Are Smoked Bones Safe for Dogs? Tasty Treat or Tempting Terror

   

Last Saturday, I attended the annual holiday market in my community. Picture rows of booths lined with homemade crafts, local small business baked goodies, and of course, the dog parent section you wouldn't believe—a dozen crunchy dog cookies in a dog-themed decorative tin, smoked dog bones tied up with little red bows, dog-friendly pumpkin pie.

I love to treat my dogs around the holidays. A common topic of conversation this time of year is: “Are smoked bones safe for dogs?” “Can dogs have smoked bones without issues?” “What’s the big deal with marrow bones for dogs?” "Is pumpkin pie an acceptable dog treat?"

Are Smoked Bones Safe for Dogs?

The short answer? Yes, smoked bones are safe for dogs—but only when prepared correctly. I don't trust just any dog bone vendor at my neighborhood market with this task. There's a distinct difference between making sure your homemade chicken pies reach the right temperature and smoking a dog bone to the right density.

It requires industrial equipment most of us don't have at home. Smoked bones undergo a cooking and curing process that gives them a smoky flavor dogs love while preserving the bone’s nutrients. ut, there are a few things dog parents need to know to ensure their furry friend’s safety.

Why Some Bones Are Risky

Not all bones are safe. The wrong bone or improper preparation can lead to issues like splintering, choking, or digestive blockages.

For instance:

• Some animals, like chickens, turkeys, geese, and small animals, have weak bones. Not only are their bones naturally weaker. Factory farming practices where they grow food animals in unnaturally fast ways in confined spaces don't prioritize bone health. This method raised animals to produce the most meat. These bones are dangerous regardless of how you try to serve them up on a plate for your dog.
• Cooked bones (like those from your dinner plate) can become brittle and splinter, even if they come from larger animals like cattle or pigs. They've been cooked for too long and at too high a temperature. Sadly, these bones may also come from conventionally raised animals who aren't treated the best. And bone health can suffer.
• Raw bones carry a higher risk of bacteria like salmonella if not handled properly. I personally don't give my dogs raw bones. Just a personal preference. I have found a better dog bone.
• Poorly processed smoked bones might splinter or contain unhealthy additives. The other day, I was looking at the list of ingredients for some "healthy" dog bones. And they had added sugar, GMO ingredients, and some hide tanning chemicals that are not ideal. Somehow, that just didn't compute.
• Retired dairy cows have notoriously weak bones because they are processed after a lifetime of producing milk. Not only does over-production likely leach calcium from their bones, but they're also older. And the older ladies know bone density naturally goes down as we age.

Choosing high-quality smoked bones made explicitly for dogs ensures safety and eliminates these risks. And I'll be honest. I'm partial toward grass-fed beef bones.

Are Smoked Bones OK for Dogs?

Generally, yes. Smoked bones are a great addition to your dog's diet. They provide mental stimulation, dental health benefits, and skin, hair, bone, and joint-supporting nutrition.

When given in moderation, smoked dog bones are safe and healthy for dogs. Just don't overdo it. 90% of my dogs' diets should be veterinarian-approved kibble. Then, if I want to give a dog a bone, that's A-OK.

Can Dogs Have Smoked Bones?

Absolutely. Especially marrow bones for dogs because they still contain some nutritious bone marrow that dogs love. It's such a treat for my lab mix, Bruno. Every time he gets his bone, it's like Christmas morning.

Let's take a closer look at the many health benefits of marrow bones for dogs:

1. Rich in Nutrients

When I said they're nutritious, I was lying. Smoked bones, especially marrow bones for dogs, are packed with nutrients like calcium, phosphorus, and collagen. These support bone health, joint function, and a glossy coat.

They have glucosamine and chondroitin for joint support. Plus, if I buy grass-fed beef bones, my 3 dogs get 2X the omega 3 and less saturated fat than conventionally-raised cattle.

2. Long-Lasting Chew

Unlike softer chews, smoked bones are durable, making them perfect for aggressive chewers. They provide hours of entertainment and satisfy your dog’s natural urge to chew. This can reduce behavioral issues like chewing on things they shouldn't.

If only I'd known this before leaving Bruno alone at home with my new walnut dining table.

3. Dental Health Boost

Chewing on bones helps scrape away tartar and plaque, promoting healthy gums and fresher breath. It’s like giving your dog a toothbrush they’ll actually love. A Rutgers University study found that dogs that chew on dog bones regularly have 60-80 less harmful bacteria in their mouths. The bone-chewing group had significantly healthier gums and overall oral health within just 12 weeks.

4. Safe & Digestible

When sourced from reputable suppliers, smoked bones are carefully processed to reduce splintering and ensure they’re safe to chew. The bone marrow is nutritious and digestible when given in moderation. I give my dogs their bones 2-3 times a week for around 20 minutes to maximize these benefits.

And when the bone marrow is gone, I don't throw the bone out. I can refill it a few times with tasty dog treats like unsweetened pumpkin, peanut butter, or yogurt. I've got a whole bunch of dog bone refill ideas in this free guide.

5. Good for Mental Health

Chewing on dog bones is very stimulating. It's like social media scrolling for dogs. They get a little dopamine hit each time a little bone marrow escapes from the dog bone.

Bone marrow is naturally a little sweet. So it's a treat for dogs. They're working hard for it, leading to a lot of gnawing and licking, trying to get the marrow out. When I give a dog a marrow bone, it's a lot like giving them an all-natural dog puzzle toy.

Can Dogs Eat Smoked Bones Alone?

While smoked dog bones are generally safe for dogs, you should supervise and make chew time a time-limited activity. This can reduce the risks of an aggressive chewer ramping up its gnawing power and breaking the bone. I often give my dogs their bones while I'm making dinner or painting a still life in the backyard.

That way I can stay near them. I can see how they gnaw and take it away if it becomes unsafe. That's rare since I choose grass-fed beef bones that are smoked to the perfect density.

But it's not too much time out of my day to stay near them.

Can Dogs Eat Smoked Bones Every Day?

I wouldn't recommend it. Based on the fact that snacks should be no more than 10% of the diet, every day would be overkill. Besides, I want it to stay a treat for my dogs. They love their smoked dog bones. And I love what dog bones do for dog health.

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