When it comes to bones for big dogs, getting the size right is everything. A chew that's too small can be swallowed whole or become a choking hazard. One that's too hard or brittle can crack teeth or splinter. Big dogs have big jaws, so they need a chew built for their size and strength.
In this post, we'll explain how to tell whether your dog counts as a big dog, how to pick a chew that's the right size, and which types of bones to avoid.
How do I know if my dog is considered a big dog?
The simplest way is to go by adult weight. Height and build matter too, but weight is what most chew sizing is based on. Use your dog's expected adult weight if they're still growing.
 Size is the most important safety factor when choosing a chew. A chew made for a medium dog can fit too far into a large dog's mouth, and every chew gets smaller as it wears down. For big dogs, the chew should be large enough that your dog can't fit the whole thing in their mouth, even after it's been worn down.
Chewing strength matters too. Many large and giant breeds are powerful chewers, so the right chew needs to be both big enough and durable enough. Here's how to choose between them in our guide to choosing the best chew bone for your dog.
The consequences of choosing the wrong bone size
Even though big dogs have strong jaws, the wrong chew can cause real problems. Common issues from chews that are too small, too hard or too brittle include:
- Choking
- Broken or fractured teeth
- Tongue or mouth injuries from sharp edges
- Bone pieces getting stuck in the mouth or around the lower jaw
- Blockage in the esophagus, stomach or intestines if large pieces are swallowed
If you ever think your dog has swallowed a large piece of anything, call your veterinarian.
The rule of thumb to choosing a bone size for your big dog
A good rule of thumb: it's very hard to go too big and very easy to go too small. Choose a chew that's longer than your dog's muzzle is wide and too large to fit completely in their mouth. If your dog is between sizes or is a strong chewer, size up.
Then check how your dog wears it down. Small flakes or shavings are normal for many chew toys. If your dog is breaking off large chunks, the chew is too soft or too small, so take it away and choose a tougher option.
What types of bones for big dogs to avoid
Plenty of bones are marketed as "safe" for dogs, but not all of them hold up to a big dog's jaws. 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). Here are a few to avoid giving your big dog:
1) Cooked bones
Cooked bones, like leftovers from the dinner table, are a no-go. Cooking makes bones brittle, so they splinter easily into sharp pieces that can injure the mouth or cause a choking hazard or blockage.
2) Chicken bones
Poultry bones are small, light and hollow, and they splinter easily, whether cooked or raw. For a big dog, a chicken bone is also small enough to swallow whole.
3) Real bones, antlers and other very hard chews
Weight-bearing bones, antlers and horns are very hard. Powerful chewers can crack or fracture teeth on them, and they can break into sharp fragments as they wear.
4) Nylon bones
Nylon bones are popular with heavy chewers, but they're not meant to be eaten and can cause digestive problems if pieces are swallowed. Many are also very hard on teeth. Learn more in are nylon bones safe for dogs?
5) Rawhide
Big dogs can tear large pieces off rawhide quickly. Those pieces are hard to digest and can cause choking or a blockage. Here's why rawhide is bad for dogs.
For a full breakdown, read the ultimate guide on which types of bones are safe or unsafe for dogs.
The best bone for big dogs: BetterBone Large
Now that you know what to look for, here's the chew we built for big dogs. The BetterBone Large chew toy is made for large breeds over 60 lbs, like Labradors, Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds and Rottweilers. It measures 9" × 6" × 2.5" and weighs 9.8 oz, so it's sized to stay too big to swallow.
- Three densities for different chewers. Choose Light for senior dogs and gentle chewers, Moderate for most everyday chewers, or Hard for power chewers who tear through rope and toys. Not sure? Start with Moderate, or take the Chews-ing Guide quiz.
- Splinter-resistant. BetterBone is designed to flake, not splinter. It wears into small, rice-sized flakes instead of sharp shards.
- Plant-based materials. It's made with Vernovo, a blend of just two plant-based materials: cellulose from tree fibers and plant extracts. There's no nylon, rawhide or animal byproducts. Here's what a plant-based dog chew is and why it matters.
- Dental textures. Ridges and nubs help buff away plaque and massage gums as your dog chews.
- Vegetarian scents. Choose Veggie, Beef or Venison, all hypoallergenic scent infusions made without animal byproducts.
- Free Replacement Guarantee. If you pick the wrong durability, donate it to a shelter and we'll send you the right one, free.
Have an older big dog? A softer chew is often a better fit. See our guide to chew toys for senior dogs.
How to keep your big dog chewing safely
BetterBone is a chew toy, not a treat, and isn't meant to be eaten.
- Supervise chew time, especially the first few sessions.
- Expect small flakes, not chunks. Rice-sized flakes are normal and generally safe if accidentally swallowed. If your dog breaks off larger pieces, take the bone away and move up a density.
- Replace it when it's worn. Swap in a new bone when the ends are about 50% worn or it's small enough to swallow whole. Our dog chew safety guidelines show exactly when to replace it.
- Keep it clean by rinsing with warm water and letting it air dry. More care tips are in our FAQ.
Frequently asked questions
What size chew bone does a big dog need?
Choose a chew your dog can't fit entirely in their mouth, even after it wears down. For BetterBone, large breeds over 60 lbs should use the Large size.
What is the best chew for a large dog that's an aggressive chewer?
A big, durable chew in the right density. For BetterBone, that's the Large size in Hard density. Supervise, and replace it as soon as it's worn to a swallowable size.
Are real bones safe for big dogs?
Cooked and poultry bones splinter easily, and the AAHA warns that hard chews, including bones and antlers, can fracture teeth. A splinter-resistant chew toy sized for your dog is a safer everyday choice.
Ready to find your big dog's fit? Shop the BetterBone Large chew toy for large breeds or browse all plant-based dog chews.
