9 Benefits of Raw Marrow Bones for Dogs

 

The other day, I was at my favorite independent bookstore. It's a hole-in-the-wall kind of place within walking distance of my house. But they always seem to surprise me with the selection of thrillers from authors I've never heard. But I'd like to get to know them over a glass of wine, a comfy sofa, and my three dogs competing for the seat next to me.

While I'm curled up with a compelling mystery to solve, my furry kids are equally engrossed in their chew time, enjoying all the benefits of marrow bones dogs and making this a perfect afternoon for all of us. 

What Are The Benefits of Raw Marrow Bones?

1. A Nutritional Powerhouse

Raw marrow bones for dogs are rich in essential nutrients like:

• Vitamin A and E
• B12
• Calcium and Phosphorus
• Collagen (a vital structural protein)
• The healthy fats, omega 3 and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA)
• Glucosamine and Chondroitin

2. Joint Heath

The collagen, glucosamine, and chondroitin make these the perfect all-natural joint supplements. I used to buy capsules, but now my dogs get beef marrow bones instead. I like to treat my dogs. So why not give them something they actually want to gnaw on?

3. Dental Health

Chewing on marrow bones for dogs helps:

• Reduce Plaque and Tartar—Chewing's natural abrasive action cleans teeth. Yes, dog bones are a dog's all-natural toothbrush.
• Freshen Breath - Regular chewing can help improve your dog's breath by removing food particles and bacteria.
• Strengthen the jaw - This is important for posture and eating comfortably as dogs age.
• Promotes healthy gums - Gnawing a juicy dog bone massages the gums, reducing inflammation and promoting healthy capillary formations that lessen receding gums and the risk of tooth loss.

4. Mental Stimulation

Raw marrow bones aren't just about nutrition. They keep my dogs engaged and active. The process of working to get to the marrow with teeth, paws, and tongue provides mental stimulation and alleviates boredom. It's like TikTok for dogs but without the endless scrolling and weird dance challenges!

As humans, we don't like to have nothing to do—ever. It weighs on our mental health, leading to loneliness, depression, and sometimes anxiety. Gnawing on dog bones is comforting and fun for dogs, so it helps them feel better about life.

5. Reducing Behavior Problems

We call it "bad behavior". We want to train it out of them.

But here's the thing:

When dogs do things we don't like, when they destroy things, it's usually because they're begging for something to do. They might chew up our favorite shoes (been there!), the edge of a wooden staircase, or a table leg. They dig through the trash can, scratch up the back door, or destroy a sofa pillow.

It's easy to get mad when dogs do things we don't like, but this dog is begging for something to do.

Dogs—especially those who are confined indoors or on a chain—may be living a life of complete boredom where the only excitement they have is you walking into the room. So they jump on you, and you might push them off because they're in the way.

Then, they run to your human kid's room, where they're playing video games. And your kids push and lock them out because the dog is disrupting their session.

And it's sad!

Giving a dog a marrow-filled bone every few days can solve these "problems" and restore your relationship with your dog.

6. Safe and Long-Lasting

When chosen correctly, raw marrow bones can be durable chews. They're tough enough to last through many chewing sessions without splintering.

Even an aggressive chewer can enjoy raw marrow bones. They don't last forever, but they don't break apart like those store-bought dog bones from those big box companies.

7. All-Natural

They're raw and all-natural, so all of their nutrition is intact. They're single-ingredient with no added flavors, colors, additives, or preservatives.

8. Relatively Safe

When compared to dinner bones or used bone broth bones, raw marrow bones are definitely a safer alternative. They're less likely to splinter. Bone splintering is a serious worry because long bone fragments can pierce my dog's digestive tract. That is, if they don't get stuck in their throat.

9. Reusable

When the marrow is gone, you can often reuse marrow bones. If found these free marrow bone refill recipes and wanted to show you.

What I Don't Like About Raw Marrow Bones for Dogs

Now that I've discussed the benefits of raw marrow bones for dogs, I want to be honest: They have drawbacks.

1. Messiness

Raw bones can be messy, leaving behind greasy spots or bone fragments on the floor. I'm definitely cleaning up behind them with some disinfecting wipes and after that, a mop. This makes giving my dogs their raw beef bones an ordeal.

2. Potential for Bacteria

Raw bones can harbor harmful bacteria. So, it's important to handle and store them properly. I personally don't like to give my dogs raw bones because it's like giving them a raw steak right before they roam around the house, jump in my bed and lick my face. It doesn't seem very hygienic to me.

3. Risk of Choking

There's always the concern of small pieces breaking off, especially with aggressive chewers, so supervision is key. Also, make sure the bone is bigger than your dog's mouth. Some dogs get impatient when they can't get to the marrow all at once, and they try to swallow the whole bone. I buy these Meaty Mammoth Bones for my aggressive chewer.

4. Bone Hardness

I discussed that cooked bones can get too soft. So they splinter. But the opposite is also bad news. Raw bones can be too hard. I've heard of dogs breaking their teeth on them.

I'm Glad I Found an Alternative

I want to give my dogs the very best. But the drawbacks outweigh the benefits of raw marrow bones for dogs... Or at least they did when I found out there was another option.

I discovered this small business that I can't wait to tell you about. They use a slow and low-heat cooking process to prepare the bones for dog enjoyment. This method retains the nutrition, tasty marrow, and some meaty bites. But it kills the bacteria, and it gets the bone to a density that protects teeth without the likelihood of splinters.

I like that they choose dog bones from grass-fed beef herds raised in the USA.

This allows me to give my dogs their marrow bones more often because there's no longer a big cleanup session after chew time. My dogs get their bones 2-3 times a week for 20 or so minutes. This is the perfect amount of time to allow them to get all the benefits of marrow bones while keeping those dog bones a special treat.

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