Every dog loves a bone, but not every bone is safe, and getting the size, type, and supervision wrong is one of the most common mistakes new raw feeders make. At ardam, formerly CDK9 Raw, we want Australian dog owners to feel confident feeding raw bones the right way. Chewing on a raw meaty bone gives dogs mental stimulation and can help keep their teeth clean, but the type, size, and supervision all matter. Here is what you need to know about raw bones for dogs, including which types are safest and what vets commonly recommend.
What kind of bones are safe for dogs?
Raw bones are a healthy, nutritious option that can provide minerals and help support dental hygiene. Cooked bones are a different story: once cooked, a bone becomes brittle and can splinter, which creates a serious risk of internal injury. Never feed cooked bones to your dog, under any circumstances.
The right bone also depends on your dog's size. Smaller breeds are often better suited to raw chicken bones for dogs, such as chicken wings or chicken frames, which make manageable, challenging chews for puppies and smaller dogs.
Larger, more powerful chewers usually need something denser to hold their attention and avoid the bone being swallowed too quickly. This is where beef and lamb bones tend to work better, offering a longer-lasting, more substantial chew.
Consider a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel compared to a Rottweiler in the same household. The Cavalier's smaller jaw and gentler bite mean a chicken wing is plenty of challenge, while the same bone would barely register with the Rottweiler and could be swallowed in a couple of bites, which is exactly the kind of mismatch that leads to a trip to the vet. Matching bone density and size to the individual dog, not just their breed, is the safest approach in a mixed-dog household.
What is the best bone for a dog to chew on?
For long-lasting chew time, a marrow bone is hard to beat. Marrow bones are packed with flavour and nutrients, and their density means dogs take longer to work through them. If you want something neater, a chicken neck is a great alternative: gristly, gentle on the stomach, and satisfying to chew.
- Marrow bones: long-lasting, nutrient-dense, but can be messy
- Chicken necks: neater, gentler, ideal for smaller dogs
- Always choose a bone size close to your dog's head size
What do vets recommend when feeding bones?
Common guidance from veterinary professionals includes the following:
- Bones are not toys. Always supervise chewing and remove bones once your dog has finished.
- Never give bones in small chunks, as broken pieces can be swallowed and cause injury.
- Cooked bones can splinter and cause blockages or perforate the intestines. Avoid them entirely.
- Choose a bone that's roughly the size of your dog's head so it presents a healthy challenge rather than a swallowing risk.
- Avoid rock-hard frozen bones, which can crack teeth or hurt gums.
For further reading on raw feeding safety, see the American Veterinary Medical Association's guidance on raw pet foods.
A practical habit many experienced raw feeders in Australia follow is a simple visual and physical check before handing over any bone: it should not fit entirely inside your dog's mouth in one go, and it should feel solid rather than brittle or crumbly when you press on it. If in doubt, size up rather than down, since a bone that's a little too big is far safer than one small enough to be gulped whole.
It also helps to think about your dog's individual chewing style rather than just their breed. Some dogs are methodical gnawers who work a bone slowly over half an hour, while others are fast, forceful chewers who can work through the same bone in a fraction of the time. Watching how your dog approaches their first few bones gives you a much better read on the right size and density for them going forward than any generic size chart alone.
How often should I feed my dog raw bones?
Once or twice a week is generally enough to support dental hygiene and satisfy natural chewing instincts without overloading your dog's diet. Bones should complement a balanced raw diet, not replace it. Explore our raw meaty bones range to find the right size and type for your dog, or try our feeding plan quiz to build a complete meal plan. For a fuller overview of how bones fit into a balanced diet, see our guide to feeding raw meaty bones to dogs.
New to raw feeding altogether? A sample pack is a low-risk way to introduce bones and meals side by side. You may also find our guide on switching to raw: what to expect useful.
Can raw bones cause digestive upset?
Occasionally, especially if a dog isn't used to eating bone content, you might notice looser or firmer stools for a day or two after a bone. This is usually temporary as their digestive system adjusts. Introduce bones gradually if your dog hasn't had them before, and keep portions modest until you know how they respond.
It's also worth remembering that not every dog needs the same bone. Senior dogs with dental wear or missing teeth may do better with softer options, while young, powerful chewers might need a denser bone to keep them appropriately occupied. If you're ever unsure which option suits your dog's age or chewing style, our team at ardam is happy to help you choose from the raw meaty bones and offal range.
When to talk to your vet
Most healthy dogs enjoy raw bones without any trouble, but a few situations are worth a check-in with your vet first. If your dog has a history of pancreatitis, a known dental condition, or is recovering from any dental procedure, ask your vet whether bones are appropriate right now and what size or type would suit best. Seek immediate veterinary attention if your dog shows signs of choking, repeated vomiting, straining without passing stool, or a painful, distended abdomen after chewing a bone.
FAQ: Raw bones for dogs
Are raw bones safe for all dogs?
Generally yes, but supervision and bone size matter. Choose a bone appropriate for your dog's size and chewing strength.
Can I feed cooked bones to my dog?
No. Cooked bones are brittle and can splinter, causing injury or blockages.
What types of bones are best for dental health?
Raw meaty bones like chicken necks and wings help scrape plaque and massage gums.
How often should I feed my dog raw bones?
Once or twice a week is often enough to support dental hygiene and enrichment.
What should I do if my dog swallows a large piece of bone?
Contact your vet immediately, especially if they show signs of discomfort or choking.
Can puppies have raw bones?
Yes, but choose soft, appropriately sized bones and always supervise closely, since a puppy's jaw and teeth are still developing.
Where is the best place for my dog to chew a bone?
An easy-to-clean surface like a tiled floor, an outdoor area, or a designated mat works well, and it keeps mess contained while you supervise.
Should I take a bone away before my dog finishes it?
Yes, remove and store any leftover bone once your dog loses interest or the piece becomes small enough to be a swallowing risk, rather than leaving it out unsupervised.
Ready to give raw bones a go? Explore ardam's range of safe, high-quality raw bones for Sydney and Australian dogs, and get in touch with our team with any questions.
Reviewed by the ardam team. For veterinary advice on your individual dog, contact Dr. Anna Huynh at Greystanes Veterinary Clinic (26 Carnation St, Greystanes NSW 2145, (02) 9609 1500).
