As a devoted pet parent in the USA, you want to give your small dog the absolute best. Their tiny tails wag with immense joy for the smallest of pleasures, especially a delicious treat. But not all treats are created equal. In the vast world of best dog treats, one ingredient stands out for its nutritional power and canine appeal: bone marrow best small dog treats with bone marrow
Finding the best small dog treats with bone marrow can be a challenge. You need something appropriately sized, safe, and made from high-quality ingredients. This comprehensive guide is designed to cut through the noise. We’ve done the research so you can find the perfect, vet recommended dog treats that will make your little furry friend leap with joy.
Why Bone Marrow is a Superfood for Dogs
Before we dive into our top picks, let’s understand why bone marrow is so highly prized. It’s not just a trendy ingredient; it’s a nutritional powerhouse.
- Rich in Nutrients: Bone marrow is loaded with essential fatty acids, vitamins (like A and K), minerals (including iron, zinc, and selenium), and collagen. This supports everything from a healthy coat and skin to strong joints and a robust immune system.
- Natural Flavor: The rich, meaty flavor is inherently irresistible to most dogs. This makes bone marrow treats a high-value reward perfect for training or simply showing your pup some love.
- Mental Stimulation: Especially with larger marrow bones, the act of licking and working to get the marrow out provides excellent mental enrichment. This can help reduce anxiety and curb destructive behaviors born from boredom best small dog treats with bone marrow
What to Look For in Treats for Small Breeds
Small dogs have different needs than their larger counterparts. When searching for the best healthy dog treats, especially those containing marrow, keep these factors in mind:
- Size & Texture: The treat must be small enough to handle safely without posing a choking hazard. It should also have a texture that’s hard enough to provide dental benefits by scraping away plaque, but not so hard that it risks cracking a tiny tooth.
- Simple, High-Quality Ingredients: Look for treats with a short, recognizable ingredient list. The primary ingredient should be a high-quality protein (like beef, chicken, or bison). Avoid artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives.
- Calorie Content: Treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake. With small dogs, every calorie counts, so opt for low to moderate-calorie options best small dog treats with bone marrow
- Source & Safety: Choose brands that prioritize sourcing from reputable locations and conduct rigorous safety testing. This is crucial following incidents like the Milk-Bone Marrow Treats recall, which highlighted the importance of brand vigilance.
Top 10 Healthy Dog Treats with Bone Marrow for Small Breeds
After extensive research, analyzing countless user reviews on Amazon dog treats for small dogs and discussions on best dog treats Reddit threads, we’ve curated this list of the top performers.
1. Best Overall: Grandma Lucy’s Pure-Form Organics Macaroons
- Why It’s Great: These treats are a perfect size for small dogs and are made with simple, organic ingredients. They often include bone broth for that marrow-like nutritional boost without the mess of a full bone. They’re oven-baked and free from grains, fillers, and artificial junk best small dog treats with bone marrow
- Best For: Pet parents looking for a clean, convenient, and highly palatable everyday treat.
2. Best for Dental Health: Whimzees Stix (Small)
- Why It’s Great: While not pure marrow, these veggie-based dental chews are often recommended as a safer alternative. Their unique shape and texture are designed to clean teeth down to the gumline. They are hypoallergenic, contain no artificial ingredients, and are a huge hit with most dogs.
- Best For: Owners who prioritize dental hygiene alongside a tasty reward.
3. Best Natural Marrow Bone: Brutus & Barnaby Bone Marrow Treats
- Why It’s Great: These are real, halved marrow bones that are baked and smoked. They are sourced and made in the USA, providing an authentic marrow experience. The small size is specifically designed for toy and small breeds.
- Best For: Giving your small dog the real, long-lasting chewing experience of a marrow bone under supervision best small dog treats with bone marrow
4. Best Vet-Recommended: Greenies Dental Chews (Petite Size)
- Why It’s Great: Vet recommended dog treats don’t get more iconic than Greenies. Their patented texture is clinically proven to reduce tartar buildup. The petite size is ideal for dogs under 15 lbs, and they offer a nutritional profile that complements a balanced diet.
- Best For: A daily dental routine that dogs adore and vets approve of.
5. Best Freeze-Dried Option: Stewart Freeze-Dried Dog Treats
- Why It’s Great: Freeze-drying locks in nutrients and flavor. Stewart offers a variety of single-protein treats, including liver and heart, which provide a similar nutrient-dense profile to marrow. They are crumbly and easy to break into tiny pieces for small dogs.
