As responsible dog owners, most of us already understand that certain bones are unsafe for our pets. Brittle bones—especially chicken and turkey bones—can easily splinter when chewed, leading to serious digestive injuries or even life-threatening complications. What many pet parents don’t realize, however, is that this risk extends beyond leftovers from the dinner table. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), some commercially sold bone treats found in pet stores may pose similar dangers to dogs.
What Is a Bone Treat?
In recent months, the FDA has issued warnings after receiving dozens of reports linking pet illnesses to store-bought bone treats. These products are not the same as raw butcher bones. Instead, they are processed dog treats that are smoked, baked, or flavored before being packaged and sold.
Common examples of these bone treats include items labeled as ham bones, pork femur bones, rib bones, and smoked knuckle bones. During manufacturing, these bones are often cooked or treated with smoke flavorings, seasonings, or preservatives. This processing can make the bones more brittle, increasing the likelihood that they will crack or splinter when chewed by a dog.
Illnesses Reported by the FDA
The FDA has documented 68 reports of illness associated with dogs consuming bone treats, involving approximately 90 dogs nationwide. Among these cases, several owners reported moldy bones, while others noted that the bones splintered during chewing.
Reported health issues included:
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Gastrointestinal blockages or obstructions
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Choking incidents
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Cuts and puncture wounds inside the mouth
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Vomiting and diarrhea
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Rectal bleeding
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Fatal outcomes
Tragically, at least 15 dog deaths have been linked to the consumption of these processed bone treats. While not every dog that chews on a bone treat will become ill, the potential risks are serious enough to warrant caution.
How to Keep Your Dog Safe
Protecting your dog from bone-related injuries starts with prevention. Keep the following safety tips in mind:
Bones from the kitchen—especially poultry bones—should always be kept out of your dog’s reach. During meal preparation and cleanup, be mindful of where bones are placed. Dogs are surprisingly skilled at rummaging through trash cans, so dispose of carcasses securely and use covered garbage bins whenever possible.
Just because a bone is marketed for dogs does not automatically mean it is safe. Processed bone treats can still splinter or break apart under pressure, creating sharp fragments that may cause internal damage.
Talk to Your Veterinarian
If you have questions about chew toys or treats, your veterinarian is your best resource. They can recommend safer alternatives that suit your dog’s size, chewing habits, and overall health. This is especially important for aggressive chewers or dogs with sensitive digestive systems.
One popular alternative to traditional bones is the Petstages Dogwood Durable Stick Dog Toy, available from retailers such as Drs. Foster and Smith. Designed to mimic the look and feel of real wood, this chew toy is made to resist splintering. It comes in small, medium, and large sizes, with prices starting around $4.99.
According to the manufacturer, dogs are drawn to the natural wood-like scent, while the textured surface helps reduce plaque buildup during chewing. The toy is non-toxic and intended strictly for chewing—not ingestion—making it a safer option compared to processed bone treats.
Supervision Is Key
No matter what treat or toy you choose, supervision is essential. Always monitor your dog while they chew or play to ensure they are using items appropriately and safely. If a toy becomes damaged or begins to break apart, remove it immediately.
By staying informed, choosing safer alternatives, and consulting your veterinarian when in doubt, you can help protect your dog from unnecessary risks while still satisfying their natural urge to chew.
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Happy Tails!
