Objective: Evaluate the effect of raw bovine cortical bone (CB) (medullary bone cross-sectioned) and marrow or epiphyseal spongy bone (SB) as chew items to reduce dental calculus in adult dogs.
Methods: Eight 3-year-old Beagle dogs were observed in two study periods. In the first study, the dogs each received a piece of bovine femur CB (122 ± 17 g) daily and in the second study, a piece of bovine femur SB (235 ± 27 g). The first study lasted 12 days and the second 20 days. Dental calculus was evaluated using integration software.
Results: At the start of the studies, dental calculus covered 42.0% and 38.6% of the dental arcade areas, respectively. In study one, the chewing reduced the established dental calculus area to 27.1% (35.5% reduction) after 3 days and after 12 days the dental calculus covering was reduced to 12.3% (70.6% reduction). In study two, the dental calculus covered 16.8% (56.5% reduction) after 3 days, 7.1% (81.6% reduction) after 12 days and 4.7% (87.8% reduction) after 20 days. The CB remained largely intact after 24 h, but SB was reduced to smaller pieces and in some cases totally consumed after 24 h. No complications such as tooth fractures, pieces of bone stuck between teeth or intestinal obstructions were observed during the studies.
Conclusions: Chewing raw bovine bones was an effective method of removing dental calculus in dogs. The SB bones removed dental calculus more efficiently in the short term.
Have you ever caught a whiff of your furry friend’s breath and immediately regretted it? Bad dog breath is often a sign of dental issues that many pet parents struggle to address. While we all know we should brush our dog’s teeth regularly, let’s be honest – most of us would rather be out adventuring with our pups than wrestling with a toothbrush!
That’s why many dog owners turn to raw bones as a natural solution for dental care. But do raw bones actually clean dogs’ teeth? Let’s dig into what veterinary experts say about this controversial topic, weighing both the benefits and risks.
The Dental Dilemma Most Dog Owners Face
Did you know that according to the American Veterinary Dental Society, about 80% of dogs develop dental issues by just 3 years of age? Plus, the risk of periodontal disease increases by 20% for every year of your dog’s life That’s pretty scary!
Most commercial solutions like dental chews are carbohydrate-based, which ironically can contribute to more plaque buildup. And while brushing is considered the gold standard, many of us struggle to establish this as a regular habit with our resistant canine companions.
How Raw Bones Clean Dogs’ Teeth
In the wild, canines naturally clean their teeth by chewing on the bones of their prey. When your dog chews on a raw bone, several things happen:
- The abrasive action of chewing helps remove plaque and tartar buildup
- The process of pulling meat, gristle, and cartilage off bones acts similar to flossing
- The mechanical scraping of teeth against bone surfaces helps clean areas that are hard to reach
Dr. Peter Dobias, a veterinarian with extensive experience, confirms that “the right sized bones can save Fido a lot of dental trouble and save you tons of money” on professional dental cleanings that require anesthesia.
The Controversy: Veterinary Perspectives
Not all vets agree on the safety of raw bones. Dr. Hunter Finn, founder of Pet Method Animal Hospital, warns that while “raw bones are less likely to splinter than cooked bones” and can help “remove some plaque and tartar,” they also present risks.
His main concerns include:
- Potential bacterial contamination (salmonella and listeria)
- Risk of broken teeth, particularly the upper fourth premolar
- Possible intestinal issues if bone shards are swallowed
In fact, Dr. Finn notes that broken teeth from chewing hard objects are a common reason dogs end up at the vet, potentially requiring expensive dental work or extractions.
Choosing the Right Bones: Size Matters!
If you do decide to give your dog raw bones, choosing the right type and size is crucial for safety. Here are some important guidelines:
Types of Bones
There are two main categories of raw bones for dogs:
1. Edible Bones
- Examples: Raw chicken wings, backs, necks, and turkey necks
- These don’t contain marrow
- Can be completely consumed by dogs
- Rich in minerals and nutrients
- Too soft to effectively clean teeth
2. Recreational Bones
- Examples: Knuckle bones, lamb bones, goat bones
- Harder and larger, not meant to be fully consumed
- Ideal for dental cleaning and mental stimulation
- Best when they still have some meat, gristle, or cartilage attached
Safety Guidelines for Raw Bones
To minimize risks while maximizing dental benefits:
✅ ALWAYS feed RAW bones only – Cooked bones can splinter and cause injuries
❌ NEVER feed cooked, smoked bones or antlers – These can be too hard and crack teeth
❌ AVOID weight-bearing bones from large animals – Beef or bison leg bones are extremely dense
✅ CHOOSE medium-sized animal bones – Lamb and goat bones are excellent options
✅ SELECT bones LARGER than your dog’s mouth – This prevents swallowing large pieces
✅ SUPERVISE all bone-chewing sessions – Never leave your dog alone with a bone
✅ LIMIT chewing sessions – Ideally 30 minutes, 2-3 times weekly
Dr. Dobias’s Recommendations
Dr. Peter Dobias specifically recommends:
“I usually suggest feeding lamb or goat bones twice a week. The abrasive action of these hard but not too thick bones is perfect for keeping your dog’s teeth shiny without the risk of dental fractures.”
He strongly advises against beef, buffalo or bison shank bones, noting that “most dogs simply get carried away chewing on a large bone and may crack one of their teeth. This is how a two dollar marrow bone can turn into a painful and very expensive adventure.”
