Can Dogs Eat Raw Bone?

Can Dogs Eat Raw Bone?

Can Dogs Eat Raw Bone?

Aug 8, 2025

Feeding bones is a widely debated topic in pet nutrition. While some advocates promote raw bones for their health benefits, others caution against the dangers, particularly with cooked bones. When handled properly, bones can be a valuable source of essential nutrients like calcium and phosphorus. At Steve’s Real Food, we incorporate ground raw bone into our complete and balanced recipes to provide these benefits in the safest and most digestible form possible.

Can Dogs Eat Raw Bones?

Yes, with some caveats for safety. Raw bones for dogs have been praised for everything from cleaner teeth to mental enrichment. While raw bones are less likely to splinter than cooked bones, they can still be dangerous if swallowed in large chunks or if the bone is too hard for your dog’s teeth.  Chicken necks, turkey necks, knuckle bones, and other raw (uncooked) meaty bones are great options for dogs - just be sure they’re appropriately sized for your pup so they aren’t a choking hazard.

Can Dogs Eat Cooked Bones?

This one’s a firm no. Cooked bones are brittle and prone to splintering. If swallowed, they can pierce your dog’s throat or digestive tract. Even small cooked bones, like those from chicken or pork, can become serious hazards. According to the FDA, cooked bones have caused choking, broken teeth, mouth and tongue injuries, intestinal blockages, and even death in dogs.

Why We Use Ground Raw Bones in Our Recipes

At Steve’s Real Food, we take a different approach. We include bone content right in their meals by grinding raw bones into pieces no larger than 1/8 inch. You may not even notice them, especially in lighter-colored formulas, but they're there—doing some heavy nutritional lifting behind the scenes. Not only does this make bone safer to consume, but it also makes nutrients more available to your dog. Grinding increases surface area, improving absorption of vital minerals like calcium and phosphorus.

The Nutritional Benefits of Bone in Dog Food

Rich in Calcium and Phosphorus

Bone is one of nature’s most potent sources of these two essential minerals. Calcium supports healthy bones, teeth, muscle function, and nerve signaling. Phosphorus helps with energy production and the building of cell structures. Together, they form the foundation for strong skeletal health. Maintaining the right calcium-to-phosphorus ratio is critical in dog nutrition, and our ground raw bone helps achieve that naturally.

These minerals are especially important for growing puppies, lactating moms, and senior dogs at risk for bone issues like arthritis or hip dysplasia.

Supports Digestion

It might surprise you, but bone content is actually great for the gut. Ground bone can help bulk up stools and improve consistency, which can prevent runny messes and support regularity. Think of it as nature’s binder: it holds everything together and keeps digestion on track.

Whole Body Health

Beyond bones and guts, raw bone contributes to overall wellness. It contains trace minerals that support immune function, healthy skin and coat, and even cardiovascular health. When included as part of a complete raw diet, like our formulas, these nutrients work synergistically with other ingredients to support every system in your dog’s body.

And unlike synthetic supplements, which are often isolated compounds, nutrients from raw bone are bioavailable and come from real, whole food, which dogs’ bodies recognize and absorb more efficiently.

The Takeaway: Bones Are Great-If They’re Done Right

Raw bones for dogs can be incredibly healthy when handled properly. Cooked bones? A definite no. At Steve’s Real Food, we’ve found the best of both worlds by grinding raw bones into tiny, safe pieces that deliver all the benefits with none of the risks. Bone meal in dog food isn’t just a filler, it’s a powerhouse ingredient that supports everything from strong joints to solid stools.

Ready to give your pet the real-food nutrition they deserve? Try Steve’s Real Food and see the difference that smart, safe, raw feeding can make.