Natural raw food for your dog and cat
Online Order No: 01202 625728

20% DISCOUNT on your first order! Use the discount code "IMNEW20" at checkout!

{{progress}}% Full
{{count}}

How to feed marrow bones safely

Our raw dog food specialists share their advice on feeding marrow bones to dogs and cats safely

Feeding marrow bones safely

Marrow bones have long been popular with our Raw Pet Food feeding community throughout the Bournemouth area and are regularly best selling products in our stores. Westmoors, Christchurch, Upton & Wimborne

Feeding a marrow bones is more than a treat; it's a nourishing experience that supports their physical and mental well-being through natural enrichment & the promotion of overal oral health. With a focus on safety and an understanding of our pets' instincts, we offer a wide range of delicious marrow bones for all sizes, ensuring a satisfying and healthy experience.

From bone meals to recreational bones, our selection is crafted to nurture your pet's nature. Join us in embracing this raw feeding lifestyle and discover the joy and vitality it can bring to your furry friend. Explore our marrow bone selection, and don't hesitate to reach out to our expert team for personalised advice. Shop now, and take a step towards a healthier, happier pet!

Feeding marrow bones to raw-fed dogs and cats is a great way to support them physically and mentally, offering them the opportunity to chew as they would in the wild as well as benefit from a range of natural nutrients found in the marrow and bone themselves.

 


Can Dogs Eat Cooked Bones?

No. Dogs should never be given cooked bones. While it might seem harmless to share leftover bones from your dinner, cooking changes the structure of bones, making them brittle and dangerous.

Cooked bones can easily splinter, and those sharp fragments can cause serious harm to your dog, including:


  • Choking hazards

  • Mouth or gum injuries

  • Intestinal blockages or perforation

  • Internal bleeding

Even small cooked bones — like chicken wings or lamb chop bones — are a risk. They should always be discarded safely where your dog can’t access them.

If you think your dog has eaten a cooked bone, it’s important to contact your vet immediately. They can advise on what signs to watch for and whether medical attention is required.

At Nurturing by Nature, we’re strong advocates of feeding raw bones only, as nature intended. Raw bones are safer because they’re more pliable, nutritionally rich, and better suited to a dog’s anatomy and digestive system.


More information can be found in our article, "How to introduce Bones in a Raw Diet."

Feed under supervision

When feeding a raw marrow bone, it is important to keep an eye on your dog and ensure that they aren't chewing for too long or to the point that they may cause damage to their teeth or gums. We recommend feeding marrow bones for around 20 minutes at a time – this is the perfect amount of time for your dog to enjoy chewing without them getting carried away and potentially harming themselves!

Feeding raw bones – Your questions answered.

Safe and Nutritious Marrow Bones for Your Dog from Nurturing by Nature

What Bones Are Safe to Give to a Dog?

At Nurturing by Nature, we have over 20 years of expertise in the raw dog food community, serving thousands of satisfied customers each month. Whether you visit our stores near you or take advantage of our nationwide next-day delivery service, we are your trusted source for high-quality raw dog food and treats.

Marrow Bones: All raw bones, including marrow bones, are safe and beneficial for your dog. In the wild, there are no ovens, and despite domestication, dogs' natural food source remains raw. Their instinctual behavior for chewing and gnawing is still very much alive. Dogs' hinged jaws are specifically designed to chop and crush, making marrow bones a perfect and satisfying treat.

Why Choose Raw Bones?: Raw bones provide essential nutrients and help maintain dental health by reducing plaque and tartar build-up. They also offer mental stimulation and alleviate boredom, making them an excellent addition to your dog's diet.

Visit Us Near You: With multiple store locations, you can easily find Nurturing by Nature near you. Our knowledgeable staff is always ready to assist you in selecting the best marrow bones and other raw food products for your dog.

Nationwide Next Day Delivery: Can't make it to one of our stores? No problem! Our next-day delivery service ensures that your dog's favorite marrow bones and other raw treats are delivered right to your doorstep, no matter where you are in the country.

Trust Nurturing by Nature for the best raw dog food and marrow bones. With over two decades of experience, we are dedicated to providing the highest quality products to keep your furry friends healthy and happy.

What is the difference between bone meals and recreational bones?

Bone meals are just as they sound – meals that are bones! These include chicken carcasses, lamb necks, chicken wings, and a range of other delicious items. The bones of these are much easier to digest and aren't quite as hard to chew through.

We offer a full selection of delicious marrow bones, all available to buy online for local or nationwide delivery. Choose from small, medium, large, or extra-large marrow bones. For help and advice on raw feeding or feeding bones, the Nurturing by Nature team is here and happy to help! Pop in-store or give us a call today.

Read more about the benefits of feeding marrow bones

Shop our range of marrow bones for dogs here

 

"Dogs love the marrow bones keeps them quiet for a couple of hours" - Miss Michele Maton
"Great quality and ideal size." - Trusted Customer

"My two boxers LOVE these. They're great when I'm trying to work at home and need some peace for 10 minutes!" – Trusted Customer

More benefits of introducing marrow bones into your pet's diet

Marrow bones aren’t just tasty—they contribute to your pet’s physical health and mental well-being.

1. Naturally Cleans Teeth

Chewing on raw bones helps to remove plaque and tartar buildup, promoting healthy gums and fresh breath.

2. A Natural Stress Reliever

The act of chewing releases endorphins, which help calm and relax dogs and cats, making marrow bones a great treat for reducing anxiety.

