What Are the Best Dog Bone Chews That Last Forever?

What Are the Best Dog Bone Chews That Last Forever?

     

(Spoiler alert: no dog bone lasts forever, but some come close!)

Every dog parent dreams of finding those perfect dog bones that last a long time—especially if you have an aggressive chewer like my lab mix, Bruno. So, as I sip my coffee in the backyard, watching my 3 dogs running off some energy before they settle in for that obligatory late-morning nap, I'm going to share how you'll know if a dog bone is going to stand up to the text...or crumble under pressure. While the dog bones I'm going to share don't actually last forever. They're better than the others my three dog pack have tried. These can satisfy the toughest jaws for a long time. Plus there is another reason I get these long-lasting bones for my dogs. You'll find out!

Why Choose Long-Lasting Dog Bones?

So what's the problem here? What are you looking for in bones that last for dogs?

Well, like me, you've probably bought a few bones before. And you've always been disappointed by the short time it took for your dog to destroy it. Sometimes minutes! Dog bones for aggressive chewers just don't exist....Or do they?

The shortest-lived dog bones are usually rawhide, plastic, rubber, or wood pulp-based bones. They just don't hold up! My lab mix, Bruno, and my terrier, Pixie, can destroy that kind of thing before I can even turn my back on them.

The issue you run into is that you know that dog bones are good for your dog's mental, physical, and dental health. But if they destroy every bone you buy in minutes, you can't buy enough bones to satisfy their need to gnaw. If dog bones don't last, I can't spoil my pups as often. I don't know about you, but I'd treat them daily if I could.

It's not just about the money. I love to splurge on my fur babies. But I also care about overconsumption and waste. Just like I hate to buy a new pair of running shoes that wears out in 3 months before heading to the landfill, I don't want to buy things that don't last. I want to buy quality. I want long-lasting chews for dogs.

Why Marrow Bones for Dogs Are My Go-To Forever Bones

Marrow Stuffed Bones are beef bones with the naturally-occurring bone marrow inside. That bone marrow is loaded with nutrition like healthy fats (omega 3 and 6), collagen protein, B12, and lots of vitamins and minerals. For older dogs, I also want to mention that marrow bones for dogs have replaced my dogs' joint supplements. These dog bones are full of glucosamine and chondroitin, and I'd much rather give my dogs these from a natural source versus a pill.

Of course, you know I always recommend checking with your family vet if you're thinking of making this swap for an aging dog.

These real dog bones serve several functions in a K9's lifestyle. Dogs chew on bones because they promote healthier teeth and gums, help strengthen the jaw, and provide entertainment. Regular chew time can relieve stress and separation anxiety while promoting their general sense of well-being. Giving your dog a bone can also reduce behavioral issues that can happen when dogs feel bored and unstimulated. As much as I'd love to, I can't play with my dogs all the time.

How to Make Bones That Last for Dogs

Now, these bones last a long time. But I have a few tricks up my sleeve to make them last any longer.

First, I can give my dogs each an all-natural dog bone 2-3 times a week for 20 minutes. This is in line with the American Kennel Club's recommendation of not allowing treats to be more than 10% of the diet. And this is plenty of time for them to get the benefits, including licking some of that sweet marrow out of the bone.

When chew time comes to a close, I trade with my dogs to safely get the dog bone away. I've found these beef lung chews are perfect for this. They're small, low-calorie, and very appetizing. I offer one, and they can easily take their dog bones. Next, I put each bone in a bag and place it in the freezer. I can leave them here indefinitely, and they'll stay fresh. I then take them back out 2-3 times a week for chew time.

This method allows them to keep chewing on the same bone for weeks—at least. When the marrow is gone, I refill it with something like natural peanut butter or plain yogurt. These aren't as nutritious as bone marrow, but they're solid, high-protein dog treats. I have some recipes in my free marrow bone refill guide.

Best Chew Bones for Dogs That Last Forever

For the long-lasting chews for dogs, I had certain criteria in mind. Of course, the top priority was that they should "last forever." But beyond that, I want them to come from grass-fed beef cattle born and raised in the USA. Beef cattle bones are typically more durable than dairy cow dog bones. Most bones you'll find come from dairy cows. And that's a problem because dairy cows are older when they stop producing milk. Sadly, older means lower bone mineral density, just like it does in us ladies as we age.

1. Best Bones for Medium Sized Dogs

Do you have a medium-sized dog like my terrier Pixie? These are her favorites. They're perfect for pups up to 50 lbs. And If you're like me and juggling both large and medium dogs, the Marrow-filled Dynamo dog bone is your go-to. It's big enough for larger pups but perfect for those under 50lbs also.

This one checks all the boxes: Grass-fed. USA raised. Single Ingredient. It's a tough one too, even for my aggressive chewer—just the right density so it lasts but not so hard that it shatters teeth.

You can find the Dynamo Bone here.

2. Best Long-Lasting Bones for Small Dogs

Even smaller dogs can be aggressive chewers, especially puppies. These long-lasting chews for dogs are called K9 Delights. And they're always a hit. They're just right for tiny breeds like chihuahuas or even older puppies. My friend's little 4-month-old pup was hooked the moment he got his paws on one of these. If you've got a smaller furball, this is the perfect chew for them.

I encourage you to grab K9 Delights here if your dog is on the petite side!

3. Best for Dog Bones that Last a Long Time for Large Dogs

My lab mix Bruno likes Champ Bones. They're extra large and extra meaty. It's important that big dogs get big bones because otherwise, they might swallow it. Not only does that mean the bone won't last. That could be a choking hazard. These bones are sufficiently large and in charge. Plus, they're oddly shaped with a wide end, so Bruno is not going to swallow this, no matter how hard he tries.

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