Treats known as bones for dogs are not raw bones from real animals, which are dangerous.

Instead, the best bones for dogs to chew are edible, soft, flavorful, and safe.

According to PetMD, there are two types of bones for dogs on a raw food diet: nutritional and recreational.

A dog can consume healthy raw bones as a significant source of calcium and phosphorus; these bones should be broken up rather than provided whole.

On the other hand, a recreational raw, meaty bone is one that dogs chew on for entertainment and oral health.

Quick Look at Our 5 Best Dog Bones For Dogs

5 Best Bones for Dogs to Chew
Blue Buffalo Dental Bones Mini
  • Best Overall Dog Bones to Chew
  • Best for smaller dogs
  • No corn or soy
  • Contains chondroitin for joint healthy
Check Price
Nylabone Healthy Edibles
  • Best Digestible Dog Bone
  • Organic
  • No added sugar or artifical preservatives
Check Price
Nylabone Nutri Dent Small Limited Ingredient Dental Dog Chews
  • Best Dog Bones for Adult Dogs
  • Freshen your dog's breath
  • Long lasting dog bones
Check Price
Benebone Wishbone
  • Best Dog Bone for Tug-o-war
  • Great bone for all sizes
Check Price
Purina Busy Bone Minis
  • Best Long Lasting Dog Chew/Bone
  • Has real meat in the center
Check Price

These are edible dog bones manufactured as hard dog chews that are shaped like a bone.

Sometimes, these dog treats are soft chews that can also be the best bones for puppies.

They are better than regular treats because they last longer and provide more mental stimulation for dogs.

 Best Bones for Dogs to Chew

Best Bones for Dogs to Chew – Raw Bones vs. Chewing Bones

In the old days, it was common to throw a dog a bone. Today, we know that raw bones for dogs are hazardous and unhealthy.

Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) have evaluated the evidence and listed all the reasons not to give dogs raw bones.

Most common potential hazards of feeding actual bones to dogs, whether cooked or not: gastrointestinal problems, vomiting, diarrhea, scratches, rectum bleeding, choking, and even death.

Other dog experts and vets have further confirmed that giving dogs raw bones is terrible, and edible bones are better.

This article discusses the benefits of hard chews (edible bones safe for dogs), reasons to give them to your puppy,

how they are different from other dog treats, and review the best bones for dogs you can try.

What are the Benefits of Dog Bones for Chewing?

Whether you choose to give your dog a chew toy, special treats, or one of these top-rated dog bones, know that they provide more than just some time of fun for your puppy or adult dog.

There are real benefits.

Dog bone chews improve dental health. Experts have been saying, and studies have confirmed, that chew bones maintain healthy gums, remove tartar buildup and scrape the plaque away in dogs.

Dog chew bones stimulate the dog. Not only do doggy bone chews entertain your puppy, but they provide the benefits of mental stimulation, which is very important for the dog's brain.

Dog bone treats relieve teething pain. In particular, for growing puppies, bone chews and unique puppy toys can help deal with the pain, urge to chew, and comfort issues associated with teething.

Dog bones satisfy the innate urge to chew. A regular dog food diet doesn't provide enough stimulation for the dog's jaw. Thus the best bones for dogs to chew on can help prevent the dog's destructive behavior.

Dog toys and dog treats aren't the only escape for an ailing dog, and chewing bones may be a good solution.

Dog Bone Chews vs. Other Dog Treats and Chews

There are many types of dog toys, healthy dog treats, and chews.

Hard dog bone chews are just one of the most popular types that pet owners choose.

Here are a few other chews for dogs that you may look into:

Bully Sticks for Dogs. These are very similar to bone chews; they are rarely shaped like a bone and are usually softer. They're one of the best chews for a dog to give.

Dental Dog Chews. Some dog chew treats are designed specifically for dental purposes; however, there's little evidence that they work differently from most other dog chews.

