The Best Dog Bones

Dogs are chewers by nature, whether they’re in the teething puppy phase or aging into senior territory. Chewing on objects is part of how dogs explore the world around them, but they might also do it when they’re hungry, stressed, bored, or just plain happy. Some dogs also find the act of chewing very soothing, allowing them to calm down enough after playtime for a comfy, solid nap. Regardless of the reason for chewing, a dog bone can certainly help keep your dog’s teeth where they belong instead of on your fuzzy slippers again.

We’ve reviewed dozens of dog bones of various types for dogs of all shapes, sizes, and chewing habits to identify the best of the best. We considered features like destructibility, flavor, texture, and ingredients when rating each product to help you decide which bone is right for your dog.

Top Pick
Nylabone DuraChew Textured Dog Chew
This brand is one of the most trusted among dog owners and this textured bone is virtually indestructible for long-lasting fun.

After reviewing several dog bones, Nylabone DuraChew Textured Dog Chew stands out as a clear winner for best dog bone because of its bacon flavor dogs crave, textured grooves that clean teeth, and durability for even the most aggressive chewers. According to several dog owners on Amazon, their pooches tend to choose this bone over the others in their stashes. 

The 5 Top-Rated Dog Bones

Editor's PicksBrandRating
Best OverallNylabone DuraChew Textured Dog Chew4.4
Runner UpK9 Connoisseur Knee Cap Bones4.6
Best Budget BuyPurina Busy Bone4.7
Best Marrow BoneLilly's Choice Dog Bones with Marrow4.4
Best Bone for Aggressive ChewersBenebone Real Flavor Wishbone4.5

Our Top Pick: Nylabone DuraChew Textured Dog Chew

Does your dog resist chewing on bones that lack flavor or texture? The Nylabone DuraChew Textured Dog Chew should do the trick. This bone comes in various flavors, including dog favorites like bacon and peanut butter, to encourage your furry friend to keep his chompers where they belong. Thanks to its textured rings and nubs, the bone serves the dual purpose of satisfying your dog’s desire for different sensations in his mouth and keeping his teeth and gums clean and healthy.

This bone is also virtually indestructible by even the most aggressive chewers and comes in various sizes to suit the size of your dog’s mouth. Since the bone stays intact while your dog chews, you won’t have to worry about finding pieces of it all over your floors or furniture.

With more than 3,600 Amazon reviews and a 4.2-star rating, it’s obvious that most dog owners have been happy with their purchase of the Nylabone DuraChew Textured Dog Chew. Several owners say that this bone has continued to last through months of aggressive chewing.

Nylabone DuraChew Textured Dog Chew Key Features:

  • Several flavors and sizes to cater to each dog
  • Textured design promotes a healthy mouth
  • Virtually indestructible material
  • Easy to wash

Our Runner Up Pick: K9 Connoisseur Knee Cap Bones

Runner Up
K9 Connoisseur Knee Cap Bones
These all-natural bones are tough, tasty, and hard to resist.

K9 Connoisseur Knee Cap Bones are natural knee bones that give dogs the flavors and textures they crave without giving them any artificial ingredients they don’t need. The bones have a smoked beef flavor that most dogs will go mutts for, as it’s a more natural flavor than artificial flavors you might find in other bones.

One of the benefits of these bones is that they provide texture for your dog’s mouth, teeth, and gums, thanks to their unaltered, organic shape. As your dog chews each bone, she’ll automatically get a gentle mouth massage from the bone itself, which can help you keep her teeth clean and healthy.

K9 Connoisseur, formerly Lilly’s Choice, Knee Cap Bones have more than 240 reviews on Amazon and an average 4.5-star rating, proving that they’re a hit with both dog owners and their pooches. Dog owners love that the bones still have some meat attached to them for a boost of yummy flavor and most agree that they’re some of the most durable bones they’ve given their dogs.

