The Best Marrow Bones for Puppies: Healthy Chews for Happy Pups

It was a cool Saturday afternoon, and I was chatting with a long-time neighbor in her dining room over a hot cup of cocoa and a brownie because we can never have too much chocolate.

We had front-row seats to the entertainment today. My neighbor's mama dog had recently given birth to a small litter. And those babies were now up and exploring the house for the first time. I laughed at all the energy they had without the stimulants (caffeine, of course) I was consuming.

It reminded me that some treats are okay for puppies—and others aren't. Coffee and chocolate are fine for my friend but off the table for puppies and all dogs, for that matter. Same with dog treats. Some dog bones may be okay for grown pups. But what about all-natural marrow bones for puppies? I'm here to set the record straight about giving puppies a real dog bone. Plus, I'll address your safety concerns and share some of my faves.

Beef marrow bones are perfect for puppies because they're nutritious, safe, and delicious. There I said it!

What are marrow bones?

Marrow bones are bones with marrow, a nutrient-rich tissue, in the center. They're a healthy and delicious treat. So, most dogs and pet parents love them!

In the body, bone marrow is the source of new blood cells that fuel life and protect the body from invasions. So, you know this stuff has to be good.

It's nutrient-dense—filled with the body's most abundant structural protein, collagen. Plus, vitamin B12, iron, calcium, healthy fats, and other essential nutrients.

I share more about the nutrition and benefits in this article here.

Beef marrow has a slightly sweet taste and a smooth texture that k9s can't get enough of. And once the marrow is all gone, the bone is hollow, perfect for filling with another tasty treat from my dog bone refill guide.

Are marrow bones safe for puppies?

Yes! In fact, beef marrow bones are one of the safest bones for puppies because they're healthy. They're also durable enough for aggressive chewers.

With that said, it's important to size the bone for your puppy appropriately. Bones should be big enough not to fit into your dog's mouth completely. For some breeds, that means that by 6 months, they're already big enough for bones intended for mid-sized dogs (over 15lb). But for others, you want little marrow bones for puppies (up to 15lb).

If this seems a little confusing, don't worry. I've found some great bones for all-size puppies, so no fur babies have to be left out.

I share some other dog bone safety tips here.

At what age can a puppy have a marrow bone?

Puppies shouldn't have any bone, including marrow bones for puppies, until they're at least 6 months old. It's safe for puppies to chew on bones when they have adult teeth, typically between 6 and 8 months of age.

If you aren't sure if your puppy is ready for bones, you can always consult your vet.

Before this age, you can try something softer, like beef lung treats in moderation.

If you're tempted to give your sweet little balls of fluff a dog bone before 6 months, please give it to their dog mom (the K9 one) instead. She deserves it! And she can pass on all of that nutrition through her milk.

Best Marrow Bones for Puppies

Like I said, it depends on your puppy's size. So, if you haven't been to the vet recently. Grab your pup and step on a scale. Subtract your own weight. Now, you know your pup's weight.

Or you could have done it the easy way. If they're too little to make a home digital scale work by themselves, they're probably under 15lb.

So, now that you have a puppy weight, here's what I'd recommend based on size.

Best for Big Puppies (over 15lb): Meaty Ribs

Now, these are your Mastiffs, Great Danes, Saint Bernards, Newfoundlands and similar breeds. But other breeds can be over 15lb by 6 months, too. For these hefty-sized big babies, I would choose meaty ribs. They're intended for medium-sized dogs, which would include some large puppies.

Best for Smaller Puppies (Under 15lb): Doggy Slice Delight

A smaller puppy, which is really going to be most puppies, would love the doggy slice. It's covered in tasty, meaty bits all dogs can't resist. But it's on the smaller side, making it more accessible for the average puppy.

Best for Mixed-Sized Puppies: Crown Knuckle Bone

If you have puppies of different sizes or want something for puppies and their parents, you need dog bones for puppies they can all enjoy. The crown knuckle bone is a great option because it's on the larger size (for 15lb plus). But it's asymmetrical, so smaller puppies can get their jaws up around the edges.

You can find Crown Knuckles here. You can get all of these from a small seller called K9Connoisseur on Amazon or Walmart.

