Finding bones for aggressive chewers can be challenging. These dogs often don’t realize their limits and can be destructive to the bones. Soft chews are often chewed up and swallowed almost immediately, giving them no entertainment. However, harder chews can be hazardous and may break a tooth or cause digestive issues.
So, what’s the ideal option for your strong-jawed pup? Read on for a list of the best dog bones for aggressive chewers based on reviews from other owners.
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A Glance at Our Winners for 2024
Rating | Image | Product | Details | |
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Best Overall | Bones & Chews Roasted Marrow Dog Treat |
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Best Value | Nylabone Marrow Bone Dog Chew Toy |
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Premium Choice | Smokehouse Mammoth Femur Bone Dog Treat |
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Best for Puppies | Nylabone Textured Ring Dog Chew Toy |
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Bones & Chews Elk Antler Dog Chew |
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The 10 Best Dog Bones for Aggressive Chewers
1. Bones & Chews Made in USA Roasted Marrow Bone Dog Treat — Best Overall
Ingredient: | Edible beef marrow bone |
Food form: | Treat |
Breed size: | Small |
Bones & Chews Made in USA Roasted Marrow Bone Dog Treat is the best overall dog bone for aggressive chewers. It’s full of flavors to keep your dog interested and satisfied, and its size makes it perfect for small dogs. Each bone has plenty of natural marrow to ensure a long-lasting challenge for your pup.
These bones contain no added artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives and are never treated with chemicals, bleach, or formaldehyde. They’re kept at optimal moisture levels during roasting to reduce splintering.
Although these bones are generally safe, it’s still important to provide plenty of fresh water and supervise your dog during chewing to avoid choking or injury. If the bone splinters, it’s important to dispose of it immediately. Reviewers were mostly satisfied, but some said their dogs became bored quickly.
- Natural marrow bone
- Designed for small dogs
- Reduced splintering
- May not entertain all dogs
2. Nylabone Power Chew Marrow Bone Alternative Dog Chew Toy — Best Value
Ingredient: | Nylon, fabric |
Food form: | Non-edible |
Breed size: | Medium |
The Nylabone Power Chew Marrow Bone Alternative Dog Chew Toy is the best dog bone for aggressive chewers for the money. This is a safe, non-edible alternative to real rib bones and is made of durable nylon and fabric. The texture is excellent for dental stimulation, and your dog can still sink their teeth into it. Since it’s not made of real animal products, it creates less odor and mess than real marrow bones.
This bone is suitable for dogs up to 50 pounds and was specifically designed for aggressive chewers. It is also highly recommended by vets. It is not intended to be eaten, however, so it should be tossed out if it breaks or splinters. If your dog ingests it, you should consult with your vet.
Many reviewers saw good results, and the bone lasted a while, but others said that their dogs weren’t interested.
- Non-edible alternative to real bones
- Stimulates the teeth and gums
- Durable
- Some dogs prefer real bones
3. Smokehouse USA Meaty Mammoth Femur Bone Dog Treat — Premium Choice
Ingredient: | Natural beef femur bone |
Food form: | Treat |
Breed size: | All breeds |
Smokehouse USA Meaty Mammoth Femur Bone Dog Treat is the premium choice for aggressive chewers. This bone is the largest of the line and measures a full 14 to 16 inches. The bones are slow roasted in their own juices for enticing beef flavor and meaty bits your dog will love.
Although these bones are intended for large dogs, virtually any breed can enjoy chewing on them if they’re powerful chewers. Each bone comes individually shrink-wrapped for convenience and safety.
Bones of this size can cause injury or splintering that presents a choking hazard, so be sure to supervise your dog during chewing. The natural oils in this bone may also stain carpeting or furniture. Some owners of large breeds said that their dogs broke the bone apart within a week.
- Large, sturdy bone
- Slow roasted for flavor
- Good for any breed
- Can stain furniture and carpeting
- Some dogs will finish it quickly
4. Nylabone Power Chew Textured Dog Chew Ring Toy Flavor Medley — Best for Puppies
Ingredient: | Nylon, fabric |
Food form: | Non-edible |
Breed size: | All |
The Nylabone Power Chew Textured Dog Chew Ring Toy Flavor Medley is the best for puppies. The toy has a chewy texture with chicken flavoring to keep your dog interested, but its innovative disc-shaped design will hold up to tough chewing for hours. You can play with your dog with it as a tug toy or fetch toy, or your dog can enjoy it on its own.
Each piece of the ring has ridges and grooves that are fun for your dog to chew and that will stimulate their gums during teething. Since this is a synthetic toy and not a marrow bone, it won’t stain furniture or lead to sogginess or odors.
