The 7 Best Bones and Chews on Chewy Today

Written by Alan Lemus
Published: January 5, 2023
© schubbel/Shutterstock.com

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Are you even a dog parent if your pup hasn’t had at least one episode of destructive chewing? How else will you know your furry best friend got great taste if he hasn’t munched on your favorite shoes or sofa?

Not only is chewing a form of exploratory feeding in dogs, but it’s also pleasurable, natural, and instinctual. Naturally, the habit must be tailored to guarantee the canine’s safety. In addition, chewing eases teething discomfort in puppies and is a lifelong habit that adult dogs use to maintain healthy teeth and strong jaws.

Edible chews such as beef bone chew sticks and dental chews benefit dogs. Feed age-appropriate bones and chews to reduce the risk of splintering and choking.

Dogs, across all breeds, temperaments, and ages, like these natural chews as much for the satisfying experience as they do for the tasty flavor. Asides from being a way to beat boredom and anxiety, edible dog bones and chews prevent tartar, plaque, and odor-causing bacteria. They also provide dogs with essential minerals, including calcium and phosphorus, which support the growth of their bones and muscles.

Chewy has a reputation for carrying quality and major pet supply brands. So, we explored the top-rated bones and chew listings with the backing of dog parents like you.

  1. Redbarn Large Cheese n' Bacon Filled Bones Dog Treats
    • Available in singles or packs of 15.
    • Multiple other flavors sold, such as beef, chicken, lamb, and peanut butter.
    • Made from natural beef femur bone.
    Check Chewy Check Amazon
  2. DreamBone DreamSticks Chicken Chews Dog Treats
    • Available in packages of five, nine, 10, 15, or 30.
    • Sold in bacon and cheese, beef, chicken, and sweet potato flavors.
    • Made with real chicken and vegetables.
    • 100% free of rawhide.
    Check Chewy Check Amazon
  3. Bones & Chews Made in USA Beef Knee Caps Dog Treats
    • Sold in packages of two, four, or six.
    • Made in the United States.
    • Free of artificial colors, preservatives, and flavors.
    • Not treated with chemicals or bleach.
    Check Chewy
  4. Purina Prime Bones Limited Ingredient Chew Stick with Wild Venison Large Dog Treats
    • Available in small, medium, or large sizes.
    • Sold in packages of one, three, four, six, nine, or 12.
    • Antler-shaped chews.
    • Made from wild venison.
    • Free of plastic and rawhide.
    Check Chewy Check Amazon
  5. Nature's Logic 8" Center Cut Hind Shank Dog Bone
    • Sold in packs of one or two.
    • Made from a single ingredient, sources from USDA-certified beef.
    • A long-lasting bone good for recreational chewing.
    Check Chewy Check Amazon
  6. SmartBones SmartSticks Chamomile & Lavender Flavor Chews
    • Budget-friendly
    • Made with all-natural ingredients
    • Look similar to rawhide bones
    • Will distract your dog from what's distressing it
    • Made with easy-to-digest ingredients and have a delicious chicken flavor
    Check Chewy
  7. Bones & Chews Made in USA Roasted Marrow Bone 3" Dog Treat
    • Available in three inches or six inches.
    • Sold in packages of one, two, three, four, or six.
    • Helps remove plaque and tartar.
    • Contains marrow filling.
    • No preservatives, additives, or artificial colors used.
    Check Chewy

Best for Durability: Redbarn Large Cheese n’ Bacon Filled Bones

Best for Durability
Redbarn Large Cheese n' Bacon Filled Bones Dog Treats
  • Available in singles or packs of 15.
  • Multiple other flavors sold, such as beef, chicken, lamb, and peanut butter.
  • Made from natural beef femur bone.
Check Chewy Check Amazon

It’s hardly surprising this bone is highly ranked by dog parents. What’s not to love about it? The yummy filling? Grain and rawhide-free formula? Or durability? The Redbarn Large Cheese n’ Bacon Filled Bone satisfactorily satiates your pup’s chewing urges with its naturally cleaned real beef femur bones.

Redbarn thinks tasty bones can also be healthy. Thus, the bones are optimized to improve dental health. As a result, your favorite canine can say goodbye to tartar and plaque buildup.

The production process is a fusion of cutting-edge technology and artisanal quality. The bones are oven-roasted and hand-filled, sticking to the bone walls rather than carpeting while remaining semi-moist and precisely positioned. 

However, its natural oil could leave stains on your carpet, furniture, or other surfaces.

The Redbarn Large Cheese n’ Bacon Filled Bones stands out among other brands. A dog parent shares their experience. “My pup loves this flavor to the hilt, despite it being his first time to try it. The treat kept him occupied for about 3 days. Then, when my aunt and her Pitsky came over last weekend, the dog could reach some chunks of cheese and bacon my dog couldn’t locate. Overall, the bone lasts long and doesn’t break easily.”

“My GSD’s breeder put me on this product last year, and I haven’t looked back since. My dog is now fond of it, and it earned him a nice compliment on his dentition at the last vet appointment,” said another satisfied user.

