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.

7 Best Bones for Small Dogs in 2025: Reviews & Top Picks

jack russell terrier eating rawhide treat

jack russell terrier eating rawhide treat

If you have a small dog, you know how hard it can be to find a bone that is not too large for their mouth. An appropriately sized dog bone will be more fun for your dog, and there is less risk of injury. If this sounds like your situation, keep reading as we list reviews of the most popular bone brands for small breeds. There is also a buyer’s guide to help you know what to look for so you can make an informed purchase.

divider dog paws 3 oct 2024

A Quick Look at Our Favorites in 2025

Rating Image Product Details
Best Overall
Winner
Benebone Wishbone Durable Dog Chew Toy Benebone Wishbone Durable Dog Chew Toy
  • Durable
  • Real bacon flavor
  • Easy to carry
  • Best Value
    Second place
    Purina Busy Made in USA Facilities Toy Breed Dog Bones Purina Busy Made in USA Facilities Toy Breed Dog Bones
  • Real meat center
  • Firm texture
  • Great taste
  • Premium Choice
    Third place
    Greenies Teenie Original Dental Treats Greenies Teenie Original Dental Treats
  • Promotes dental health
  • Veterinary recommended
  • Comes in a variety of sizes
  • other
    Nylabone Healthy Edibles Puppy Nylabone Healthy Edibles Puppy
  • Contains DHA
  • Appropriately sized for puppies
  • Made in the USA
  • SmartBones Mini Bones SmartBones Mini Bones
  • Great flavor
  • Promotes dental health
  • Easy to digest
  • The 7 Best Bones for Small Dogs

    1. Benebone Wishbone Durable Dog Chew Toy – Best Overall

    Benebone Wishbone Durable Dog Chew Toy

    Ingredients Nylon

    The Benebone Wishbone Durable Dog Chew Toy is our pick as the best overall bone for small dogs. It’s extremely durable and perfect for even aggressive chewers. It has a bacon flavor that most dogs enjoy, and its shape is easy for your pet to pick up and carry, which means your dog will likely spend more time playing with it.

    The only downside is that the bone can develop sharp edges as your dog chews, which can cause sores, so you will need to discard it if that happens.

    Pros
    • Durable
    • Real bacon flavor
    • Easy to carry
    Cons
    • Can get sharp

    2. Purina Busy Bone – Best Value

    Purina Busy Made in USA Facilities Toy Breed Dog Bones

    Ingredients Rice, wheat flour

    Purina Busy Bones are the best bones for small dogs for the money. There are 30 small bones in a pack, so plenty are available for treats. They taste great and have a real meat center with a firm texture that your dog will enjoy. The small size is easy to pick up and carry, so your small dog shouldn’t have any trouble with them.

    Users’ main complaint about these bones is that dogs can chew them quickly, so they are more of a treat than a dog bone.

    Pros
    • 30-count package
    • Real meat center
    • Firm texture
    • Easy to pick up and carry
    • Great taste
    Cons
    • Goes bad quickly

    3. Greenies Teenie Original Dental Treats – Premium Choice

    Greenies Teenie Dental Dog Treats

    Ingredients Wheat flour, wheat gluten

    Greenies Teenie Original Dental Treats may be considered a treat, but if you get the right size for your small dog, it will provide a decent amount of chew time. This chew time helps promote dental health while providing your dog with added nutrients in the form of vitamins and minerals.

    Since Greenies are more treats than actual bones, they may not last as long as you wish, but opting for the next size up may increase your dog’s chewing time without being too big.

    Pros
    • Promotes dental health
    • Veterinary recommended
    • Comes in a variety of sizes
    Cons
    • Doesn’t last as long

    4. Nylabone Healthy Edibles Puppy – Best for Puppies

    Nylabone Healthy Edibles Puppy

    Ingredients Wheat starch

    Nylabone Edibles Puppy is our pick for the best bone for small puppies. These bones are specially sized for dogs up to 15 pounds, and they contain nutrients like DHA that are essential for healthy growth and development. They’re also made in the U.S.A. and are free from artificial preservatives, flavors, and colors.

    Aggressive chewers may be able to bite off large chunks of these bones at once, so always supervise your pup when they chew Nylabone Edibles.