K9 Connoisseur Knee Cap Bones Key Features:

  • Made in the USA
  • Inspected for mold before shipping
  • Meets human-grade food standards
  • Natural, smoked meaty flavor

Best Budget Pick: Purina Busy Bone

Best for Budget
Purina Busy Bone
Each bone in this pack is just over $1, giving dog owners an affordable, long-lasting chew for their pups.

From one of dog owners’ most trusted brands comes the Purina Busy Bone, a rawhide-free bone that’s easy to digest, long-lasting, and perfectly sized for small to medium breeds that aren’t aggressive chewers. The bones come in packs of various sizes and are just over $1 each per bone, so they’re excellent for dog owners who need to curb bored dog mouths without spending a small fortune.

These bones will be long-lasting for dogs who chew casually. They have two layers for your dog to chew through, and the middle layer comes with a tasty surprise: An enticing filling made with real pork. Since you’ll get more than one bone in each pack, you can replace each chewed-through one without an extra trip to the store spending more money.

Almost 1,000 Amazon reviewers give these bones an average 4.5 rating and many state that even their picky eaters enjoy them.

Purina Busy Bone Key Features:

  • Real pork inside
  • Easy to digest
  • Durable for moderate chewers
  • Dual layers to keep dogs busy

Best Marrow Bone for Dogs: Lilly’s Choice Dog Bones with Marrow

Best Marrow Bone for Dogs
Lillys Choice Dog Bones with Marrow
Dogs who love real, meaty flavors will enjoy digging their way through these marrow-filled bones.

Lilly’s Choice Dog Bones with Marrow are all-natural bones that feature a smooth surface free from cracks where mold can sneak its way in and pose a health hazard for dogs. The cow bones even hold their original marrow, which can not only keep your dog occupied for hours, but can also give them essential nutrients and the flavor they crave.

Once your dog spends enough time with the bone to clean out the marrow, you can refill the center with your dog’s favorite flavors, like pumpkin puree, pureed bacon, or peanut butter. The bones themselves are long-lasting, even for aggressive chewers.

Over 400 Amazon reviewers have given these Lilly’s Choice Dog Bones with Marrow an average rating of 4.4, many of them raving about the impressive durability they have compared to other bones they’ve tried.

Lilly’s Choice Dog Bones with Marrow Key Features:

  • Real marrow fills natural cow bones
  • Comes in packs of various sizes
  • Grain-free
  • Center is refillable

Best Dog Bone for Aggressive Chewers: Benebone Real Flavor Wishbone

Best Dog Bone for Aggressive Chewers
Benebone Real Flavor Wishbone
Consistent chewers will love how long this durable nylon flavored bone lasts and will keep coming back to it for its flavor.

The Benebone Real Flavor Wishbone gives dogs who love to chew a real treat. Infused with flavoring from real bacon, peanuts, or chicken, each bone has a long-lasting smell and taste all the way through – even if your dog likes to dig his teeth in – to encourage him to keep coming back.

Benebone offers this bone in three different sizes so that you can pick the right one for your dog’s size and chewing habits. The durable nylon material should withstand months of consistent chewing, even from the most aggressive chewers. The bone even has a unique wishbone design that makes it easy for your dog to grasp with his paws, allowing him to chew at an optimal angle.

This bone has over 7,000 reviews on Amazon with an average rating of 4.3, making it one of the most beloved bones on the platform. Dog owners praise it for its ability to keep their chewers occupied for long periods of time.

Benebone Real Flavor Wishbone Key Features:

  • Offered in bacon, peanut, and chicken flavors
  • Real ingredients infuse flavor throughout the bone
  • Designed to make it easy for dogs to grasp and chew
  • Three sizes
  • Portion of profits help dogs in need

Who Should Buy a Dog Bone

You’ve probably heard the old proverb, “Every good dog deserves a bone.” It’s true; our furry canine friends sure do see bones as a worthwhile treat to reward their good behavior. However, bones serve more than just that purpose for most dogs, so it’s important for all dog owners to consider having a small stash of bones on hand.

