A Complete Guide to Which Types of Bones Dogs Can and Cannot Eat

Like carrots and hummus or Oreos and almond milk, countless cartoons have led us to believe that dogs and bones are a perfect match — though it turns out that isn't necessarily the case. Although chewing provides mental stimulation and cleans your pup's chompers, giving your dog real animal bones can seriously endanger their well-being. So, if you're nervous about your dog eating bones, it's up to you as their pet parent to find out which ones are actually safe for them to chew.

As long as you know where it's coming from, a large raw cow bone is safe for your pup — just make sure it's stored in the freezer ahead of time, according to Rover. Find one that's thick, study, and around the size of their head, allowing them to chew without potentially breaking off a chunk and swallowing it. Large breeds can even opt for a raw beef knuckle bone — but definitely take it away after a few hours, as it can wear down, and eventually break into shards if you aren't careful.

Likewise, bison bones are safe for your pup to chew, as they're around the same size and texture to a standard beef bone. For the sake of the environment, though, try finding one that's locally-sourced.

Almost anything you find at the pet supplies store is adequate for your pup — pig ears, bully sticks, and antlers are generally pretty safe. But if you aren't entirely sure what's right for your fur baby, consult your dog's vet ahead of time, just to make sure. Synthetic, animal-free treats are also an option, including Greenies or Benebones, which aren't edible, but are definitely fun for any pup with an oral fixation.

As previously mentioned, if you are feeding your dog an animal bone, it's important that they're raw as opposed to cooked. According to American Kennel Club, cooked bones are softer than raw ones, and can more easily break into small shards. They can become a choking hazard, or injure the dog's mouth, throat, or even their intestines. Cooking the bone removes nutrients, anyway, so they're better off chewing something raw, regardless.

Pet MD heavily advises against giving your dog pork or rib bones, because they're more dangerous than other types of bones. They are more susceptible to splintering than other types of bones, which can lead to choking or injury.

Although it doesn't happen often, chicken bones can kill your dog, according to Love Your Dog. They can pierce your dog's esophagus, and damage their chest cavity, lungs, and heart. If your pup happens to scoop a chicken bone up off the street, vets advise against making your dog vomit, as that can cause a blockage. Instead, observe your dog for the next 24 hours. Most breeds — especially larger ones — can easily pass them, but stay away from giving them chicken bones, anyway.

Anything you give your dog to chew should be larger than its mouth. According to Dog Trekker, this is because if it's bigger than their mouth, they can't swallow it whole.

Rawhide bones, which are made out of dried animal skins, are a popular puppy snack — though they aren't always the safest option. According to Outward Hound, some rawhides inevitably come into contact with salmonella, so it's important to observe any recalls made by the FDA, as this can harm both you and your pup.

If the rawhide isn't tough enough for your dog's chewing habits, they can also break down and form a blockage in the intestines or esophagus. And, if it's too tough, it can break your dog's teeth.

For any of these, though, we'd advise consulting your vet first — every pup is different!