What is a Healthy Bone for Dogs to Chew? Marrow Bones Win Again!

What is a healthy bone for dogs to chew? You ask. I've been saving this story for you. A few months back, I organized a community dog-washing fundraiser with some teachers from the local elementary school.

We got approval to set up the kiddie pools, grooming stations, and reception in front of the school and herded the school-age children into their respective areas. Pet parents lined up around the block to give their pups a spa day—all for a good cause. I couldn't believe how long the line got. But I didn't hear anyone complaining, even as the temperatures reached 90.

And maybe the fact that I was ready with a big bag of healthy dog treats to share with waiting dog dads and pup moms helped the group's mood just a little.

We love to treat our dogs, don't we? I go out of my way to give them the good stuff, especially when it's good for their health. So, finding out the healthiest bone for dogs to chew was important to me—as it is to you.

Here's what I've found out about healthy dog chew bones.

What Makes Bone Healthy for Dogs?

It's important to define "healthy" dog bones. The healthy bone for dogs to chew will be all-natural, with no added sugar, artificial additives, or preservatives. It's not made out of wood pulp, rawhide, or synthetic materials like rubber or plastic.

It should also have a lot of undeniable health benefits, and preferably all kinds—mental health, dental health, physical health, emotional health.

And finally, a bone isn't healthy if it's unsafe. So it must be durable, even for aggressive chewers like my lab mix, Bruno and my terrier, Pixie. I don't buy "healthy" bones if they'll splinter under strong jaws and cause a choking hazard.

But I also look for the right density. A bone that is too dense is too hard and could shatter teeth.

Why Chewing on Bones Is Important for Dog Health

First of all, chewing is instinct for a dog. If I don't give my dogs something to chew on, they will find something around the house—and I probably won't be happy with their choices.

Their ancestral wolves and wild dogs alike chew on the bones of their prey.

Why? You ask. It helped them clean their teeth and gums and strengthened their jaws. This keeps their mouths healthier—and breath less stinky.

Wild dogs also chew because they find it entertaining. I know it doesn't sound like entertainment to us humans, but marrow bones are kind of like those dog puzzles. Dogs use their teeth, tongue, jaw, and paws to try to get all of the meaty bits off the bone and to get the bone marrow out. Bone marrow is naturally a little sweet, so this is a rewarding activity for dogs.

My dogs look like they get a dopamine hit every time they get a little marrow out. I scroll through social media or watch the latest episode of my favorite show for that same rush.

Finally, dogs chew on dog bones to reduce the stress they may feel from separation, thunderstorms, moving, dog doc visits, or my kids leaving for college.

Now, if these were the only health benefits, then I would stop here and say rawhide bones are great! Rubber grocery store bones can't be beat!

But I'd be lying because the right dog bones have many more health benefits your dog deserves to enjoy during chew time.

The Real Health Benefits of Dog Bones

When I buy real all-natural marrow bones, I give them a dog treat that isn't just something fun to chew on. It's super nutritious.

Marrow bones are filled with naturally occurring bone marrow. This marrow is rich in vitamins A, E, D, and B12, among others. It's also loaded with a lot of minerals like calcium, magnesium, and iron. It has a hefty serving of glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health.

I won't try to list all of the health benefits of these nutrients because I know you already get the picture. And you can see more benefits here if you like.

But bone marrow is mostly protein and fats. The protein is collagen, which is the body's structural protein. We (my dogs and I) need collagen to build healthy bones, joints, muscles, and skin.

And then, the fats are about 1/2 saturated fat and 1/2 healthy fats like omega 3 and conjugated linoleic acid, both with anti-inflammatory properties. I choose grass fed marrow bones because they're lower in overall fat, lower in saturated fat, and higher in the healthier polyunsaturated fats (omegas).

Bones to Avoid...and Why They're Not Healthy

Rawhide is treated with many chemicals that can leave harmful residues on the "bone". Rawhide isn't bone at all. It's dried animal skin, which is not something dogs would eat in the wild—unless they had no choice. It's mostly protein. And can't stand up to aggressive chewing.

Dairy cow bones come from cows raised for their milk. It's sad, but dairy farmers just can't afford to care for cows once milk stops, so they sell them to someone who turns them into dog bones, pet food, leather shoes, etc. I'd much rather this than those older cows ending up in a landfill. But dairy cows don't make good dog bones because they're older.

Osteoporosis is a thing for lady cattle just like it is for aging human women. That means the bones are weaker. Choose bones from beef cattle instead. They're processed before 29 months, full-grown but not older like a retired dairy cow would be. So what's that left?

Some others I avoid are ham bones, dinner bones, used bone broth bones, and chicken/turkey bones. Each of these is too brittle either because they're overcooked or because the bone isn't very strong in the first place.

What Is a Healthy Bone for Dogs to Chew?

The best chew bones for dogs come from grass-fed, pasture-raised beef cattle. I prefer to get my marrow bones from a supplier in the US who can verify that the cattle are also born and raised in the US. I like to know where my food comes from. The FDA regulates pet treats in a similar way that it regulates people's food. So, I feel more confident that the bones come from healthy beef cattle, as the company says.

I also like all-natural dog bones because they're refillable.

Once my dog has enjoyed the marrow from their bone, I don't toss it. I can refill it with delicious, healthy fillings like peanut butter, pumpkin puree, or yogurt mixed with berries from these free dog bone refill recipes.

Healthy bones should also be prepared correctly using a slow and low-heat cooking process that kills pathogens while preserving nutrition and bone integrity. No raw bones around my house Here's my link to find healthy bones for dogs.

Final Thoughts From a Dog Mom

Remember, the right dog bones support healthy teeth, joints, skin, energy and a lot more, all while giving dogs a treat they genuinely love. In the end, it's all about balance—keeping your dog happy, healthy, and enjoying their favorite chew in moderation.

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