Raw bones can be a healthy part of a dog’s diet. Natural bones provide essential nutrients and minerals for dogs, like calcium, phosphorous, and protein. Those that contain marrow usually offer even more nutrient content for dogs, since much of the nutritional value of bones exists in the marrow.

Don’t count out synthetic bones, though. The most common type of artificial bone is one made of nylon, which is incredibly durable. These can mimic the look and feel of a raw bone, which can satisfy your pooch’s natural need to chew. An added bonus of nylon bones is that they don’t tend to leave a residue behind wherever your dog decides to chew them.

Dog bones of almost any type can also be very beneficial in keeping your dog’s teeth and gums healthy. When they chew on bones, they produce more saliva that cleans their mouths. The bones themselves are usually naturally abrasive or made with various textures that can massage gums and get gunk off your pup’s teeth.

All dogs will have a desire to chew, whether it’s on a bone, your furniture, or your hands. Dog bones can give your pooch something consistent to gnaw on to keep them busy, entertained, and chewing productively.

Top Pick
Nylabone DuraChew Textured Dog Chew
This brand is one of the most trusted among dog owners and this textured bone is virtually indestructible for long-lasting fun.

Important Features to Consider

A dog bone should have a few important features. Here’s what to consider when selecting a dog bone for your dog:

  • Durable. Bones that lack strength and durability might splinter when your dog chews on them, which can pose a serious health risk to your pooch if he swallows the broken-off pieces. Look for strong bones from real animals, like cows, or synthetic bones made of durable materials, like nylon, that don’t carry much of a risk of breaking, even with aggressive chewers.
  • Size of your dog. Small breeds will need different bones than large breeds since their mouths are much smaller. Puppies might need even smaller bones as they learn to maneuver them in their tiny mouths. Most dog bone brands make bones in various sizes to suit the needs of your dog, so make sure you check the breed sizes for which they’re intended before you purchase them. Avoid choosing a bone that’s too small for your pooch, as it can be a choking hazard. If in doubt, always go for the larger size.
  • Nutrition. Dog bones can be a nutritious treat for your dog. Natural bones have more nutrients in them than synthetic bones because they come from real animals. They also might contain marrow, which fills the bone with important minerals and vitamins in a concentrated form.
  • Flavor. Some bones have no flavoring while others might be coated or infused with flavors dogs love, like bacon, beef, and chicken. Flavoring can be especially helpful in encouraging your pooch to keep coming back to her bone to chew on instead of household items that don’t taste as yummy. Bones with natural, as opposed to artificial, flavoring are the healthiest options.
  • Natural ingredients. Bones that aren’t made up of artificial ingredients, like preservatives, flavors, and dyes, are among the best for your four-legged friend. These bones typically are lower in calories and offer more nutritional content for dogs than those that are riddled with artificial ingredients and fillers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of dog bones are safe for dogs?

Most bones made from trusted brands are generally safe for dogs. However, your dog’s size, breed, and dietary needs will dictate what type of dog bone is safe for your pooch, specifically. Your dog’s bone should never be too small for their size or too soft for their bite. If your dog is large or an aggressive chewer, you should find a large bone that’s tough to chew through to prevent a potential choking hazard.

Most veterinarians also recommend that you don’t feed your dog leftover poultry bones from dinner, like chicken or lamb bones. These bones can splinter easily, which can pose a serious risk to your dog if she happens to swallow the shards.

How often should you give your dog a bone?

Depending on how much of a chewer your dog is, one bone might be able to last him several weeks without needing a replacement. Other dogs might chew through one bone a day if you let them. It’s important to remember that dogs can eat raw bones, so you won’t want to feed them too many each day or week and add extra calories to their diet.

Stick to one or two raw bones each week. It’s a good idea to have a synthetic bone or two that your dog can’t chew through to let him chomp on consistently.

How do you clean a dog’s bone?

If your pup really loves her bone, its surface is bound to get dirty after a while. It’s important to clean your dog’s bone occasionally to prevent bacteria from spreading, which can cause your dog to become ill. Synthetic bones are usually easy to clean under warm water with a soft-bristled brush to scrub dirty areas.

