If you have a small dog, you know how hard it can be to find a bone that isn’t too large for their mouth. An appropriately sized dog bone will be more fun for your dog, and there is less risk of injury. If this sounds like your situation, keep reading as we list reviews of the most popular bone brands for small breeds. There’s also buyer’s guide to help you know what to look for so you can make an informed purchase.
A Quick Look at Our Favorites in 2023
The 7 Best Bones for Small Dogs
1. Benebone Wishbone Durable Dog Chew Toy – Best Overall
The Benebone Wishbone Durable Dog Chew Toy is our pick as the best overall bone for small dogs. It’s extremely durable and perfect for even aggressive chewers. It has a bacon flavor that most dogs enjoy, and its shape is easy for your pet to pick up and carry, which means your dog will spend more time playing with it.
The only downside is that the bone can develop sharp edges as your dog chews, which can cause sores, so you will need to discard it if that happens.
2. Purina Busy Bone – Best Value
| Ingredients | Rice, wheat flour |
Purina Busy Bone are the best bones for small dogs for the money. There are 30 small bones in a pack, so plenty are available for treats. They taste great and have a real meat center with a firm texture that your dog will enjoy. The small size is easy to pick up and carry, so your small dog won’t have any trouble with them.
Users’ main complaint about these bones is that dogs can chew them quickly, so they are more of a treat than a dog bone.
3. T. Forrest Small Roasted Marrow Bones – Premium Choice
| Ingredients | All-natural beef bones |
Forrest Small Roasted Marrow Bones are our premium choice bones for small dogs, and they are single-ingredient, all-natural beef bones. They are slow roasted for maximum flavor and many dogs love them. The bones will also last your dog quite a while.
Most users’ only complaint about T. Forrest Bones is that they are quite messy, leaving many small crumbs behind.
4. Nature Gnaws Natural Dog Chews – Best for Puppies
Nature Gnaws is our pick as the best bones for small puppies. The company uses 100% naturally dried cow ears to create firm and crunchy treats that your pet will love. These gnaws are easy to pick up and carry and will help stimulate teething. They also help scrape away tarter as your dog chews, which will help promote dental health.
The downside to Nature Gnaws is that they are more expensive than most other options on this list.
5. SmartBones Mini Bones
| Ingredients | Chicken, cornstarch, gelatin |
SmartBones Mini Bones are favorites of many small dogs because of their great flavor. They contain real chicken and plenty of vitamins and minerals to help keep your dog healthy. They are easy to digest, and the crunchy treats help promote dental health. There are 56 treats per bag, so your pet will enjoy them for a long time.
The primary downside to these SmartBones is that some dogs won’t like the flavor, so they might choose other treats and toys instead.
6. Nylabone Beef Broth Bones
| Ingredients | Potato starch, dried beef liver |
Nylabone Beef Broth Bones have the same shape as real bones, making them easy to pick up and carry. The bones are made of limited ingredients, like dried beef liver, flaxseed, and natural bacon flavor, that your pet will love. They don’t contain wheat or corn, which can sometimes trigger allergies. Another great thing about these bones is that they won’t stain your carpet as your pet eats them.
The downside to Nylabone bones is that many dogs can chew them quickly, so they are more like a treat than a bone that the dog will carry for a while.
7. K9warehouse Meaty Knee Cap Bones for Dogs
| Ingredients | Beef kneecaps |
K9warehouse Meaty Knee Cap Bones for Dogs are authentic dog bones made from all-natural beef kneecaps. They are easy to pick up and carry and last longer than faux bones. Each bone is slow roasted to lock in flavor, and there are no artificial flavors or chemical preservatives. Each pack contains three bones that are suitable for all small dog breeds.
The downside to the K9warehouse brand is that the bones are expensive, and many people complain that they can have a bad odor.
Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Bones for Small Dogs
Durability
One of the primary things to look for when choosing a bone for your dog is its durability. Bones that last longer will provide your pet with more enjoyment, and you will get more bang for your buck.
Size
When purchasing any bone for your pet, check the package to ensure that it is the right size. Most will specify a size or weight range, so choose something appropriate for your dog.
Ingredients
If you are choosing a synthetic or baked bone, ensure that there are no chemical preservatives or artificial colors before purchasing. Look for a brand with high-quality ingredients that will help keep your pet healthy.
Conclusion
When reading these reviews to choose a bone for your small dog, we highly recommend our pick as the best overall. The Benebone Wishbone Durable Dog Chew Toy is extremely durable and has a real bacon flavor that will keep your pet entertained for several hours. Also, our premium choice, T. Forrest Small Roasted Marrow Bones, are real grass-fed beef bones that will provide your pet with a natural experience that they will enjoy.
Featured Image Credit: Benebone, Amazon
