7 Bone Marrow for Dogs Benefits: Surprising Truth Buried Until Now

It was a gray Saturday afternoon. My terrier Pixie and I were waiting in line outside our favorite local bakery for their new autumn-inspired cookie bundle. 3 for my partner and me and 3 for my dogs, with all ingredients signed off by our neighborhood vet. Peanut Butter Pumpkin. Greek Yogurt and Blueberries. Cheezy Butternut.

You know, I don't eat cookies every day. But when I do, I treat myself. I like to splurge for something fun and delicious, and I try not to think too much about the health benefits of cookies—or lack thereof. But I'm glad I don't have to choose between health and pure dog treat bliss when it comes to dog treats.

Some dog treats—like bone marrow for dogs—are an easy choice. Dogs love the sweet, buttery flavor. And I love that they're healthy treats for dogs.

What is Bone Marrow?

Bone marrow is the soft, protein-rich fatty substance found within the cores of animal bones. This tissue is a nursery for blood cells and platelets in a mammal body—so it's super nutrient-rich.

For dogs, bone marrow offers a unique, naturally flavorful treat loaded with essential nutrients. These nutrients support everything from joint health to immune function, making it a healthy dog treat that parents can feel good about.

Bone Marrow Benefits for Dogs

1. Supports Healthy Bones and Joints

Bone marrow has a substantial amount of glucosamine and chondroitin. So it can work as a dog joint supplement. Some studies show that this substance can ease arthritis pain and inflammation. These nutrients help support mobility and keep joints flexible, especially for active dogs or aging pups with arthritis.

The collagen in bone marrow is another win for your pup. Collagen is a structural protein and the most abundant in the body. But like humans, dogs make less collagen as they age. Supplementing can help ensure dogs have the amino acids needed to make collagen.

2. Better Skin and Coat Health

Collagen is also important for skin tone and elasticity. Consuming bone marrow in moderation gives dogs like my lab mix Bruno with his notorious winter temperamental skin some relief.

Then there's the omega 3 and 6 in bone marrow. These healthy fats are excellent for skin and coat health. These essential fats keep the skin hydrated and make coats shinier and healthier-looking. Omega 3 is well-known for its anti-inflammatory properties. The Omega 6 is conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), which can also reduce inflammation when consumed in moderation.

By extension, healthier skin leads to better-looking and feeling coats. My dogs’ coats are definitely more lush and shiny since we added marrow bones to their treat routine.

When I first chose Pixie from the shelter where I volunteer, her coat was wirey and dull. But I didn't let it dissuade me from bringing the girl home. I knew that once I improved her nutrition with bone marrow, we'd restore the look and feel of her hair.

3. Promotes Dental Health

The act of gnawing on a marrow bone is like a workout for your dog’s teeth and gums. It naturally scrapes away plaque and keeps gums healthy, reducing the likelihood of dental problems like gum disease. In fact, studies have shown that dogs who chew on marrow bones have 60-80% less harmful bacteria in their mouths.

4. Better Breath

Reducing the harmful bacteria spares the teeth from damaging acid—a by-product of bacteria overpopulation. I don't know about you, but I never have been able to get my dogs into the habit of regular teeth brushing. With marrow bones, they can get "brushed" teeth without having my awkward hands trying to stick a brush in their mouth.

Don't tell Pixie I told you this. But she used to have the stinkiest breath. Seriously. I had to overlook it because I knew once I brought my sweet girl home and got her on a regular chew time schedule, that bad breath would be no more.

5. Improves Digestive Health and Bladder Integrity

Collagen is a critical protein for strengthening the digestive tract lining. Glucosamine, chondroitin, and hyaluronic acid (all found in bone marrow) reinforce the bladder lining. So, whether we're talking about #1 or #2, eating bone marrow is good for what ails many dogs—and cats and people—by the way.

Eating bone marrow as little as once or twice a week can help with vomiting, dog diarrhea, and frequent UTIs.

6. Immune System Modulation

Bone marrow contains vitamins A, K, and E, contributing to a robust immune response. It's also one of the few parts of an animal that has some vitamin C, although organ meat, like beef collagen lung bites, would be a slightly better source for that.

These vitamins help defend against illness, keeping your pup healthier in the long run. Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that protects cells from damage.

The type of Omega 6, called conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), also has immune system modulating effects, which means it can help ramp infection fighters up or down based on the body's needs. That's why it's known as both a pro- and anti-inflammatory fat.

7. Mental Stimulation

Finally, if you give your dogs marrow bones and allow them to get the marrow out themselves, you're providing them with mental stimulation.

Dogs instinctually want to chew on bones. It provides entertainment and a sense of well-being. It relieves anxiety, and it gets rid of the boredom that can lead to destructive behaviors.

A dog bone filled with sweet marrow is like a puzzle toy. You'll watch your dog try to lick and paw from different angles, trying to get some marrow out. And they don't need much to get the health benefits. This is very rich stuff. These are very healthy treats for dogs.

Bone marrow is also a great source of B12 and other B vitamins, which are well-known for supporting energy levels and mental health.

On a stormy night, my lab mix Bruno gets so focused on his marrow bones that he calms down and rests easily afterward.

Maximizing the Benefits of the Best Chew Bones for Dogs

Here are some quick tips to maximize the benefits:

• Give Your Dog a Bone: Instead of just giving them bone broth, get them a whole marrow bone. This ensures they get the dental and mental health benefits.
• Don't let them overindulge: Bone marrow is very rich, and they only need a little a couple of times a week to get all of the benefits. There's another reason to give them the whole bone. It helps them get just a little at a time.
• Grass-Fed Beef Bones: These are naturally higher in omega-3s and lower in unhealthy fats.
• USA Sourced: Support local quality standards for production and animal welfare.
• Slow-Cooked or Raw: Low-heat cooking retains nutrients, while raw bones are great for dogs familiar with raw diets. I don't personally recommend raw diets, and neither does the American Veterinary Medical Association.
• Single-Ingredient: Look for bones without additives or preservatives for a clean, healthy treat.
• Refill Used Bones: When the marrow is gone, refill it with tasty treats from this bone refill guide. It's free.

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