Are Marrow-Filled Bones Okay for Dogs? I Had to Disagree

So, last weekend, I was browsing the local leashed-dog-friendly pet shop I've been visiting since I was a kid. I came here just to pass the time on one of those rare lazy Sunday afternoons when I had nothing else to do.

After walking around aimlessly for at least 30 minutes, I decided my terrier Pixie needed a new collar. Something fun. A sparkly purple and orange one caught my eye. That's so her.

Just then, I overheard a conversation that sparked my curiosity—a customer asking a new employee: Are marrow-filled bones okay for dogs? I promise I wasn't trying to eavesdrop, but it was funny—and a little sad—to hear the things the employee was saying about marrow-filled bones.

"Marrow is too high in fat." "Real bones damage teeth." "Natural dog bones can splinter." "Real bones are unhygienic." "Synthetic bones are the best dog chew bones." And you know, this pet shop stocks a lot of them!

Now, when I heard this, I didn't run up to correct the employee. That would have been rude. Maybe I'll have an opportunity to work it into our conversation once I get to know them.

But it did remind me how much trust we put in others—especially those working in a pet store—to answer our questions. It's so important to look things up as you did today. Are marrow-filled dog bones okay?

Here's what I've learned from researching the topic. And feel free to click the links to see my reputable sources. First, I want to address some myths. And then I'll share the benefits.

Myth, Lies, and Silly Stories About Dog Bones

Myth 1: Marrow Is Too High in Fat

Some are worried about fat content. It's true that bone marrow does contain fat. One grass-fed beef marrow bone contains 22 grams (USDA.gov). However, what kind of fat is it?

• 9 grams of saturated fat (okay, most would agree that's not good.)
• 1.5 grams of trans fat (the naturally-occurring kind)
• The rest (11ish grams) is polyunsaturated fat (the healthy kind).

The polyunsaturated fats in grass-fed beef marrow bones are primarily two kinds: Omega 3 and conjugated linoleic acid (a type of Omega 6). Both of these have anti-inflammatory properties.

Plus, bone marrow is full of collagen protein, vitamins like B12, glucosamine, chondroitin, calcium, and other vital minerals.

This is an overall healthy fat profile. But I saved the best for last. Your dog doesn't even consume the marrow of one bone in a sitting.

One dog bone can last two to three weeks if you freeze it in between uses and stick with the recommendations of 15-20 minutes, 2-3 times a week.

Now, conventionally raised beef herds have higher saturated fat and lower omega 3. So, it's important to choose the healthiest bones for dogs, which come from US-raised grass-fed beef. I'm willing to spend a little more money to get a healthier marrow bone.

It's not that much more.

Myth 2: Real Dog Bones Damage Teeth

Sort of true. Real bones can damage teeth if they are not properly prepared. It's important to buy bones that have undergone a slow and low-heat cooking process.

This achieves the right density.

I don't give my dogs raw bones for this reason. Veterinarians discourage giving dogs raw bones (Preventivevet.com).

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA.org) also discourages raw food for dogs.

Myth 3: Bones Splinter

The wrong kinds of bones certainly do. Chicken bones. Small animal bones. Dinner bones. Used bone broth bones. Each of these is too soft. They're over-cooked. They can cause a splintering and choking risk.

However, when bones are prepared at a safe temperature, they can kill pathogens while retaining their nutrition and proper bone density.

With that said, all dog chew bones, even the healthiest bones for dogs, carry risks. So, I always give dog bones when I can stay near them. Usually, I'm gardening, making something fun in the kitchen, or painting while they gnaw away on their bones.

Before I move on to the next one, I want to talk a little more about dog bone safety. If you have an aggressive chewer in your house, like I do, then you definitely need to find a massive dog bone that can withstand relentless gnawing and crushing jaws. I like Meaty Mammoth Bones for large breeds. They're huge! And they last forever. Okay, not really forever. But it's the longest I've ever seen a dog bone last. And sometimes I refill empty bones with these dog bone filling recipes.

Myth 4: Real Marrow Bones are Unhygienic

I understand this belief if we're talking about raw marrow bones. I'm not too keen on having my dogs dragging raw steaks all over my house and licking my face either. That's basically what happens with raw food.

But if you buy grass-fed dog bones that are low-cooked to meaty perfection, you don't have this issue.

Also, if you're worried about taking the bone away and giving it back, just remember to freeze it in between uses.

Myth 5: Synthetic Dog Bones Are Better

Yeah? Nah. I'll pass. Here's why!

Marrow-filled bones are all-natural. They're what dogs eat in the wild.

So, not the bone exactly.

But they eat the marrow out of it. They gnaw on dog bones for entertainment because it's comforting. Just try not giving your dog anything to chew on and see what happens to your new running shoes.

So, what's my beef with synthetic bones?

They're usually made out of plastic or synthetic rubber. They have no nutritional value. And my aggressive chewer lab mix, Bruno, will destroy one in seconds.

For me, health is an important part of my dog bone-buying decisions.

Now I promised you some benefits, so here goes...

Are Marrow-Filled Bones Okay for Dogs? The Benefits

I've already mentioned several so I'll just sum this up.

• All Natural - It's what dogs would buy if they controlled the purse strings.
• Nutrition - Marrow bones have a lot of protein, vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats. I'm not sure why people are so obsessed with the saturated fat. When I buy healthy food for my family, I look at the whole food. From joint-boosting benefits to healthy skin and bones, there is so much to love about beef marrow bones.
• Mental Health - Gnawing is an instinctual behavior. When dogs have dog bones to chew on regularly, they feel and act more balanced and happy.
• Dental Health - Oh, I forgot to mention this. Dogs use bones to massage their gums, remove plaque, and strengthen their jaws. Again, it's instinct. I haven't always understood how important it is to give a dog a marrow-filled bone. My walnut dining table leg paid the price.

Money Well-Spent

Update: Pixie loves her new collar. And I think my other two are jealous. It's always worth spending a little extra money to get the best for my dogs. That's especially true when it comes to their health.

I also got to support one of my favorite small businesses, and I'm also on my way to building rapport with that new employee so we can have a heart-to-heart real dog bone conversation. Anyway, I tell you how it goes in a later post.

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