Choosing the best bones for dogs in your life isn’t as simple as it seems. There’s a lot to consider- your pooch’s safety, what’s best for their teeth, how to keep that busy mind engaged and so more.
If there’s one thing I’ve learnt recently, it’s that a bone can be your best ally in the fight to keep Fido stimulated mentally and busy all day. This is especially true if you’re out at work a lot like me, and if you have an active chewer on your hands.
Some pups would be happy with a few toys, maybe a ball to chase around all day, but not mine! Fortunately, they jump for joy at the sight of any of these top picks on my favorite list of best bones for 2017.
Today, I’m sharing that list with you- I hope your pooches enjoy it as much as mine!
What you need to consider before choosing the best bones for dogs you love
Not every pup is suited to every type of bone. Here’s the main things to look out for!
- Why not real bones?
Real bones may sound better especially when going all natural is the trend- but don’t! Poultry bones are a deathly hazard for dogs. They can fragment both in the throat [and get stuck, chocking your dog] and in the stomach, where they can pierce the stomach lining and cause severe damage. Marrow bones often trigger pancreatitis. Bigger bones are barely better. The bone ‘meal’ your pup grinds off with his chewing will often compact, causing constipation at best and intestinal blockages at worse. There’s no safe ‘real’ bone for a dog to have unsupervised
- How big is your pooch?
Bone size matters. A little Chihuahua is going to struggle with a big bone, and they could get broken teeth. A big doggie won’t fare better with a bone that’s too little. At best they’ll gnaw through it so quickly they won’t enjoy, at worst it could become a serious choking hazard.
- How healthy are Fido’s teeth?
A nifty side effect of using bones is that most will dramatically improve dental health. So if your pooch has problems like gingivitis, getting one of the best bones for dogs on our list will make a difference in their mouth health. However, if your pup’s teeth are very delicate [or a little rotten], if they’re old or if they’ve had dental extractions already you may need to get them a treat that will be more gentle.
- Does your pup have any ‘taste’ preferences?
While most doggies are happy with any treat, you may have noticed your pooch has a texture preference. Some dogs love picking up wood to chew, and wood can be dangerous to let them play with because it splinters. Fortunately, some modern bone ranges have the perfect solution, simulating the feel and satisfaction of wood to chew without any of the risks.
Some pups also have that certain taste they go loony for- be it poultry, fish or meat. Looking out for a bone impregnated with their favorite will make the experience even better for them. Of course, you always need to consider allergy potential if you have a sensitive woof, too.
- Why not rawhide?
Rawhide is a big controversy. While it’s true many dogs tolerate rawhide bones and have great fun with them, they’re not the best bone for dogs by far. I won’t go into details, but let’s just say ‘dubious chemical stew ‘applies to the manufacture, and there’s a very real risk of compaction in the intestines. Rather skip rawhide.
- How do I pick the right materials?
Not all chew bones are created equal. Cheap materials fragment and shred as your pup chews, making the bone wear out fast as well as posing risks. Sadly, country of origin plays a part here- bones made in countries with stricter production laws, like the US, are less likely to face the possibility of toxic contamination then in countries with more lax laws. Look for the origin country for peace of mind and avoid unlabeled ‘unknown’ bulk bin bones.
- Problem pups
Even with the right bone, you may know you have a problem woof on your hands. Some pups are natural ‘scarfers’, and will gulp anything. For them, the pleasure isn’t in gnawing, it’s in getting things into their tummy fast. Foil them by opting for a bone larger than usual for the breed. Aggressive chewers- the sort you hear from three rooms over- need a softer bone type that won’t shred their teeth.
- What about antlers?
Antlers last forever, and are a great bone alternative for soft chewers. They’re too hard for a doggie who chews hard, though. If you have the sort of pup who just likes to hold something, they’re perfect
- Chew toy or bone?
A combination chew toy is awesome for playful dogs. Nothing beats a good old bone for hectic chewing, though.
In short:
If you keep a few things in mind, making the right choice will be easy:
- Get the right size for your pooch, and the right shape for their play style
- Keep their dental needs in mind
- Avoid ‘difficult’ categories like rawhide and real bones.
- For safety, nothing beats a veterinary- approved chew bone.
- Quality ingredients and manufacture make for safe puppies.
