Get

In Your Inbox

Dogster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

What Kinds of Bones Can Dogs Eat? 3 Vet-Approved Options

Can Dogs Eat Bones

It’s no secret that many dogs love to chew on bones. They’re tasty to dogs, and their texture can help clean your dog’s teeth and maintain their oral health. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean that bones are safe for your dog. Even with the safest bone options, there are some safety concerns, so it’s important to weigh the pros and cons before giving your dog any type of bone.

This list is what many veterinarians would consider to be the only potentially safe bone options for your dog.

divider dog paws oct 2024

The 3 Safest Bone Options for Dogs

1. Raw, Meaty Bones

Bowl with raw chopped meaty bones
Image Credit: New Africa, Shutterstock

When it comes to bones, almost all vets will tell you that cooked animal bones are a big no-no. Cooked bones are more likely to splinter and shatter, while raw bones tend to be more pliable. This means that raw bones tend to break off into softer pieces with edges that are less sharp than on broken bits of cooked bones. If your dog eats a raw diet, then you are probably already giving them raw, meaty bones as part of their diet. However, for the average dog, these bones should be given with caution.

Avoid overly fatty bones, like pork ribs, and make sure to handle the bones like you would any type of raw meat. Wash your hands thoroughly after handling, limit the number of surfaces that your dog has the bone on, and refrigerate or freeze the bone between chewing sessions to maintain safety. No matter what, raw bones should be disposed of after about 4 days.

Like any raw meat, they are a breeding ground for bacteria, especially when exposed to warm, moist environments, like a dog’s mouth.


2. Large Bones

Beef Raw Meaty Bone
Image Credit: Ayah Raushan, Shutterstock

There are lots of bones sold in pet stores, but the best option when it comes to getting bones for your dog is to go to a butcher and get fresh bones. There’s no way for you to know how a bone in the pet store was handled or stored before getting to the store, and you won’t know how long it’s been sitting on the shelf either.

A butcher will be able to give you bones that are fresh, and therefore, more likely to be safe. Not only that, but a butcher can help customize appropriate bone sizes for your dog.

Any bone you give to your dog should, ideally, be almost as large as their head. You’d be surprised how easily a dog can gulp down an object that looks too large to be swallowed, and swallowing a whole bone or large pieces poses a choking hazard for your dog, as well as the potential for intestinal obstructions.

If your dog eats a raw diet, talk to your vet for guidance on the appropriate bone size for your dog if they form part of their regular diet.

If you need to speak with a vet but can't get to one, head over to PangoVet. It's an online service where you can talk to a vet online and get the personalized advice you need for your pet — all at an affordable price!

PangoVet_Mention-in-Content Savings V1


3. Alternative Bone Options

Dog chewing bully stick
Image Credit: Jean Doyon, Shutterstock

Synthetic bones and bone alternatives come in all shapes, sizes, and materials, so it’s important to choose options that are safe for your dog. Bully sticks are often recommended by vets because of their digestibility and texture are unlikely to damage teeth or cause obstructions or intestinal damage to your dog.

Rawhide bones are usually not recommended, but rawhides that are labeled as 100% beef or horse hide are considered safe by some vets. Avoid other types of rawhides, as they are created through a multi-step process that exposes them to a variety of artificial flavors and chemical compounds that may not be safe for dogs.

Dental chews are usually synthetic chews, and they are developed specifically to support the health of your dog. These chews are usually designed to be consumed, so they are also digestible. When choosing dental bones, make sure to choose bones that are the correct size for your dog. Also, dental chews may need to be avoided if your dog tends to bite large chunks off of things to swallow whole.

divider dog paws 3 oct 2024

Safety Concerns with Giving Bones to Dogs

While bones can provide your dog with a handful of health benefits, the health risks associated with giving bones to dogs can be far greater. Bones are not digestible, so they usually will pass through your dog’s digestive tract without breaking down. This means that sharp pieces of bone can scrape or puncture areas in your dog’s digestive tract, as well as cause obstructions or make pooping painful or difficult.

When it comes to raw, meaty bones, there are serious safety concerns, as there are with all types of raw foods for dogs. Raw meats have a high risk for bacterial growth, especially when not handled properly. Proper temperature storage, handling, and discarding should all be observed when offering raw bones. Don’t let your dog chew on raw bones on your bed or furniture, since this can increase the risk of food-borne illnesses, like salmonella, spreading to people or animals in your home.

All of these things mentioned above are concerning, but the most common issue associated with bones is damage to your dog’s teeth and mouth. While some bones can support dental health, hard bones pose a risk of breaking your dog’s teeth, as well as causing scratches and punctures within the mouth and tongue. Oftentimes, it’s recommended to avoid hard bones, like femur bones.

The shape and size of bones given to your dog matter as well. Bones that are too small pose a choking hazard to your pup. Another issue that happens to many dogs is that round bones can become wrapped around the lower jaw. This means that bones with a large, hollow center pose a major risk to your dog’s jaw and teeth. It’s not uncommon for these bones to need to be removed by a veterinarian, sometimes under sedation or anesthesia, when they become stuck around the jaw.

It is vital that you supervise your dog when they are gnawing on any bone or dental chew, to prevent any disasters from occurring.

black & brown Bernese Mountain Dog chewing on bone
Image Credit: Janosch Diggelmann, Unsplash

What About Fish Bones?

