Are Bones Safe for Dogs? The Truth About Chewing, Dental Health and Natural Alternatives

When we first started Lenny’s Pup Shop, we were just like every other dog parent.
We wanted the best for our pup but kept running into mixed messages.

Some vets said bones were dangerous. Pet food brands claimed kibble cleaned teeth. Others swore by raw bones.

So, who’s right?

After years of research, speaking with experts, and watching thousands of happy pups enjoy our chews, we’ve learned one simple truth:
Chewing is natural, necessary and healthy - when done safely.

Why Dogs Have Always Chewed

Before dog food existed, dogs and their ancestors lived on meat, cartilage, and bone.
Chewing wasn’t just fun - it kept their teeth clean and their jaws strong.

Even though diets have changed, dogs haven’t. They still need to chew. It calms them, cleans their teeth, and supports their natural instincts.

When people say, “chewing doesn’t clean teeth,” remember this:
Dogs didn’t have toothbrushes in the wild.
They had bones.

Why the Internet Is So Confusing

Let’s be honest, it’s hard to know what to believe.

The pet industry is massive. Kibble companies make money selling processed food. Vets make money when dogs get sick from poor diets.

That doesn’t mean your vet doesn’t care. It just means some advice online benefits business, not your dog’s long-term health.

At Lenny’s Pup Shop, we believe in something simpler:
Real food.
Real chewing.
Common sense.

The Real Risks (and How to Avoid Them)

Dogs can choke on just about anything: kibble, toys and even your shoes.
Bones are no different.
The secret is choosing the right kind and supervising every chew.

Bones might not be suitable if your dog is a gulper or resource protective.

Avoid these:

• Cooked bones - they splinter and can injure your dog
• Small bones - they can cause choking or blockages
• Frozen bones - too hard and can crack teeth
• Old or buried bones - they can carry bacteria
• Poorly sourced raw bones – risk for harmful bacteria

Best choice:
Large, slowly air-dried or raw bones roughly the size of your dog’s head.
Always supervise your pup while they chew.

Why Chewing Is So Important

Chewing isn’t just playtime- it’s a natural health routine.

✅ Cleans teeth naturally by scraping off plaque and tartar
✅ Stimulates saliva to protect gums and fight bacteria
✅ Releases endorphins that calm anxious dogs
✅ Prevents boredom and destructive behaviour
✅ Strengthens jaws and neck muscles

Studies show dogs who chew raw or natural foods have cleaner teeth and healthier gums than kibble-fed dogs.

What are some of the best natural chews?

Not every dog can handle bones - and that’s okay.
But here are some options if you think they would love a natural chew:

These natural chews help clean teeth and satisfy instincts without the dangers of cooked or synthetic products.

How to Chew Safely

Here’s how to make chewing a healthy daily habit:

1. Supervise always. Never leave your dog alone with a new chew.
2. Pick the right size. Too small = choking risk.
3. Keep sessions short. 15 - 20 minutes is plenty.
4. Rotate chews. Different textures keep dogs interested.
5. Provide water. Chewing makes dogs thirsty.

The Bottom Line

Dogs are designed to chew.
It’s how they clean their teeth, relieve stress, and provide mental stimulation. 

Bones aren’t the problem.
The wrong bones or unsupervised chewing are…

So instead of avoiding bones completely, focus on safe, natural chewing:

• Choose large raw or air-dried options
• Always supervise
• Avoid cooked, frozen, or small pieces
• Avoid Raw hide

At Lenny’s Pup Shop, we believe chewing is one of the purest joys of a dog’s life.
With the right chews, it’s also one of the healthiest.

Explore our range of Natural Chews HERE.

All are slowly air-dried, 100% natural, and proudly Australian with real health benefits.

Quick Recap

✅ Dogs are born to chew
✅ Chewing really does clean teeth
✅ Always supervise and size appropriately
✅ Avoid cooked or small bones & raw hide
✅ Trust natural foods, not marketing