What Are the Safest Dog Bones for Aggressive Chewers?

by Dawn Miller
12 September, 2024
5 min read

What Are the Safest Dog Bones for Aggressive Chewers?

What are the safest dog bones for aggressive chewers? That reminds me of something that happened the other night. While sitting in my backyard with a cup of chamomile tea with valerian root to help me sleep, I watched my three dogs getting their last signs of energy out before bedtime. They were running around the butterfly bush, chasing each other.

During playtime, I noticed Bruno had found a limb dropped by the old maple that shades our backyard sanctuary. Before I knew it, he had picked it up, swung it around, and munched right through it. It shattered in half, and I had to take it away because it was unsafe.

He looked a little disappointed. He didn't mean to destroy his toy. So, I traded that shattered limb for a meaty dog bone, and he was happy again.

He's an aggressive chewer, and few dog bones or hardwood tree limbs can stand up to his clamping jaw. So, what are the safest dog bones for aggressive chewers? Here are my thoughts.

Why Safety Matters for Aggressive Chewers

Dogs can be like furry little demolition experts—give them the wrong bone, and it's gone in minutes. An aggressive chewer can be any size. I mentioned my lab mix, Bruno. But my mid-sized terrier, Pixie, is an aggressive chewer, too. Between them, we went through a lot of dog chews and toys before I found ones that would last.

Whether that dog bone is made of plastic, rubber, wood pulp, or real bone, once it breaks, it can become a choking hazard. And if it shatters with sharp edges, it can pierce the digestive tract. It might require emergency surgery.

For these dogs, it’s not just about keeping them entertained; it’s about choosing bones that are tough enough to withstand their strong jaws without breaking into dangerous shards.

What Makes Safe Dog Bones for Aggressive Chewers?

Here's what I've learned over the years from a little trial and error, research, and a few close calls.

Durability: The bone needs to be hard enough to stand up to a dog’s strong bite. Look for bones that are specifically labeled as being for "aggressive chewers" or "power chewers." These are typically made from tougher materials—which I'll share in just a minute.
Density: This is different from durability. The right density is soft enough that a dog can bite down on it without breaking their teeth, but dense enough that they don't shatter it. It's a fine balance, for sure! Raw bones can be too hard on teeth. Cooked bones can be too soft. So, what's a dog parent to do?
Size: Make sure the dog bone is large enough that your dog can’t easily fit the whole thing in their mouth. This reduces the risk of choking.
Limit Chew Time: Veterinarians recommend that treats be no more than 10% of a dog's diet. This comes out to about 20 minutes, 2-3 times a week.
Material: Natural, single-ingredient bones like beef femur bones or knuckle bones are generally good choices. Avoid bones that are brittle or cooked at home, as these can splinter and cause harm. Avoid raw bones. They're too hard and also carry pathogens.

The Best Chew Bones for Dogs Are Real Dog Bones

So, the best dog bone is made of real bone. And that bone is filled with nutritious bone marrow.

It comes for cattle, not turkey or chicken. I prefer grass-fed beef bones because they're lower in saturated fat and higher in omega 3, which is a healthy fat. I want to give my dogs the best dog chew treats. How healthy a treat is will always be a big factor for me. Real dog bones have a lot of health benefits. Dogs use them to clean their teeth and to entertain themselves.

I've noticed my dogs seem more content and manageable when we're very regular with our dog bone chew time schedule—3 times a week, without fail.

The best dog bones also come from cattle about 29 months old. Beef cattle are fully grown and processed around this age.

When I buy all-natural beef dog bones for my dogs, I'm helping reduce food waste, ensuring the whole cow gets used. Useful marrow bones don't just end up in a landfill. I like to support small US businesses that help other companies become more sustainable. So this is one way I can do my part.

What about milk cows, you might wonder?

Well, dairy cows are much older; like humans, older can mean lower bone density. Some dairy cows that can no longer produce milk are processed. And their bones may become dog bones. Again, I like the sustainability aspect of using the whole animal. But this isn't great for aggressive chewers. It's important for me to get bones from a vendor I trust.

Finally, preparation matters. A slow, low-heat process in an industrial smoker can achieve the right density. This should only be done by professionals who have a process and safeguards in place—especially when the life and health of my aggressive chewer are at stake.

I also like it when I can refill their dog bones, so I'm looking for a bone that has an opening where I can stuff homemade marrow bone refill from my free marrow refill recipe guide.

Best Bones for Dogs Who Destroy Everything

I definitely have some favorites that check all the boxes. And when I see my dogs react to these bones with pure joy, I know they agree. Which you choose depends on your dog's size. As I said, you need to ask not only: What are the safest dog bones for aggressive chewers? But what is safest based on size? I'll break them down.

Best For Over 50 lbs: Meaty Mammoth Champ Bones

These bones are huge and filled with rich marrow. This is a tasty treat for a dog. Bruno likes to hold the bone down and lick the sweet treat out. It's like a game for him.

I love that he loves dog chew treats that are also nutritious.

You can find meaty mammoth bones here.

Best For Up to 50 lbs: Dynamo Bone

These bones are the perfect size for mid-sized dogs. They're my Pixie's absolute favorite. I always keep these on hand for her chew time.

Do you have a mid-sized dog? Let your medium dog try dynamo bones here.

Best for Small Dogs and Puppies: Beef Knee Caps

Little dogs love these. They have lots of tasty meaty bits, and small dogs can gnaw away on them.

You can get them here.