Why Do Dogs Chew Bones? Bad Habit or Self Care Routine

So, last weekend, my partner spent a whole Saturday playing video games after working some really long hours and needing to decompress. It got me thinking about how I like to unwind and attend to my well-being—painting, growing some of my own food, volunteering at the community garden and shelter, sipping mocha lattes at the dog-friendly cafe, and spending time with my dogs.

I have certain ways I like to spend my downtime. These are important self-care rituals. My partner has self-care routines, too. Then, my 3 dogs have their preferred entertainment—chewing on dog bones. That's not something I'd enjoy. But they can't get enough of it. And we all need to have time to do what we love.

So, why do dogs chew bones? What's so interesting about spending an hour or more chewing on something? Is it another bad habit I should help them break, or is gnawing on an all-natural dog bone an important dog wellness routine? Let's explore!

Why Do Dogs Like Bones?

Dogs chew on bones because their ancestral wolves passed down this instinct to them. In the wild, chewing on bones serves several important functions.

• Cleaning their teeth to keep their mouths healthier longer
• Accessing key nutrients not available in meat (or dog kibble, for that matter)
• Strengthening their jaws, which is important for healthy aging
• Soothing boredom, easing anxiety, and entertaining themselves

Modern domesticated dogs chew on dog bones for many of the same reasons. They enjoy it. It's instinct. When they don't have an outlet for this desire to chew, they may find things around the house, as at least one of the new pairs of running shoes found out.

My dogs may not fully comprehend why they want to gnaw on things. But it's important to their sense of well-being. When a dog chews on something—even something I don't want them to—they're attending to self-care.

So, not only is chewing on bones not a bad habit. It's a very good habit that I personally want to encourage in my dogs.

Why Do Dogs Like to Chew on Bones? A Closer Look

Now, I want to home in on these benefits and why dogs like to chew bones because, honestly, the story of the dog and their dog bone is fascinating.

Dental Health

Wild dogs and wolves' lives depend on keeping healthy teeth and gums. If their oral health fails them, they can no longer eat and will die. As my own dogs age, they don't have to worry about that. I can switch them to softer foods like canned food or beef lung treats.

But I still want to help them keep their pearly whites as long as possible.

So, I was delighted to find this study from Rutgers University. They discovered that within just 12 weeks, dogs that chewed on bones had 60-80 less harmful bacteria in their mouth. They also have much less tartar, which makes sense because tartar buildup houses bacteria.

Nutrition

Wild dogs and wolves naturally wanted to eat as much of an animal as they could—including organs, connective tissues and bones. They're the original 0 waste warriors.

They didn't know when they'd have another meal, and they're pack animals, so they needed one animal to feed a family of hungry omnivores.

What they probably don't know is that they get nutrition from the bones, organs, and joints that isn't prevalent in the meat:

• Collagen is a structural protein that lays the framework for healthy bones, joints, and skin
• Calcium and phosphorus for strong bones
• Iron and zinc for healthy immune systems and energy
• B12, among other B vitamins, is important for energy and mental health
• Healthy essential fats dog's bodies can't make, including omega 3 and omega 6
• Glucosamine and chondroitin for healthy, pain-free joints as they age

Jaw Strength

In the wild, jaw strength represents the ability to survive—not only ensuring they can eat but also defend their families. For our pampered furry friends, jaw strength is still important. A healthy jaw supports healthier overall dog posture and stability, according to the American Kennel Club. Good posture is important for healthy bones and joints.

Soothing Boredom

If I had to stay confined in a home with nothing to do ever, I'd feel miserable. Dogs also need something to do regularly to feel mentally and physically engaged. As much as I'd love to, we can't play fetch outside all day.

Why do dogs like bones? They're one of the many things dogs do to entertain themselves in between going for walks, taking naps, eating, and cuddling. Dog bones can become a vital part of their daily routine.

For dogs, a marrow-filled dog bone is a lot like a dog puzzle toy. It's filled with slightly sweet, highly nutritious dog marrow. As a dog licks, chews, and twists the bone around, a tiny bit of bone marrow is released from the bone.

It's a treat! So, I imagine they get a little dopamine hit like I do when I scroll through social media. Very entertaining!

Easing Anxiety

If you have a pup that hides under the bed during thunderstorms or barks at every little thing, some regular chew time could be precisely what they need. Because dog bones are mentally stimulating, they can ease stressed feelings and depression, too.

I don't have the studies on dog bones specifically. But mental stimulation can ease dog depression, according to PetMD. They can help dogs going through life changes like the loss of a loved one, return to office mandates, kids going off to college, etc.

Best Chew Bones for Dogs

The best bones for dogs are durable but not so hard that they shatter teeth. Ideally, they come from grass-fed beef herds. Grass-fed beef has 2X the omega 3 and less saturated fat, so I prefer that for health reasons. I also look for labels that say the beef herds are born and raised in the US. Fewer hands and borders to go through means I can trust the label. Plus, I like to support US workers and local industries that make our economies thrive.

K9 Connoisseur has some of the best grass-fed, USA-sourced beef dog bones. They're smoked using a slow and low heat cooking process to maximize nutrition and retain some tasty meaty bits while ensuring they're a safe density for my dogs. You can check out some of my favorites here.

My terrier Pixie loved the Dynamo Bones. They're perfect for medium and smaller large dogs. After my dogs finish getting the marrow out, I can refill them with yummy, dog-approved treats like peanut butter or pumpkin puree. This is a great way to get many more chew sessions from one dog bone.

I share tips for refilling in this free dog bone refill guide.

Why Do Dogs Like to Chew on Bones?

Mystery solved. It's all about self-care. From primal instincts to modern-day health benefits, chewing bones is a natural joy for dogs. When you choose the right bones, like those made from grass-fed beef, you’re not just choosing to give your dog a treat—you’re giving them the gift of health, happiness, and hours of satisfaction.

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