Can Dogs Digest Bones? More Than a Dog Toy

The other day, I was playing fetch with my terrier Pixie in the park. Today, her toy of choice was a red flying disc, which was showing its years of use. She brought it to me enthusiastically when I suggested the game. The flying disc is among her toys that are clearly not digestible, along with some tennis balls and the stuffed elephant, Elrod, she likes to snuggle with on rainy nights.

Dog bones are not among the undigestible toys because dog bones are not toys at all. They're key nutrients for a healthy K9 like Pixie. In fact, they're very important for a balanced dog diet and lifestyle. They serve a purpose, so it's important to get meaty dog bones that are both nutritious and fun to chew.

Do Dogs Eat Bones?

Yes. Dogs can eat bones. Some bones are soft enough that the dog will gnaw and gnaw until it starts coming apart, and they will swallow the pieces. In fact, humans do this, too, and some might laugh at me for leaving my chicken bones on the plate!

In the wild, dogs eat many kinds of bones, mostly from smaller animals. When dogs eat bones in this way, they generally break them apart to get the marrow out. Then they pass most of the bone—in the best-case scenario.

So, the bone itself is not very digestible. The bone marrow inside is—and this is why dogs and people eat bones.

However, when it comes to domesticated dogs in homes where they're loved by doting dog parents and families who would miss them, the risks of letting a dog eat a bone can outweigh the benefits. Domesticated dogs are less practiced at eating a bone and may have less developed jaws through breeding. They are more likely to eat a piece that's too large. They could choke or not be able to move the oversized chunk through their digestible tract.

For this reason, a better strategy is to give a dog a bone that's too big and too dense for them to break apart and swallow. That's where beef cattle bones come in. Beef cattle bones come from ranches that raise cattle for their meat. When you buy these dog bones, you're helping the ranchers use the whole animal—reducing waste.

Can Dogs Digest Bone Marrow?

Dogs eat bones to get to the bone marrow. They can lick this buttery, slightly sweet tissue out as they chew on the bone.

Bone marrow is a nutrient-dense substance that's made inside bones. It's literally the lifeblood of the body. This is where new blood cells are made—including red blood cells that transport nutrients, the white blood cells that fight infection, and the platelets that patch up damage.

This tissue is rich in collagen, a structural protein that strengthens bones, joints, skin, and organs. It also has a lot of healthy fats—omega 3 and 6, important for brain, heart, immunity, and skin health.

Dogs and humans can't make these essential fatty acids and must get them in food. Yet, even veterinarian-approved kibble can be devoid of them because omega 3 is destroyed by high heat.

Bone marrow also contains a lot of vitamins and minerals. I discuss more about bone marrow nutrition in this article. Check it out next.

Bottom line: Can Dogs Digest Bones? Not the bone itself. But they can and should digest the bone marrow. Bones are very healthy treats for dogs. They're an important part of a complete diet.

Other Benefits of Dog Bone Consumption

In addition to the nutritional benefits, dogs chew on healthy bones for entertainment and mental stimulation. Marrow bones, in particular, are like a dog puzzle. My terrier Pixie will twist the bone around at different angles, lick, and paw, and chew—trying to get the marrow out. It's a very rewarding activity.

Because regular chew time is mentally stimulating, it's good for the mental health of my dogs and me. No more destructive behavior or acting out when I have to leave them at home alone for two minutes.

For a dog, healthy dog treats can also become toothbrushes. The chewing action scrapes plaque away. That amounts to a 60-80% reduction in tooth decay and bad breath-causing bacteria.

Best Chew Bones for Dogs

The best chew bones for dogs are grass-fed beef marrow bones from USA-born and raised cattle. I like to support local jobs, and my dogs deserve additional nutrition from grass-fed beef. More omega 3, less saturated fat.

Bone preparation also matters. My terrier Pixie and lab mix Bruno are both aggressive chewers who can destroy some bones fast. Those bones then become dangerous. Bones from sturdy grass-fed beef herds should be prepared using a slow and low-heat cooking process to achieve the right density.

Beyond that, it's important to consider dog bone size. Big dogs need larger bones. It's a good thing cattle have big bones and some smaller ones.

Best Chew Bones for Aggressive Chewers

When it comes to aggressive chewers like my lab mix, Bruno, finding bones that can withstand their enthusiasm without breaking is the goal. I find Meaty Marrow Knuckly Bones meets this objective. They're compact to withstand a powerful jaw. But they're also large enough that Bruno isn't going to swallow it.

Have you seen the size of a cow's knuckle? It's huge! These are great for both large dogs (over 50lb) and mid-sized pups like my 25lb terrier, Pixie.

Best Healthy Chew Bones for Large Dogs

Another favorite for large dogs is the Meaty Mammoth Champ Bone. It's extra large and perfect for big dogs with larger-than-life appetites. Plus, when the marrow is gone, you can refill it with more healthy treats for dogs, like peanut butter. You can get more dog bone refill ideas in my free recipe guide.

Best Bones for Dogs Small in Stature

Small dogs and more puppies love these itty bitty Riblets. They're sliced from larger ribs to make it easy for little dogs to enjoy a big, flavorful bone.

Best Dog Bones for Mid-Sized Pups

For Pixie, a distinctly mid-sized pup, Dynamo Bones are the perfect healthy treat. She enjoys her bone 2X a week, which is just enough time to get all the benefits without making chewing on a bone feel like a chore. You can find Dynamo Bones here for a great price.

More Than a Dog Toy: A Healthy Dog Treat

Finding the best bone for your dog depends on their size, chewing habits, and nutritional needs. Whether it’s a big knuckle bone for an aggressive chewer, a nutritious Goliath marrow bone for a large dog, or a manageable mini rib bone for a smaller pup, there’s a healthy, all-natural option for every dog out there.

Just remember, the right size and preparation make all the difference—so your pup can enjoy every bite safely and happily.

Let’s give our dogs bones that will make their tails wag, and their health thrive! 🐶

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