Dogs and bones look like a perfect match. But when it comes to bones for dogs, some are far riskier than they look. Cooked bones splinter, small bones can be swallowed whole, and even big raw bones can crack teeth.
This ultimate guide covers which types of bones are safe or unsafe for dogs, why, and what to give your dog instead so they can enjoy a good chew without the risks.
Why dogs love to chew
Chewing is a natural, healthy dog behavior. The right chew can:
- Soothe teething puppies. Chewing helps relieve the discomfort of new teeth coming in.
- Keep dogs busy. Chewing is calming, low-impact enrichment that can ease boredom and steer dogs away from shoes and furniture.
- Support dental health. Textured chews can help scrape away plaque and massage gums as your dog gnaws.
- Satisfy the urge to gnaw. Dogs are built to chew, and a daily chew gives that instinct a safe outlet.
The key word is right. A chew only delivers these benefits if it's safe for your dog's size, teeth and chewing style.
The common misconception about dogs and bones
Cartoons and movies show dogs happily gnawing on bones, so it's easy to assume bones are good for them. In reality, many bones pose real health and safety risks. The FDA advises against giving dogs bones or bone treats, pointing to risks like broken teeth, mouth injuries and bones getting stuck in the throat, stomach or intestines (FDA).
Unsafe bones for dogs
Cooked bones
Cooked bones from the dinner table are one of the most dangerous things you can give a dog. Cooking makes bones dry and brittle, so they splinter into sharp pieces that can cut the mouth or damage the digestive tract.
Chicken and poultry bones
Chicken, turkey and other poultry bones are small, light and hollow. They splinter easily, especially when cooked, and they're small enough to swallow whole.
Pork and rib bones
Pork and rib bones splinter more easily than many other bones and are often small enough to become a choking hazard.
Small bones and cut bones
Any bone small enough to swallow whole is a choking and blockage risk. Bones that have been cut or sawed are more likely to have sharp edges and splinter.
Weight-bearing and marrow bones
Large femur, knuckle and marrow bones are extremely hard. Powerful chewers can crack or fracture teeth on them, and the round ones can get stuck around a dog's lower jaw.
Rawhide
Rawhide isn't a true bone, but it's often sold as one. Large pieces are hard to digest and can cause choking or a blockage, and some rawhide products have been recalled over chemical contamination. Here's why rawhide is bad for dogs and why rawhide is especially risky for puppies.
Nylon bones
Nylon bones aren't edible and are often very hard. Swallowed pieces can cause choking or blockages, and very hard chews can crack teeth. Learn more in are nylon dog chews safe?
Antlers and other very hard chews
The American Animal Hospital Association warns that "hard chews, such as bones, sticks, rocks, yak milk chews, antlers, and rawhides, can damage or fracture your dog's teeth" (AAHA).
Are raw bones safe for dogs?
Some owners give raw beef or bison bones, and raw bones are less brittle than cooked ones. But they still carry risks. Large raw bones are very hard and can fracture teeth. Small raw bones can be swallowed. Raw animal products can also carry bacteria such as Salmonella, and bone and bully-type chews have been recalled for it (example FDA recall).
If you do choose raw bones, talk to your veterinarian first, supervise every session, and take the bone away before it's worn small. For everyday chewing, we recommend a chew designed to be safe from the start.
Safe bone alternatives for dogs
The safest "bone" for most dogs isn't a real bone at all. It's a chew toy sized for your dog, firm enough to last and designed to wear down without splintering.
- Plant-based chew bones. BetterBone is shaped like a bone but made from plants. It wears into small flakes instead of sharp shards and isn't meant to be eaten.
- Natural rubber toys. Soft and flexible, great for fetch and stuffing. Check the durability rating for heavy chewers.
- Softer chews for puppies and seniors. Developing and aging teeth need a chew with some give.
For a full comparison, read our guide to natural dog chews and natural chew bones and our list of non-rawhide bones.
