in a mid-sized package. It comes for USA-born and raised beef cattle who live free-range.

You can find them here.

Best for Big Dogs Who Like Large Bones

My lab mix, Bruno, can't get enough of this massive dog bone. But like I said, moderation is key. We adhere to a weekly schedule and savor marrow bones in our house.

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