Should Dogs Eat Raw Bones? A Canine Nutritionist’s Evidence-Based Guide
Should dogs eat raw bones? Evidence-based pros, cons, safety tips, and safer alternatives (VOHC chews, brushing, enrichment). Vet-backed references inside.
Why this topic matters
Chewing is normal, enriching behaviour for dogs—but what they chew on matters. The idea that bones are “natural” and therefore safe is a marketing claim, not a guarantee. Modern veterinary dentistry and emergency medicine see the other side of that narrative: fractured carnassials, esophageal and intestinal foreign bodies, perforations, and serious infections. vettimes.comPMC
This guide pulls together current research and professional guidance so you can make an informed decision—plus practical, safer alternatives that still satisfy your dog’s need to chew.
The big question: should dogs eat raw bones?
From an evidence-based, risk-aware perspective, the safest policy for most pet owners is no. Here’s why:
1) Dental trauma is common with hard chews and bones
Tooth fractures—especially the upper 4th premolar (carnassial)—are a frequent finding in general practice and dental referral work. Hard objects (real bones, antlers, rigid nylon) are classic culprits. Cornell Vet Schoolvettimes.com
Veterinary dentists popularise the “kneecap rule” and “thumbnail test”: if it hurts to tap your kneecap or you can’t dent it with a nail, it’s too hard for your dog and can crack teeth. haleveterinaryclinic.caVet Dent Edu
2) Obstruction and perforation risks are real—and costly
Bones are the most commonly reported esophageal foreign body in dogs in multiple series (roughly 30–80% of cases). Obstructions, esophagitis, and even perforation can follow, requiring endoscopy or surgery. PMC+1
Bone fragments can also cause gastric/intestinal blockages, constipation, and painful rectal bleeding. Adobe Veterinary Center
3) Pathogens & public-health concerns
Dogs fed raw items, including raw bones, have higher rates of shedding Salmonella and antimicrobial-resistant E. coli—increasing risk to household members, especially children, elderly, pregnant, or immunocompromised people. UK assessments place Salmonella risk as “medium” for pets from raw pet food. PMC+1Food Standards AgencyFood Safety
UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) and public-health guidance emphasise the elevated cross-contamination risk when handling raw pet foods/bones and lay out strict hygiene protocols. Food Standards AgencyGOV.UK
4) Marrow & fat load: pancreatitis risk in susceptible dogs
High-fat treats can precipitate or worsen pancreatitis in at-risk dogs; marrow bones are extremely fatty. Dietary management for pancreatitis classically restricts fat. Today's Veterinary PracticePMC
5) “Cooked bones are safer than raw” is a myth
Cooked bones are never safe (they splinter more easily and have caused numerous injuries). This includes smoked/baked “bone treats.” Adobe Veterinary CenterNASC LIVE
“But don’t bones clean teeth?” — what the science actually says
A small short-term study in Beagles showed raw bovine bones can reduce dental calculus (tartar) over ~2–3 weeks. However, that’s not the same as preventing periodontal disease, and injuries were not comprehensively assessed across diverse dogs. Evidence quality is low and results may not generalise to real-world pets. rawmeatybones.comveterinaryevidence.org
Another trial noted potential oral lesions from bone chewing despite calculus reduction—reminding us there’s a trade-off: plaque removal vs trauma risk. PMC
Consensus statements (e.g., WSAVA) caution that any dental benefits do not negate the risk of fractures and foreign bodies. Daily brushing and VOHC-accepted chews/diets have stronger evidence bases for oral health. wsava.orgvohc.org
Bottom line: If your goal is dental health, there are safer, validated routes than bones.
If you still plan to offer a raw bone (occasional treat): a safety checklist
Note: This is harm-reduction guidance, not an endorsement. For many dogs and households, bones remain inappropriate.