It’s available in other flavors, such as peanut butter, lamb, chicken, and beef.  

Pros and Cons of Redbarn Large Cheese n’ Bacon Filled Bones

Pros!Cons!
Lasts long.The natural oil could make it messy.
Formulated with the natural beef femur.
Keeps dogs busy.
Can be refilled.

Best Alternative to Rawhides: DreamBone DreamSticks Chicken Chews

Best Alternative to Rawhides
DreamBone DreamSticks Chicken Chews Dog Treats
  • Available in packages of five, nine, 10, 15, or 30.
  • Sold in bacon and cheese, beef, chicken, and sweet potato flavors.
  • Made with real chicken and vegetables.
  • 100% free of rawhide.
Check Chewy Check Amazon

How can my furry buddy survive without rawhide chews? This product is your best bet if you’re concerned about the possibility of intestinal blockage from consuming rawhides. 

The stick-shaped chews are packed with real chicken and highly digestible veggies to fortify your dog with the necessary vitamins and minerals and improve healthy teeth.

The main drawback is that it may only suit brachycephalic dog breeds with supervision. Also, it may last less time than you expect, especially for big chewers.

A dog mum rewards her 1-year-old Beagle with the DreamBone DreamSticks Chicken Chews. According to her,” Each time I pull a stick out of the packaging, she wags her tail in excitement and eagerly waits for the treat.”

Pros and Cons of DreamBone DreamSticks Chicken Chews

Pros!Cons!
A healthy alternative to rawhide chews.Not made in the USA.
Easy to digest.Contains corn which may cause allergic reactions in some dogs.
Features vegetables and real chicken.May not be suited for brachycephalic dog breeds.
Sticks may harden if the package is left unsealed.

Best Value for Money: Bones & Chews Made in USA Beef Knee Caps

Best Value for Money
Bones & Chews Made in USA Beef Knee Caps Dog Treats
  • Sold in packages of two, four, or six.
  • Made in the United States.
  • Free of artificial colors, preservatives, and flavors.
  • Not treated with chemicals or bleach.
Check Chewy

This Chewy-exclusive brand is a natural chew without artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors. In addition, it’s never subjected to chemical treatment, including bleach or formaldehyde.

The beef bones are slow-roasted with chunks of meat still attached for a delicious, authentic meat flavor. Then, it’s hand-trimmed for a deep, meaty flavor, leaving the flesh and fat on the bone.

While the roasting moisture levels are duly maintained to reduce splintering, it’s recommended to dispose of this item when you notice sharp edges and splinters.

These bones are best for small and medium dog breeds. Still, they’re best enjoyed on hard surfaces or outside to facilitate easy cleanup. This is because of its all-natural ingredients and the likelihood of a mess.

Despite being worried about the size of the bone, a Sheltie dad decided to try this brand. “She’s got the hang of it, and I couldn’t be happier. It keeps her teeth clean and distracts her from overeating due to a prescription.”

Pros and Cons of Bones & Chews Made in USA Beef Knee Caps

Pros!Cons!
Sourced and made in the USA.Could leave a greasy mess.
Delivers good value for money.
Recommended for small and medium dogs.

Best for Large Dogs: Purina Prime Bones Limited Ingredient Chew Stick With Wild Venison

Best for Large Dogs
Purina Prime Bones Limited Ingredient Chew Stick with Wild Venison Large Dog Treats
  • Available in small, medium, or large sizes.
  • Sold in packages of one, three, four, six, nine, or 12.
  • Antler-shaped chews.
  • Made from wild venison.
  • Free of plastic and rawhide.
Check Chewy Check Amazon

The Purina Prime Bones Limited Ingredient Chew Stick with Wild Venison should be your go-to for large dogs. It’s formulated with natural and limited ingredients, rawhide, and is plastic-free.

The natural chews are made with wild venison and come in the form of antlers. With the added calcium, you can be sure that your big baby maintains clean teeth and fresh breath. In addition, the chews are perfectly sized to indulge his chewing cravings and keep him engaged.

However, it’s not for dogs under one year and adults weighing less than 35 lbs. More than anything else, longevity depends on your pup’s chewing habits. Thus, the comments on longevity are varied among doggie parents.

If you cater to more than one large dog, you may be unable to keep up with the price hikes.

“This is top on my recurring order list,”- a manager at a doggie daycare and dog mum said of the chews from Purina. “My 70-pound Great Pyrenees approves. The chews guarantee his satisfaction without risking wear and tear on his teeth.”

Pros and Cons of Purina Prime Bones Limited Ingredient Chew Stick With Wild Venison

Pros!Cons!
Contains limited ingredients.May be expensive for homes with multiple dogs.
Enriched with extra calcium.May last less time than suggested.
Doesn’t include wheat, soy, or corn.Contains rice which may be bad for dogs with gastrointestinal issues.
Also available for medium-sized dogs.