- Pick for what your pup likes best, both taste and texture
Best bones for dogs 2017 – Top 10
| Product name | Style | Packet Size | Flavor | Material |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Benebone Wishbone Chew Toy | Y Shaped chew toy | 1 per pack | Peanut | Nylon |
| Greenies Original Dental Treats | Half Bone, Half Toothbrush | 1 per pack | Greenies | Soluble and Natural |
| Virbac C.E.T Enzymatic Oral Hygiene Chews | Long broad Strips | 30 per pack | Poultry | Beef Hide |
| Purina Busy Bone Mini Dog Treats | Individual Mini Bones | 21 oz | Real Meat Flavour | Firm Biscuit |
| Nylabone Nutrident Complete | Half Bone, Half Toothbrush | 18-125 per pack | Chicken Flavor | Soluble and Natural, no synthetic ingredients |
| Benebone Bacon Wishbone Chew | Y Shaped chew toy | 1 per pack | Bacon | Nylon |
| Nylabone Healthy Edibles Dog Chew Treat | Assorted Shapes | 1.6 lbs | Mixed meat flavors | Chewy Biscuit |
| Blue Buffalo Dog Bones | Classic Bone | 27 oz | Assorted | All natural biscuit |
| Supreme Bully Sticks | Stick chew | 6” or 12” multipacks | Beef | 100% all natural beef |
| Jim Hodges Premium Elk Antlers | Antler Pieces | 2/3 pieces | Natural | 100% Antler chew |
What did not make our list:
With any reviews, there’s always a couple of products that almost make the list, but don’t quite live up to their promise. Here’s two memorable and honorable mentions for the category ‘best bones for dogs in 2017’
Dingo Rawhide Mini Bones
These mini bones are, of course, sized perfectly for little dogs and will provide hours of chewing pleasure. It’s not a bad style, with chicken jerky included to add temptation. The value bag aspect is also appealing, as the larger quantity makes it both budget friendly and longer lasting. The fact the treat includes real meat would have been a bonus too.
I’ll also give the manufacturers extra credit for suggesting you swap out your pups bone every day for greatest safety. However, I couldn’t quite get past the rawhide aspect of the chew. It’s a controversial issue, which is why I included them here- your mileage may vary and it’s a decision you’ll have to make yourself. Dingo also makes sure to use the highest quality rawhide, so if you’re comfortable with rawhide this is the one I’d choose.
Sadly, for me, I’m not happy enough with the rawhide material itself to rate this one higher, although it’s natural flavorings, high protein and design otherwise make it a good bone.
Milk Bone Soft and Chewy Beef and Fillet Mignon Dog Treats
These Milk Bone treats are actually a great pick for a soft biscuit. They’re easy to eat, deliver on taste and seem to be well accepted by a wide range of pooches. In fact, if you are looking for a way to include a toothless old-timer in the daily treat round, these may well be the perfect biscuit for your needs.
For me, the issue comes in that these are a biscuit, not the chew they’re marketed as. They make a great crunchy treat, but have very little satiety value nor do they offer any real dental benefits. Even though I opted for a few other ‘treat’ style bones for my top ten list, they all had additional factors to make them last longer and help with teeth and breath more. These don’t.
The Milk Bone soft and chewy beef and fillet mignon dog treat is a great little treat for old-timers who need a soft nibble, but as a dental health and mental stimulation aid, they don’t have the staying power of our top ten.
Our pick for the best dog bones
If I had to go for a winner from these best bones for dogs, it would be the Benebone wishbones for sure. I absolutely adore the ‘pop-up’ style that allows the dog to toss, manipulate, play and lift this one themselves without any issues, and the flavors are a win with every pooch who tried it.
On top of that, this is an investment purchase, a toy you can bring out daily to keep Fido entertained while you work without worrying about him getting into trouble and nonsense.
It’s a safe, practical nylon that’s hardwearing too, easy to clean and sanitize and satisfying for hour after hour of chewing. In short, what’s not to love about this premium, US manufactured product?
I love it so much I’d almost use it, if I was a little more of the chewing type!
Read on for a little more detail on this superior product. Definitely a firm 5 stars from me.
The nitty-gritty
So, what made the ten bones on our list so good? Here’s the nitty-gritty you need to know.