1) Know your dog’s risk profile
Avoid bones if your dog has dental disease or repaired teeth, a history of GI issues or pancreatitis, is a puppy or senior, is a gulper, or if vulnerable people live in your home (higher zoonotic risk). Food Standards AgencyToday's Veterinary Practice
2) Choose the least-risky option you can
Never cooked or smoked bones. Only raw. Adobe Veterinary Center
Size matters: the bone should be larger than the dog’s muzzle so it can’t be swallowed whole. Avoid ring-shaped bones that can trap the lower jaw. Adobe Veterinary Center
Hardness test: kneecap/thumbnail rules—if it’s that hard, skip it. Antlers, dense weight-bearing beef bones (femur/knuckle), and hard nylon chews are high fracture risks. haleveterinaryclinic.ca
Portion the marrow or select low-marrow options for dogs prone to GI upset; fatty marrow can trigger pancreatitis in susceptible dogs. Today's Veterinary Practice
3) Timing & supervision
Offer after a meal, not to a hungry dog—reduces frantic chewing.
Supervise closely. Limit sessions to 5–10 minutes, then take the bone away. Discard once it becomes small or splintered. wsava.org
4) Hygiene, hygiene, hygiene
Handle raw bones like raw chicken: separate utensils/boards, store sealed and away from human food, wash hands and disinfect bowls/surfaces. Keep children away during/after bone sessions; clean dog mouths/paws and surfaces. Food Standards Agency
5) Red flags: stop and call your vet
Gagging/retching, pawing at mouth, drooling, repeated vomiting, abdominal pain, constipation, bloody stool, lethargy—seek veterinary care and do not attempt to induce vomiting for sharp objects. Vca
Safer, evidence-based alternatives to raw bones
1) Daily toothbrushing (gold standard)
Regular brushing is the best-supported way to prevent periodontal disease. Aim for daily; every-other-day still helps. Use pet toothpaste only. vohc.org+1
2) VOHC-accepted products
The Veterinary Oral Health Council independently reviews products that significantly reduce plaque/tartar. Look for the VOHC Seal on dental chews and diets; examples include Greenies®, Virbac VeggieDent®, WHIMZEES®, and ProDen PlaqueOff® (check the current list). vohc.org
3) Enrichment without fracture risk
Stuffable rubber toys (e.g., Kong-style), food-puzzles, and lick mats (spread with appropriate dog-safe toppings) provide mental stimulation and gentle oral abrasion without tooth-cracking hardness. Follow safe-chew rules (kneecap/thumbnail tests). Dr. Buzby's ToeGrips for Dogshaleveterinaryclinic.ca
4) Professional dental care
Annual (sometimes semi-annual) COHATs (Comprehensive Oral Health Assessment and Treatment) under anaesthesia, plus imaging as indicated, keep mouths healthy long-term. vohc.org
What the major veterinary organisations say
WSAVA: flags fractures, obstruction, constipation and infection risks from bones in raw diets; notes that “natural” claims aren’t evidence. wsava.org+1
Public health agencies (UK FSA/UKHSA): advise strict hygiene and highlight medium Salmonella risk for pets with raw pet foods, with zoonotic concerns. Food Standards AgencyFood Safety
Peer-reviewed clinical data: bones comprise a large share of esophageal foreign bodies; raw-fed dogs shed Salmonella more, raising household risk. PMC+1
Frequently asked questions
Are some raw bones safe and others unsafe?
“Safe” is relative. Weight-bearing bones from large animals tend to be hardest (higher fracture risk). Softer bones may reduce calculus in the short term but still carry obstruction and trauma risks, and all raw bones carry pathogen risks. Use the kneecap/thumbnail rules—and remember: no bone is risk-free. rawmeatybones.comPMChaleveterinaryclinic.ca
What about “bone treats” from shops?
Smoked/baked “bone treats” (ham bones, femur bones, knuckles, rib bones) are specifically linked to injury complaints; they’re not the same as butcher-style raw bones and are not recommended. NASC LIVE
Do bones provide essential minerals like calcium?
A complete and balanced diet (commercial or expertly formulated home-prepared) already meets mineral needs. Adding bones risks excess minerals and GI complications; raw bones are not required for nutrition in adult maintenance diets. (Formulating whole-prey/raw diets safely is not as simple as “throw in a bone.”) wsava.org
If my dog swallowed a bone, should I give bread or oil?
