Finding bones for aggressive chewers can be challenging. These dogs often don’t realize their limits and can be destructive to their bones. Soft chews are often chewed up and swallowed almost immediately, giving them no entertainment. Harder chews can be hazardous, however, and may break a tooth or cause digestive issues.
So, what’s the best option for your aggressive chewer? Take a look at the best dog bones for aggressive chewers based on reviews from pet owners like you.
A Glance at Our Winners for 2023
Image | Product | Details | ||
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Best Overall |
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Bones & Chews Roasted Marrow Dog Treat |
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Best Value |
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Nylabone Marrow Bone Dog Chew Toy |
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Premium Choice |
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Smokehouse Mammoth Femur Bone Dog Treat |
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Best for Puppies |
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Nylabone Textured Ring Dog Chew Toy |
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Bones & Chews Elk Antler Dog Chew |
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The 10 Best Dog Bones for Aggressive Chewers
1. Bones & Chews Roasted Marrow Dog Treat – Best Overall
Ingredient: | Edible beef marrow bone |
Food form: | Treat |
Breed size: | Small |
Bones & Chews Made in the USA Roasted Marrow Bone 3” Dog Treat is the best overall dog bone for aggressive chewers. This bone is full of flavors to keep your dog interested and satisfied, and with its small size, it’s perfect for small dogs. Each bone has plenty of natural marrow to ensure a long-lasting challenge for your pup.
These bones contain no added artificial flavors, colors, preservatives, and are never treated with chemicals, bleach, or formaldehyde. They’re kept at optimal moisture levels during roasting to reduce splintering. Though these bones are generally safe, it’s important to provide plenty of fresh water and supervise your dog during chewing to avoid choking or injury. If the bone splinters, it’s important to dispose of it. Reviewers were mostly satisfied, but some said their dogs became bored quickly.
2. Nylabone Chew Marrow Bone Dog Chew Toy – Best Value
Ingredient: | Nylon, fabric |
Food form: | Non-edible |
Breed size: | Medium |
The Nylabone Power Chew Marrow Bone Alternative Dog Chew Toy is the best dog bone for aggressive chewers for the money. This is a safe, non-edible alternative to real rib bones and made of durable nylon and fabric. The texture is excellent for dental stimulation, and your dog can still sink its teeth into it. Because it’s not made of real animal products, it creates less odor and mess than real marrow bones.
This bone is suitable for dogs up to 50 pounds and was specifically designed for aggressive chewers. It comes highly recommended by vets as well. This is not intended to be eaten, however, so it should be tossed out if it breaks or splinters. If your dog ingests it, you should consult with your vet. Many reviewers saw good results, and the bone lasted a while, but others said their dogs weren’t interested.
3. Smokehouse Mammoth Femur Bone Dog Treat – Premium Choice
Ingredient: | Natural beef femur bone |
Food form: | Treat |
Breed size: | All breeds |
Smokehouse USA Meaty Mammoth Femur Bone Dog Treat is the premium choice for aggressive chewers. This bone is the largest of the line and measures a full 14 to 16 inches. The bones are slow roasted in their own juices for enticing beef flavor and meaty bits your dog will love.
Though these bones are intended for large breeds, virtually any breed can enjoy chewing on them if they’re powerful chewers. Each bone comes individually shrink-wrapped for convenience and safety. Bones of this size can cause injury or splintering that presents a choking hazard, so be sure to supervise your dog during chewing. The natural oils in this bone may also stain carpeting or furniture. Some owners of large breeds said their dogs broke the bone apart within a week, however.
4. Nylabone Chew Textured Ring Dog Chew Toy – Best for Puppies
Ingredient: | Nylon, fabric |
Food form: | Non-edible |
Breed size: | All |
The Nylabone Power Chew Textured Ring Flavor Medley Dog Chew Toy is the best for puppies. The toy has a chewy texture with chicken flavoring to keep your dog interested, but its innovative disc-shaped design will hold up to tough chewing for hours. You can play with your dog with it as a tug toy or fetch toy, or your dog can enjoy it on its own.
Each piece of the ring has ridges and grooves that are fun for your dog to chew and will stimulate their gums during teething. Because this is a synthetic toy and not a marrow bone, it won’t stain furniture or lead to sogginess or odors. Several reviewers said the ring cracked easily and had to be tossed out.
5. Bones & Chews Elk Antler Dog Chew
Ingredient: | Elk antler |
Food form: | Treat |
Breed size: | All |
The Bones & Chews Made in USA Elk Antler Dog Chew is a 100% natural antler that’s low odor and non-allergenic. This antler provides hours of durable chewing and a natural source of calcium, phosphorus, and other nutrients. Antlers also shed, so they’re a renewable source of fun for your dog.
The texture of the antler can help your dog’s teeth and gums, and chewing strengthens your dog’s jaw. Like other natural chews, antlers may become soggy with chewing and the natural oils can stain furniture or carpeting. It’s important to supervise your dog during chewing to prevent choking or injuries. If the antler breaks, splinters, or has sharp edges, toss it out. Some reviewers said their dogs were able to break the antler apart and ingest it.
6. QT Dog Buffalo Hornz Dog Treat
Ingredient: | Natural water buffalo horn |
Food form: | Treat |
Breed size: | All |
QT Dog Buffalo Hornz Water Buffalo Horn Dog Treat is an excellent alternative to rawhides. It comes in multiple sizes to suit different breeds and offers a gluten-free and grain-free natural chewing option. The texture of the horn promotes dental health by cleaning off tartar and buildup, and it’s a natural source of calcium and phosphorus.