Best Bones For Dogs #1: Benebone Wishbone Chew Toy
The wishbone styling of this chew toy takes it past the level of ‘just a bone’ and gives it a little extra zing that’s perfect for puppies who like to play and chase as well as chew. In fact, it’s specially designed to be easy to ‘pop up’ with a foot. They can toss this one around as well as nibble on it for some added excitement. This makes it a perfect choice for playful pups, as well as those who will spend time alone and need mental simulation
It is a harder bone, and pups with delicate gums may need to be watched for a bit of bleeding if they get too enthusiastic. Likewise, the manufacturer warns that a warn bone will start to ‘peel’ large pieces, and at that point the bone will need to be tossed. It’s not the best choice for an aggressive chewer.
The flavoring’s all natural, and the safe nylon construction makes it appealing too.
Conclusion:
All around, it’s a great choice for a moderate chewer or a pup who likes to play and chew in one, and a great companion toy for dogs who’re alone and need entertainment for the day, making it one of the best bones for dogs we can recommend.
- Natural Peanut butter flavor
- Perfect shape for pup to maneuver
- Long lasting
- May make some gums bleed
- Sharp ends can scratch floors when worn
- No dental perks
Best Bones For Dogs #2: Greenies Original Dental Treats
Greenies have a reputation as the original dental treat, and it’s one they deserve! These bridge the gap between ‘treat and ‘chew bone’ perfectly, taking a long time to gnaw down for even the biggest dog, but ultimately wearing down into tummy-safe, digestible pieces your pup can swallow without worries. Every bit of the chew is designed for dental care, from the ingredients used to the unique and cute design, and it also offers a few nutritional benefits in the mix too. About the only thing we can say against these nifty treats is that they smell a little odd coming out the packet, and there’s a few dogs who aren’t too keen on it at first.
Greenies are a particularly useful treat to feed with dinner to dogs who eat jelly meat tins or a meat diet. They make a nice balance to the softer meals, and prevent that form of diet promoting dental caries by gently cleaning off the teeth after the meal. It can also add significantly to the feeling of satiety your pup gets [and let you eat dinner in peace]
One word of warning- these are an edible product, and as such do go off. It’s critical you do not buy an expired product. Keep a careful eye on expiry dates labelled on the box, as unscrupulous sources will try to pass their financial dead-end product on to you and your pup.
Conclusion:
These are not the right chews for a ‘scarfer’, as they need to be chewed for a long time to digest properly, but are great for pups with dental issues who need a robust, long lasting chew. It makes a good distraction at the bets, too.
- Nice balance of chew and dental care
- Longer lasting then most dental products
- Safe to swallow pieces
- No real flavor- bland
- Odd smell
- Need a dog that chews a long time
Best Bones For Dogs #3: Virbac C.E.T Enzymatic Dental Chews.
This is a new innovation in their flavor range specifically designed to help pooches with bad teeth. The idea is to give them one per day and keep them away from water for 30 minutes to allow the enzyme boosted goodness to do its work.
The treats are also anti-bacterial, promoting a healthier mouth. They deliver fantastic results, and work as a great backup to a regular dental care plan.
It’s especially good if you already use the Virbac dental health range. Pups love to chew the chews too, and they’ll last about the 30 minutes recommended. They are not the best for keeping Fido entertained while you’re at work, but excellent for dental maintenance and they bring a bit of fun routine to dental care- where your pup is usually more used to running away to hide then standing begging for more.
The slight abrasive qualities of the chew mean that they also act on existing tartar buildup and help slowly scour the surface of the tooth to keep teeth in better condition. They’re poultry flavored, but the product itself is based on beef hide.
They do seem to suffer some basic quality control issues, though. Product size varies just a little, and some packets aren’t as fresh as an enzyme product should be. Remember it’s critical that they are fresh to get the dental benefits. It’s best to inspect each pack carefully before purchase.
Conclusion:
Use the Virbac C.E.T Enzymatic chews as a great chewy treat addition to your pet’s dental care regime.
- Excellent Dental Care
- Enzyme boosted care for superior results
- One a day design, compliments other Virbac dental products
- Bad Quality Control
- Short Lasting 30 min chew
- Need special handling and water needs to be limited temporarily
Best Bones For Dogs #4: Purina Busy Bones Mini Dog Treat.
