Can Dogs Chew on Beef Bones? An Almost Hiking Disaster

When people ask me: Can Dogs Chew on Beef Bones? I think back nearly a decade to the time I learned why dogs chew on dog bones. My family had been planning a big weekend hike with our two dogs up in the mountains. We would trek up to our favorite camping spot by the stream. As the day approached, it was all my kids, 10 and 12 at the time, could talk about.

The night before, our backpacks were overflowing and lying next to the back door, along with my trusty hiking boots... that wouldn't be there the next morning when we woke at 4 AM to get an early start on the trail. One of my dogs—I am still not sure which—had a different idea. They destroyed my only pair of hiking boots, leaving me to choose between my new running shoes and some oversized leather sandals.

After a day of hiking in my running shoes, you had better believe I looked into how to prevent this destructive behavior. I not only found out the answer to: can you give beef bones to dogs? I learned that keeping my shoes intact wasn't the only reason to buy bones for dogs.

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Can You Give Beef Bones to Dogs?

A beef bone makes the perfect dog bone. It's the right size and density for dogs to chew on. And unlike bones from poultry and small animals, it's unlikely to splinter or become unsafe.

Dog bones are a necessity for dogs. And I didn't know this.

Dogs chew on bones for entertainment, self-soothing, and alleviation of boredom. Thinking back to the hiking boot disaster, I wonder if one of my dogs thought we were going to leave them behind. Separation anxiety is just one reason dogs chew on things they shouldn't.

Dogs also chew on bones to clean their teeth, massage the gums, and strengthen the jaw. This is natural behavior—an instinct that shouldn't be denied. Beef bones are perfect for this in every way. They have many crevices for teeth-scraping, plus tasty meaty bits that my dogs love.

Now, I always keep bones for dogs in our house. We take them on trips, including hiking excursions. While my family sits for a walking break munching on granola bars or nut mix, our dogs gnaw on their dog bones.

Can Dogs Chew on Beef Bones?

Dogs can chew on beef bones. The dog bones just need to be the right size for your dog.

Of course, a cow is a big animal. They have some huge bones, which are perfect for large dogs. But they also have some smaller ones, all the way down to very small bones for medium to small dogs.

When you choose a bone for your dog's size, look for one that is big enough that they can't get the whole thing in their mouth. At the same time, if you have a smaller dog, it should be small enough that they can get their jaw around it. You want them to get those dental cleaning benefits.

I get Meaty Mammoth Bones for my lab mix. He's a gentle giant but also an aggressive chewer. Then I like these hickory-smoked beef marrow bones for my two medium-sized dogs.

Is Bone Marrow Good for Dogs?

Absolutely! Bone marrow is highly beneficial for dogs due to its rich nutritional content. While gnawing a bone, your dog is slowly licking and pulling the marrow out to get all of its benefits. This slightly sweet, nutrient-dense substance has so many benefits a dog mama can love:

• Nutritional Value - Bone marrow is packed with essential nutrients such as vitamins A, B12, and K2, as well as minerals like iron, zinc, and phosphorus.
• Healthy Fats - It contains healthy fats that are vital for energy and overall health, like omega 3 and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA). These healthy fats both have well-established anti-inflammatory properties.
• Protein - The protein in bone marrow is mostly collagen. Collagen is a structural protein used by dogs and humans to make skin, hair, bones, and joints.
• Joint Health - The glucosamine and chondroitin in bone marrow support joint health, which is particularly beneficial for older dogs.
• Mental Stimulation - Chewing on marrow bones provides mental engagement and helps reduce boredom. It's like a game where they gnaw to get the marrow out.

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Beef Chew Bones for Dogs: The Risks

Now, some people say you shouldn't give your dog beef bones. I don't want to disregard reputable professionals sharing their concerns. So, I looked into this further to find out what the risks are and how I can reduce them.

Preparation Matters

If the dog bone is cooked for too long or at too high a temperature, it can become brittle. That's why experts say you should never give your dogs bones—even beef bones—from the dinner table. Generally, when we cook meat, we heat it to a higher temperature than is safe for dogs.

I also never give my dogs my beef marrow bones that I use to make bone broth. Boiling the bones not only pulls the marrow out of the bones. It makes the bone unstable.

At the same time, I prefer not to give my dogs raw marrow bones because of pathogens. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) discourages raw dog food.

Instead, I buy beef bones from a professional who sources them from USA-raised, grass-fed cattle before preparing them using a precise, slow and low-temperature cooking method. This kills the pathogens but retains the tasty meaty bits, marrow, and nutrition.

Limit Dog Bone Time

A dog bone may be the healthiest dog treat you can buy, but it's still a treat. Dog bones should make up no more than 10% of the diet. The rest should be veterinarian-approved dog food. I give my dogs their bones for 15-20 minutes, and possibly a little longer. I do this 2-3 times a week. This is plenty of time for my dogs to get all of the dog bone benefits.

And I like that they don't use the treat all at once. I can freeze it in between uses and give it back to them again and again. They don't last forever, but one beef marrow bone can last for a very long time if you follow this tip.

If you are a little worried like I was about trying to take a dog bone away from your dog, I have quick tips for you. Try beef lung bites. These tasty and nutritious treats give me the perfect bargaining chip. As soon as my dogs drop their bone to get their snack, I cleverly steal their bones and put them away for later.

Always Supervise

Never leave your dog unattended with any dog bone, all-natural or synthetic. While it's less common with all-natural beef bones, any dog bone can splinter if the dog bites down too hard.

And that's it. Can you give beef bones to dogs? Yes. And please do. There are so many reasons to give your dog a real dog bone.

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