It’s a natural instinct for dogs to chew, so it’s not surprising that they might chew on your shoes when given the chance (if you haven’t trained them not to). Dog owners often tide over the habit with different types of chew toys, including bones. However, not all bones are created equal, and some are not safe for dogs. Some bones are downright dangerous for dogs. Dog bones come in a variety of options, from all-natural to nylon. But, which chews are safe? Here are some of the best, and the worst, types of bones to give your dog:

Relatively Safe Bones to Give Your Dog

Chew toys can provide a positive outlet for your dog and can help keep dogs from chewing on your furniture or other items they shouldn’t. But, it’s important to pick the right types of chews for your dog.

All chews carry a choking risk, but provided your dog has relatively safe chews and chew time is supervised, you can reduce the risk of your dog choking. Dog chews can fall into two categories: edible and non-edible. These are relatively safe options to give your dog:

Edible Chews

Edible chews do not last as long as non-edible chew toys, but they are designed for your dog to be able to ingest and eat them. This often makes them high-value treats for dogs. And, these are often helpful in supporting other good dental care efforts. Edible chew options that are safe for dogs include:

• Nylabone edible chews
• Edible dental chews
• Bully Sticks
• Yak Cheese Chews
• Sweet potato chews
• Beef trachea
• Backstrap chews
• Other tendon chews
• Air-dried organ meats
• Collagen chews
• Dehydrated fish skins

Be Cautious With Pig Ears

Properly processed pig ears are a popular chew option for dogs, but you do need to be cautious with them. They can be a good option for light chewers and some small dogs because they are less likely to break off big pieces that they could choke on.

Heavy chewers and large dogs could still have these, but the risk of choking is higher because they can break off those bigger pieces. For a lot of larger dogs and heavier chewers, it’s better to go with a different type of dog chew.

It depends on individual dogs, their chewing habits, their stomach sensitivity, and the quality of the product. Aside from the choking risk, pig ears are often coated and have a high fat content, and this can cause upset stomachs in some dogs.

Non-Edible Chews

Although these chews and bones are not safe for your dog to eat, they are relatively safe for them to chew on. Just make sure you are monitoring your dog’s chew time to make sure they are not chewing off and ingesting pieces, and that you are throwing out chews that are cracking or becoming a choking risk. Here are some non-edible chews to consider for your dog:

• Antlers
• Horns
• Nylon bones
• Rubber bones
• Chew toys that provide treats

Antlers or Horns

When it comes to durable chews, antlers or horns can be good options and are relatively safe for dogs to chew on, provided they are monitored while they do it. Often, antlers and horns are long-lasting chew options.

However, antlers and horns are not edible. So, as with other non-edible chews and bones, supervise your dog and make sure they are not breaking off pieces or eating things they shouldn’t. Also, monitor for signs of splintering and take it away from your dog if you see or hear signs of it breaking or splintering.

Nylon Bones

Nylon bones come in all different shapes and sizes and are generally extremely sturdy. They hold up against vigorous chewing, but only when the appropriate types are used. For example, never give an adult dog a Nylon bone meant for puppies – it may shatter.

These are classified as non-edible dog bones, and their materials aren’t intended for consumption. So, if they shatter and a dog does consume them, then they must be taken to the veterinarian immediately. In some instances, the pieces will pass through, but surgery may become necessary in others.

Rubber Bones

Also classified as non-edible dog bones, rubber bones are another sturdy chew product. Dogs can spend hours gnawing on a rubber bone without any signs of wear. Only the most aggressive chewers can break off pieces of these.

If that is the case and the pieces are consumed, they must be taken to the veterinarian immediately. Aside from that, and containing trace amounts of BPA, rubber bones are mostly safe for dogs.

Chew Toys That Provide Treats

There are also chew toys that are designed to be treat-dispensing. In this case, the chew toy itself is not edible, but the treats it includes are. These toys are usually made of a durable rubber that can withstand chewing while the dog works to get the treats out of it.

Often, they have pockets or places to stuff food, like peanut butter. Kong stuffable dog toys are popular options for chew toys that provide treats. Just make sure you are cleaning dog toys properly between uses.

4 Bones You Should Not Give Your Dog

The following bones just aren’t safe enough to give to dogs. Whatever pros these bones might have are heavily outweighed by their cons. Here are some bones you should not give your dog:

1. Poultry bones
2. Animal bones that are advertised as “bone treats”
3. Rawhide bones
4. Hooves

1. Don’t Give Your Dog Poultry Bones

Poultry bones are dangerous for dogs and you want to know what to do if your dog eats chicken bones in case they get into them. Poultry bones tend to be more brittle and prone to splintering and breaking, which is dangerous for your dog.

Uncooked, they tend to carry salmonella and other disease risks. Cooked poultry bones become even more brittle and easily splintered, which only increases the risk of damage and injury to your dog if they eat them.

2. Beware of Animal Bones Advertised as “Bone Treats”

As the oldest and most ubiquitous of the dog bones, any list would be remiss to skip animal bones. Most dog owners know to stay far away from poultry bones, but what about pork and beef? They’re the genuine article, right? It depends.

Some people toss them to their pooch after cooking, which increases the risk of splintering, while others buy them commercially and pre-seasoned. However, there is a large difference between the “bone treats” you see in the store and uncooked butcher-type bones. No matter how they’re prepared, animal bones that are advertised as “bone treats” in the store often carry big risks and consequences for your dog.

Cases have cropped up about dogs having difficulty with chewing these so-called “bone treats” safely. Some dogs suffered from cuts in their mouth after bones splintered or shattered. Others swallowed shards of their bone while chewing – and ended up with pieces in their throats, stomachs, or intestines. They’ve needed surgery for removal, and some dogs have even died as a result.

Many animal bones aren’t meant to be edible or safe for dogs and should be avoided. Anything specifically advertised for sale as a “bone treat” should be treated with caution. It’s also important to monitor your dog whenever they have a chew or a bone to ensure they remain safe and healthy.

3. Avoid Rawhide Bones

In the past, many dog owners migrated to giving their dogs rawhide bones as an alternative to real bones. Unfortunately, this option is also dangerous. Aside from being coated with ingredients like formaldehyde, arsenic, and bleach, rawhide bones present a choking hazard.

Dogs aggressively chew these bones, and when hunks rip off, dogs will often eat them. Sometimes, the ripped pieces are too large for a dog’s throat, and they will choke. Or, because the material doesn’t dissolve quickly and becomes like a gooey paste the more dogs chew on it, it can remain in the digestive tract and may cause a blockage. These blockages can result in emergency surgery or even death.

Although these are technically edible, they are not easily digestible and often come with a slew of issues and risky consequences. With so many better chew options available, it’s best to avoid rawhide and go with something your dog will enjoy that doesn’t endanger them like rawhide does.

4. Be Careful With Hooves

Often grouped in with antlers and horns, hooves often pop up as a non-edible chew option for dogs. However, they are known for splintering into large shards, which quickly become dangerous for your dog. There are so many other chew options for your dog that are better for them and carry less risk.

Supervise Your Dog For Safer Chewing Sessions

There are many reasons why dogs chew, and several benefits for dogs when they do it, provided they are chewing on the right things. Keep an eye, or ear, on your dog while they are chewing. If you see or hear anything out of the ordinary, you’ll know if something isn’t quite right. Dogs can ferociously bite their toys, so it’s not surprising that some bones and chew toys can’t stand the test of time – or teeth.