The Best Natural Dog Bones (With FAQ)

So, picture this: It's Saturday morning, and I'm at the park taking a landscape painting class. We're practicing capturing the perspective of rolling hills and distant trees on canvas. My 3 dogs are close by, enjoying their dog bones—gnawing away, trying to lick out that sweet marrow. It makes me smile watching them contentedly chew, knowing they're munching on something healthy and natural. And I realize if those dog bones weren't there to keep them busy, the instructor never would have invited my 3 well-behaved pups to her painting class.

That brings me to today's topic—natural dog bones and why they're the best option for our pups—my fur babies and yours.

What Are Natural Dog Bones?

Natural dog bones are exactly what you want them to be—simple, nutritious, and free from artificial junk. They come from grass-fed, free-range cattle and contain none of the nasty stuff like preservatives or fillers. If I'm feeding my dogs, I want to know every ingredient, and with natural bones, there's just one: the bone itself.

With so many things being labeled as "all-natural," it can be hard to decipher what's really natural and what that even means. According to a U.S. Food and Drug Administration spokesperson, the FDA considers natural products to have no added colors, artificial flavors, or synthetic substances.

But they don't regulate the usage—letting companies decide what natural means to them and their customers. That sounds a little sus to me—as my college kids would say.

With that said, these items can be made with added sugar, trans fats, and genetically modified ingredients. Most of us know that these components aren't good for our k9s and can cause health issues.

The best natural dog chews and bones that aren't harmful and offer health benefits are made from grass-fed, free-range animals and don't contain any unnecessary fillers or preservatives. So, that's what I look for when I look for something "natural".

Why Dogs (And Their Pet Parents) Love Natural Dog Bones

When I pick out a bone for your dog, I'm doing more than grabbing a treat—I'm choosing their next favorite thing. The best natural dog bones are dog treats that both my dogs and I can feel good about.

So what does that mean? Well, natural dog bones must...

• Be Healthy and Delicious - My dogs can't get enough of the beef marrow, and it's filled with nutrients that keep them healthy, like protein and collagen. Natural bones, especially those filled with marrow, are rich in protein, collagen, and essential nutrients that help support joint, skin, and coat health. Learn more about health benefits here.
• Provide Mental Stimulation - Chewing on bones provides a form of mental engagement, keeping dogs busy and relieving boredom or anxiety.
• Be Durable - Whether it's my terrier Pixie or my lab mi,x Bruno, these bones hold up to all their chewing, keeping them entertained for hours. Even aggressive chewers like my Bruno can enjoy natural dog bones for hours—if I let them.
• Have No Weird Odors - No awful smells to deal with while my dogs gnaw away. These bones are stink-free, so we can all enjoy the day! In fact, chewing on natural dog bones actually freshens dog breath because it helps them clean their teeth.
• Satisfy Natural Instincts - Dogs have a natural urge to chew. Bones are a perfect outlet for this behavior, helping prevent destructive chewing habits. My brand-new running shoes are finally safe.

Why Dogs and Their Owners Love K9 Connoisseur Meaty Marrow Filled Bones

We love all-natural dog bones in our house. I keep a stock of them in our dog treat cabinet. But I also want to share why I trust K9 Connoisseur's natural dog bones and why I call them the best of the best.

They're healthy and delicious.

Just like human food and treats, dogs' natural food and treat items have come a long way. They're healthy without tasting healthy.

The K9 Connoisseur Meaty Marrow Filled Bones contain only one ingredient, grass-fed cattle. While the bone marrow is hickory smoked to lock in delicious flavors, it's also filled with collagen, vitamins, and protein for added nutrition.

These bones also have a minimum of 30% protein each to help keep your dog strong and lean.

Plus, when the marrow is gone, the fun doesn't have to stop. I can refill these with dog-approved healthy dog treats. I share some of my best recipes in this free bone refill guide.

They last for a long time.

These natural dog bones are durable, so they're long-lasting and great for all kinds of chewers – even aggressive ones. They're also individually wrapped and have a shelf-life of up to 2 years.