Several reviewers said that the ring cracked easily and had to be tossed out.
- Grooves and nibs for chewing
- Versatile use
- Good for teething
- May break easily
5. Bones & Chews Made in USA Elk Antler Dog Chew
Ingredient: | Elk antler |
Food form: | Treat |
Breed size: | All |
The Bones & Chews Made in USA Elk Antler Dog Chew is a 100% natural antler that’s low odor and non-allergenic. It provides hours of durable chewing and is a natural source of calcium, phosphorus, and other nutrients. Antlers are shed naturally by elk, so they’re a renewable source of fun. The texture of the antler can help your dog’s teeth and gums, and chewing strengthens their jaw.
Like other natural chews, antlers may become soggy with chewing, and the natural oils can stain furniture or carpeting. It’s important to supervise your dog during chewing to prevent choking or injuries. If the antler breaks, splinters, or has sharp edges, toss it out. Some reviewers said that their dogs were able to break the antler apart and ingest it.
- Natural source of calcium and phosphorous
- Stimulates gums and teeth
- Multiple sizes
- May be ingested
- May stain furniture or carpeting
6. QT Dog Buffalo Horn Medium
Ingredient: | Natural water buffalo horn |
Food form: | Treat |
Breed size: | All |
QT Dog Buffalo Horn Medium is an excellent alternative to rawhides. It comes in multiple sizes to suit different breeds and offers a gluten-free and grain-free natural chewing option. The texture of the horn promotes dental health by cleaning off tartar and buildup, and it’s a natural source of calcium and phosphorus. All horns are made from free-range, grass-fed water buffalo, and each may look different in shape and color.
As your dog chews, the horn may release a natural oil and scent that can permeate furniture and carpeting. Always supervise your dog while they’re chewing this horn or other chews. If the horn splinters or develops sharp edges, it should be replaced.
- Available in multiple sizes
- Natural grass-fed water buffalo horn
- High in protein and low in fat
- May splinter
- May stain furniture and carpeting
7. Bones & Chews Made in USA Bully Wrapped Elk Antler Split
Ingredient: | Elk antler, beef pizzle |
Food form: | Treat |
Breed size: | Small |
Bones & Chews Made in USA Bully Wrapped Elk Antler Split offers the best of both worlds with a durable elk antler and a beef pizzle. This extra-satisfying chew has a strong elk antler with a yummy bully stick that will keep your dog occupied for long periods. Both ingredients are all-natural with no artificial preservatives and offer a great source of calcium, phosphorus, and protein.
The combination of textures of this antler can help your dog’s dental health by scraping away plaque and tartar as your dog chews. This is appropriate for small or medium breeds but may not be big enough to present a challenge for large or giant breeds. Owners of large dogs said that the chew didn’t last long.
- Antler and beef pizzle
- Natural source of calcium and phosphorous
- Good for dental health
- Not suitable for large or giant breeds
8. Barkworthies Beef Knuckle Bone Dog Treat
Ingredient: | Beef knuckle bone |
Food form: | Treat |
Breed size: | Medium, large, giant |
The Barkworthies Beef Knuckle Bone Dog Treat is a great option for large or giant breeds or aggressive medium breeds. This all-natural, FDA-approved knuckle bone is sourced from grass-fed, free-range Brazilian cattle. It’s naturally high in calcium, iron, and zinc to support your dog’s health.
All Barkworthies bones are made without preservatives, hormones, and antibiotics. Each bone is baked to get rid of bacteria while locking in natural flavors. Tendons are still attached for more entertainment for your dog.
These bones are ideal for large and aggressive chewers, but it’s still important to supervise during chewing to watch for injuries or choking hazards. Reviewers commented that the bone is too big or too small for their dogs, so consider the size before purchasing.
- Natural knuckle bone from grass-fed cattle
- Naturally high in calcium, iron, and zinc
- Meat and tendons still attached
- May be too big or large for some dogs
9. Nylabone Power Chew Easy-Hold Dog Dental Chew Toy
Ingredient: | Nylon, synthetic fabric |
Food form: | Non-edible |
Breed size: | Small, medium |
Nylabone Power Chew Easy-Hold Dog Dental Chew Toy is a fun dog toy with multiple paw grips to help your dog get more traction for chewing and nibbling. The toy is coated in bacon flavor to entice your dog, and the tough nylon can withstand the most destructive chewing habits.
