Are Bone Marrow Bones Good for Dogs? A Vet’s Honest Opinion

As a pet parent, I’m always looking for ways to make my furry friend happy. Giving my dog a bone seems like such a natural thing to do – after all, dogs and bones go together like peanut butter and jelly, right? But when it comes to marrow bones specifically, there’s a lot of conflicting information out there.

So are bone marrow bones good for dogs? The short answer is it’s complicated. While marrow bones offer some benefits they also come with significant risks that might make you think twice before tossing one to your pup.

Let’s dig into the meaty details (pun intended!) about the pros and cons of giving marrow bones to your four-legged friend.

What Exactly Are Marrow Bones?

Before we jump in, let’s clarify what we’re talking about. Marrow bones are typically leg bones from cows or other large animals. They contain a soft, nutrient-rich tissue called bone marrow in the center cavity These bones are available either raw or cooked and come in various sizes

Potential Benefits of Marrow Bones for Dogs

When used appropriately, marrow bones can offer several benefits:

1. Mental Stimulation and Entertainment

• Provides a natural outlet for your dog’s chewing instinct
• Can keep your dog occupied and mentally stimulated
• May help reduce destructive chewing behavior around your home

2. Dental Health Benefits

• The mechanical action of chewing can help remove plaque and tartar
• May contribute to fresher breath and healthier gums
• Can provide a natural way to clean teeth (though not a substitute for proper dental care!)

3. Nutritional Value

• Bone marrow contains nutrients like calcium, phosphorus, and essential fatty acids
• Can be a good source of minerals that support bone health
• The marrow itself is rich in nutrients that may support your dog’s overall wellbeing

4. A Natural Option

Many dog owners prefer giving natural chews rather than synthetic alternatives. For dogs with food allergies or sensitivities, single-ingredient treats like marrow bones might be less likely to trigger reactions.

The Risks of Giving Marrow Bones to Dogs

Now, here’s where things get tricky. Despite the benefits, veterinary professionals have significant concerns about marrow bones:

1. Dental Damage

This is probably the biggest risk. Dogs have incredible jaw strength and when applied to hard bones they can fracture their teeth. Unlike humans, dogs don’t have as thick of an enamel layer on their teeth, making them more susceptible to fractures.

I’ve seen way too many cracked carnassial teeth (those big molars in the back) from dogs chewing on bones. These fractures often require expensive dental work or extractions.

2. Choking and Intestinal Blockage

• Pieces of bone can break off and become lodged in your dog’s throat
• Bone fragments can cause intestinal blockages requiring emergency surgery
• Sharp edges can perforate the digestive tract, leading to life-threatening situations

3. Bacterial Contamination

Raw bones, in particular, can harbor bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli. This poses risks not just to your dog but also to human family members handling the bones or coming into contact with your dog after they’ve been chewing.

4. Pancreatitis Risk

Bone marrow is extremely fatty. For some dogs, consuming this high-fat content can trigger pancreatitis – a painful inflammation of the pancreas that can be serious and even fatal in some cases. Dogs with a history of pancreatitis should definitely avoid marrow bones.

5. Digestive Upset

Even without full-blown pancreatitis, many dogs experience digestive issues like vomiting or diarrhea after consuming marrow bones.

What the Experts Say

I consulted with several veterinary professionals, and here are their insights:

“Marrow bones can be a great source of entertainment and enrichment for dogs, but it’s important to choose the right size bone for your dog’s breed and size to prevent any choking hazards.” – Veterinarian

“I recommend supervising your dog closely when giving them a marrow bone for the first time to ensure they are chewing safely and not at risk of tooth damage.” – Canine Nutritionist

“For dogs with digestive sensitivities, it’s best to introduce marrow bones gradually and monitor their reaction to ensure they can tolerate the treat without any adverse effects.” – Animal Behaviorist

“When selecting marrow bones for your dog, opt for raw bones that have not been cooked or processed to ensure they are safe for chewing and provide the most nutritional benefit.” – Pet Nutritionist

Raw vs. Cooked: Which is Better?