They're safe

These dog bones are properly prepared using a slow and low-heat cooking process. This retains as much of the nutrition as possible while destroying bacteria and ensuring safe bone density. These bones also come from beef cattle, not retired dairy cows. Why does that make a difference, you might ask? Well, similar to older ladies, older dairy cows lose bone density. Beef cattle, on the other hand, are processed around 29 months, which is a full-grown adult but not retired dairy cow "old".

They're odor-free.

While dogs love a tasty treat, their owners often hate the smell! Fortunately, these dog bones are odor-free. You can even cuddle up with your pup while it gnaws on its dog bone without suffering from a bad smell.

They're great for all large dogs.

These dog bones are excellent for all large dogs over 50 pounds. Whether your k9 experiences separation anxiety, gets bored easily, has a sensitive stomach, or just about anything else – these bones are perfect for them.

Some of My Favorite Natural Beef Dog Bones

Okay, so if I have to choose, I like the Jum-Bone for my aggressive chewer, Bruno. This bone is massive. And that's important because large dogs need big beef dog bones. Otherwise, they might swallow a piece, which is a choking hazard.

My terrier, Pixie, is a mid-sized dog. For her, I get Meaty Ribs. And then, sometimes, I give medium dogs the dynamo bone.

If you have a smaller dog, then you should try Meaty Riblets. They're cut down to an appropriate size for tiny mouths.

FAQ: The Best Natural Dog Bones

What's the Best Natural Bone for Dogs?

For me, it's got to be the K9 Connoisseur Meaty Marrow Filled Bones. They're healthy, durable, and packed with flavor my dogs love.

What bones should dogs avoid?

Stay away from improperly cooked bones—they can splinter and cause injury. These include dinner bones, used marrow bones, etc. Stay away from bones that might come from retired dairy cows and smaller animals like chickens and turkeys.

Also, avoid bones with unnecessary preservatives or fillers.

Are natural bones good for dogs?

Absolutely! The trick is to make sure the bones you purchase are actually natural. As we mentioned, the best natural bones are made from free-range, grass-fed cattle. They also don't contain any added sugar, trans fats, and genetically modified ingredients. That's why I love the K9 Connoisseur Meaty Marrow Filled Bones.

Natural bones are also good for dogs because they offer several benefits:

• Bones are an excellent source of nutrients.
• They can satisfy a dog's appetite.
• Chewing boosts saliva enzymes, which help prevent plaque buildup on the gums.
• Gnawing on bones offers mental stimulation, prevents boredom, and can ease separation anxiety.

What kind of bones are safe for dogs?

There are several things to consider to ensure you're giving your dog bones that are safe. Here are some excellent tips for safe bones shared by the American Kennel Club (AKC):

• Choose bones that aren't too small. They shouldn't be able to fit into your dog's mouth.
• Offer raw meat bones. These are soft enough to chew and eat, and they're digestible. I prefer not to give my dogs raw because of the pathogens, but to each their own.
• Don't give your dog a bone that breaks off into small pieces and be a choking hazard.
• All-natural bones without any genetically modified ingredients are the most healthy. The fewer ingredients, the better.
• No rawhide, plastic, wood pulp, or rubber bones. These aren't natural or nutritious. Plus, they can have harmful chemicals in them.

Do dog bones have any risks?

If you provide your pup with the wrong bones, some risks could be involved.

• Bones that are too hard can cause teeth to break or wear down. Sharp pieces can also injure your dog's mouth.
• If a dog's bone is too small, it can lead to choking.
• Many bones contain unnecessary ingredients that aren't healthy for your dogs. Some also have a lot of fat and/or which could cause health issues.

Additionally, letting a dog chew on a bone endlessly isn't good for them. It can spoil their dinner and increase the risk that the bone becomes unsafe. I always supervise. And my dogs get their bones 2-3 times a week for around 20 minutes. That's the right amount of time to maximize benefits while staying safe.

Are there other bones or chews that are good for dogs?

While natural dog bones are one of the best options for dogs, some other chews and bones also work well.

Bully sticks and beef trachea are also suitable for dogs. They're easily digestible, and trachea chews offer many health and wellness benefits for k9s.

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