Big Dog Chews: How Bruno Became a Neighborhood Sensation

I took the most innocent picture last week. And what happened completely caught me off guard.

I'd just unwrapped a Goliath bone for my lab mix, Bruno. And he was instantly enthralled, holding it down while trying to get to the bone marrow from one of these big dog chews. It was almost too big for his oversized jaw. But he wouldn't let that stop him. The moment was just too perfect not to capture for posterity.

A quick upload to our neighborhood's social media group and the likes and shares kept coming. And Bruno got his 15 minutes of fame. Bruno's sudden local celebrity got me thinking about what it takes to be called "big dog chews."

Dog Dones for Large Dogs Must Have This

A dog bone has to be robust to stand up to the strong jaws of a large breed. That requires durability without being so hard that it breaks a dog's teeth.

A big dog bone also has to be massive. No puny bones will do. If the bone isn't at least as big as a dog's head in one direction, they can swallow that bone. It becomes a choking hazard.

I don't know about you. But I believe dog treats should be safe for teeth and tummies. And bonus points if they help me capture awesome pics that showcase Bruno's spirit, strength, and personality.

But in addition to the fundamentals, I also want the large dog chews I choose to promote health. So, here's why I say the best dog chews for large dogs are real marrow-filled beef dog bones. All-natural. And delicious.

The Healthy Dog Chews for Large Dogs Are Real Bones

Now, kibble is supposed to be complete nutrition. And it's enough for general health. But you and I know there's a difference between a diet that is okay for health and one that's optimal. 100% kibble diets are lacking in certain aspects.

For one, kibble is cooked at a very high heat to become shelf stable. High heat degrades vitamin C, many B vitamins, collagen, and healthy omega-3 fats. It doesn't matter how nutritious the ingredients are if the cooking process destroys that nutrition.

Choosing healthy big dog chews can remedy this by introducing these naturally derived nutrients into the diet that haven't been cooked to oblivion.

For example, marrow-filled bones contain ample collagen, the structural protein that strengthens bones, joints, and skin.

And don't forget about organ meats such as the large dog chews lung bites. They contain lots of collagen and vitamin C. While dogs can make vitamin C in their liver, those with compromised immune systems or showing signs of stress can benefit from getting some in their diet.

Real bones also help big dogs in so many ways:

  • Cleaner teeth and healthier mouths. Chewing scrapes away plaque and tartar, promoting healthier teeth and fresher breath
  • Stronger jaw, which is important for dog health
  • Reducing boredom
  • Stopping destructive behavior
  • Easing anxiety
  • Mental stimulation

Okay, I'll say it. Big breeds often have big brains (and bigger personalities). Chewing helps keep them mentally engaged. I have nothing against the smaller breeds, but big dogs need something extra. Those of you who have a big dog know what I'm talking about.

Big dogs want large dog chews that last a long time, so they get hours of enjoyment out of it. And healthy dog bones from grass-fed beef can deliver.

So, choosing the right dog chews for large dogs is about more than fun—it’s about meeting their physical and mental needs.

It's still important to supervise chew time and limit it to 15-20 minutes for safety. Big dogs have a habit of gnawing increasingly harder when they spend hours with a bone. Not only can this be bad for their teeth. Even a real bone will probably not stand up to hours in the jaw of a massive dog.

Everything in moderation—right?

The Large Dog Bones Bruno Loves

It's hard to pick just one best dog chew for large dogs, so here are Bruno's faves and why we love them.

1. Best for Joint Health: Champs Meaty Mammoth Marrow Bones

These massive bones are packed with marrow, a natural source of collagen and glucosamine. They support Bruno’s joint health and give his coat an extra shine. Plus, they’re long-lasting—a win for both of us. You can check out Champs here.

2. Best for Ultra-Aggressive Chewing: Contender

So, some big dogs can break anything with their powerful jaws, even real dog bones that stand up to most big dogs' aggressive chewing. For this special pup, I recommend the Contender. It's a big dog treat so that they won't swallow it. But it's also got a compact shape, so it stands up to incredible bite force when others won't.

You can see if your dog is ready for the Contender here.

3. Best All-Rounder: Dynamo Bones

Dynamo Bones is a crowd-pleaser for big breeds but slightly smaller, so mid-sized pups like my terrier Pixie can enjoy them, too.

Packed with flavor and nutrients, they’re the ideal mix of taste and durability. Bonus? They’re made from single-ingredient, grass-fed beef bones, so I know Bruno’s getting a healthy snack to satisfy his big appetite.

And my dogs love it when I refill these dog bones after the marrow's gone. I offer tips and recipes in this marrow bone refill guide. It's free.

4. Best for Aggressive Chewers: Knuckle Bones

Coming in a close second for aggressive chewers like my Bruno is the beef knuckle bone.

If your big dog chews like there’s no tomorrow, knuckle bones are the answer. Similar to the Contender, their density and size make them nearly indestructible, even for the most determined pups. You can see if your pup can tackle a beef knuckle here.

5. Best Future IG-Model Dog Bone: Goliath Bone

If you also have a big dog with dreams of becoming Instagram-famous, then I'd recommend the Goliath Bone. It's a massive bone that looks so much fun to chew on. You'll capture the best social media memories with this bone. You have to see this bone to believe it.

Chew Time Tips for Big Dogs

Bruno’s chew sessions are a ritual in our house, but keeping them safe and fun is important. Here’s what I’ve learned:

  • Limit Sessions: Let your dog chew for 15–20 minutes at a time to avoid dental wear.
  • Supervise: Always keep an eye on your dog during chew time to prevent accidents.
  • Store Smart: Freeze bones between uses to keep them fresh and extend their lifespan.

Dog Bones for Large Dogs

Watching Bruno settle into his favorite corner to chew, I realize just how much joy the right chews can bring to a big dog’s life. They’re more than treats—they’re tools for health, happiness, bonding, and memory-making

Whether you’re looking for the best chew bones for dogs or simply want to treat your gentle giant, remember: natural, durable, and dog-mom-approved is the way to go.

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