Natural or rawhide bones aren’t so simple to work with. Once you notice your dog’s bone has more dirty spots than clean ones, it’s probably time for a replacement. Similarly, a bone with lots of teeth holes should be replaced soon because those holes are optimal grounds for bacteria breeding.

Do bones clean dogs’ teeth?

The right dog bones, although they might look messy, can be exceptionally beneficial for your dog’s dental health. Raw bones have natural textures that scrub between and on the teeth’s surface and massage your dog’s gums as he chews. The act of chewing also stimulates the glands to produce more saliva, leaving your dog with a sparkly-clean mouth.

Synthetic bones are often made with unique textures designed to promote a healthy mouth, and some bones are specifically designed for your dog’s dental health. If your dog tends to have bad breath, you might look for a bone with minty flavors for a burst of freshness.

Other Dog Bones We Reviewed

Top Pick
Nylabone DuraChew Textured Dog Chew
This brand is one of the most trusted among dog owners and this textured bone is virtually indestructible for long-lasting fun.

We looked at 20 other dog bones. Even though they didn’t make our 5 best dog bones list, they’re the best of the rest and each is still a great option for your pooch. For your convenience, we broke them down into the following categories:

Natural Ingredient Dog Bones

Devil Dog Chews Elk Antler

Devil Dog Chews Elk Antler

These real elk antlers are incredibly long-lasting, making them perfect for dogs who can chew through most other bones.

Key Features:

  • Odorless
  • Non-messy
  • Portion of sales goes to dog rescues

Cost: $23

EcoKind Pet Chews Yak Bone

EcoKind Pet Chews Yak Bone

Dog owners who dislike messy bones leaving traces around their home will love these handmade, odorless, and grease-less chews made from yak milk.

Key Features:

  • Handmade
  • Gluten and lactose-free
  • Full money-back guarantee

Cost: $10

Heartland Antlers Deer Antlers for Dogs

Heartland Antlers Deer Antlers for Dogs

These bones are actually antlers from deer located in the heartland of the United States and contain natural nutrients to support your dog’s overall health.

Key Features:

  • Variety of sizes available
  • No additives or preservatives
  • 100% satisfaction guarantee

Cost: $15

Nature Gnaws Jumbo Bully Sticks

Nature Gnaws Jumbo Bully Sticks

These bully sticks from Nature Gnaws are easily digestible and are packed with natural protein to support your dog’s healthy muscle mass.

Key Features:

  • Made from grass-fed beef
  • Long-lasting chew
  • Cleaned with water, not chemicals

Cost: $28

Pawstruck Filled Dog Bones

Pawstruck Filled Dog Bones

Your pooch will keep coming back to these natural cow bones for their long-lasting chew and yummy filling made from peanut butter, beef, or cheese and bacon.

Key Features:

  • Come from free-range, grass-fed cattle
  • Variety of flavors and sizes
  • Approved by the USDA and FDA

Cost: $30 for 3

Dental Health Dog Bones

Blue Buffalo Dental Bones

Blue Buffalo Dental Bones

Keep your pup’s teeth strong and clean with these dental chews that are lightly textured for optimal scrubbing.

Key Features:

  • Wheat-free
  • Designed to work their way in between teeth
  • No artificial flavors or preservatives

Cost: $30 for 24

Greenies Dental Treats

Greenies Dental Treats

Shaped like a mini toothbrush, Greenies work to floss between your dog’s teeth as he chews to fight plaque buildup.

Key Features:

  • Recommended by veterinarians
  • Bendable to reach within your dog’s mouth
  • Comes in different sizes

Cost: $18 for 12

Hartz Chew’n Clean Bone

Hartz Chew'n Clean Bone

The numerous nubs on this synthetic bone will give your pooch’s mouth a good scrub-down.

Key Features:

  • Bacon scented
  • Long-lasting durability
  • Multi-textured surface

Cost: $4

Indigenous Dental Health Bones

Indigenous Dental Health Bones

These one-size-fits-all bones are textured to clean your dog’s teeth and consist of dried kelp to naturally remove plaque and freshen breath.