Why My Favorite Marrow Bones for Puppies Come from K9 Connoisseur.

I want to share why I think they make the best marrow bones for puppies.

They're Grass-fed

That means they are more nutritious and raised by ranchers who care about animal welfare. I eat meat, but I don't want to support companies that treat cows poorly.

Single-Ingredient

These beef marrow bones for puppies are made with just one ingredient: free-range, grass-fed cattle. Because they're single-ingredient, you don't have to worry about unknown or questionable ingredients.

All-Natural

Dog treats are often labeled as all-natural but may still have genetically modified ingredients. K9 Connoisseur's Marrow-Filled Doggie Delight bones are genuinely all-natural. They don't have any preservatives, artificial flavors, or unnecessary fillers.

They're from Cattle Born and Raised in the USA

I want to support local economies and great jobs here in the States.

They're Carefully Prepared for the Right Density

They undergo a slow and low-heat cooking process that makes them safer to consume. They also come from beef cattle instead of the dairy cows many dog bones come from. Beef cattle tend to have denser bones because they are processed at a younger age (around 29 months). I know, who knew?

These marrow bones for puppies are safe because they're durable but not hard enough to damage your puppy's teeth. With these bones, pieces don't splinter or break off and cause intestinal damage. They're durable enough for the most active chewers!

I Like to Support Small, Family Businesses

Buying local from a US-based company that sources bones from US ranches helps me do that.

My 3 Dogs Love Them

My lab mix Bruno would gnaw on his bone all day if he could. Marrow bones feed dogs need to chew on things for entertainment and a sense of well-being.

They're Great for Dental Health

Chewing on marrow bones can also help with dental health. As your pup gnaws on its bone, it can clean its teeth and gums and reduce tartar and plaque buildup.

Long-Lasting

Because these beef marrow bones are durable, they're also long-lasting. They're great for any pup that likes to chew and are even better for beating boredom.

If you want to give your pup the bone for a short period of time, you can always freeze it until you're ready to offer it again.

Individually Wrapped

This 6-count of marrow dog chews come individually wrapped. This way, your pup can enjoy them over time without them going bad. Each bone has a shelf-life of up to 2 years.

Marrow Bones for Puppies FAQ

When choosing the best bone for your pup, asking questions is always important. And I have your answers right here.

What age can a puppy have a marrow bone?

Puppies shouldn't have any bone, including marrow bones for puppies, until they're at least 6 months old. It's safe for puppies to chew on bones when they have adult teeth, typically between 6 and 8 months of age.

If you aren't sure if your puppy is ready for bones, you can always consult your vet.

How often can puppies have marrow bones?

You can give your puppy marrow dog bones every couple of days or occasionally. They're healthy, so it doesn't hurt to offer them often. However, you want to make sure you're following the 10% rule for a balanced diet.

The 10% rule says dogs should get most of their daily calories from pet food. In other words, about 90% of their daily caloric intake should be from their kibble, and the other 10% can come from treats.

You might be interested in reading this article for more FAQs about marrow bones.

What Helps with Puppy Behavior Problems?

We all know puppies are full of energy, and there's nothing wrong with that. But sometimes, it can get out of hand. Marrow bones are a great way to help puppies learn to behave. The act of chewing is soothing and entertaining. It reduced the desire to "act out" and calmed an anxious pup down.

Can Puppies Have Rawhide Bones?

No. Absolutely not. Rawhide isn't good for any dog because it is made with many harmful chemicals. But for puppies, in particular, it's dangerous because it's easy for aggressive chewers to dig their teeth in and break them. Puppies can also tear large chunks off and choke on them. 

How are K9 Connoisseur's bones different from others?

K9 Connoisseur thinks dogs deserve the very best. They're dedicated to creating only the healthiest, most delicious bones and treats. Like the rest of our products, the marrow-filled bones are single-ingredient, locally sourced, and safe for all dogs.

Not only do they provide the best treats, but they also contribute a portion of all of our subscription orders to charities that save k9s from euthanization.

Marrow Bones for Puppies: Final Thoughts

Puppies and their dog parents love beef marrow bones for many reasons. Not only are they delicious, but they're also healthy. From one doting dog parent to another, who feels their dogs should have all the best, give these a try. You won't regret it.

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