You may have noticed that fish bones weren’t listed as one of the safe bone options to give to your dog. Many people give their dogs treats like sardines or anchovies, which usually contain very small bones. In small fish, the bones are usually not removed, even when prepared for humans.

Unfortunately, fish bones are considered extremely unsafe for dogs. Their small size leads many people to believe they are safe. Fish bones are extremely small, but also extremely sharp and brittle. They pose a risk of damaging or becoming lodged in the intestinal tract or throat.

Many people give small fish to their dogs without issue, and they are often anecdotally considered safe, but most vets will recommend that you avoid fish bones because of the potential risks.

divider single dog paw oct 2024

Conclusion

Giving any type of bone to your dog is something that should be discussed with your veterinarian beforehand, especially if your dog has existing or previous health conditions, like pancreatitis and dental disease. Bones are never considered to be safe across the board, and some vets will discourage you from giving bones to your dog, no matter what.

If you are going to give bones to your dog, make sure to choose safer bones, and be aware that there is an inherent risk in giving bones to your dog. Familiarize yourself with signs of a problem so you can act quickly if your dog is experiencing an issue related to consuming a bone.

See also:


Featured Image Credit: Sebastian Quinn, Shutterstock

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Dogster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Join the conversation

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.

Talk With A Vet Online

Peace of mind,
anywhere, anytime

Affordable vet advice

What Are CBD Treats for Dogs? Usage, Pros & Cons (Vet-Verified)

Cannabidiol (CBD) is used for several human health conditions, like anxiety, chronic pain, and even epilepsy. Dogs can be affected by these same...

F1 vs. F2 Goldendoodle: The Differences (With Pictures)

The Goldendoodle is a stunning dog that is a mix of the Poodle and the Golden Retriever. This canine is loving, intelligent, and...

Red Rottweiler: Info, Pictures, Origin & History

Red Rottweilers are a unique variation of this strong and confident dog breed, originally bred for herding and guarding purposes. These intelligent and...

How Much Do Boston Terriers Cost? 2025 Pricing Guide

It’s no secret that the main factor that influences the cost of adopting a dog is the type of breed. Some breeds are...

More related

Why Do Dogs Shake? Vet-Reviewed Causes & How to Handle It

Dogs are incredibly expressive! Whether it’s those happy, wiggling bodies or their eyebrows sending us messages, canines can have so much to say...

6 Great Off-Leash Dog Parks in Fresno, CA (2025 Update)

There’s no better way to spend a sunny day than a visit to one of the city of Fresno’s dog parks. These parks...

10 Australian Pet Food Industry Statistics to Know in 2025: Trends & Market Size

Note: This article’s statistics come from third-party sources and do not represent the opinions of this website. Australia has one of the highest...

Jumping Chihuahuas: Ned Finds a Loophole

Hi, I’m Dr. Karyn! Read my introduction to learn more about me and my five funny dogs, Poppy, Bailey, Kodah, Ned, and Fred....

Keep reading

Are Watermelons Good for Dogs? Nutrition Facts & Feeding Tips

As the weather gets warmer and your dog starts to pant, you may be looking for a refreshing treat that will cool you both down. If you’re snacking on a juicy watermelon, your dog might be begging for a piece....

watermelon-pixabay

Can Dogs Eat Sunchips? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & Alternatives

For many people, it’s hard to resist cravings for junk food. We often ignore the unfavorable health effects of these tempting treats, whether a bag of Cheetos at midnight or Sunchips while watching a game. But what about our furry...

Can Dogs Eat Sunchips

Are Tomato Plants Toxic to Dogs? Vet-Verified Facts & Safety

If you get online regarding feeding dogs tomatoes, you’ll get mixed opinions. Some say that you should never give your dog any tomatoes, despite their ripeness, while others claim that ripe tomatoes can be okay in moderation. Ultimately, you should...

Dogster_Are Tomato Plants Toxic to Dogs

Abound Dog Food Review 2025: Pros, Cons & Recalls

Review Summary Abound is a relatively new dog food brand that was launched in 2014. This company is owned by Kroger and is marketed as their newest store brand of dog food. Their recipes offer natural ingredients with no corn,...

Dogster_Abound Dog Food Review

How Much Calcium Do Dogs Need? 6 Best Sources

We tell our children that if they want to grow big and strong, they better drink their milk. Dogs need calcium as we do, and having the right amount in their systems gives them stronger teeth, nails, bones, and coats....

Boxer with a bone

Can Dogs Eat Pizza? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & FAQ

Pizza is undoubtedly a staple in the US, with more than 6,000 slices consumed in a person’s lifetime. That’s a lot of pizza! Since pizza is such an American favorite, dog owners know that pizza is a coveted food item...

Can Dogs Eat_Pizza

Can Dogs Eat Limes? Vet-Approved Facts & FAQ

Disclaimer: Before changing your dog’s/ cat’s diet or introducing new ingredients or supplements that they haven’t eaten before, especially when it comes to human food, make sure to consult your veterinarian first. Every dog/cat is different and requires an individual...

Can Dogs Eat Limes

Can Dogs Eat Sunflower Oil? Vet Reviewed Facts & FAQ

Sunflower oil sounds about as natural as it gets. Whole foods have taken root in the dog food market as obesity rates are on the rise, and pet parents have become more knowledgeable about how to care for their fur...

Can Dogs Eat_sunflower oil