While, strictly speaking, these are more of a biscuit then a bone, they’ve been specially designed for a longer, more lasting chew. Made with real meat hidden centers, the bone’s design makes it twisty and turny to get at, encouraging Fido to keep trying and chewing. For the style of treat, they last a decently long while, and the variety of sizes offered in the range mean you can find a Busy Bone for any size dog.
Conclusion:
The Busy Bones occupy an excellent niche, perfect for dogs who can’t quite manage a big bone anymore but who need something more satisfying than just a biscuit.
- Perfect for elderly dogs or damaged teeth
- Real Meat center
- Range of sizes
- No long-term chew
- Uses wheat in the mix
- Limited flavors
Best Bones For Dogs #5: Nylabone Nutrident Complete
Nylabone are, perhaps, the most famous name in doggie bones, so it’s hardly surprising a Nylabone product made it to our best bones for dogs list. Superficially shaped similarly to the Greenies dog treat, these are a little more tummy friendly then the original greenies, and more suitable for an aggressive chewer as there’s no need for the dense chewing. The product is made with no plastic, no added salt and sugar, and no gluten. Do note that they do have wheat starch as an ingredient, so some allergy prone dogs may not suit them.
They are a palatable chicken flavor to entice Fido to take his tooth care into his own hands…er…paws. It’s not a long lasting doggie bone, and can be chewed through in about 5 minutes or so, but doggies seem to love the taste. Owners will be glad to know what they aren’t just an ‘empty’ chew, either. The range is boosted with vitamins and selected minerals to give Fido a little health boost as he chews too.
The mix also features a propriety blend that’s aimed at reducing tartar and helping keep breath fresher for longer. Combined with the physical act of chewing, this makes a significant impact on the long-term state of their dental health.
Conclusion:
The Busy Bones occupy an excellent niche, perfect for dogs who can’t quite manage a big bone anymore but who need something more satisfying than just a biscuit.
- Dental Care built in
- Tummy friendly
- Suits a range of dogs
- Short Chew time- more biscuit then bone
- Small design easily conquered by ‘scarfers’
- Lack of flavor variety
Best Bones For Dogs #6: Benebone Bacon Wishbone Chew Toy
I so loved the Peanut wishbone I just had to give this one a try too- and I’m not sorry. With the same great design, this time improved with larger grooves to allow more scent to reach your pup’s tender nose and give them more surface area to grip onto, this seemed every bit as popular as its peanut butter buddy. Even better, Benebone are all US manufactured, and they have some of the best customer service in the pet industry.
It’s worth mentioning here that the product uses only the best, safe nylon and food-grade flavorings. This makes it perfectly safe for your pups. They aren’t recommended for particularly big dogs though- 70 pounds is about the max for this toy. There is a mini version available for small mouths, though.
As a plus, this bone doesn’t leave a sticky residue behind and can be safely used on most floor types [some worn bones may scratch soft wood floors]. This is especially good for both our showcased flavors, as the real deal tends to leave an unpleasant mess for owners to clean up.
Conclusion:
Again, this isn’t really a good pick for an aggressive chewer, but it’s one of the best dog bones on the market for sure. If you need a long-lasting and entertaining toy to keep Fido entertained while you’re out, this is it. Just watch out for delicate gums.
- Excellent Flavor naturally derived
- Pop Up design for easy manipulation
- Long Lasting and safe
- Not for aggressive chewers
- No digestive/nutritional value
- Can be rough on gums
Best Bones For Dogs #7: Nylabone Healthy Edibles Dog Chew Treats
Combining all natural ingredients with a highly digestible formula, these are also wheat and gluten free and made in the US. It’s also made with additional nutritional support, so Fido’s treat will do him good from the inside out too. It’s a quick-scoffing chew, so bargain on 10 minutes or so of puppy fun when you give them one. You’ll need to look at other Nylabone product if you want a long lasting chew.
The edible chew does leave a slight residue behind, so you are best off giving this to Fido somewhere where there isn’t expensive carpets, floors or furnishings to get damaged. These treats are fully made in NJ, in the US.
While some dog’s tummies don’t seem to like Nylabone edible treats, most pups should find this a fun and rewarding chewy addition to the daily routine. That said, Nylabone caution that these are treats best enjoyed by adult pups, and are not suitable for immature digestive systems and soft or partially grown teeth.
Conclusion:
If you’re looking for a natural chew alternative free from artificial ingredients and preservatives, this is the perfect chew for your pooch.