This toy has multiple textures that stimulate your dog’s teeth and gums, so it’s perfect for teething puppies or tough adults. With its four-point design, your dog can chew from multiple angles to stave off boredom. This is suitable for dogs up to 50 pounds, so be sure it’s appropriate for your pet’s size before purchasing. Some reviewers said that their dogs were able to chew off small pieces, so be sure to supervise your pup during playtime.
- Multiple grips and textures
- Bacon flavor
- Tough nylon construction
- Not appropriate for large breeds
- Can break apart
10. Bones & Chews Made in USA Curly Bully Stick Dog Chew Treats
Ingredient: | Beef pizzle |
Food form: | Treat |
Breed size: | All |
Bones & Chews Made in USA Curly Bully Stick Dog Chew Treats are perfect for all breed sizes and offer tasty meat flavor to encourage chewing. Each stick is made from 100% USA beef that’s slow roasted with no added artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.
Since they’re made of beef, these sticks are a good source of protein with little fat. As your dog chews, the texture can remove plaque and tartar from your dog’s teeth and gums.
The natural oils from the sticks can stain furniture and carpeting, though. If the sticks break apart, it can be a choking hazard, so be sure to supervise your dog. Any sticks that develop sharp edges or break into splinters or small pieces should be thrown out.
- 100% beef
- High in protein and low in fat
- Good for dental health
- Can stain furniture and carpeting
- May break apart
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Dog Bone for Aggressive Chewers
The challenge with aggressive chewers is not only finding a bone that can withstand their abuse but also ensuring that the bone or chew is safe. When choosing the best bone for your dog, you must remember that those that break apart or splinter can cause injury or present a choking hazard.
Consider the Hardness
When you’re shopping for dog chews, consider how hard they are. Chews that are too hard can cause tooth fractures or injuries to the mouth. You can test how hard a chew is by tapping it against your knee—if it’s hard enough to hurt, it’s too much for your dog. You can also check by pushing your fingernail into the chew. If it gives, it’s safe for your dog.
Non-edible chews should be made of a durable rubber or nylon. Similarly, check that these aren’t too hard for your dog’s teeth.
Choose the Right Size
Chews need to be in the “Goldilocks” zone for your dog. Chews that are too small for your dog won’t last and could become a choking hazard, especially with aggressive chewers. Conversely, a chew that’s too big for your dog will be frustrating for them to chew, defeating its purpose.
Most chews have size and weight recommendations on the label. Choose the right size chew for your dog, and if you’re not sure, go with a larger one. If the chew is edible, monitor your dog and ensure that they don’t ingest too much of the chew in each sitting.
Supervise Your Dog
Any bone has the potential to be dangerous for a chewing dog. Overall, it’s safer than your dog taking out their frustration on household items like furniture, electrical cords, or shoes, but you still need to understand the risks. Chews can be ingested, be a choking hazard, or injure your dog’s teeth or mouth.
If you are concerned about the health and well-being of your pet, seek veterinary advice for the best course of action.
To talk to a vet online now, click on the image or button below:
If your dog tends to break bones into small pieces or splinters, always supervise your dog while they’re chewing. Keep a close eye on the condition of the chew, and take it away if your dog is breaking it into small pieces. If it becomes sharp or damaged, toss it out.
Our Selection Process For Dog Bones for Aggressive Chewers
To create this buyer’s guide, our writing team and editorial staff checked customer reviews, brand reputation, and veterinary approval ratings to present the dog bones we think should be highlighted for our readers. In some cases, we conducted hands-on testing along with seeing how much our dogs liked the dog bones. All these factors were considered when selecting these listed dog bones to help you make the best purchase for your furry friends.
Why Trust Dogster?
Since 2004, Dogster has been a trusted brand for dog owners online, which means we have a lot of experience with dog bones. We take pride in promoting the well-being of all dogs—from toy breeds to giant canines. Our in-house veterinarians, writers, and editors examine each product on our lists, ensuring its quality and reputation. As pet owners ourselves, we only want the best for our furry companions. At Dogster, we are transparent about the products we promote. The nutritional information, overall brand reputation, and customer reviews are all considered for these lists. We inform you how we want to be informed.
Conclusion
Aggressive chewers need bones and chews that can withstand their abuse. Among these reviews, Bones & Chews Roasted Marrow Bone Dog Treat is the best one overall because it has a reduced chance of splintering. If you want value, try the non-edible Nylabone Marrow Bone Alternative Dog Chew Toy. Finally, the Smokehouse Mammoth Femur Bone Dog Treat is the premium choice for large and giant aggressive chewers. We hope that this list has helped you find the right chew bone for your pup!
Featured Image Credit: root_br, Unsplash