The 9 best dog bones in 2024

These bully sticks are a fantastic option for dogs of any age and size. They’re super tasty for pups, and pet parents love that they’re odor-free. Natural Farm’s customers rave about how much their pups love these bully sticks. And for the few picky pups who aren’t wild about them, customers also say the company’s customer service is fantastic.

Best rawhide alternative bones for dogs

Of the 4,000+ Amazon reviews, one thing is clear: Dogs love the taste of turkey tendon. Dozens of reviewers say their dog goes crazy for these bones. Hand-made and slow-roasted for maximum flavor, AFreschi’s turkey-tendon treats are free of artificial preservatives and naturally delicious.

Our pick for smaller paws, these rawhide-free natural chews are a great option for dog owners looking for long-lasting treats for their pups. Pet parents also like that these bones tend to keep their pups busy for hours, but don’t have a strong smell like other products.

Best bones for heavy chewers

If you’ve got a super-chewer, Benebone says “Bring it on.” These chew toys are wishbone-shaped and “paw-friendly,” giving your dog the ability to get a good grip. Plus, they’re made with real bacon for flavor.

Ideal for large or giant breeds, this nylon bone is designed to curb destructive chewing, even among the most aggressive chewers. One happy reviewer says this is a great distraction for when their dog starts to chew on furniture or shoes — it’s also much tastier and longer-lasting.

Best bones for soft chewers

Dogs love these soft, savory chews for their tasty meaty centers. One reviewer even said they’re similar to the consistency of a Tootsie Roll, without the chewiness. These soup bones are a good choice for dogs with sensitive stomachs because they’re softer than other types of bones.

These more traditional-looking bones contain a blend of natural ingredients, vitamins, and minerals that you can feel good about feeding your pooch. Dogs of all shapes and sizes love the chicken and roast beef flavors, with several dog owners swearing these chews were a lifesaver for their picky pup.

Best bones for puppies

Benebone crafts its products to last, and the puppy line is no different. Cleaning ridges on the dental chew toy help remove plaque and tartar as your pup chews, while the accompanying wishbone is designed for pups who haven’t quite mastered the use of their paws yet. Customers say the toughness of these toys keeps their puppy’s attention focused on the bone and not off-limits “chew toys” like shoes or furniture!

Nylabone has been a trusted brand in dog bones for many years, and new pet parents still swear by this puppy starter pack. The pack comes in three different types of bones to help puppies through different stages of teething. Puppy parents love having these bones on hand to keep their pups from chewing on things they shouldn’t, like fingers!

With so many safety considerations, you might wonder if giving your dog a bone is really worth the trouble. Most dogs will feel the urge to chew on something. To keep their chompers away from your furniture or favorite pair of shoes, it’s beneficial to have a safe bone around.

Here are some other benefits of bones for dogs:

• Mental stimulation. Can distract nervous or anxious dogs
• Oral hygiene. Can help minimize the accumulation of plaque and tartar on dog’s teeth
• Puppy support. Can soothe teething dogs

There are plenty of perfectly safe dog bones. But there are many more that aren’t safe. If you’re ever unsure about a certain dog bone, consult your vet first. Here are a few of the most common types of dog bones and the safety measures offered for your pup.

Safe bones for dogs

👍 Bone treats — Softer chews that are usually made of meat or cheese, like bully sticks, are usually safe. Always confirm with a veterinarian that the ingredients check out, but these types of treats will typically have the tenderness that makes them safe for dogs.

Mostly safe dog bones

👍 Synthetic — Usually made of plastic or nylon, these are typically safe to give dogs depending on the level of softness to the bone.  Synthetic bones that are too hard can fracture teeth or break apart and cause dental or stomach issues. Watch for broken pieces and consider switching to a digestible bone if your dog chews through a lot of these.

🚫 Cooked

Real animal bones that have been cooked over heat — as in, your chicken wing or rib leftovers — are never safe for dogs. Because they’ve been cooked, they splinter very easily into small, sharp pieces that can puncture your dog’s mouth, stomach, and intestines.

🚫 Rawhide

Though popular, these bones do not pass the pliability test. They can break into sharp, solid pieces, making them a digestive and choking hazard. Plus, many dogs are known to fracture their teeth on these.

🚫 Raw bones

While they might be a smidge safer than cooked animal bones, raw bones are still dangerous. That includes antlers, knuckles, and other types of real bones. They can still splinter like cooked bones do, but they also pose the risk of tooth breakage due to their hardness.

Administered correctly, bones can help with oral health, anxiety, and destructive chewing. But how do you make sure they’re safe?

First, you should know the risks of giving your dog certain materials to chew on. Second, you should know a few guidelines about what to look for and what to avoid.

Luckily, there are many softer alternatives to dog bones, like dental chews, rubber chew bones, and fabric tug-of-war toys. These come with their own set of risks, but one great alternative is a Kong toy.

These highly popular toys are made of rubber and look like a hollowed-out beehive. Inside, you can stuff a Kong with anything safe for your dog to eat, such as peanut butter or wet dog food. Like a bone, the kong can keep your dog busy licking and chewing for hours as they try to reach the inner deliciousness. But the kong poses much less risk of GI obstruction or fracturing teeth.