Last weekend, a group of neighbors and I were responsible for organizing the neighborhood's annual Dog Halloween Costume contest at the dog park to raise money for our local animal shelter. So, picture it: dogs dressed in superheroes, bumblebees, and pumpkins. We had some classics with witches and skeletons—as well as a very convincing dinosaur if my friend's Great Dane puppy had only been a little bigger. Maybe next year.
So much thought went into choosing the perfect costume—combining creativity with safety for our four-legged friends. No toxic body paint or restrictive garments allowed. After all, animal lovers hosted this event for a good cause. Picking the right dog bone requires no less forethought. What's safe and what isn't? Are stuffed shin bones safe for dogs?
What Are Stuffed Shin Bones?
Stuffed shin bones are bones for dogs that come pre-filled with a tasty filling, often beef marrow, peanut butter, or cheese. They come from the shins (lower front leg) of a cow.
Of your stuffed shin bone options, marrow bones for dogs are the most natural. That marrow wasn't cooked in the factory and inserted in there. It was already there. Marrow is not only delicious but also nutrient-packed. I won't get into all the details here. Just know it's good stuff, and if you want to know more, you can check out my article: Not Like Other Treats.
They're solid and last a really long time—even with tough chewers. For these reasons, they're a go-to choice for many dog parents looking for a long-lasting chew.
Now, stuffed shin bones aren't the only marrow bones that have these qualities. If you have a big dog over 50lb, consider a Champ bone.
If you have a medium-sized dog, then get them some Dynamo bones.
And for small dogs, I would choose K9 Delights.
And now the big question...
Are Stuffed Shin Bones Safe for Dogs?
Yes, they can be. But it's important to consider a few things:
- Size Matters: Make sure the bone is big enough so your dog can’t swallow it. Shin bones are big enough for most medium to large dogs.
- Check for Quality: Avoid bones that have been overcooked, are old, aren't grass-fed, or have been imported from outside the US. These are more likely to have problems or come from sicker cows. For example, many company make their dog bones out of dairy cow bones once the cow no longer produces. I love that they're using the whole animal since farmers can't afford to keep every dairy cow on the payroll when they can't produce milk. However, retired dairy cows also tend to be older and have weaker bones.
- Keep an Eye: Supervision is key. Even the safest bones need monitoring to prevent accidents. If a bone breaks, take it away immediately.
- Limit Chew Time: While marrow bones are so nutritious, bone marrow is intended to be consumed a little at a time. Marrow bones are like dog puzzles. Dogs love to paw and turn, gnaw and lick, trying to get a little sweet marrow out. But marrow bones for dogs are still treats, so 15-20 minutes 2-3 times a week is plenty.
Why Do Dogs Love Chewing Bones?
Whether it's marrow bones for dogs or stuffed shin bones, there’s no denying that dogs find these irresistible dog treats. But there's more to it than meets the eye.
Here’s why:
Life Enrichment
When you're bored, you might scroll social media or read a blog post about stuffed shin bones. Dogs don't have this luxury. They can't turn on a TV, grab a book, or pull out their smartphone.
Instead, they have an instinct to chew on things. Chewing is mentally stimulating for dogs and helps alleviate boredom and anxiety, especially when stuffed with tasty fillings. In fact, when dogs act out, chewing up pillows or running off with your brand-new hiking boots, it's often because they lack something to chew on.
My dogs may be house-broken now. But they still have that ancestral wolf instinct that must be filled.
So, dog bones are very important for mental health—theirs and mine.
And even when the marrow is gone, you can still keep the stimulation going by refilling the bone with tasty fillings like pumpkin puree (unflavored). I had so many ideas about this that I had to put them in a downloadable marrow bone refill recipe guide. It's free.
Teeth Cleaning
Chewing can help reduce plaque buildup and improve gum health. In fact, one study found that dogs that chew on dog bones have 60-80% less dangerous bacteria in their mouths. That means fresher breath, too!
When we first brought Pixie home from the shelter as a younger pup, she already had some terrible dog breath. But after just a couple months of 3X a week chew time in our house, her breath was forever changed.
And her teeth aren't too bad either—as of her last dental visit.
Nutritional Benefits
Even if dogs don't know about nutrition, they get to enjoy the benefits—more energy, better mobility, healthier digestion, and less itchy skin. The nutrients in stuffed shin bones support everything from healthy muscles to a strong heart to a high-functioning brain.
Stuffed shin bones filled with marrow can offer dogs a healthy dose of collagen, calcium, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals.
The Best Chew Bones for Dogs
Not all bones are created equal, and it's crucial to pick the right one for your dog's needs. Here's what to look for in the best chew bones for dogs when you're not compromising on safety.
- Single-ingredient, not strange ingredients, added sugars, GMO or fillers
- Grass-fed and pasture-raised because grass-fed beef is higher in omega 3, a very healthy fat that dogs don't get a lot of from kibble.
- Properly cooked using a slow and low heat process to maximize nutrition and kill pathogens while also ensuring the bone doesn't become too soft.
- From beef cattle, born and raised on US ranches
Then, to keep the bones safe, freeze them after each use so bacteria don't multiply. It becomes a bone marrow popsicle, even more fun, especially on a hot day.
When it's time to end chew time, please do so safely. Some dogs will not be agreeable to having their bones taken away. I use collagen-rich beef lung treats as an exchange. They drop the bone for the little treat.
And problem solved.
Final Thoughts: Are Stuffed Shin Bones Safe for Dogs?
When chosen carefully and used under supervision, stuffed shin bones for dogs can be a fantastic treat. They provide mental stimulation, help maintain dental health, and offer nutrition-packed enjoyment. And they're totally safe when you take a few precautions.
As with any dog treat or toy, always keep an eye on your dog to ensure they’re chewing safely.
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