Best Mini Dog Bones for Small Breeds & Puppies
Let's face it! Humans have bred some tiny, tiny dogs. And these breeds need special attention with their tiny mouths and little paws and just as small digestive tracts.
My small dog may be a mighty little protector—He's the first to tell me when we have visitors.
But he can't always do what my bigger dogs can. As I'm watching my three dogs play in our backyard, I see his little legs moving as fast as they can. But my lab mix and terrier outrun him every time. For this reason, mini dog bones are a must.
And don't forget about puppies. I don't have a puppy in my house right now. But I did my homework to find mini dog bones that were safe for puppies and met their unique needs.
In this article, I'll share my favorite five-star mini dog bones for puppies and small breeds. Tell me what you think!
You might also be interested in reading The Best All-Natural Marrow Bones for Puppies
Why does dog bone size matter?
With puppies and small breeds, you don't have to worry as much about bone size. The primary reason bone size matters is that if a bone is too small, it can be a choking hazard for larger dogs. I've never seen a dog bone too small for my small pup's mouth.
But if the bone is too large, it can also cause some issues for him. He can't get his mouth around the dog bone. It's harder for him to carry around so he can gnaw in peace. I suspect that's frustrating for him.
One of the reasons dog bones are so good for dogs is because they can strengthen their jaw and clean their teeth through scraping. He can't really do that with the bigger dog bones that I give my larger breeds.
So, at the end of the day, mini dog bones are best for small k9s because it's easier and more fun to chew.
Is it OK to give puppies bones?
Yes, giving puppies bones is okay once they have adult teeth. That said, you usually have to wait until your puppy is at least 6 months old before giving it a bone.
Giving your puppy a bone before its adult teeth come in could damage its teeth. And because puppy teeth are sharp, there's a risk of them breaking bones, which could cause blockage.
Pro Tip from a Dog Mom: If you're not sure if your puppy has its full set of adult teeth, consult your vet.
If you want to treat your puppy with a bone, give that bone to momma dog instead. Remember, she deserves it for birthing and caring for those babies. She can pass the nutrients on to her pups.
Once your puppy is 6-8 months old and has its adult teeth, it's essential to choose natural bones that are healthy, safe, and delicious. Start them out right.
What bones are best for small dogs?
Small dogs need mini dog bones. These bones are small enough that my tiny dog can get his jaw around them. But beyond size, I have some other important criteria. I want all-natural, single-ingredient bones. So, I rule out synthetic bones and bones made of unnatural ingredients like treated rawhide. They often add sugar, preservatives, cheap fillers, and other flavors to these because these bones taste awful.
A beef marrow bone is an example of a single-ingredient dog bone. When prepared correctly, beef bones have the ideal density to protect teeth while preserving their nutrition. Marrow bones are rich in so many nutrients dogs need to be healthy, like B12, protein, and healthy fats. Mini marrow bones are also a good source of collagen, glucosamine, and chondroitin.
I choose grass fed beef bones. That's because I learned that grass-fed beef is higher in Omega 3 and lower in saturated fat. They're more nutritious, and they taste great! If I'm going to spend money on real bones, I want them to be the best with ALL the benefits. Grass-fed is definitely the way to go!
Here are some other criteria I use in search of the best mini dog bones for small dogs and puppies:
- Guilt-free: They're all low in fat and calories, making for a healthy snack.
- Versatile: They're great for beating boredom, easing separation anxiety, and training.
- Individually wrapped: I don't want to have to keep the bones in the freezer. They should be shelf-stable and last up to 2 years in their individual wrapping.
- USA-raised: I wanted to support USA-based ranchers and local economies near me. I also feel that when I buy dog treats from overseas, they go through multiple hands and checkpoints. They may not be the freshest or could have undisclosed ingredients.
I used these criteria to determine the best mini dog bones. Here's what I found.
What are the best mini dog bones?
1. Dynamo Bone Chew Treats
The Dynamo Bone Chew Treats are durable and ideal for active chewers. They have real beef marrow inside, and when my pup's eaten it all, I can stuff it with another tasty treat like peanut butter. Here are some of my favorite bone refill recipes.
You can find these at a great price here.
2. Beef Knee Caps
These mini dog bones aren't your standard dog bone and are perfect for changing things up. K9 Connoisseur's Beef Knee Caps have the ideal shape and size for small dogs. These are fantastic hickory smoked beef treats that your pup will surely drool over!
You can get these on Amazon.
3. K9 Delights
My little dog loves the K9 Delights. These chew treats are sliced to make it easier for my dog to lick the marrow out.
Once the marrow's all gone, I fill these dog treats with another tasty stuffing. Dogs love these, so it's a great thing they're long-lasting!
Pro Tip from a Dog Mom: They're also an excellent boredom-buster for puppies who need to be entertained and small dogs who get nervous or hyper.
4. Meaty Marrow-Filled Riblets
Now, these are some of my favorites. My small dog is just so cute, gnawing on these flat mini ribs in the backyard while my other two dogs enjoy their much larger bones.
The Meaty Marrow-Filled Riblets are an excellent tasty treat for puppies and small breeds up to 15 pounds. These are perfectly meaty, and dogs love their beef flavor.
Here's where I get riblets for my small dog.
Mini Dog Bones: The Healthy Dog Treat My Dogs Love.
As a dog mom, I understand the unique needs of smaller dogs and puppies. My little dog may think he's a mighty protector. But his tiny size means he needs special attention when choosing bones. Mini dog bones are perfect because they're easier for him to handle and chew without risking choking or struggling to gnaw on something too big. What do you think of my list? I hope you'll share it with a friend.
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