- Best For: A pure, high-protein, low-calorie training treat best small dog treats with bone marrow
6. Best for Training: Zuke’s Mini Naturals
- Why It’s Great: At just 3 calories per piece, these tiny, soft treats are perfect for extended training sessions without overfeeding. They come in various flavors and are made with real meat and other wholesome ingredients.
- Best For: Rewarding good behavior during obedience training or walks.
7. Best for Sensitive Stomachs: Blue Buffalo Blue Bits Soft-Moist Training Treats
- Why It’s Great: Formulated with real meat and containing BLUE’s exclusive LifeSource Bits—a blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals—these treats are great for dogs with food sensitivities. They contain no corn, wheat, or soy best small dog treats with bone marrow
- Best For: Small dogs with delicate digestive systems who still deserve a tasty reward.
8. Best Budget-Friendly Pick: Amazon Brand – Wag Dog Treats
- Why It’s Great: Available exclusively on Amazon, the Wag brand offers high-quality treats at a compelling price point. Their small-bite training treats are made in the USA with no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.
- Best For: Getting excellent value without compromising on quality ingredients.
9. Best for Joint Health: Cosequin Soft Chews
- Why It’s Great: While not a marrow treat, these are some of the best healthy dog treats for supporting joint health in small breeds, who are prone to patellar luxation and arthritis. They contain glucosamine and chondroitin and are often recommended by vines best small dog treats with bone marrow
- Best For: Older small dogs or breeds predisposed to joint issues.
10. Best Long-Lasting Chew: Himalayan Pet Supply Yak Chews
- Why It’s Great: These hard cheese chews are made from just a few simple ingredients: yak and cow milk, salt, and lime juice. They are long-lasting, low in lactose, and help clean teeth. You can even microwave the end pieces to create a cheesy puff snack!
- Best For: Keeping your small dog occupied and engaged for a long period.
Important Safety Tips for Feeding Marrow Treats
Supervision is non-negotiable. Always monitor your dog when they are enjoying any chew or bone treat.
- Size Appropriately: The treat should be large enough that it can’t be swallowed whole but small enough for your dog to handle comfortably.
- Beware of Splintering: Avoid cooked bones from your kitchen, as they can splinter and cause internal damage. The best dog treats with bone marrow are commercially prepared to minimize this risk.
- Calorie Management: Remember, marrow is high in fat. Factor these treats into your dog’s overall daily diet to prevent obesity.
- Discard Small Pieces: Once the treat is worn down to a small piece that could be a choking hazard, take it away and throw it out.
FAQs: Your Questions Answered
Q: Are bone marrow treats safe for small dogs?
A: Yes, when chosen carefully. Always select treats specifically sized for small breeds, and never give your dog a marrow bone intended for a large dog. Always supervise your pet while they are chewing best small dog treats with bone marrow
Q: What happened with the Milk-Bone Marrow Treats recall?
A: In the past, certain batches of Milk-Bone Marrow Treats were recalled due to potential salmonella contamination. This underscores the importance of purchasing from brands with strict quality control and checking the FDA’s recall list periodically.
Q: How often can I give my small dog a marrow treat?
A: Due to their high-fat content, marrow treats should be given as an occasional indulgence, not a daily snack. For most small dogs, once or twice a week is sufficient. Always consult your veterinarian for advice tailored to your dog’s specific health needs.
Q: Where is the best place to buy these treats?
A: Many of these best small dog treats with bone marrow are available at local pet stores, major retailers, and online. Amazon dog treats for small dogs offer a wide variety with convenient delivery, but always ensure you are buying from an authorized seller.
Q: My dog has a food allergy. What are the best hypoallergenic treats?
A: Look for treats with limited ingredients, preferably a novel protein source your dog hasn’t been exposed to (like duck, salmon, or kangaroo) and no common allergens like wheat, corn, or soy. Freeze-dried single-protein treats are often a great choice.
Conclusion: Choosing the Best Small Dog Treats With Bone Marrow
Finding the perfect treat for your petite pup is an act of love. The best small dog treats with bone marrow offer a powerful combination of supreme taste and valuable nutrition. Whether you choose a real halved marrow bone for a special occasion, a dental chew for daily health, or a soft training treat for obedience, the key is to prioritize quality, size, and safety.
By using this guide, you can confidently navigate the options and select a treat that will keep your small dog happy, healthy, and eagerly awaiting their next reward. Here’s to many happy and healthy years with your four-legged best friend!