Best With Prime-grade Beef: Nature’s Logic Center Cut Hind Shank Dog Bone

Best With Prime-grade Beef
Nature's Logic 8" Center Cut Hind Shank Dog Bone
  • Sold in packs of one or two.
  • Made from a single ingredient, sources from USDA-certified beef.
  • A long-lasting bone good for recreational chewing.
Check Chewy Check Amazon

This high-protein, one-ingredient treat is made in the USA and sourced from USDA prime-grade Midwest cattle. It’s a terrific option for aggressive chewers and an excellent canine treat for chewing leisurely. It also improved oral health and hygiene.

It doesn’t include artificially manufactured vitamins, trace nutrients, carrageenan, guar gum, xanthan gum, wheat, corn, and soy. 

The oil may stain your furniture and carpet as with other natural treats. Thus, the manufacturer recommends serving it outside. In addition, the size of the shanks and the quantity of marrow in them may vary.

“I thought I had made a mistake with this order, but my Frenchie has finally proved me wrong. Once he gave it a try, he didn’t want to let go.” a new dog parent noted.

Pros and Cons of Nature’s Logic Center Cut Hind Shank Dog Bone

Pros!Cons!
Made from USDA prime-grade cattle.Size may vary.
Suitable for dogs with chicken allergies.Not suited for indoor use.
No artificial ingredients are added.
Promotes dental health.
Suitable for all dog breeds.

Best Vegetable-based: SmartBones SmartSticks Chamomile & Lavender Extract Flavor Chews

Best Vegetable-based
SmartBones SmartSticks Chamomile & Lavender Flavor Chews
  • Budget-friendly
  • Made with all-natural ingredients
  • Look similar to rawhide bones
  • Will distract your dog from what's distressing it
  • Made with easy-to-digest ingredients and have a delicious chicken flavor
Check Chewy

SmartBones has a range of alternatives to rawhide chews in different flavors. This flavor is formulated with real chicken, vegetables, chamomile, and lavender. Not only will your dog appreciate the unique taste of this burst of flavors, but it will also enjoy the health benefits.

It has a firm surface that cleanses teeth and a gummy interior that provides twice as much scraping action on the teeth as the jaw moves up and down. 

The added chamomile makes it perfect as a bedtime treat. However, it may not have a calming effect on some dogs.

Sorbitol, one of the ingredients, has laxative properties and may be problematic for dogs.

According to a user, “My dogs enjoy one of these every evening at bedtime. This has been our routine for 2 months, and I’ve noticed that the older dog sleeps more soundly. It also helps to freshen their breath.”

Pros and Cons of SmartBones SmartSticks Chamomile & Lavender Extract Flavor Chews

Pros!Cons!
Includes plant-based extracts.Isn’t durable.
Doesn’t leave a greasy stain.Has artificial ingredients.
Good for oral care
Has a pleasant smell.
An alternative to rawhide chews.

Best for Small Breeds: Bones & Chews Made in USA Roasted Marrow Bone 3’’

Best for Small Breeds
Bones & Chews Made in USA Roasted Marrow Bone 3" Dog Treat
  • Available in three inches or six inches.
  • Sold in packages of one, two, three, four, or six.
  • Helps remove plaque and tartar.
  • Contains marrow filling.
  • No preservatives, additives, or artificial colors used.
Check Chewy

Measuring just 3 inches and loaded with flavors, this roasted marrow bone is ideal for your little pooches. It includes a natural marrow filling to guarantee a high-density bone and a sustained challenge for active chewers.

It’s not processed with chemicals, chlorine, or formaldehyde and doesn’t contain artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. Instead, the natural meaty flavor is preserved through slow roasting at the best possible moisture levels. The slow roasting also guarantees a delightful treat with low chances of splintering.

While 3 inches seems perfect for some pups, it may be too big for others. 

A user got this based on the recommendation of a foster dog parent. They say, “Our 20-pound puppy is having the best time dragging the larger bone around. It doesn’t upset his tummy, and I expect it to last a while.”

Pros and Cons of Bones & Chews Made in USA Roasted Marrow Bone 3″

Pros!Cons!
Made in the USA.Leaves a greasy mess.
Full of marrow.
Size is suitable for small dogs.
Reasonably priced.
Can be refilled with peanut butter.

Choosing the Best: What To Look For

Lifestage

This is the most critical factor when choosing dog bones and chews. Large bones aren’t suitable for small dogs because they can’t handle the hardness and size. Likewise, feeding small bones to large dogs is unsafe because they might take it whole without chewing.

Health and Personality

No one knows your pup better than you do. Thus, your purchase decision should be based on your dog’s personality and health profile. For example, is your pooch an active chewer or prone to stomach sensitivities? Consider important health-related questions and choose a product accordingly.

Shopping Deals

Beyond the usual holiday discounts, you can save some dollars when you shop on Chewy. Use promo codes, gift cards, and coupons, and place your favorite supplies on Autoship.

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About the Author

Alan is a freelance writer and an avid traveler. He specializes in travel content. When he visits home he enjoys spending time with his family Rottie, Opie.

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