Are Big Bones Good for Dogs?

Last weekend, I volunteered to hand out medals at my town's annual kids' 3K run. Watching the kids cross the finish line—some full of energy, others exhausted—I celebrated everyone's effort as I placed participation medals around their necks.

It was then that someone mentioned that only winners should get prizes. Participation medals send kids the wrong message about life. I used to agree until I raised my own, now in college. I learned the value of encouraging kids to stay active and social with positive reinforcement. It's in a child's nature to run and play. Building positive memories around physical activity can help them develop habits for a healthier, happier life.

Gnawing on a dog bone is also part of a dog's nature. And large dogs want huge bones. When I reinforce this natural instinct to chew with long lasting dog bones, my dogs act happier and look healthier. But are big bones good for dogs?

Are Bones for Dogs a Good?

Let's start here because it doesn't matter how big the bones are if your dogs shouldn't have bones in the first place. I did a lot of research and found that dog bones—especially those naturally filled with marrow are very healthy for dogs for several reasons.

• Nutrition - All-natural, single-ingredient, marrow-filled bones have a lot of nutrition, like protein (mostly collagen protein), vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats. Basically, for the same reason real bone broth is good for humans, marrow bones are good for dogs.
• Healthier teeth, gums, and jawbone—Dogs chew on bones in part to clean their teeth, massage the gums to promote gum health, and strengthen the jawbone and joints. Given the connection between dental health and heart health, I think this one's important.
• Mental health support - Because gnawing is instinct, it's sad to see dogs punished for it. They need a dog bone to chew on to feel safe, content, and stimulated. We watch our favorite shows or scroll social media to entertain ourselves. Similarly, big dogs want big bones!
• Behavioral support - When dogs feel mentally well, stimulated, and content, they're less likely to act out—or chew on your new running shoes.

Are Big Bones Good for Dogs?

When it comes to dog bones, size matters. Giving a tiny dog a big bone may be the cutest thing ever. But they won't get the best benefits of dog bones because the bone is too big to gnaw on. Imagine how frustrating that might be to a tiny pup!

But if you have a large dog, the opposite is true. Giving a big dog a bone that is too small is dangerous. They could swallow it. If a dog swallows a bone whole, not only could it get stuck. They aren't getting the nutrition even if it does pass there because the marrow is stuck inside the bones. They also don't get the dental benefits or any of the rest.

Plus, it's probably not going to be much fun for very long, even if they don't get hurt.

Large breeds need a big bone for several reasons. Big bones for dogs of substantial size:

• Reduce choking risks
• Ensure proper density to avoid splintering even with aggressive chewers
• Provide ample surface area for teeth cleaning
• Give them lots of bone marrow to enjoy and for health
• Give them a large bone to hold and cherish as their own
• Include tasty meaty bits

Are Big Beef Bones Good for Dogs?

Big beef bones are the best bones for big dogs. Not only are these bones more substantial than a dog bone from a smaller animal. They also have greater bone density because the bone has to support such a large animal.

Best Bones for Big Dogs

Do you have a big dog? I have a lab mix, and he's pretty big. But I know some of you out there have even larger dogs. Your dog may also be an aggressive chewer like mine. I struggled to find a big dog bone he didn't tear apart in seconds. I've settled on these large dog bones.

First, I like Meaty Mammoth Bones These are massive. And they're long lasting dog bones, even for aggressive chewers. These single-ingredient dog treats are sourced from USA-raised grass-fed cattle, which is really like.

Just like grass-fed beef has less saturated fat and more of the good stuff, so do the marrow bones from pasture-raised animals. I try not to support factory farms where animals are kept in warehouses anymore than I have to. That commitment extends to my dog's food.

But what's my lab mix's verdict? He loves these juicy, marrow-filled bones. He could spend hours chewing on these big bones for dogs. But it's important to give him a break after 15-30 minutes. A dog bone is a treat and should only be about 10% of my dog's diet. The rest of what they eat should be veterinarian-approved dog food.

You could also try the Goliath Bone, also called Jum-Bone. This one looks like a gigantic chicken drumstick. But of course, it's not. It comes from grass-fed, USA-raised cattle. When my dog enjoys his Goliath bone in the local park, everyone wants to take a picture to share on social media.

Free Marrow Refill Recipe Guide

Now, I also want to shout out to another of my big dog's favorite dog chew treats. They aren't the best bones for big dogs. But they are the best treats for big dogs. I buy beef lung bites for a quick treat. They make a great dog training tool because they're a quick treat my dogs love. And when it's time to take a meaty mammoth bone away from my dog, I always want something to trade with him.

How Many Times Can I Give Large Dog Bones to My Dog

I only give my large dog his big dog bone 2-3 times a week. This goes for all 3 of my dogs.

This helps me stay within the 10% rule. But you may also be wondering how many times can I give the same dog bone to my dog. I'll tell you.

My dogs get so many uses out of their long lasting dog bones. Here's my secret. I freeze the bone in between uses to keep nasty bacteria from growing on it. When I do this, I can keep giving them the same bone for a week and sometimes much longer.

Now, I'm only comfortable doing this because the bones I buy are prepared using a slow and low-heat cooking method that kills harmful bacteria while maintaining the bone's integrity, nutrition, and tastiness.

So, Are Big Bones Good for Dogs?

Absolutely! if you have a big dog. And no, if you have a medium or small dog. You might try something smaller instead.

Big dog bones offer numerous benefits, from improved dental health to mental stimulation, making them an excellent choice for large breeds. By selecting the right dog bone at the right size, you're reducing the risks of giving your dog a small bone. You'll keep your big dog happy and healthy.

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