Alternatives to Raw Bones
If you’re concerned about the risks of raw bones, there are alternatives:
- Dental chews with the VOHC seal (Veterinary Oral Health Council), such as Greenies or Yummy Combs
- Frozen carrots – Dr. Finn suggests soaking carrots in bone broth and freezing them for heavy chewers
- Regular tooth brushing – Still considered the gold standard for dental care
- Professional dental cleanings – Sometimes necessary despite preventative measures
My Personal Experience
We’ve been giving our border collie mix, Bella, raw lamb bones for about two years now. I was honestly skeptical at first, but the difference in her breath and the reduction in visible tartar has been amazing! I always supervise her and limit her chewing time to about 20 minutes.
However, I know several friends who’ve had to deal with cracked teeth from bones, so I’m extra careful about which types I select. For my smaller dog, a Yorkie named Max, I stick with smaller options like chicken necks, as most recreational bones are simply too large for him.
The Bottom Line: Weighing Benefits vs. Risks
Raw bones can certainly help clean your dog’s teeth naturally, but they’re not without risks. Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide:
| Benefits of Raw Bones | Risks of Raw Bones |
|---|---|
| Natural plaque/tartar removal | Potential for broken teeth |
| Mental stimulation | Bacterial contamination |
| No artificial ingredients | Possible intestinal issues |
| Can reduce need for dental procedures | Requires supervision |
| May improve breath | Not suitable for all dogs |
When to Avoid Raw Bones Completely
Some dogs should NOT be given raw bones, including:
- Dogs with existing dental issues
- Dogs with sensitive digestive systems
- Aggressive chewers who try to consume bones whole
- Dogs with compromised immune systems
- Dogs with previous GI obstructions
Final Thoughts
Raw bones can be an effective part of your dog’s dental care routine when chosen carefully and used properly. The natural chewing action does help remove plaque and tartar, potentially saving you thousands in professional dental care.
However, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. What works for one dog may be dangerous for another. I recommend discussing with your veterinarian before introducing raw bones to your dog’s routine.
Remember, even with regular bone chewing, some dogs will still need professional dental cleanings. Think of raw bones as a helpful supplement to – not a replacement for – comprehensive dental care.
Have you tried raw bones for your dog’s dental health? What’s been your experience? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
Disclaimer: This article presents multiple perspectives on raw bones for dogs’ dental health. Always consult with your veterinarian before making changes to your dog’s diet or dental care routine, especially if your dog has existing health issues.
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Can Raw Bones Clean Your Dog’s Teeth? | Ultimate Pet Nutrition
FAQ
Can Raw Bones help clean your dog’s teeth?
It might seem counter-intuitive, but raw bones can help clean your dog’s teeth and freshen their breath. We’re probably all familiar with stinky dog breath, which often leads us to notice that our pups teeth are developing some plaque. We’ve also heard all about how we should brush our dog’s teeth.
Can dogs eat raw bones?
Raw bones are an excellent option for helping to keep your dog’s teeth and gums healthy. It’s much easier to offer your pups a raw bone 2-3 times a week than to try and convince them that tooth brushing is a fun activity. We’ve got plenty of choices for raw bones here at our garden centre.
What bones should a dog eat?
Ideally, the bones of medium-sized animals are best for dogs. Lamb bones and goat bones are excellent options for dogs because they’re still abrasive and hard, but not as dense as raw beef bones or raw bison bones. Raw bones are an excellent option for helping to keep your dog’s teeth and gums healthy.
How often should a dog eat raw dental bones?
Raw dental bones should be fed one to two times a week. Dr. Peter Dobias, DVM is an Integrative veterinarian, nutritionist and creator of natural supplements for dogs and people. Helping you and your dog prevent disease, treat nutritional deficiencies, and enjoy happier, healthier, and longer lives together.
How hard should dog dental bones be?
The ideal bones should be hard enough to help clean teeth but not so hard as to crack them. Veterinarian Karen Becker recommends Mercola Healthy Pets Dog Dental Bones, which are 100% natural, and contain no corn, soy, gluten or animal byproducts—see her video.
Can dogs eat smoked bones?
Smoked bones and antlers can be too hard, causing cracks in your dog’s teeth. Only feed your dog 100% raw bones. Weight-bearing bones of large animals, like cows and bison, are extremely dense. Stay away from leg bones of large animals, as they can increase the risk of cracking teeth.
Which bones are best for cleaning dogs’ teeth?
I usually recommend feeding lamb or goat bones twice a week. The abrasive action of these hard but not too thick bones is perfect for keeping your dog’s teeth shiny without the risk of dental fractures.
Do dogs clean teeth with bones?
Yes, raw meaty bones can help clean a dog’s teeth by naturally scraping off plaque and tartar through the chewing action, but this is not a substitute for professional dental cleanings and regular brushing. When giving bones, it’s essential to choose the correct size and type (raw, never cooked) and to supervise your dog to prevent serious injuries like broken teeth or internal obstructions.
Do vets recommend raw bones for dogs?
Say no to raw bones
This can be a choking hazard or could even pierce your dog’s throat. While cooked bones are certainly not safe for dogs, neither are all raw bones and there is always a risk when giving a dog ANY type of bone.
Does raw food keep dogs’ teeth clean?
Healthier teeth: chewing on raw bones is good for cleaning a dog’s teeth and gums, as it helps prevent the build up of tartar, which causes gum disease. Better digestion: a raw dog food diet can give relief to some dogs with sensitive stomachs.