All horns are made from free-range, grass-fed water buffalo, and each horn may look different in shape and color. As your dog chews, the horn may release a natural oil and scent that can permeate furniture and carpeting. Always supervise your dog while chewing the horn or other chews. If the horn splinters or develops sharp edges, it should be replaced.
7. Bones & Chews Bully Wrapped Elk Antler Split
Ingredient: | Elk antler, beef pizzle |
Food form: | Treat |
Breed size: | Small |
Bones & Chews Made in USA Bully Wrapped Elk Antler Split offers the best of both worlds with a durable elk antler and a beef pizzle. This extra-satisfying chew has a strong elk antler with a yummy bully stick that will keep your dog occupied for long periods. Both ingredients are all-natural with no artificial preservatives and offer a great source of calcium, phosphorus, and protein.
The combination of textures of this antler can help your dog’s dental health by scraping away plaque and tartar as your dog chews. This is appropriate for small or medium breeds but may not be big enough to present a challenge for large or giant breeds. Owners of large dogs said the chew didn’t last.
8. Barkworthies Beef Knuckle Bone Dog Treat
Ingredient: | Beef knuckle bone |
Food form: | Treat |
Breed size: | Medium, large, giant |
Barkworthies Beef Knuckle Bone Dog Treat is a great option for large or giant breeds or aggressive medium breeds. This all-natural, FDA-approved knuckle bone is sourced from grass-fed, free-range Brazilian cattle. It’s naturally high in calcium, iron, and zinc to support your dog’s health.
All Barkworthies bones are made without preservatives, hormones, and antibiotics. Each bone is baked to get rid of bacteria while locking in natural flavors. Tendons are still attached for more entertainment for your dog. These bones are ideal for large and aggressive chewers, but it’s important to supervise during chewing to watch for injuries or choking hazards. Reviewers commented that the bone is too big or too small for their dogs, so consider the size before purchasing.
9. Nylabone Power Chew Dog Dental Chew Toy
Ingredient: | Nylon, synthetic fabric |
Food form: | Non-edible |
Breed size: | Small, medium |
Nylabone Power Chew Easy-Hold Bacon Flavor Dog Dental Chew Toy is a fun dog toy with multiple paw grips to help your dog get more traction for chewing and nibbling. The toy is coated in bacon flavor to entice your dog, and the tough nylon can withstand the most destructive chewing habits.
This toy has multiple textures that stimulate your dog’s teeth and gums, so it’s perfect for teething puppies or tough adults. With its four-point design, your dog can chew from multiple angles to stave off boredom. This is suitable for dogs up to 50 pounds, so be sure it’s appropriate for your dog’s size before purchasing. Some reviewers said their dogs were able to chew off small pieces, so be sure to supervise your dog during playtime.
10. Bones & Chews Curly Bully Stick Dog Treats
Ingredient: | Beef pizzle |
Food form: | Treat |
Breed size: | All |
Bones & Chews Made in USA Curly Bully Stick Dog Chew Treats are perfect for all breed sizes and offer tasty meat flavor to encourage chewing. Each stick is made from 100% USA beef that’s slow roasted with no added artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.
Because they’re made of beef, these sticks are a good source of protein with little fat. As your dog chews, the texture can remove plaque and tartar from your dog’s teeth and gums. The natural oils from the sticks can stain furniture and carpeting. If the sticks break apart, it can be a choking hazard, so be sure to supervise your dog. Any sticks that develop sharp edges or break into splinters or small pieces should be thrown out.
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Dog Bone for Aggressive Chewers
The challenge with aggressive chewers is not just finding a bone that can withstand their abuse, but also ensuring that the bones or chews are safe. When choosing the best bone for your dog, you must consider that those that break apart or splinter can cause injury or present a choking hazard.
Consider the Hardness
When you’re shopping for dog chews, consider how hard they are. Chews that are too hard can cause tooth fractures or injuries to the mouth. You can test how hard a chew is by tapping it against your knee—if it’s hard enough to hurt, it’s too much for your dog. You can also check by pushing your fingernail into the chew. If it gives, it’s safe for your dog.
Non-edible chews should be made of a durable rubber or nylon. Similarly, check that these aren’t too hard for your dog.
Choose the Right Size
Chews need to be in the “Goldilocks” zone for your dog. Chews that are too small for your dog won’t last and could become a choking hazard, especially with aggressive chewers. Conversely, a chew that’s too big for your dog will be frustrating for your dog to chew, defeating its purpose.
Most chews have size and weight recommendations on the label. Choose the right size chew for your dog, and if you’re not sure, go with a larger one. If the chew is edible, monitor your dog and ensure that they don’t ingest too much of the chew in each sitting.
Supervise Your Dog
Any chew has the potential to be dangerous for a chewing dog. Overall, they’re safer than your dog taking out its frustration on household items like furniture, electrical cords, or shoes, but you still need to understand the risks. Chews can be ingested, may be a choking hazard, or may injure your dog’s teeth or mouth.
If your dog tends to break chews into small pieces or splinters, always supervise your dog while chewing. Keep a close eye on the condition of the chew and remove it if your dog is breaking it into small pieces. If the chew becomes sharp or damaged, toss it out.
Conclusion
Aggressive chewers need bones and chews that can withstand their abuse. Bones & Chews Roasted Marrow Bone Dog Treat is the best overall dog bone for aggressive chewers. If you want value, the non-edible Nylabone Marrow Bone Alternative Dog Chew Toy is the best dog bone for aggressive chewers for the money. Smokehouse Mammoth Femur Bone Dog Treat is the premium choice for large and giant aggressive chewers.
Featured Image Credit: root_br, Unsplash