Bones and Chews: How to Enjoy Them Safely

October 26, 2026 · Chris Divitt

For lots of dogs, a good bone is one of life’s great joys. Chewing can be satisfying and keep them happily busy.

Like any treat, bones need a bit of care. Any bone, raw, dried or cooked, can cause problems for some dogs. The good news is that a few simple habits make chewing time much safer.

The short version: never give cooked bones, choose the right size, and always stay with your dog while they chew.

Cooked bones: always a no

This one is important. Never give your dog leftover cooked bones, like chicken wings and drumsticks, chop bones, rib bones, or roast and barbecue bones.

Cooking makes bones brittle. They can break into sharp shards that can:

get stuck in the mouth, throat or stomach
cause choking
block the gut
puncture the throat, stomach or intestines, which is an emergency

Dogs are clever thieves, so wrap up leftovers and put bones in a bin your dog cannot get into, especially after a barbecue or a roast.

Bones made for dogs

Bones and chews sold for dogs, like our Platinum Ranch Deer Clod Bones (also available as a half bone), are a far better choice than kitchen scraps. Many dogs love them.

They still need the same care as any bone. Dried bones are firm and hard, so they suit dogs who chew steadily rather than crunch hard or try to swallow big pieces.

Why any bone needs care

These are the things vets see most often with bones and hard chews of any kind:

Broken teeth. Hard chews can crack a tooth, especially in very strong chewers.
Swallowed pieces. Chunks can get stuck in the throat or gut.
Tummy upsets or constipation if a dog eats too much bone.
Germs from raw bones, so wash your hands and clean up after.

Knowing this is not a reason to skip bones. It is a reason to choose well and supervise.

How to choose the right bone

Size it up. Pick a bone big enough that your dog cannot fit the whole thing in their mouth or swallow it whole. If in doubt, go bigger.
Match it to your dog. Gentle, steady chewers usually do best. For very strong chewers, gulpers, young puppies, older dogs or dogs with dental problems, ask us or your vet what might suit.
Try the thumbnail test. Press your thumbnail into the chew. If it leaves no mark at all, it is very hard, so take extra care with strong chewers.
Start slowly. Give short chewing sessions at first and see how your dog gets on.
Follow the pack for size, use and storage.

Supervision: the most important rule

Stay with your dog the whole time they have a bone or chew.

Take it away once it gets small enough to swallow whole.
Stop if your dog breaks off sharp pieces or big chunks.
Give chews in a calm spot. Keep dogs apart if they might squabble.
Swap, don’t grab. If your dog guards their bone, offer a tasty swap rather than pulling it from their mouth. Ask a trainer for help if taking things away is not safe.
Put it away between sessions so it is not left lying around.

When to call the vet

Call your vet as soon as possible if, after chewing a bone or chew, your dog:

is choking, gagging or pawing at their mouth
keeps vomiting or retching
won’t eat or seems flat and tired
has a sore, swollen or bloated tummy
is straining to poo, or has blood in their poo
is drooling a lot or bleeding from the mouth

Problems from a swallowed piece do not always show straight away. Signs can appear hours or days later, so keep an eye on your dog.

If you think your dog has swallowed a cooked bone, call your vet for advice. Do not try to make your dog vomit unless your vet tells you to.

Mix it up

Bones are just one way to keep a dog happy. A refillable food toy like a KONG Classic filled with some of their normal food is another great option, especially for strong chewers.

For more ideas, read our guide Choosing Dog Treats: Quick Rewards, Training, Chews & KONGs, or browse our dog treats. Not sure which bone suits your dog? Ask us in store. We are happy to help.

This is general advice and does not replace advice from your own vet.