Keepin' Them Busy with Filled Dog Bones for Large Dogs
On the way back from an open-air concert in the park, my lab mix Bruno sat contently in the backseat. No fuss or misbehaving from him on the way home because he knew what awaited him for his excellent behavior that evening—a big filled dog bone for large dogs.
Filled bones are great for keeping dogs busy, relieving boredom, and generating a sense of well-being as they feed that very real and serious instinct dogs have to chew on things.
We've tried a lot of dog bones over the years. But few have stood up to his aggressive chewing. He destroyed them in seconds. Many of them weren't very healthy and had a lot of additives. Some were even safety hazards. I've learned through some trial and error.
So, with those now in a landfill and out of our home, I've narrowed down my favorite filled bones that keep big dogs busy.
How Do Dog Bones Keep Big Dogs Busy?
Dog bones are an excellent way to keep dogs entertained because they engage their natural chewing instinct. Here's how:
Mental Stimulation
Chewing requires focus, which helps combat boredom and can calm anxious dogs. A filled bone is like a dog puzzle. Big dogs have to figure out how to get the filling out. And, oh, they will try everything. Every angle, their paws, their teeth, their tongue.
Physical Activity
Gnawing on a tough bone provides a physical outlet for energy, helping to tire out dogs and prevent destructive behaviors. I would go out of my mind if I had to sit around the house and do nothing in between my dog walks. Wouldn't you?
Chewing on a filled bone is a whole body activity, especially when I give my dog a really big bone they can get their paws up around.
Long-Lasting Entertainment
It's like Facebook but for dogs.
If I'm watching funny videos and seeing the best memes, I'm going to keep scrolling, sometimes for an embarrassing amount of time. Filled bones are a challenge. But it's fun! They only get a little filling at a time. So, the sweet and tasty filling is their reward.
It gives them those dopamine hits and keeps them scrolling—I mean gnawing.
But not just any dog bone can do these things. It's got to be a filled dog bone. And best of all, they're all healthy!
What Exactly Are Filled Dog Bones?
Picture this: a durable, long-lasting bone filled with delicious beef marrow. Sounds amazing for dogs, am I right? And the best part? Beef marrow is packed with nutrients like vitamin B12, iron, and collagen, as well as healthy fats that support healthy joints, digestion, and even coat health.
I go into more depth in the nutrition and benefits of filled bones in my article here. So, be sure to check that one out. Next!
What Makes the Best Filled Dog Bones for Large Dogs?
The best large-filled dog bones contain naturally occurring bone marrow for dogs to lick out. Here are some other criteria that are super important to me as a dog mom of 3 energetic K9s.
- They're single-ingredient, made of free-range, grass-fed cattle. There are no other ingredients, making these incredibly safe and healthy for your pup.
- They're 100% all-natural and don't have any preservatives, fillers, or artificial flavors.
- They have a beef marrow stuffing, which contains nutrients that enhance your dog's health.
- They're low-calorie and have a minimum of 30% protein each to help keep my pups strong and lean.
- They're individually wrapped and have a shelf-life of up to 2 years. The bone itself is also very long-lasting, and you can stuff them with another tasty treat when all the marrow is gone. I even created a bone refill guide with some of my best recipes.
- When your dog chews on these, they reduce plaque and tartar buildup on their teeth for better dental health.
- Their durability is perfect for aggressive chewers can safely gnaw on them.
- They're odor-free, so your pup can chew on its filled dog bone cuddled up next to you.
- They're locally sourced and made in the United States.
Now....on to the stars of the show.
Best Long-Lasting Filled Bone for Large Dogs: Meaty Mammoth Marrow-Filled Champ Bone
This one's a hit in my household. My Lab, Bruno, loves gnawing on these. They're packed with flavorful beef marrow, and when he's done with the marrow, I stuff it with his favorite natural peanut butter for a second round of fun. But be sure to stir that peanut butter well first. You know how natural peanut butter is.
These marrow-filled chew treat bones stuffed with marrow are ideal for dogs over 50 pounds. Dogs love them, and even the most aggressive chewers can gnaw on these for a long time to come!
