The Best Small Bones for Small Dogs: The Paw-Fect Guide

This morning, as I sat at my kitchen table typing away on an article due to my client later in the day, I found myself distracted by my smallest dog—happily nibbling away on a small dog bone that's just the right size for her tiny mouth. I started thinking about how often we overlook finding the best bones for small dogs.

It's as if their tiny stature makes us forget that they want to chew on big, juicy dog bones as much as those larger breeds. Humans may have bred these dogs down to the point that some can fit in my hand, but they still have those same dog instincts that only the best dog bones for small dogs can feed. Just ask any fierce chihuahua if they'd like a real dog bone.

In this article, I share why small dogs have specific needs and how I choose the right ones for my own little one.

What Kind of Bone Can a Small Dog Eat?

When choosing a bone for a tiny dog, I look for a size and type that will fit their little mouth. It shouldn't be so small that they could swallow it. But unlike with big dogs, if it's too big, they can't even get their poor little jaw around it. Can you imagine how frustrating that would be for your little fur baby?

There's a big bone here; all I can do is lick it. No fun!

Plus, the dog isn't getting those dental and nutritional benefits unless they can chew on it.

You might think that small bones for dogs probably come from small animals. But that's not the case.

Small animals like chickens, squirrels, rabbits, and even pigs have more brittle bones. These can splinter and lead to a vet emergency. Actually, the best bones for small dogs are the smaller bones of a large animal, like a grass-fed cow. Beef bones are dense, so they don't break easily, and some of the bones on a cow are just the right size to be called a small dog bone.

Free Marrow Refill Recipe Guide

Can Small Dogs Chew on Beef Rib Bones?

Most rib bones might be too large for a small dog, but that depends on how tiny your pup is. However, they can buy beef riblets. These all-natural meaty beef ribs are 3-4 inches long and thin enough dog bones for small dogs. So, are rib bones bad for small dogs? It depends on the size of the bone.

What Do I Do if My Dog Swallowed a Small Rib Bone?

Prevention is best. Never give a dog a bone that is small enough for them to put the whole bone in their mouth. And if a larger bone breaks, distract your dog and take it away. I'm not jealous of those who are pet parents of an attentive chihuahua here. Be careful! One of the best ways to get a bone away from a dog is to offer them a small treat. I keep some grass-fed beef lung bites on hand for this purpose. These small chewy treats are too tempting for my dog to resist and last just long enough for me to take a bone away.

If you have a larger dog like I do, it's important to give them a bone for large dogs while you give the smaller one to the little dog. If you only give your small dog a bone, I don't have to tell you what that larger dog would do.

If your dog were to swallow a bone, however, you can't do much at that point. Call your vet if you're worried and observe them.

Can a Small Dogs Pass a Bone?

Yes. It can pass through their digestive tract with no problems on the off-chance this happens.

Can Small Dogs Eat Steak Bones?

Giving a dog a bone from your people's food is not a good idea. Those bones may have become brittle from high-temperature cooking. The best small dog bones are cooked slowly at a low temperature. Hickory smoked bones are some of the best. The low-heat smoking process locks in flavor without jeopardizing the bone's integrity.

Can Small Dogs Have Marrow Bones?

Marrow bones are highly nutritious dog chew bones. They contain marrow and other connective tissues rich in collagen (a protein that promotes healthy skin, bones, and joints) as well as fat-soluble vitamins like A and E as well as B12. And you may not have known that marrow bones can also be a good source of glucosamine and chondroitin for joints.

I would eat marrow bones myself, but I'll stick with making and freezing beef bone broth several times a year.

Can Small Dogs Eat Rawhide Bones?

Rawhide is dried animal skin manipulated into a bone shape. It's risky for dogs because they can break large pieces of it off and swallow it. This can cause choking or an intestinal blockage. Now, you may be asking, don't wild dogs eat the skin when they hunt? Yes, they do.

But in nature, a wolf would never eat dried animal skin. It would be soft and fresh. That's the difference.

This isn't the best dog bone for small dogs or large ones. The best dog bones are real bones, preferably from grass-fed cattle.

What Are the Best Dog Bones for Small Dogs

Best Training Stick for Small Dogs

Small dogs have boundless energy, and they can be trained. A top skill to teach a small dog is to drop something on command. Given how delectable these bones are, you know they're well-trained when they comply.

The Doggie Delight Slice Chew Treat is Best For Dogs Or Puppies Up to 15 Pounds. It's filled with long-lasting beef marrow and covered in hickory smoked meaty bites. These high-protein small dog training bones will have your fur baby looking forward to learning new tricks.

You can see them here.

Best Small Bones Dogs for Teeth Cleaning

Dogs use bones to keep their teeth clean, gums healthy, and breath fresher. Grass-fed beef kneecaps do a great job here. They're perfectly sized for little mouths.

You can find them here.

Best Small Dog Bones for Mixed-Size Households

Dynamo Treats win here. They are a little larger, so medium dogs up to 50 lb can enjoy them without significant swallowing risk. But thanks to their curved design, small dogs can also get their jaws up and around them.

If you're looking for a place to buy them, check here.

Best Dog Chew Bones based on Price

Here, I'd select the grass-fed beef riblets I mentioned earlier. You get 5 for only $10. This is a great place to start if you're new to small dog bones. Once you see how much your smallest family member loves these bones, you'll both be hooked.

Final Thoughts

As I watch my small dog doze off after finishing her small dog chew, I feel good about providing her with a safe, enjoyable, and healthy snack. With the right knowledge and precautions, your petite pals can enjoy their chews just as much as any big dog on the block!

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