No Raw Hide Dog Bones: A Tasting Party for My Pups

The other evening we had several friends over for a wine and cheese tasting night. I had our charcuterie loaded with kalamatas and eight different cheeses and each of my friends brought their favorite bottle. We were ready to pretend like we're wine connoisseurs for the night. While we sipped and debated whether those flavor notes were earthy, floral, fruity, or chocolate, my three dogs had their own tasting party with no rawhide dog bones.

I wonder what flavor notes they're discussing as they gnaw on their all-natural grass-fed beef marrow bones. Bone marrow is naturally sweet but also a little umami. It's what dogs want to chew on, and no dog-approved tasting party would include rawhide.

But I get it.

Rawhide bones are popular and have been a favorite dog treat for a long time. So, I wanted to share why I advocate for no rawhide bones for dogs—along with a lot of experts. And before you ask, yes, there are long-lasting dog chews that are not rawhide.

Is rawhide good for dogs? Are they safe? Are there some better no-rawhide bones? I'll answer those questions below!

You might also be interested in reading: The Best Natural Dog Bones (With FAQ)

Are rawhide bones safe for dogs?

No. The most significant issue with rawhide treats and bones is that they aren't easily digestible. When dogs are chewing rawhide, and pieces break off, they can't digest it. Because rawhide isn't digestible, it can pose a choking hazard or get lodged in the digestive tract. Removal could require surgery!

Most vets and the Humane Society recommend against giving dogs rawhide, even though they do contain some protein, and I guess they're fun to gnaw on. Some well-known pet stores, like Petco, have even stopped selling rawhide for this reason. There are safer and more nutritious options. The fact that they taste better—to my fur babies—is just a bonus!

What are no rawhide dog bones?

No rawhide dog bones are simply that – they don't contain rawhide. Rawhide is the dried skin of cows or horses, usually shaped to look like a bone. Dogs would not eat dried animal skin in the wild unless they had no choice. This is a purely human invention. Someone thought it was cute because it "looks" like a dog bone. But why would I give my dogs this inferior product when I can get them the real things?

Although rawhide isn't a great option for dogs, there are other bones that are safe, healthy, and delicious that your pet is sure to love!

The best no-rawhide dog bones are those that are truly all-natural, meaning they don't contain any genetically modified ingredients, preservatives, or artificial flavors. They're also not made out of plastic or, rubber or wood. Whoever thought giving dogs microplastics to eat was a good thing?

The best bones are going to be all-natural beef marrow dog bones, bully sticks, or beef trachea. These are all good dog bones. And when I say dog bones, I'm not talking about the bones of a dog. Real dog bones are usually beef bones.

While bones can be labeled as "natural," they may still have these added ingredients, so be sure to check the labels. The fewer ingredients, the better. Single-ingredient treats and chews made from grass-fed animals are best, like the ones I share below!

The Best Non-Rawhide Dog Bones

To earn the best in my book—and I think I can speak for my dogs here—these dog bones need to be single-ingredient from USA beef cattle ranches. I'm also looking for bones that are properly prepared to the correct density to protect teeth. And they're the right size for each of my dogs, so they don't accidentally swallow it.

Now, I've already mentioned how important it is for me to choose healthy dog bones with no rawhide. So, it won't surprise you that the best bones are beef marrow bones. Beef marrow is loaded with collagen, protein, healthy fats, vitamins and minerals. My dogs thrive on their grass-fed beef bones.

And rawhide dog bones? Well, they just don't have any of this nutrition except some protein. And even that, the dog can only get if they swallow the bone. I already mentioned that's a bad idea, so we just ruled that benefit out.

Here are some of my other criteria:

• Natural beef flavor. It's delicious!
• Locally sourced and made in the US.
• Don't contain preservatives, artificial flavors, or any other additives.
• Low in fat and high in protein, making for a guilt-free treat.
• Improves dental health by removing plaque and tartar buildup.
• Offer nutritional value with iron, vitamin B, and collagen.
• Good durability makes them safe and long-lasting, even for aggressive chewers.
• Odor-free, so you can cuddle up with your pup while they chew their bone.
• Have a shelf-life of up to 2 years for guaranteed freshness.

Best Bones for Small Dogs No Rawhide: Delight Slice Chew

These are perfect for dogs and older puppies up to 15 pounds. If you're on the hunt for a flavorful, healthy chew for your small dog, the Delight Slice Chew is it! Any pup loves gnawing on these deliciously small chews that are stuffed with beef marrow.

But please don't give them to mid-sized and large dogs. They might swallow them.

When the marrow is gone, you can stuff these chews with another filling like peanut butter or blended fruit and yogurt. And I've got more refill ideas in my free marrow bone refill recipe guide.

Anyway, these dog bones check all my boxes for the best no-rawhide dog chews.

You can find them here!

Best for Mid-Sized Dogs: Meaty Rib Marrow-Filled Bone

My terrier Pixie loves these. They're perfectly sized for dogs up to 50 pounds.

Are you looking for an all-natural, long-lasting bone that tastes great? If so, this meaty rib marrow-filled bone is an excellent option! It's perfect for any dog up to 50 pounds and will keep them busy for a long time.

Curious about Meaty Rib Marrow-Filled Bones? You can see it here.

Best No Rawhide Bones for Dogs Who Are Huge: Meaty Mammoth Marrow-Filled Jumbone

My lab mix Bruno loves these. They're perfect for dogs over 50 pounds. They're massive and can withstand powerful jaws. My aggressive chewers can typically destroy a rawhide bone in minutes.

K9 Connoisseur's Jumbone is exactly that – jumbo! It's easily one of the most delicious no-rawhide dog bones. And its size is perfect for large dogs. No need to worry about this one being too small and a choking hazard. It's also long-lasting, healthy, and full of flavor, everything a dog loves!

Take a look at the Meaty Mammoth Marrow-Filled Jumbone here!

Best for Mixed Households: Natural Marrow-Filled Dynamo Bone

This Marrow-Filled Dynamo Bone is the perfect chew for all dogs, including aggressive chewers. Your pup is sure to love the beefy marrow, and you can refill the bone with another tasty treat like peanut butter when the marrow is all gone.

Purchase your Natural Marrow-Filled Dynamo Bones here!

Best for Aggressive Chewers: Meaty Mammoth Marrow-Filled Champ Bone

My large dog doesn't know his own strength. He can destroy rawhide in minutes—and most bones for that matter.

That's why I get the Champ Bone for him. Like the others, it's delicious, healthy, and durable. It's also filled with natural marrow that dogs love! When the marrow's all gone, you can stuff the Champ Bone with another treat.

If you're looking for a dog bone that lasts forever...this isn't it. No dog bone lasts forever. But this one comes the closest I've seen.

No Rawhide Dog Bones: Our Tasting Party Was a Success

After the wine-tasting party, we all settled in for a streaming night to sober up before heading home. Yes, I care about each of my friends' safety as much as I do my dogs. I'll call the night a success. We will definitely do this again. And my dogs will continue to get the dog bones they really want to gnaw on. I'm happy that I can also feel good about the health benefits they get out of chew time with all-natural beef marrow bones.

And trust me, your dog will love them just as much as mine do!

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