Can Beef Bones Cause Diarrhea in Dogs?

Dawn Miller Nov 15, 20245 Minute Read

The other night, while enjoying some herbal tea in the backyard, I noticed my terrier Pixie didn't look quite right. She hadn't seemed interested in eating dinner, and now she's hanging out behind some bushes as if ashamed of her predicament—diarrhea. But the truth is, having a case of the runs every once in a while is normal for dogs and people.

We've all been there—trying to treat our pups to something fun and nutritious, like a nice beef bone, only to be met with, well, less-than-solid results. Beef bones, especially marrow bones for dogs, are a favorite among dog parents for their nutrient-rich marrow and satisfying chewiness. But can beef bones cause diarrhea in dogs? Is this messy catastrophe preventable? Let's explore these healthy treats for dogs and explain why some dogs get diarrhea.

Why Do Some Dogs Get Diarrhea from Beef Bones?

Beef bones, particularly those with marrow inside, can be a healthy dog treat. But they're also rich in fat—which dogs need in moderation. While these fats are mostly the good kind, polyunsaturated, they can overwhelm the digestive system, especially in dogs that don't have much fat in their diet.

Fat Adaptation Takes Time

Not unlike a human starting a new low carb/high fat diet, it can take time to become "fat-adapted", producing enough lipase and bile to break down those fatty acids.

Previous Digestive Issues

Some dogs may also have digestive sensitivities due to age, previous poor nutrition, or illness. If you're like me and have a couple of rescues, you weren't there to make sure your baby got good nutrition early in life. That doesn't mean you can't start remedying this. But since beef bones can cause diarrhea, you'll need to take a slow approach to introducing beef bones to their diet.

Overindulgence

Finally, pure overindulgence can lead to doggy diarrhea from beef bones. Beef bones contain bone marrow. This nutritious filling comes out a little at a time while a dog gnaws. If you leave a dog unattended, they might chew for hours trying to get all of it out.

But that's not the best way to eat marrow bones for dogs. They are a treat. And no treat should be more than 10% of a dog's diet, according to the American Kennel Club.

How to Prevent Dog Diarrhea

First of all, you should talk to your vet first if your pup has been diagnosed with pancreatitis, diabetes, or digestive problems that could make it hard for your dog to break down fat.

Limit Chew Time: It's a Treat, Not Dinner

Next, I did a little math based on the 10% rule, and this comes out to 2-3 times a week for 15-20 minutes.

So, I set regular chew times each week with my dogs. And when chew time is over, you might be thinking there is no way your dog is going to drop that meaty marrow bone without a fight.

But they will if you're clever. Have you ever needed to get your 2-year-old to hand over your smartphone that they picked up while you weren't looking? All you have to do is find something shiny to trade, and that phone is yours.

A dog is at least as smart as a 2-year-old—much smarter, actually.

I keep these collagen-filled lung treats on hand to make the offering and get the bone back. Then I can get it free next time.

So, I could just give a dog a bone, let them chew for hours on end, and make themselves sick. Or I could apply a little moderation to maximize the benefits they get from meaty beef marrow bones.

Avoid Raw Bones

Raw bones may carry additional pathogens like E. coli that you have to worry about. The American Veterinary Medical Association recommends that raw food not be part of a dog's diet. And this is just one of the reasons.

Instead look for meaty beef bones that undergo a slow and low-heat cooking process to kill pathogens while maintaining nutrition and flavor.

Introduce Slowly

My dogs get their bones at least 2 times a week without fail. But if your dog is new to dog bones, you might want to try 10 minutes at first. See how it goes.

So you may not know for a couple of hours. If all is good, try again in a few days for longer. If your dog gets diarrhea after 10 minutes, then you should probably take them to the doctor.

Preserve Properly

You can refrigerate dog bones in between uses. But I like to freeze them to further reduce the potential of something growing on it. Marrow is not liquid, but it's not quite a solid either. It's something in between. So it doesn't freeze completely.

And who doesn't want a puppy popsicle on a hot day? Dog treats don't get much better.

Don't Give to Sick Dogs

Do not give beef bones to dogs with pancreatitis or very poor dental health. You might opt for something easier on the stomach, like lung treats or beef trachea.

Choose Grass-Fed

Cows eat grass. They live in big pastures, not cramped pins. Grass-fed beef is also higher in healthy fats and lower in fat overall. So, buying grass-fed beef bones is better for the cattle and for your dog.

Only Use Dog-Friendly Bone Refill Options

Refilling dog bones is a great way to make them last even longer. But some ingredients, like chocolate and xylitol, can make dogs very sick.

Only refill bones with things dogs can safely eat, like peanut butter and butternut squash. If you want some more ideas, check out my marrow bone refill guide.

Only Get the Best Chew Bones for Dogs

The best chew bones for dogs are single ingredient—just a beef marrow bone. No preservatives or things you can't pronounce.

The best chew bones come from grass-fed beef herds born and raised in the USA. When you buy beef bones for your dogs, you're making a sustainable choice. It reduces waste by helping ranchers use the whole animal.

What to Do If Your Dog Gets Diarrhea from a Bone

If you’ve given your dog a beef bone and they experience diarrhea, don’t panic. Here’s what to do:

Remove any remaining bones from their diet and let their system rest.
Diarrhea can lead to dehydration, so make sure they have plenty of fresh water.
A small serving of plain boiled chicken and rice can help soothe their stomach. Or stick with their usual kibble until symptoms subside.
If diarrhea persists for more than a day, contact your vet. They can provide guidance and check for any underlying issues.

And remember: Beef bones given in moderation are unlikely to cause diarrhea, so if they do, you may have just discovered a previously undiagnosed health condition.