You can get a 3 pack on Amazon here. Just look at these reviews. An instant hit around our home!
The Biggest, Baddest Filled Bone: All-Natural Meaty Mammoth Marrow-Filled Jumbone
For those extra aggressive chewers, this bone really stands up. It would keep my big dog occupied for hours if I let him have it for that long.
This jumbone is exactly that – jumbo. It's another deliciously nutritious marrow-filled dog bone for large dogs over 50 pounds. This bone is every active chewer's dream!
Thinking your dog is ready to take the Jumbone Challenge? You can find these massive dog bones here.
Best Mixed Household Filled Bone: Natural Marrow-Filled Dynamo Bone
This slightly smaller option is perfect for my little furry family. I have 3 dogs. And two of them are a little smaller. This bone is a good mid-size for their smaller mouths but big enough for most large dogs. Maybe not for a Great Dane or Mastiff, but most.
It's a powerhouse of flavor and durability. It's perfect for my medium-sized pup, Pixie, and my big dog, Bruno.
If you have a large dog right around that 50 pounds mark or smaller, the Dynamo Bone is ideal. Like the others, it's filled with flavorful beef marrow and lasts a long time while your pup enjoys its new bone.
This also happens to be one of my favorite bones to refill with Greek yogurt. And since they come in a pack 3, each of my dogs can have one.
You can see it here.
Filled Dog Bones for Large Dogs: FAQ
If you have any questions about filled dog bones, we have the answers!
Are filled bones ok for dogs?
Absolutely! As long as your dog's bones are stuffed with a healthy, safe filling, it's a great treat. The filled bones I buy come already stuffy with naturally-occurring bone marrow.
This stuff is wonderful for dogs. Beef marrow is filled with healthy nutrients like vitamin B12, iron, and collagen.
At what age can a dog have a filled bone?
As with any bone, you should wait until your dog has all their adult teeth before giving it to them. This is usually around 6 months old.
Once your dog has a full set of adult teeth, it's safe for them to chew bones. If you give your pup a filled bone too early, it can damage its teeth. Also, puppy teeth are very sharp and can break bones, which could cause blockage or choking.
You can always consult your vet if you're unsure if your dog is ready to have a filled bone.
What can I fill my dog's bones with?
Once your dog's bone is all out of marrow, you can fill it with another delicious treat. So, I could tell you all the ways I love to refill dog bones to make them last even longer. But I get bonus points if you download my dog bone refill guide. So please do that instead.
Note: Make sure your dog's filled bone (+ other treats) only makes up for ~10% of their daily caloric intake. The rest of their calories should come from their dog food.
How often can my dog have a marrow-filled bone?
Because these are healthy bones, it's okay for your dog to enjoy them often. Most pet owners offer their dogs a marrow-filled bone every few days or less. Remember that bones and treats should only make up about 10% of your dog's daily calories. The rest should come from their kibble.
Are filled bones high in fat?
Bone marrow contains healthy fats (omega 3 and 6) and some saturated fat. Omega fats are important for brain, skin, and heart health—just to name a few. Plus, if you buy grass-fed beef filled bones, they're lower in saturated fat and higher in the good stuff. So, definitely do that.
Are filled bones safe?
Filled bones for large dogs are generally safe when used correctly. So, only 10% of the diet. That comes out to around 20 minutes 2-3 times a week. That's plenty of time to get enough marrow out.
It's like when I used to manage my kids; screen time when they were still at home. A little at a time is good. Too much may become a problem. With marrow bones, in particular, it could spoil their dinner.
And I like to supervise gnaw sessions. While it's rare, any dog chew treats can become a choking hazard if your dog tries to swallow it. I always make sure that the bones I buy are bigger than my dog's head in one direction to reduce this risk.
Filled Dog Bones for Large Dogs: Like a Gaming System for Your Dogs
Filled dog bones are a great treat, especially if you choose a healthy option. They'll keep them busy for longer. This is the best dog entertainment ever. And I enjoy watching them too!
To learn more about the best bones for small dogs, check out my post: The Best Small Dog Bones: Healthy for the Win!
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