Should You Give Puppies Bones? Puppy Playdate Becomes Heated Debate

Every month, our local pet shop hosts a "Puppy Playdate" in the back parking lot. After laying down a blanket of astroturf and erecting a temporary fence, pet parents from all over town drop their puppies into the mix with brightly colored balls, noise-makers, tubes, and several dozen wagging tails. The event helps to socialize young pups who may not have brothers and sisters to play with at home so they're ready to enter the big leagues at one of the many dog parks around town.

Some dog parents had brought along small chew toys, treats, and even mini bones, sparking a lively conversation among the spectators about when — and if — it's safe to give puppies bones. Should you give puppies bones?

And honestly, the parents were divided—ranging from too dangerous to a pup's best friend.

I come out somewhere in the middle. And I don't know about you, but I thought it was the perfect time for a little pet parent education session on one of my favorite topics: dog bones — and specifically, whether they’re safe for puppies.

Why Bones Are Great (In the Right Context)

Like so many disagreements, the answer to the question of giving puppies bones comes down to context—and some misunderstandings.

Bones are fantastic for older dogs. They satisfy the natural urge to chew, keep those jaws strong, and even promote dental health by scraping plaque off teeth. Plus, bones like marrow bones are packed with nutrients like calcium, phosphorous, and collagen. Puppies can enjoy these benefits.

However, it’s not as simple as handing a puppy the same chew bones big dogs get and walking away. There are a few considerations.

When Can I Give Bones to Puppies?

Puppies start out with no teeth. Then, they have very sharp but fragile baby teeth. These teeth will start falling out and get replaced by adult teeth at around 4-6 months of age. Before a puppy has a full set of adult teeth, it's not a good idea to give them a dog bone. They're likely to break their teeth too early—at a time when they need to learn to eat solid food.

If you’re unsure, consult your vet, as each pup might grow at a different pace depending on the breed and size.

Until they’re ready for bones, here’s what can help:

Soft chews like beef lung treats. These chewy treats are made from grass-fed beef organ meat. Lungs chews are super nutritious for growing pups! Since puppies are small, I break a lung bite into several smaller pieces and spread out the treats. These are also a great training treat. It's never too early to start learning how to behave in my house.

Beef trachea can also be a good choice for older puppies. But not when they're really young.

Then there's my favorite recommendation as a dog mom and mother of two kids who are now in college. I say, if you want to treat a younger pup to a dog bone, give it to the mama dog instead. She deserves it. And if she's still nursing, she can pass on that nutrition to the pups. And, of course, if daddy dog is in the home, give him one too!

The Benefits of Bones for Puppies—When They’re Ready

Once your puppy has their adult teeth, introducing them to marrow bones for dogs can have some great benefits, including:

Dental Health. Chewing on bones scrapes away plaque, which helps prevent tooth decay and gum disease. It can also prevent bad breath. Since puppies don’t come with a toothbrush, bones are a natural way to keep those pearly whites shining. In fact, chewing on bones can reduce harmful mouth bacteria by 60-80% because... no plaque, no place for bacteria to hide and multiply.

Mental Stimulation. Chewing engages a dog’s mind. It’s calming and can keep them from getting into trouble due to boredom. Destructive chewing, whining, obsessive barking, jumping on guests, clawing door frames, or digging—can all be remedied with good dog bones. I just imagine how destructive I'd be if I were stuck inside all day without a phone, TV, book, paints, or something to do with my time.

Nutrient Boost. Marrow bones, for example, are rich in vitamins and minerals like calcium, phosphorous, and essential fatty acids — all great for strong bones and shiny coats.

Strong Jaw Muscles. Developing pups need to strengthen their jaw muscles as they grow, and chewing is a natural way to do that.

How to Safely Give Puppies Marrow Bones for Dogs

Find an appropriately sized bone. Most puppies are small enough that they need small dog bones.

But some puppies, like my neighbor's Great Dane pup who's around 9 months old now, already need big dog bones for large dogs. The bone must be larger than your dog's head in one direction.

Then let them try it, but watch them closely. A real marrow bone shouldn't break, but if it does, take it away to prevent choking. Puppies sometimes have outrageous jaw strength from a young age.

Limit chew time to 15-20 minutes to avoid spoiling their dinner. This is plenty of time to maximize the benefits without over-indulging.

Best Chew Bones for Puppies

The best chew bones for dogs and puppies are grass-fed beef marrow bones. They come from USA-born and raised beef cattle from USA ranches. I recommend this more premium dog bone not only because our dogs deserve the best but also because I want to support local US economies and feel safer when buying products that are "made in the USA".

Many dog bones from overseas actually come from retired dairy cows, which is actually bad. Dairy cows spend their whole lives producing milk. It wears on their system. When they're too old to produce, the dairy farms can't afford to keep feeding them, and they become dog bones. Because of their age and hard life, dairy cows have weakened bones that may even be approaching osteoporosis. Like chicken bones, these weaker bones are a shattering and choking hazard.

As far as the grass-fed requirement goes, I prefer to support more humane food-animal practices. Cows shouldn't eat a normal cow diet in a pasture where they can roam, and they should not live their whole life in a muddy pin or cramped barn.

One marrow bone for dogs lasts a very long time because they don't break. And it takes time to get the marrow out. And when that marrow is gone, I like to refill it with recipes from my free dog bone refill guide. I like to use the Dynamo bones with this guide. 

So, what marrow bones fit the bill?

Beef Kneecaps are great for small and medium-sized puppies. The flat surface makes it easier for tiny dogs to chew, but at the same time, it's big enough not to be a choking hazard for a mid-sized dog like my terrier Pixie. You can get beef kneecaps here.

K9 Delights is another winner for small dogs and puppies. They're covered in meaty goodness and perfectly sized for small mouths. You can get some to try here.

Ribblets are also a hit with puppies. They’re a great way to introduce bones to smaller dogs and are super nutritious. Try them out here.

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