Can I give my LAB raw bones from the grocery store?

Great question — giving dogs bones can be super rewarding for them, but there are some safety things to keep in mind. The short answer is: yes, you can give your dogs raw bones from the grocery store, but it depends on the type of bone and how you handle it.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

✅ Raw Bones That Are Generally Safe:

• Raw beef bones (like marrow bones, knuckle bones, or femur bones)

• Raw lamb bones

• Raw turkey or chicken necks and wings (only if you’re confident your dog chews well and doesn’t gulp)

👉 These should be large enough that your dog can’t swallow them whole or break off big chunks.

⚠️ What to Avoid:

• Cooked bones – They can splinter and cause choking, or damage the digestive tract.

• Small bones (especially from chicken or pork) – These are choking hazards.

• Weight-bearing bones of large animals (like cow leg bones) – These can be too hard and may break your dog’s teeth.

• Bones with lots of fat or marrow – They can cause pancreatitis in some dogs if given too much.

• 💡 Tips:

  • Always supervise your dog when they’re chewing a bone.

  • Introduce bones slowly and watch for any tummy upset.

  • Toss the bone after 1–2 hours or if it gets too small.

  • Store raw bones in the freezer and thaw before giving them.