Rawhide Dog Chews. Rawhide bones are much more complex than either bully sticks or edible dog bones, and they're favorites. However, not all rawhide chews for dogs are safe (see the link).

It highly depends on your dog which one he prefers the most.

As an owner, it's best that you familiarize yourself with how all types of chews for dogs work and which ones are safe for them.

Now, let's take a look at five of the best bones for dogs to chew on and what exactly they are.

The Best Bones for Dogs to Chew

1Dog Dental Treats Chew Bones
by Blue Buffalo

Blue Buffalo is a well-known company making many delicious dog treats and foods.

This is no exception. These treats are constructed to improve your dog's dental health.

lue Buffalo Dental Bones

Blue Buffalo Dog Dental Treats come in various sizes: small, large, mini, and regular, and they also have standard and miniature bones for puppies.

The size of the mini bones is for breeds between five and fifteen pounds, so they are very tiny.

The large bones are suitable for any sized dog.

The ingredients in these bones support the immune system, dog's joint health, and bone health and contain no by-product of chicken or poultry meals.

There is also no corn or soy in these bones.

The vitamins in these bones include A, C, and E, and there are also glucosamine and chondroitin, both of which help the immune system and digestive tract.

What Customers Are Saying About This Dog Bone

Customers raved over the taste and said their dogs went wild for it. It's flavored with all-natural meat flavors.

Other taste boosters ingredients include sunflower oil, natural chicken flavor, blueberries, alfalfa, potatoes, ground rice, beet juice, and vegetable glycerin.

The potatoes provided carbs for energy, and they included a vitamin E supplement.

Dogs liked the chicken flavoring, especially since it was natural and not artificial or fake (it wouldn't wear off as quickly).

Dog Dental Treats by Blue Buffalo

Blue Buffalo Dog Dental Treats are for supplemental feeding, not for mealtime; the label recommends you feed your dog one Blue Bone per day (there are 27 in the package, almost a month's supply).

The bones are not suitable for puppies, and it is not recommended that you feed puppies.

Owners commented that their dogs didn't have to go to the dentist as often after starting on these bones.

The bones also increased their jaw strength and kept their gums healthy.

Dogs with bad breath found that their condition improved, much to the owners' relief, and they also maintained a good dental regimen.

The feeding portion most owners went with was one a day, no matter how much their dogs begged for more.

The treats were safer than rawhide or jerky and had natural ingredients, making them a favorite choice among owners who wanted organic food.

However, many stated that these treats go fast and the bag is expensive. Think of these treats as an investment into your dog's dental health.

2Healthy Edibles Dog Treat Bone
by Nylabone

These gluten-free bones for dogs come in various flavors that your dog will be excited by.

Nylabone Healthy Edibles as the best bones for dogs to chew

There is no added sugar, salt, artificial colors, or artificial preservatives.

These treats are organic and digestible. The formula works for dogs that have an already healthy digestive system.

The flavor options of Nylabone Healthy Edibles Dog Treat Bone include lamb and apple, chicken, bacon, filet mignon, beef stew, sweet potato and turkey, and chicken.

Or, if you want, you can get a variety pack for your dog. They are available in four sizes: petite, wolf, giant, and “souper.”

They're meant for dogs with all their permanent teeth (approximately six months or older).

The formula is long-lasting, so your dog will be chewing for a while (good for their teeth!) Nylabone has been in business since the 1950s, making dog chew toys and pet treats, and they are a well-established company with a good reputation.

These best bones for dogs are made in America, not China.

Nylabone also works well if you are training your dog and need reinforcement for them.

But be aware that you don't feed your dog too many—you don't want them to be gluttonous.

Nylabone also provides treat dog toys that can be refillable and other chewing products that most pets love.

What Customers Are Saying About This Dog Bone

Nylabone is second on the list because it isn't for all dogs.

Owners who had a greedy appetite or ate too fast found that their dogs became very sick after eating these bones.