3. Rich in Essential Nutrients

Marrow bones contain calcium, phosphorus, and healthy fats, supporting bone strength, joint health, and overall vitality.

4. Easy to Reuse or Refill

Once your pet has finished enjoying the marrow, you can:

Refill the bone with raw food or dog-friendly peanut butter for another treat.

Boil it to make a nutritious bone broth, rich in collagen and minerals.

How To Reuse Marrow Bones

At Nurturing by Nature, we believe in harnessing the natural goodness of beef, including marrow bones, to elevate your dog's  raw diet. Since 2004, we've been pioneers in the raw pet food industry, ensuring each ingredient meets our rigorous standards for quality and nutrition.

Why Beef and Marrow Bones? Beef isn't just a protein source—it's a powerhouse of essential nutrients tailored for your canine companion's optimal health. ???? Marrow bones, rich in healthy fats and nutrients, offer dental benefits and are a natural source of calcium and phosphorus.

Beyond Nutrition: Sustainability and Value Did you know? Beef offals, like the Ox heart—larger than life and brimming with nutritional benefits—are a sustainable choice. They provide excellent value, utilizing parts less favored in the human food chain while maximizing nutritional diversity for your pet. Marrow bones enhance the nutritional spectrum with their rich content.



Enhancing you pets raw pet food diet.

To further enhance your pet's experience, it's essential to look beyond just a single meal and embrace a broader, holistic approach to nutrition.

At Nurturing by Nature, we believe that a well-rounded diet for your dog or cat is achieved through balance over time. Rather than aiming for perfection in every bowl, we encourage pet owners to think of their pet's nutrition much like their own—varied, evolving, and built around a core of simplicity.

Start with a consistent, affordable base protein such as chicken, which forms the foundation of your pet’s daily nutrition. From there, gradually introduce other proteins and meal types, including raw meaty bones like the marrow bones we’ve discussed here, to enrich both their diet and mental well-being. This method mimics the natural diet your pets would enjoy in the wild, and ensures they receive all the nutrients they need for overall health.

Our approach not only supports optimal digestion and nutrient absorption but also keeps things sustainable for you. By rotating proteins and meal types, you provide your pet with variety, avoid food sensitivities, and maintain a cost-effective feeding routine.

Ultimately, the goal is to nurture your pet holistically, promoting long-term health and happiness through both nutritional balance and natural enrichment. At Nurturing by Nature, we’re here to help you create a diet that not only sustains but allows your pet to thrive—because when your pet thrives, so do you.

If you have any questions or would like help tailoring your pet's diet, don't hesitate to contact our expert team for personalised advice.

 

Feeding raw marrow bones to your dog can be a highly beneficial and enjoyable addition to their diet when done safely and responsibly. At Nurturing by Nature, we are committed to providing pet owners with the knowledge and resources to make informed decisions about their pets' nutrition. Building upon our existing guidance, let's delve deeper into the advantages, considerations, and best practices for incorporating marrow bones into your dog's raw food regimen. 

Nutritional Benefits of Raw Marrow Bones

Raw marrow bones are more than just a treat; they are a powerhouse of essential nutrients that contribute to your dog's overall health:


  • Rich in Vitamins and Minerals: Marrow bones contain vital nutrients such as Vitamin A, Vitamin E, B12, calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium, which support various bodily functions, including bone health and metabolic processes.

  • Joint Health Support: The presence of glucosamine and chondroitin in marrow aids in maintaining healthy joints, promoting mobility, and reducing the risk of arthritis. 

  • Immune System Enhancement: The stem cells found in bone marrow contribute to the production of red and white blood cells, bolstering your dog's immune response.

  • Healthy Fats for Skin and Coat: Omega-3 fatty acids present in marrow bones help maintain a shiny coat and healthy skin, while also supporting cognitive function. 

Dental and Mental Health Advantages

Chewing on raw marrow bones offers both dental and psychological benefits:


  • Dental Hygiene: The mechanical action of gnawing helps reduce plaque and tartar buildup, leading to fresher breath and healthier gums. 

  • Mental Stimulation: Chewing is a natural behaviour that provides mental enrichment, alleviates boredom, and can reduce anxiety in dogs. 

Safety Considerations and Feeding Guidelines

While marrow bones are beneficial, it's crucial to follow safety guidelines to prevent potential risks: 


  • Always Feed Raw, Never Cooked: Cooked bones can splinter, posing serious health hazards such as choking or internal injuries.

  • Supervised Feeding: Monitor your dog during chewing sessions to ensure they don't attempt to swallow large bone fragments or chew excessively, which could damage their teeth. 

  • Appropriate Sizing: Choose marrow bones that are suitable for your dog's size and chewing strength. The bone should be large enough that it cannot be swallowed whole.

  • Feeding Duration: Limit chewing sessions to about 20 minutes to prevent overconsumption of marrow, which is high in fat and can lead to digestive upset. 

  • Frequency: Offer marrow bones 1-2 times per week as a supplement to a balanced diet, not as a primary food source. 

Sourcing High-Quality Marrow Bones

At Nurturing by Nature, we provide a selection of premium raw marrow bones suitable for dogs of all sizes. Our bones are sourced responsibly and handled with care to ensure safety and nutritional value. Visit our online store or stop by one of our locations to explore our offerings

Need Personalised Advice?

Our experienced team is here to assist you with any questions or concerns about feeding marrow bones or transitioning to a raw diet. Feel free to contact us for tailored guidance to meet your dog's specific needs. 01202 625728