By Dial A Vet Veterinary Team
Marrow bones are sold in almost every Australian butcher and pet aisle, often in a bag labelled "for dogs". The marrow inside is soft, smelly and irresistible. It is also mostly fat, and the hard tube of bone around it is one of the bones vets most often link to fractured teeth and jaw injuries. Cooked or smoked marrow bones are a firm no. Raw marrow bones are on RSPCA Australia's list of bones to avoid, and even scooped-out marrow can cause trouble for some dogs.
Key takeaways
- Bone marrow is very high in fat. A rich serving can cause vomiting and diarrhoea, and can trigger pancreatitis in susceptible dogs.
- Cooked, roasted or smoked marrow bones should never be given.
- RSPCA Australia lists large hard marrow bones among bones to avoid, even raw.
- Sawn rings of marrow bone can slip over a dog's lower jaw and get stuck.
- Related: pancreatitis in dogs, beef bones, raw bones.
What bone marrow actually is
In the long bones of cattle and sheep, the hollow centre is filled with yellow marrow, which is mainly fat with some protein. Owners often describe marrow as "nutrient dense", which is true in the sense that it is calorie dense. A dog on a complete and balanced diet does not need marrow, and a large lump of it can add a big share of a small dog's daily energy in a few minutes.
Why the fat matters
Sudden rich, fatty meals are one of the classic triggers for gut upset in dogs. Some dogs simply get loose stools. Others vomit repeatedly, refuse food and develop a painful belly from pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreas that can range from mild to life threatening. Miniature Schnauzers, overweight dogs and dogs with a history of pancreatitis seem particularly at risk. If your dog has ever had pancreatitis, high-fat treats like marrow are best avoided entirely unless your vet says otherwise.
Why marrow bones are a problem
The bone around the marrow is dense, weight-bearing bone. Dogs chewing it hard are prone to:
- Slab fractures of the upper carnassial tooth. A piece of the outer tooth shears off. It is painful and can expose the pulp, which can lead to a tooth root abscess.
- Jaw entrapment. Short cross-cut rings of marrow bone can slide over the lower jaw and wedge behind the canine teeth. Dogs panic, drool and paw at their face. Removal usually needs sedation.
- Swallowed fragments. Splintered pieces, particularly from cooked or smoked bones, can lodge in the oesophagus or block the intestine.
- Bacteria. Raw marrow bones can carry Salmonella and other bacteria that affect dogs and the people handling them.
RSPCA Australia does not recommend bones for dogs. Where owners choose to offer them, it advises raw, human-grade bones that are large enough the dog cannot fit them wholly in its mouth or swallow them whole, introduced gradually and supervised. Large hard marrow bones and bones sawn lengthwise are on its list to avoid.
Signs to watch after marrow or a marrow bone
- Vomiting, diarrhoea or greasy stools
- Hunched posture, a sore belly or a "prayer" stance with the front end down
- Loss of appetite or lethargy
- Drooling, pawing at the mouth, or a bone ring stuck around the jaw
- Chewing on one side, dropping food or a visibly broken tooth
- Straining or blood in the stool
When it is an emergency
See a vet urgently if your dog has a bone stuck around its jaw, is choking or retching repeatedly, vomits several times, has a painful or swollen belly, or is weak and flat. Repeated vomiting after a fatty meal can mean pancreatitis, which needs prompt treatment. Do not try to cut or saw a bone ring off at home, as dogs in pain can bite and you risk injuring the jaw.
How vets assess and treat marrow problems
For gut upset, your vet will examine your dog and may run blood tests, including a pancreatic lipase test, and imaging such as ultrasound. Treatment for pancreatitis is supportive, often including fluids, pain relief and anti-nausea medicine in hospital, chosen by the vet for the individual dog. Trapped jaw rings are removed under sedation. Broken teeth are assessed with dental X-rays under general anaesthetic, then treated or extracted.
Lower-risk ways to share a treat
- Small pieces of plain cooked lean meat with no bone, onion or garlic
- Commercial dog treats, counted within the daily calorie allowance
- Dental chews sized for your dog
- Food puzzles stuffed with part of the normal meal
FAQ
Can I scoop out the marrow and give just that?
You avoid the tooth and jaw risks, but marrow is still very fatty. A small taste may be tolerated by some dogs, while others react badly. Dogs with past pancreatitis should avoid it.
Are smoked marrow bones from pet stores safer?
No. Smoked and baked bones are dry and brittle, and they splinter in the same way as cooked bones.
My dog has a marrow bone stuck on its jaw. What should I do?
Keep your dog calm and go to a vet straight away. Do not try to cut it off yourself.
Is bone marrow good for joints?
There is no good evidence that marrow helps joints. Ask your vet about evidence-based options if your dog is stiff.
Talk with a vet
Not sure whether a marrow bone suits your dog, or worried after a rich treat? A Dial A Vet veterinarian can talk through your dog's risks and help you decide whether a clinic visit is needed. Book a Dial A Vet consult.
References
- RSPCA Australia Knowledgebase. What should I feed my dog?
- Merck Veterinary Manual. Pancreatitis in dogs and cats.
- Merck Veterinary Manual. Gastrointestinal obstruction in small animals.
- Freeman LM, et al. Current knowledge about the risks and benefits of raw meat-based diets for dogs and cats. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2013;243(11):1549-1558.
Disclaimer: Educational only. This page does not replace an examination or advice from your own veterinarian. If you are worried about your pet right now, contact your local vet or nearest emergency animal hospital.