No home hacks. Watch for warning signs (above) and contact your vet for advice. In some cases, endoscopy is time-critical and safer than waiting. PMC
Practical decision guide
Choose “No Bones” if any of these are true:
You have children, elderly, pregnant, or immunocompromised people at home.
Your dog is a gulper, has GI disease/pancreatitis, dental issues, or is a puppy/senior.
You can’t reliably follow stringent hygiene protocols. Food Standards AgencyToday's Veterinary Practice
If you proceed anyway, treat bones as rare, supervised experiences, not routine dental care or nutrition. Use time limits, large non-ring shapes, and retire the bone early. Prioritise hygiene like you would raw chicken in your kitchen. Food Standards Agency
Safer “chew plan” you can start today
Daily brushing (build slowly; reward heavily).
Pick one VOHC-accepted chew that fits your dog’s size and calories, and use daily. vohc.org
Add enrichment (stuffable rubber toys, puzzle feeders, lick mats).
Book a dental check-up if your dog has halitosis, drooling, pawing at the mouth, bleeding gums, or discoloured/broken teeth. vohc.org
How I can help (Sally Barker — The Canine Dietitian)
1:1 Nutrition Consults: I’ll review your dog’s history, dental status, and chewing behaviours, then build a safer dental & enrichment plan—no bones required.
Home-Cooked & Balanced: If you’d like minimally processed feeding without raw risks, I can formulate complete, balanced recipes to FEDIAF/NRC targets.
Resources: Explore my e-books (e.g., How to Choose the Right Dog Food, Boost the Bowl – Kibble Toppers, Fussy Eater Guide) at thecaninedietitian.co.uk/ebooks for hand-holding, calculators, and step-by-step guides.
References & further reading
Barash NR et al. Outcomes of esophageal and gastric bone foreign bodies in dogs. 2022. Bones account for 30–80% of esophageal foreign bodies. PMC
Juvet F et al. Oesophageal foreign bodies in dogs: factors affecting outcome. 2010. Management and outcomes discussed. PMC
Finley R et al. Risk of Salmonella shedding by dogs fed contaminated raw diets. 2007. Shedding post-exposure documented. PMC
FSA (UK). Raw pet food: hygiene guidance and 2024 risk assessment (Salmonella “medium” risk for pets). Food Standards Agency+1
Groat EF et al. UK dogs on raw diets: higher risk of Salmonella and AMR E. coli carriage. 2022. PMC
WSAVA Global Nutrition Committee. Risks of Raw Meat-Based Diets; FAQs. Advises against bones due to fracture/obstruction/constipation. wsava.org+1
VOHC. Accepted Products for Dogs and guidance on brushing (gold standard). vohc.org+1
Marx FR et al. Raw beef bones reduce dental calculus in Beagles (short term). Evidence low quality; not periodontal outcomes. rawmeatybones.com
van Veggel N. Veterinary Evidence review: no direct evidence raw treats (incl. bones) prevent periodontal disease; caution advised. veterinaryevidence.org
Pinto CFD et al. Evaluation of teeth injuries caused by raw bones. Notes potential oral lesions despite calculus reduction. PMC
Cornell Vet / Riney Canine Health Center. Fractured tooth risks and foreign body obstruction primers. Cornell Vet School+1
FDA Consumer Update. No Bones About It: Bones are unsafe for your dog (consumer safety list). Adobe Veterinary Center
Final word
Chewing matters. Bones don’t. You can absolutely give your dog the joy of chewing without accepting the dental, surgical, and public-health risks that come with raw bones. Prioritise brushing, VOHC-accepted chews, and smart enrichment—and if you’re determined to try a bone, treat it as a rare, supervised, short-session activity with meticulous hygiene.
If you’d like a personalised chew/enrichment plan—or balanced home-cooked recipes that keep teeth and tummies happy—I’m here to help.
Complete the FREE DIET ASSESSMENT FORM and get back a report within 48 working hours from The Canine Dietitian