Healthy Edibles Dog Treat Bone by Nylabone

Nylabone Healthy Edibles Dog Treat Bone is meant to be chewed on and digested thoroughly; otherwise, your dog will have digestion problems.

If your dog is greedy and seems to vacuum up their food without swallowing, this is not the bone for them until their appetite and self-control are more tolerable.

If your dog is not like the piglet above, this bone may be something that they'll enjoy and won't get sick from.

Most positive reviews came from pet parents with dogs who had great self-control and would take a while to chew the bone thoroughly.

These dogs had improved dental health and less plaque, according to their owners, as the chewing was able to keep the buildup from occurring.

Owners whose dogs had bad breath also found that they vastly improved their pup's condition from these bones.

3Nutri Dent Dog Treat Dental Bones
by Nylabone

These dog bones are made by the same company as #2 and are for adult dogs.

Nylabone Nutri Dent Dental Dog Chews

They are flavored with filet mignon and contain natural ingredients.

The bone has little raised nubs on one half of it that rotate 360 degrees for, as the package says, “cleaning action.”

It helps freshen your dog's breath as well as clean its teeth.

There are no preservatives or artificial ingredients, and the bone's nutrients are easy to digest.

They did clinical tests on the Nylabone Nutri Dent Dog Treat Dental Bones and found that they work more effectively than simple brushing.

The power used to make the chews is also environmental; the factories are powered by sustainable solar energy. It's also made in the USA.

This bone reduces tartar buildup and cleans like a toothbrush while giving your dog a delicious filet mignon flavoring.

The company advises that you calibrate your choice of dog bone based on your dog's “dental strength” and the durability of their teeth, refraining from buying them if your dog has soft teeth condition or another dental ailment that might make this hard for them to chew.

What Customers Are Saying About This Dog Bone

We placed this NutriDent bone third because it's hard to find in the mini-size, so owners with tiny breeds found them challenging to use because they were too big.

For owners who could surpass the size constraints, they found that this product was durable and stiff enough to keep their dog's teeth in fighting shape and remove plaque.

Nutri Dent Dog Treat Dental Bones by Nylabone

It lasted for a long time, and dogs were kept busy chewing for hours with them.

They used to have mint dog bones, but unfortunately, those have been discontinued in many locations, which disappointed pet parents remarked to why they couldn't use these bones for dogs anymore.

Owners whose dogs had sensitive stomachs found that Nylabone Nutri Dent Dog Treat Dental Bones was digestible for them because it contained no corn or wheat.

This dog bone chew didn't cause allergic reactions in sensitive dogs' skin.

Dog owners who were previously hard-pressed to find a good product that wouldn't hurt their dogs' delicate systems were excited by how they made these third-best bones for dogs and the delicacy with which the bone handled their dog's digestive tract.

Overall, this bone is nutritious and has plenty of benefits, but if you're looking for the mini-size of the mint flavoring, you might be in for a long haul because people are struggling to find it.

4Bacon Flavored Wishbone Chew Toy
by Benebone

This doggy bone chew toy is a break from the previous digestible pet treats I've shown you above.

benebone wishbone safe to chew for dogs

It's shaped like a wishbone and is naturally flavored with red bacon. The wishbone design makes it easy for dog owners who want to play tug of war with their dogs to grab aside.

Benebone Bacon Flavored Wishbone Chew Toys are made in America, and the increased surface area means that your dog can play with it for longer, as it's more durable.

The dog toy itself is made of nylon, and the company suggests that you replace it at “the first sign of wear,” meaning deep cracks, teeth marks, structural damage, and similar.

This dog chew toy is for pets that are seventy pounds and under.

If you have a giant dog, don't worry—Benebone also makes products for your mammoth animal.

Suppose anyone in your family has a nut allergy.

In that case, the company advises that you don't purchase this product because it is made in a facility that also creates products containing nuts, which brings the possibility of cross-contamination.

