Why I Don’t Feed My Dogs Recreational Bones

I was told I needed to feed recreational bones to keep my dogs’ teeth clean and satisfy their chew drive. But seeing post after post of dogs fracturing teeth on recreational bones has changed my mind.

As a long-time raw feeder and dog mom, I’ve spent years curating what goes into my dogs’ bowls—and just as importantly, what doesn’t. One of the most common questions I get from new raw feeders or curious pet parents is, “Why don’t you give your dogs big marrow bones or recreational bones to chew on?” And honestly, I get it. The idea of a dog gnawing on a big bone feels natural, species-appropriate. Plus, it’s highly recommended in raw feeding groups.

So, what’s my problem?

Here’s the truth from someone who’s lived through the mess, the dental scares, and the freezer overflows: I don’t feed my dogs recreational bones—and I have several reasons why.

Recreational bones like beef femurs, knuckles, or marrow bones are extremely dense, especially weight-bearing bones from large animals like cattle and bison. While they may look like a fun, long-lasting chew, the pressure it takes to bite down on one can crack a tooth, especially the large carnassials and molars.

And let’s be honest: dental fractures aren’t just painful for your dog, they’re expensive. Once a tooth breaks, extraction or root canal is often the only option—and both are invasive and costly procedures. Although none of my dogs have broken a tooth on a recreational bone, I’ve seen too many posts about this happening, and it’s just not worth the risk when there are safer alternatives.

You know the struggle if you’ve ever given your dog a marrow bone on a carpet or watched them drag it onto the couch (despite your best efforts). Greasy bone marrow, raw meat scraps, and drool combine to make a stain-producing, bacteria-spreading mess. I’ve tried laying down tarps, blankets, and towels, but it doesn’t stop the mess. It just creates more laundry.

Recreational bones often turn into housework nightmares. I value cleanliness and prefer giving my dogs chews that won’t turn my home into a raw meat crime scene.

I could feed recreational bones outside for a few months out of the year, but why bother when I can feed something safer and cleaner?

I do feed bones—just not recreational ones. My dogs get raw meaty bones (RMBs) like chicken wings, duck necks, and cornish game hens. These bones are edible, digestible, and nutritionally balanced, providing essential calcium and phosphorus in the right ratios.

Plus, I can add them to their dishes during meals.

Raw meaty bones are a core part of a balanced raw diet. They serve a nutritional purpose, not just a chewing one. When dogs eat these bones with muscle meat, organs, and fat, they’re getting a species-appropriate meal, not just gnawing on a rock-hard bone for entertainment.

If you raw feed, you already know how precious freezer space is. Every inch counts between the variety of proteins, organs, bones, and backup meal components. Recreational bones are bulky and awkward to store, often taking up space that could be used for actual food.

I’d rather stock my freezer with meals I know my dogs will benefit from nutritionally than stash a few massive cow bones “just in case.”

Instead of recreational bones, I choose air-dried chews and treats from Real Dog Box. These chews offer enrichment without the risks. My dogs get to chew, gnaw, and crunch to their hearts’ content—but in a safe, clean, and highly digestible format.

The chews from Real Dog Box—like duck heads, lamb trachea, and beef esophagus—are gently air-dried to retain nutrition while remaining safe for teeth. They also help clean teeth naturally, satisfy chewing instincts, and are easy to portion and store.

Buffy had her first air-dried chicken feet a week ago and graduated to bison trachea rings this weekend—I think she will be a heavy chewer. She loves her chews, and I feel comfortable giving them to her. Each box comes with something that all of my dogs can enjoy. The biggest mess they make is crumbs that I can sweep or vacuum up quickly.

Feeding my dogs air-dried chews helps keep my dogs’ teeth clean. I also brush their teeth using enzymatic toothpaste and coconut oil mixed with kelp. I recently started giving my dogs kelp chews by Crumps Naturals. They’re not fans, preferring protein chews, but they’ll chew on them once a week.

Chews from Real Dog Box satisfy my dogs’ chew drive. They don’t last as long as recreational bones. But the boxes are generous, and I’m able to keep my dogs occupied for close to an hour. This weekend, my dogs enjoyed:

I’m not saying all bones are bad. But as a seasoned raw feeder, I make choices based on my dogs’ long-term health, my home life, and my peace of mind. For me, recreational bones don’t check enough boxes to be worth it.

Instead, I focus on feeding nutritionally purposeful raw meaty bones and supplementing with high-quality air-dried chews. It keeps my dogs healthy, their teeth intact, and my floors clean—and that’s a win all around.

The choices I’ve made are specific to my dogs. I don’t plan to wage a campaign against people feeding recreational bones to their dogs. I wanted to explain why I’ve changed my mind and prefer raw meaty bones and air-dried chews.

I know I may be worrying for no reason, but I’ve developed a routine with my dogs that works, keeps them safe, and doesn’t lead to expensive dental bills.