    Pros
    • Contains DHA
    • Appropriately sized for puppies
    • Made in the USA
    Cons
    • Use with supervision

    5. SmartBones Mini Bones

    SmartBones Mini Bones

    Ingredients Chicken, cornstarch, gelatin

    SmartBones Mini Bones are favorites of many small dogs because of their great flavor. They contain real chicken and plenty of vitamins and minerals to help keep your dog healthy. They are easy to digest, and the crunchy treats help promote dental health. There are 56 treats per bag, so your pet will enjoy them for a long time.

    The primary downside to these SmartBones is that some dogs won’t like the flavor, so they might choose other treats and toys instead.

    Pros
    • Great flavor
    • Promotes dental health
    • Plenty of treats per bag
    • Easy to digest
    Cons
    • Some dogs don’t like them

    6. Nylabone Beef Broth Bones

    Nylabone Beef Broth Bones Dog Treats

    Ingredients Potato starch, dried beef liver

    Nylabone Beef Broth Bones have the same shape as real bones, making them easy to pick up and carry. The bones are made with limited ingredients, like dried beef liver, flaxseed, and natural bacon flavor, that your pet will love. Another great thing about these bones is that they won’t stain your carpet as your pet eats them.

    The downside to Nylabone bones is that many dogs can chew them quickly, so they are more like a treat than a bone that the dog will carry for a while.

    Pros
    • Limited ingredients
    • Real beef flavor
    • No corn or wheat
    • Won’t stain
    Cons
    • Dogs can chew them quickly

    7. Nature Gnaws Natural Dog Chews

    Nature Gnaws Dog Chew Variety Pack for Small Dogs

    Ingredients Beef pizzle, gullet, and tripe

    Nature Gnaws is our last pick of the best bones for small dogs. The company uses 100% naturally dried beef parts to create firm and crunchy treats that your pet will love. These gnaws are easy to pick up and carry and satisfy most cravings for chewing. They also help scrape away tartar as your dog chews, which will help promote dental health.

    The downside to Nature Gnaws is that they are more expensive than most other options on this list. Be wary of splinters and discard the bone if your dog damages it in any way.

    Pros
    • Promotes healthy chewing
    • Firm and crunchy
    • Promotes dental health
    Cons
    • Expensive
    • Use with supervision

    divider dog paws 3 oct 2024

    Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Bones for Small Dogs

    Durability

    One of the primary things to look for when choosing a bone for your dog is its durability. Bones that last longer will provide your pet with more enjoyment, and you will get more bang for your buck.

    • Synthetic: Synthetic bones last longer than natural bones, but they sometimes get sharp edges as your dog chews them. You will need to discard the bones if you see this, or it can damage the inside of the dog’s mouth.
    • Natural: Natural bones are controversial for dogs, especially cooked ones, since they are more likely to crack or splinter. It’s better to use raw bones, but you’ll want to  limit your use of raw bones as they can contain a lot of fat.
    • Baked; Baked bones are more like cookies that manufacturers have formed into the shape of a bone. These are often popular with dogs because they come in many flavors, and there is no risk of splinters or cracks. However, these bones don’t last as long as the other types, and many dogs can chew them up in a few minutes, making them more like treats than play toys. Also, eating too many can lead to weight gain.
    Dog chewing on bone treat
    Image Credit: James Smith, Pixabay

    Size

    When purchasing any bone for your pet, check the package to ensure that it is the right size. Most will specify a size or weight range, so choose something appropriate for your dog.

    Ingredients

    If you are choosing a synthetic or baked bone, ensure that there are no chemical preservatives or artificial colors before purchasing. Look for a brand with high-quality ingredients that will help keep your pet healthy. A veterinarian can help you with choosing the most appropriate bone for your dog.

    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

    divider dog paws 3 oct 2024

    Conclusion

    When reading these reviews to find a bone for your small dog, we highly recommend our pick as the best overall. The Benebone Wishbone Durable Dog Chew Toy is extremely durable and has a real bacon flavor that will keep your pet entertained for several hours. Also, our premium choice, Greenies Teenie Original Dental Treats, helps promote dental health while chewing to help provide your pet with a natural experience that they will enjoy.