What Customers Are Saying About This Dog Bone

Dog owners and their pets loved this toy. The Benebone chew became their dog's favorite doggy bone chew toy, and it was fun to use to play tug-of-war with.

Many customers who ordered one were pleased with the quality and immediately called more for their other pets or just as backups.

One feature that they especially loved was durability.

Bacon Flavored Wishbone Chew Toy by Benebone

Dogs that chewed on this for hours could barely make a dent.

Nylon is a solid material—it's often used in the construction of bridges, for example—and it holds its weight against even the most aggressive chewers.

Their dogs were still chewing on it months after purchasing it.

One customer said that this toy was a “must-have for hyperactive dogs.”

Those dogs can do a number on toys, and having something as sturdy as a Benebone Bacon Flavored Wishbone Chew Toy is advisable, especially for dogs that can't control themselves.

If your dog is chewing on everything you own, get this Benebone chew dog toy because it'll finally give you a break from the constant gnawing, and you'll be able to get them away from your furniture.

This bone for dogs was only placed at the lower half of the list of best dog bones for dogs because the flavor didn't have variability—there's only one: bacon, and while most dogs love that flavor, owners who found belatedly that their dogs weren't bacon fans were out of luck.

But if your dog is a chewer who likes bacon, this is the bone for him (or her).

5Bone Dog Treat (Busy Bone)
by Purina Busy

Made by Purina, this bone for dogs comes in miniature, small, regular, and large sizes.

Purina Busy Bones Mini for dogs

It is a heart-shaped tube with real meat in the center.

You can also get a Busy Bone Dog Treat with chicken and cheese flavoring, but most owners commented that their dogs found the real meat much tastier.

The exterior is long-lasting, and the flavor from the meat seeps into it, creating a delicious taste that will keep your dog busy (hence the name “Busy Bone”).

The mini size works well for smaller dogs, and their “Ultimate” (large) size is for dogs that weigh over 55 pounds.

If your dog has softer teeth and has issues with chewing, this bone breaks apart reasonably easily. It is not to be fed to puppies and should only be given to dogs at least a year or older.

What Customers Are Saying About This Dog Bone

This product is fifth because the reviews were split.

Some owners found that their dogs reacted severely to the bones and even got sick, while others' dogs loved it.

The vast majority of owners found that these pet treats for dogs worked tremendously, and their pets loved them.

They helped clean their dogs' teeth and keep their breath from smelling bad.

Bone Dog Treat by Purina Busy

It takes 15-20 minutes to eat, so it's not as long-lasting as some of the other bones we showed you.

Dogs seem to love the taste, according to some Purina Busy Bone reviews.

Some owners with older dogs have issues chewing or aren't able to gnaw like they did when they were younger.

They found that their dogs could eat these dog treats without a problem; the exterior broke apart quickly.

A minority of customers did have problems with Busy Bone Dog Treat.

They found that their dogs became sick from it.

This could be from the outside, which contains wheat and rice.

Some dogs' systems are not set up to digest grain and rice.

If you're unsure about your dog eating these, please take them to see the vet and see what the doctor has to say.

It's better to be safe than sorry.

What is the Best Bone for Dogs to Chew On?

Edible chew bones are the best option for your pooch. They can have very flexible purposes, whether it's for eating or chewing.

Some of the best bones for dogs are packed with nutrients and other active ingredients that help the dog's teeth be healthy.

In other cases, they come in different forms and flavors that will certainly entertain your dogs and keep them happy. 

Buyer's Guide to the Best Bones for Dogs in the Market

If you're a dog owner, you may observe that your pooch always loves a good bone. However, before you buy one, make sure to consider a few factors first:

Ingredients

Check for natural ingredients when buying the best bones for dogs.

You may consult with your vet about the safe ingredients for your pooch.

As for choosing the best bones for puppies, make sure to look into their ingredients more attentively.

Puppies are more prone to allergies and stomach issues. 