- No Preservatives/Artificial ingredients
- Wheat and Gluten Free
- US Made in most cases
- Some dogs don’t react well to the product
- Short lasting chew that’s easily finished
- No dental support offered in the product
Best Bones For Dogs #8: Blue Buffalo Dental Bones
While all Blue Buffalo bones are all-natural, they have a ‘wild’ range too that’s grain free and more suited to an animal’s natural diet if you’d prefer this approach. They’re also free of all ‘derivative’ poultry meals. Tasty and highly digestible, these are another great dental chew to help keep teeth sparkling and breath fresh. Your pups will chew threw them fast.
Helpfully for people whose dogs love fish, they have a fish line in the ‘wild’ series- many chew ranges forget that dogs like fish almost as much as meat. These are a good treat to consider for older or big dogs as they contain glucosamine and chondroitin to help with joint health too. The recommended daily limit is one bone as a treat, and it’s not appropriate for puppies.
I really liked the Blue Bones, but they’re not the longest lasting treat around. These are more of a dental biscuit then dental bone if we are being honest, but they’re a popular choice among many woofs and so stay on our list of best bones for dogs in 2017.
Conclusion:
They’re suitable for a wide range of dogs, but may not suit a doggie prone to allergies, as they contain whey protein.
- Dental and Joint Care built in
- Free of worrying ingredients
- Easy to gnaw size
- Short Lasting-pups chew them down fast
- Can trigger Whey allergies
- Limited flavors available
Best Bones For Dogs #9: Supreme Bully Sticks
These high protein, 100% natural beef sticks are perfect for eager-to-chew pups with protective owners. The beef sourced for these sticks is free-range, adding an even better dimension to the equation. Because of the high protein content, it’s recommended you only give your pooch one per day, and their tummies may need some time to adjust.
As a natural product, there is some size and shape variance, but provided you buy the right size for your pooch you should have a good 30 minutes of quiet time while the sounds of happy chewing reach your ear. If you have a dog who likes rawhide but you have health concerns with it, this may be the best substitute you will find for them.
Remember that as a more natural product, it’s more prone to variation. This will need careful policing when you buy, to make sure all batches are suitable and fresh.
Conclusion:
This chew is suitable for woofs of all sizes and needs as a small diversion while you’re busy. It’s an all-natural choice for worried fur parents.
- 100% Beef
- High Protein
- Natural and Free Range Beef
- Not a long lasting Chew
- Some quality control issues
- Greasy and can spot floors
Best Bones For Dogs #10: Jim Hodges Elk Antlers for Dogs.
Antlers are fast becoming a popular chew option for pups, and with good reason- for the right dog it’s a stellar idea. Especially if you can get access to a safe, high quality antler product that offers you safety reassurance and a good cut that won’t splinter while being chewed.
Antler is also the longest lasting chew product you will find. It’s not great for really aggressive chewers, however, as it will cause tooth wear and damage. The surface is very hard, and more appropriate for a pup who likes to ‘love’ their chews, carry them around, and gnaw gently.
There’s no unpleasant smell, and they leave no mark on floors. Jim Hodges antlers are naturally shed and harvested from true wild deer populations with no antibiotics or other worrying products consumed.
Conclusion:
Heavy chewers should graduate from a split antler [which lets them find the marrow] to a whole antler to give them more challenge. Most dogs will enjoy this product greatly, especially ‘hoarders’ who like to keep their treat with them or need to have a toy in their mouth.
- No Mess No Fuss
- Longest lasting Chew available
- Naturally Shed and free of tampering
- Will wear teeth of aggressive Chewers
- Expensive initial investment
- May splinter on cut styles
The Final Thought
Picking the right treat bone for your dog can be a complicated process, especially if you’re faced with a fussy pooch who’s prone to turning their nose up at a lot of products. All of the products I looked at today offer quality in their niche, with a wide range of shapes, sizes and purposes. No matter your dog or their needs, you’re bound to find the right fit for them- don’t get discouraged and keep trying. The perfect fit is out there!
Did you find this list of the best dog bones of 2017 useful? Did I miss your top favorite bone? Have you had personal experience with any of the bones I picked? Let me know in the comments!
Read more:
- How to Stop Your Dog from Chewing Things it Shouldn’t – Wikihow
- Dog toy – Wikipedia