If you’re still considering giving your dog marrow bones, you might wonder whether raw or cooked is better. Here’s the consensus:

Raw Bones

• Softer and less likely to splinter
• More easily digested
• Better nutritional profile
• BUT: Higher risk of bacterial contamination

Cooked Bones

• NEVER give your dog cooked bones
• Cooking makes bones harder and more likely to splinter
• Increased risk of tooth fractures
• Higher chance of splintering into sharp fragments that can cause internal damage

The verdict from veterinary professionals is clear: if you choose to give bones, raw is safer than cooked, but both come with risks.

Better Alternatives to Marrow Bones

Given the risks, you might want to consider these safer alternatives:

• Commercial dental chews that are specifically designed to be safe for dogs
• Rubber toys like Kongs that can be filled with treats
• Nylon bones designed for dogs (though these still need to be appropriate for your dog’s size and chewing style)
• Carrots – a crunchy, low-calorie natural alternative

If You Still Want to Give Your Dog Marrow Bones…

If after all this you still want to give your dog marrow bones, here are some safety tips:

1. Choose the right size – the bone should be larger than your dog’s muzzle to prevent choking
2. Always supervise your dog when they’re chewing on a bone
3. Limit chewing time to 10-15 minutes, then remove and refrigerate the bone
4. Discard bones after 3-4 days, even if refrigerated
5. Avoid giving bones to dogs with sensitive stomachs, history of pancreatitis, or dental issues
6. Never give cooked bones under any circumstances
7. Monitor for signs of trouble like vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or difficulty passing stool

Special Considerations for Different Dogs

Not all dogs should have marrow bones:

• Puppies with deciduous (baby) teeth should avoid hard chews
• Senior dogs with dental issues may be more prone to tooth damage
• Brachycephalic breeds (like Pugs, Bulldogs) may be at higher risk of choking
• Dogs with known digestive issues or past bouts of pancreatitis should avoid marrow bones
• Dogs who are “gulpers” (who try to swallow things whole) are poor candidates for bone chewing

Interesting Trends in Dog Bone Consumption

The pet industry has seen several trends related to marrow bones:

1. Rise in natural products – As pet owners seek more natural options, interest in bones has increased
2. Raw feeding movement – The popularity of raw diets has brought more attention to bones as part of a “species-appropriate” diet
3. Homemade bone broth – Some pet owners use marrow bones to make nutrient-rich broths for their dogs
4. Training applications – Marrow bones are sometimes used as high-value rewards in dog training

My Personal Take

I’ve been a dog owner for over 20 years, and I’ve seen firsthand the joy a dog gets from a good chew. But I’ve also witnessed the heartbreak (and expense) of broken teeth and emergency surgeries from bone-related injuries.

Personally, I don’t give my dogs marrow bones anymore. The risk just isn’t worth it to me when there are so many safer alternatives available. If I do give a bone-like treat, I opt for softer options like bully sticks (though these come with their own considerations) or commercial dental chews designed to be safer.

FAQs About Marrow Bones for Dogs

Q: How often can I give my dog marrow bones?
A: If you choose to give marrow bones, they should be an occasional treat only – perhaps once a week at most.

Q: What should I do if my dog chokes on a bone?
A: This is a medical emergency. If you can safely remove the bone, do so immediately. Otherwise, get to an emergency vet right away.

Q: Can puppies have marrow bones?
A: It’s generally not recommended for puppies whose teeth are still developing.

Q: Are there any breeds that should never have marrow bones?
A: Brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds like Pugs and Bulldogs are at higher risk for choking and may be better off avoiding bones altogether.

Q: How can I tell if marrow bones are causing problems for my dog?
A: Watch for signs like vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, lethargy, or reluctance to eat. Also check their teeth regularly for fractures or excessive wear.

The Bottom Line

Marrow bones for dogs fall into that frustrating category of things that seem natural and good in theory but can cause serious problems in practice. While they do provide mental stimulation and some dental benefits, the risks of tooth fractures, intestinal blockages, and other complications make them a questionable choice for most dogs.

As with most things in pet care, it’s about weighing risks against benefits for your individual dog. Whatever you decide, make sure you’re making an informed choice with your dog’s specific needs in mind.

Have you given your dog marrow bones? What’s been your experience? I’d love to hear about it in the comments below!