Whenever one of my neighbors gets a new dog, we celebrate. Everyone wants to see it and be the first to welcome the new addition to our dog-loving community, especially when that new one is a puppy. So, last week, my neighbor brought home a Mini Schnauzer puppy that she's named "Ollie", around 6 months old, and we all thought we would die from the cuteness.

Mini Schnauzers are known for their boundless energy and the fact that they can get into trouble if they get bored. Their dog parents must create a stimulating environment with toys and things to chew on. Or else, they can become temperamental, barking excessively and chewing on everything. Good thing I brought gifts of the best natural dog bones for puppies.

We're ruffing up boredom today!

Why Puppies Love Bones

For puppies, chewing is a new experience to be explored. They spent weeks nursing. Then they graduated to soft food. And then kibble. Once they start chewing on things, they don't want to stop. But it serves a purpose.

Even though older puppies have their adult teeth, their mouths can still feel sore and need the soothing of chewing action. Chewing on bones also feels comforting and entertaining because it's instinct for dogs to chew on things.

If we don't give them something to chew on, they will find something—probably not something we'll be happy about.

Then, if you give them marrow bones for puppies, they can benefit from that sweet, buttery marrow inside their dog bone. A puppy like Ollie will work at a dog bone for hours trying to pull out more sweet marrow if you let them.

Why I Love Bones for Puppies

Puppies don't know about the health benefits. They only know it tastes good. So, beyond the prevention of destructive behavior by keeping a pup like Ollie busy, what else is there for us dog moms and puppy dads to love?

First, there's the nutrition.

I like to start my dogs on extra nutrition as early as possible. I mean, don't get me wrong. Veterinarian-approved kibble is a balanced dog diet. But it's not optimal because much nutrition is lost in the high-heat cooking and drying process to make kibble shelf stable. Omega 3, vitamin C, and some vitamins are notorious for not making it through the process.

Marrow bones for dogs can supplement this lost nutrition. These puppy chews contain marrow. It's mostly made from protein, collagen (a structural protein), and healthy fats. Plus, it has a lot of vitamins and minerals.

Chewing on marrow bones for puppies is also good for their teeth. From the moment they're born, plaque starts developing. It gives harmful mouth bacteria a place to live and makes the mouth acidic. That leads to tooth damage and dog breath. Regular chewing on marrow bones for dogs can remove this plaque and keep it from expanding, making the mouth less hospitable to nasty bacteria.

In fact, one group of researchers found that dogs that chew on dog bones regularly have 60-80% less harmful bacteria in their mouths.

And finally, the mental health support that bones provide to both puppies and dogs is vital. I would die from boredom if I had nothing to do. It would weigh on my mental health. Dogs can't turn on the TV or grab their smartphone. Their entertainment is either playing with you or a big juicy bone.

Why They Need Natural Puppy Chews

Puppies have a whole lifetime to be exposed to harmful chemicals, additives, and added sugar. And that can lead to health problems and weight gain down the road.

I'd much rather start them on a healthy, all-natural diet young. They're still growing. All that amazing nutrition is becoming a part of their little bodies and helping them grow up strong. If a product is truly all-natural, it's single ingredient. It's made of something dogs want to chew on in the wild.

That describes real grass-fed beef bones for dogs to the T.

Best Natural Dog Bones for Puppies

Best Puppy Chews for Small Puppies

Most puppies are small. They're under 15 lbs and may even fit in the palm of your hand. Ideally, you want to make sure they have dog bones to get their little jaws around so they can enjoy those teeth cleaning and jaw-strengthening benefits.

K9 Delights for small dogs are perfect for puppies. They have very narrow edges, so even toy-size pups can find a place to grab hold and start chewing.

You can get K9 Delights for puppies here.

Best Marrow Bones for Larger Puppies

Some puppies are larger, over 15lb, from a very young age. You mustn't give them a bone that's too small for their mouth. Some dog bones marketed for puppies may just be too small. Meaty Ribs are a solid mid-sized marrow bone. It's long, so you don't have to worry about your pup trying to swallow it whole.

You'll find the best prices on Meaty Ribs for puppies here.

Best Starter Bones for Puppies

Trachea puppy chews make the best starter bones. They're technically not bones—they're made of cartilage. And they have more give than a dog bone. They're gentler on stomachs. And it's easier for puppies to tear small pieces off. These chews are rich in glucosamine and chondroitin to grow healthy bones and joints, as well as collagen, vitamins, and minerals.

I like to get a huge pack of 20 on Amazon.

My Top Tips for Giving Bones to Puppies

1. Observe. Stay right there with them to see how they respond. If the bone breaks (which shouldn't happen when you buy quality), you must take it away. If they try to swallow it, take it away and try again later.
2. Buy from a vendor you trust. K9 Connoisseur is a USA company that sources bones from grass-fed beef herds born and raised in the USA. Bones are prepared and tested for proper density and can last up to 2 years. The company takes animal welfare seriously and supports local shelters in finding forever homes for as many dogs as possible.
3. Limit chew time. Go for 15-20 minutes 2-3 times a week. This is plenty of time for your puppies to get some bone marrow without over-indulging and ruining their dinner.
4. Only give to pups with adult teeth. Puppies have very sharp and breakable little teeth. Wait until they have their adult teeth to enjoy it—at about 6 months.
5. Refill and reuse. You can get many chew sessions out of one bone. But freeze it in between to keep it safer. And once the marrow is gone, you can still use the bone a few more times by refilling it with dog treats like peanut butter and butternut squash. See more ideas in my free downloadable recipe guide.

Little Ollie Gets His First Chew Bone

I brought beef kneecaps for Ollie. As he took one from my neighbor's hand, the cuteness factor went up to 12. He's an instant social media star. I can't wait to follow him on Instagram.

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