Safe vs. unsafe bones for dogs: quick reference
| Bone or chew | Safe for dogs? | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Cooked bones (any kind) | No | Brittle; splinter into sharp pieces |
| Chicken and poultry bones | No | Small, hollow and splinter easily |
| Pork and rib bones | No | Splinter easily; choking risk |
| Small or cut bones | No | Can be swallowed whole; sharp edges |
| Marrow, knuckle and femur bones | Use caution | Very hard; can fracture teeth or trap the lower jaw |
| Raw beef or bison bones | Use caution | Hard on teeth; bacteria risk; ask your vet |
| Rawhide | Use caution | Large pieces can cause choking or blockage |
| Nylon bones and antlers | Use caution | Very hard; can crack teeth |
| Plant-based chew bones (BetterBone) | Yes, sized and supervised | Splinter-resistant; wears into small flakes |
How to choose a safe chew bone
- Size it right. The chew should be longer than your dog's muzzle and too big to fit entirely in their mouth. It's very hard to go too big and very easy to go too small. Here's how big is too big for big dogs.
- Check the hardness. The AAHA suggests pressing your thumbnail into the chew: "If you can't leave an indentation, the toy is too hard."
- Check how it wears. Choose a chew that wears gradually, not one that splinters or breaks into chunks.
- Match it to your dog's age and chewing style. Puppies and seniors need a gentler chew; power chewers need more durability. Our guide to choosing the best chew bone for your dog walks through it.
BetterBone: a safer bone for dogs who love to chew
BetterBone gives dogs the bone-shaped chew they love without the splinters, cooked-bone risks or animal byproducts. It was named Rawhide Alternative Product of the Year at the 2024 Independent Pet Innovation Awards.
- Built to flake, not splinter. As your dog chews, BetterBone wears into small, rice-sized flakes instead of sharp shards.
- Made from two plant-based materials. It's made with Vernovo, a blend of cellulose from tree fibers and plant extracts, with no nylon, rawhide or animal byproducts. Here's what a plant-based dog chew is.
- Independently tested. In February 2026, TÜV SÜD found no detectable PFAS, phthalates or BPA in our material.
- Dental enrichment textures. Ridges and nubs help buff away plaque and massage gums.
- Hypoallergenic scents. Veggie, Beef and Venison are vegetarian scent infusions made without animal byproducts.
Each size comes in three densities: Light for puppies, senior dogs and gentle chewers, Moderate for most daily chewers, and Hard for power chewers. Not sure which fits? Take the Chews-ing Guide quiz. If you pick the wrong durability, our Free Replacement Guarantee swaps it for free.
Tips for safe chewing
- Supervise. Don't leave your dog alone with a bone or chew. They may bite off too much or chew too aggressively.
- Take away worn-down chews. Anything chewed down small becomes a choking hazard. Replace BetterBone when the ends are about 50% worn or it's small enough to swallow.
- Watch for large pieces. Small BetterBone flakes are normal and generally safe if accidentally swallowed. If your dog breaks off larger pieces, take it away and move up a density.
- Check with your vet after dental work. Dogs who've had recent dental procedures may need to skip chews for a while.
- Know the warning signs. Call your vet if your dog is gagging, vomiting, drooling heavily, straining or seems in pain after chewing.
See our full dog chew safety guidelines for when to replace your dog's BetterBone.
Frequently asked questions
What bones are safe for dogs?
No real bone is completely safe. Cooked, poultry, pork and small bones should always be avoided, and large raw bones can still crack teeth. A splinter-resistant chew bone sized for your dog is the safest everyday option.
Can dogs eat cooked bones?
No. Cooked bones are brittle and splinter into sharp pieces that can injure the mouth, throat and digestive tract.
Can dogs eat chicken bones?
No. Chicken bones are small and hollow and splinter easily, especially when cooked.
Are raw bones safe for dogs?
Raw bones are less brittle than cooked bones but can still fracture teeth, be swallowed or carry bacteria. Talk to your vet before offering them.
Are marrow bones safe for dogs?
Marrow bones are very hard and can crack teeth, and round bones can get stuck around the lower jaw. Use caution and supervise closely.
What should I do if my dog swallowed a bone?
Call your veterinarian right away, especially if your dog is gagging, vomiting, lethargic or straining.
Give your dog a bone that's built for chewing. Shop BetterBone plant-based chew bones.