Flavor

You can't test the flavor of dog bone treats for your pooch.

However, you can always check the reviews.

For instance, the Purina Busy Bone reviews show how their pooch reacts to this product, and dog owners usually make a recommendation.

Size

The dog bone to purchase will depend on the size of your dog.

Some pet owners would ask questions like, “Are Benebones safe?”

These dog bone brands are safe when it comes to quality and ingredients.

The real question here is, are you choosing the right size for your dog?

Most dogs love to chew those edible dog bones.

However, we can't avoid the fact that it may be a choking hazard for small dogs.

Safety

This should be a priority when choosing the best bones for dogs.

Pet owners commonly ask, “Is Benebone safe for dogs?” or “Can I give this dog bone brand as a treat?”

Fortunately, this list of the best bone for dogs will give you safe and approved products on the market.

So, you don't have to worry about your dog's safety when giving this treat!

Types of Bones and How Safe They Are

You may think that you can just drop any type of bone for your pooch.

However, there are more dog bones that are not safe.

Check out the common dog bones and how safe (or unsafe) they are for your pooch:

Cooked Bones

You may think they are the best bones for puppies, but they're not exactly the safest option. Puppies are aggressive chewers.

Cooked bones are very brittle and break into sharp pieces that may harm your dog's mouth and stomach lining, regardless of their age and breed type.

Raw Bones

This is quite a popular option. However, they are still not a safe option for your dog.

Though they are more solid than cooked bones, raw ones can fracture the teeth and may become a choking hazard.

Dog Bone Treats

Soft dog bone chews are the best bones for dogs.

They are not only easy to munch and digest, but they can also be very flavorful.

Your dogs will love it! They can be tender and packed with nutrients.

Some of the best dog bones for dogs are even designed to improve teeth health and facilitate your dog's dental hygiene.

Check out for reviews like this one or similar to the Purina Busy Bone reviews.

Synthetic or Toy Dog Bones

This option is ideal if you want to keep your dog entertained.

These toy dog bones come in different forms and may be hard or soft toys.

Choose pliable or softer toy dog bones to prevent any damage to their teeth and result in any broken pieces of the toy that may later harm your dog.

What are the Best Bones for Puppies?

Most pet owners would consider raw bones the best bones for puppies.

However, it may do more harm than good to the young ones.

If you are looking for the best bone for puppies, you might want to consider puppy teething treats.

These are edible chew bones that are soft and tasty for puppies.

Your pups would love to chew this for hours without you ever worrying about choking.

Plus, they have more nutrients compared to chewy dog bones for adult pooches.

The Best Bones for Dogs: Key Takeaways

  • Chewing provides dogs with cerebral and physical stimulation, reducing their tendency to act destructively out of boredom.
  • Plaque can lead to poor breath and a range of dental issues. Therefore, chewing on hard toys or dog chew bones can help remove it.
  • All fresh bones and store-bought chews can lead to choking, particularly if you don't watch your dog as he chews or if you pick the wrong-sized bones.

The Best Bones for Dogs: Before You Go

For first-time dog owners, you may be tempted to throw a raw bone at your pooch for them to chew on.

Unfortunately, there are more hazards of giving them a raw bone than you think.

The best bones for dogs are edible ones that often appear as treats in the dog food market.

They have additional nutrients your dog needs.

They are also chewable and flavorful, making them the best bones for puppies.

With these dog bone treats, your pooch will not only love it but so will you for the peace of mind they bring.

READ NEXT:


Disclosure: We may earn affiliate commissions at no cost to you from the links on this page. This did not affect our assessment of products. Read more here and find full disclosure here.

Want to share this?

Top Rated Best Bones for Dogs to Chew

Dom Naish is a Phoenix-based writer, vegan, cupcake addict and dog lover. Years in the animal rescue trenches have taught him every aspect of dog ownership from behavioral problems, personality and breed specific trait differences of all dogs.