Are Filled Bones Safe for Dogs? A Chew Worth Talking About

Last night, I walked my 3 dogs through the neighborhood and noticed all of the improvements our community has made over the years to keep us safe. New sidewalks, crosswalks, rails, and better street lighting. No doubt safety is important for my furry family (my 3 pups) and me. So, are filled bones safe for dogs? Are there any things to watch out for when selecting marrow bones for dogs?

What Are Filled Bones?

Filled bones, also known as stuffed bones, are hollow bones (real or fake) stuffed with delicious fillings that dogs love and want to get to.

The outer bone "shell" provides a durable chew, while the inside offers a flavorful reward, keeping your pup busy and entertained.

Dogs chew, lick, and turn the bone at different angles, trying to get the marrow out. It's very stimulating—like a dog puzzle toy that's not made of plastic.

Chewing on bones is an ancestral instinct for dogs. The ancient wolves they came from gnawed on bones, too, to get the most nutrition from a meal—which could be few and far between.

I would place filled dog bones into 3 categories.

Marrow Filled Bones

Some filled bones are more natural and nutritious than others. You have marrow-filled bones. These stuffed bones already contain nutrient-dense bone marrow.

And yes, just like you've heard, bone marrow is so nutritious with key vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats that dogs don't get an abundance of in kibble because they are lost in the high-heat cooking process. Check out this article for more nutrition details: Are Beef Marrow Bones Good for Dogs?

Artificially Filled Bones

Now, other filled bones could have artificial fillings and the outer "bone" may not even really be a bone. It could be a hard-baked shell with a soft filling. These "filled bones" have mostly artificial ingredients. They're ultra-processed and don't taste very good on their own, so they often add chemical flavoring and added sugar, so dogs will chew it.

Not great for teeth!

They may be fortified with added vitamins and minerals to these dog treats to make them more nutritious. But these are synthetic vitamins, not the ones that naturally occur in real marrow dog bones. Just like a multivitamin can't replace a nutritious diet in humans, getting vitamins from real food is best for dogs.

And this isn't it!

Refilled Bones

These fillings range from peanut butter and beef to cheese, blueberries, yogurt, or sweet potato blends. Dogs love them, and they're relatively nutritious as a treat and sometimes food. Refill fillings are often high in protein. And depending on what you choose, they can also contain antioxidants that aren't common in kibble because they don't survive the heat.

It's a good idea to use minimally processed and whole ingredients with no added sugar. And balance sweet foods like berries with protein foods like Greek yogurt. Vegan protein sources are okay! But straight fruit probably isn't the best for a dog.

Refilling dog bones is a great way to get more chew time from one dog bone. You can check out more tips and recipes in my free dog bone refill guide.

Now that we've established types of filled bones. Let's address any safety concerns.

I think you already know where I'm going with this.

Are Filled Bones Safe for Dogs?

Marrow-filled bones and refilled bones are generally safe for dogs. Obviously, there are some caveats.

First, the safest marrow bones and the most refillable bones are grass-fed beef bones—born and raised in the USA for good measure. They're also prepared using a slow and low-heat cooking process and must be consumed within 2 years to reduce the chance of bone degradation. Bone size matters, too.

Here's why they're safer.

• Beef cattle have stronger bones than dairy cows because they're processed as young adults and not after a lifetime of labor, producing calcium-rich milk while depleting their own bones. If a dog bone doesn't specify beef cattle, it's probably from dairy cows. That's not safe for my pups.
• Grass-fed is best because these tend to be better cared for cows. They're raised naturally in pastures and get to move around freely, strengthening their bones. Grass-fed animals also have 2X the omega-3 and less saturated fat than conventional animals. Also, more B12.
• The slow and low-heat cooking process maximizes nutrition while killing off harmful pathogens.
• I choose bones from cattle born and raised in the USA because I like to know where food comes from. Going through fewer hands and borders means fewer opportunities for something to get mislabeled.
• Bone size is a safety consideration because bones too small for your dog can choke them.
• Clear expiration date because bones may start breaking down after 2 years.

So, if you're refilling bones, it's important to start with a dog bone that meets these standards and only refill it for a couple of months, depending on the bone's expiration.

No endless trips to the buffet when safety is a concern, am I right?

For refilled bones, you should also ensure the fillings are safe and relatively nutritious for your dog. Don't overdo any stuffed bone. I give my pups their marrow bones 2-3 times a week for 15-20 minutes to maximize safety. I give them a refilled dog bone less often to maintain a balanced diet.

Are Stuffed Bones Safe for Dogs Who Are Aggressive Chewers?

Real filled bones for dogs are some of the best bones for aggressive chewers when you follow the above safety guides. Limit chew time and choose the best dog bone. Your 9 deserves the best. This is an investment in their health and many active years to run and play.

Best Chew Bones for Dogs

I just wanted to share some of my favorites.

Best for Small Dogs

For those tiny dogs that fit in your palm up to 15lb, I would choose meaty riblets. These crispy-bit-covered masterpieces are perfectly sized for smaller mouths and are refillable. So you can reuse them again and again.

Best for Mid-Sized Dogs

For mid-size pups like my terrier Pixie, I love Dynamo Bones. Not only are they perfect for medium and small dogs like my lab mix, Bruno, but I call them the perfect bone for restuffing once the marrow is gone.

Best for Large Dogs

Bruno also has an oversized appetite, so I get these Goliath bones for him a lot. They're great for aggressive chewers, and they're HUGE! They last a really long time.

Best for Aggressive Chewers That Bite Through Everything

Do you have a dog with a history of biting through anything, even real dog bones, that follows the above safety rules? Then they're ready for The Contender. It's super-compact but also large enough to prevent accidental swallowing.

Marrow Bones for Dogs: The Final Word

When chosen wisely, filled bones are a fantastic treat for dogs of all sizes. They combine the joy of chewing with nutritional benefits, making them a win-win for dogs and their parents. But choosing the right bone matters for safety. Remember to look for natural, high-quality options and always supervise your pup during chew time. Happy chomping!

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