    Featured Image Credit: Reshetnikov_art, 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

    15 Tips on How to Keep a Hyper Dog Calm After Heartworm Treatment

    If you’ve ever dealt with a bored dog, you understand how difficult it is to keep them calm. Now, you’re dealing with a...

    10 Canada Pet Adoption Statistics & Facts to Know in 2025

    Note: This article’s statistics come from third-party sources and do not represent the opinions of this website. Ask any pet owner, and they’ll...

    My Dog Ate an Ink Pen! Here’s What to Do (Vet Answer)

    If your dog has eaten an ink pen, you should contact your veterinarian immediately. Ingestion of any non-food objects can lead to obstructions...

    Why Do Dogs Hate Cats? Myths vs. Vet-Verified Facts

    It has been a widely known phenomenon that some dogs love to chase cats! When they do, the unfortunate part is that some...

    More related

    Why Do Dogs Sneeze When They Play? 8 Reasons

    If you have ever been playing with your dog and noticed that it keeps sneezing, you may be wondering what this could mean...

    Are Border Collies Prone to Anxiety? Signs & How to Help Them

    Border Collies are considered the most intelligent dog breed in the world. Regarded as exceptional herders, they are highly intelligent, affectionate, loyal, and...

    13 Outdoor Games for Dogs to Play This Summer

    Some dogs love the outdoors. They’ll spend as much time as possible frolicking in the grass and charging down the beach. It gives...

    Does Dog Pee Kill Plants? Vet-Verified Facts, Tips & FAQ

    As much as we want everyone in the family to get along, our dogs and plants can never seem to maintain the peace....

    Keep reading

    How Much Food to Feed a Lab: Feeding Guide & Nutritional Tips

    Wouldn’t you love to feed your Labrador dog the best, high-quality food in the exact quantities it needs to thrive? Every dog owner wants this more than anything, yet they can never figure it out. We don’t blame them! Thousands...

    labrador retriever eating dog food

    Castor & Pollux Dog Food Review 2025: Pros, Cons, Recalls, and FAQ

    Review Summary Please note that several Castor & Pollux products are currently unavailable. At this time, we are unsure whether these items have been fully discontinued, are experiencing supply issues, or if there is another reason for their absence. We...

    Dogster_Castor & Pollux Dog Food Review

    Whimzees Dog Treats Reviews 2025: Pros, Cons & Verdict

    If you’re looking for an all-natural, grain-free dog treat to help clean your pup’s teeth and freshen their breath, then Whimzees dog treats are just what you need! These dental chews, made in the Netherlands, come in various shapes, sizes,...

    Whimzees Dog Treat

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

    If you love to cook, chances are your kitchen is stocked with many of the basic ingredients you need for your favorite recipes. Vegetables and herbs from the Allium (onion) family, including chives, are among the most common seasonings used...

    Can Dogs Eat_Chives

    6 Top Seeds for Dogs: Vet-Approved Healthy & Nutritious Options

    Seeds are popular snacks, especially among health enthusiasts, due to their dense nutritional value. Naturally, some people wonder if they’re also safe for dogs. Many seeds are safe for dogs in moderation, but certain ones can be dangerous. Keep reading...

    fresh sunflower seeds

    Can Dogs Eat Boba? Vet-Verified Facts & FAQ

    Cool and refreshing with fun pops of tapioca starch, bubble tea originated in Taiwan in the 1980s. The tea beverage was introduced to America in Taiwanese shops on the California coast, but now has traveled all across the country where...

    Can Dogs Eat Boba

    10 Best Dog Food Bowls for Dogs With No Teeth in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

    If you have a precious pup that is missing their teeth, you want to make life as easy as possible for everyone involved. While dogs without teeth can lead very normal lives, there are some tweaks you can make to...

    Shiba Inu dog eating from stainless steel bowl

    Can Dogs Eat Liverwurst? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & Risks

    Liverwurst is a type of sausage made primarily of liver, spices, and other ingredients. If that sounds like something your dog might enjoy, you’re not wrong, but can dogs eat liverwurst? Liverwurst often contains toxic ingredients, so you’ll need to...

    Can Dogs Eat_liverwurst