Key Features:

  • Free from artificial ingredients
  • Fresh breath flavor
  • Easy to break apart for small breeds

Cost: $17

Nylabone Textured Big Chew

Nylabone Textured Big Chew

Large breeds can still get a good mouth cleaning with this perfectly-sized durable chew that has textured nubs and rings on the ends to reach the gums and between teeth.

Key Features:

  • Comes in Bison, Chicken, and Flavor Frenzy flavors
  • Curved shape for easy holding
  • Durable

Cost: $19

Toy Dog Bones

Benebone Tug Bone

Benebone Tug Bone

This bone is durable for aggressive chewers, textured for dental health, and provides loads of fun as a tug toy.

Key Features:

  • Four flavor options
  • Ergonomic design for easy grasping
  • Portion of proceeds are donated to animal shelters

Cost: $13

Bullibone Spin-A-Bone

Bullibone Spin-A-Bone

This bone for tough chewers can also sit on the ground and spin to keep your pooch entertained.

Key Features:

  • Rough texture to clean teeth
  • Infused with bacon flavor
  • Durable

Cost: $14

Nylabone DuraChew Beef Flavored Dog Chew

Nylabone DuraChew Beef Flavored Dog Chew

This uniquely-shaped dog chew can throw like a frisbee during playtime but gives your dog a satisfying chew when he feels like chomping.

Key Features:

  • Beef-infused flavor
  • Two sizes
  • Durable nylon construction

Cost: $8

Petstages Dogwood Stick Bone

Petstages Dogwood Stick Bone

Does your dog love chasing after (and chewing on) sticks? This one is made of real wood but is designed just like a bone to promote oral health and give dogs a safer chewing alternative.

Key Features:

  • Several sizes
  • No toxic ingredients
  • Real wood flavor

Cost: $9

West Paw Zogoflex Dog Bone Toy

West Paw Zogoflex Dog Bone Toy

This floating fetching toy doubles as a dog bone to stay intact when your pooch decides he wants to chew on it too.

Key Features:

  • Different color and size options
  • No-damage guarantee
  • Floatable material

Cost: $12

Rawhide-Free Dog Bones

DreamBone Vegetable & Chicken Dog Chews

DreamBone Vegetable & Chicken Dog Chews

These dog bones are infused with real chicken and vegetables to give your dog a tasty treat while satisfying her urge to chew.

Key Features:

  • Easily digestible
  • Enriched with vitamins and minerals
  • Made with real chicken

Cost: $13

DreamChips Chicken Dog Chews

DreamChips Chicken Dog Chews

These dog “chips” are best for casual chewers who like to savor their real chicken flavor.

Key Features:

  • Unique shape helps clean teeth
  • Made with real vegetables and chicken
  • Enriched with Vitamin B12

Cost: $15

Earth Animal No-Hide Beef Chews

Earth Animal No-Hide Beef Chews

These no-rawhide bones come from real cows to create an easily-digestible formula for casual chewers.

Key Features:

  • Made with real beef
  • Free from chemicals and additives
  • Enticing flavor for dogs

Cost: $24 for 6

Purina Busy with Beggin’ Twist’d Chews

Purina Busy with Beggin' Twist'd Chews

Keep your pooch busy chewing on something he’s supposed to with these treats that taste just like bacon.

Key Features:

  • Made with real bacon
  • Twisted design boosts durability
  • No artificial FD&C colors

Cost: $8 for 6

SmartSticks Rawhide-Free Dog Chews

SmartSticks Rawhide-Free Dog Chews

Most dogs can’t resist the taste of peanut butter, so these bones made from chicken and vegetables and infused with real peanut butter should be a hit.

Key Features:

  • Layered for durability and flavor
  • Added minerals and vitamins
  • Easily digestible

Cost: $13 for 10

 

Check out our list of chicken jerky for dogs made in the USA if you’re looking for another way to spoil your dog.