Treats and chews
Can weight bearing bones break my dog's teeth?
Last updated 23 September 2026 · How we write and check this
Short answer
Yes, weight bearing bones, the large, dense bones like femurs that once supported an animal's body weight, are one of the most commonly cited causes of slab fractures in veterinary dental cases, since they offer essentially no give under the force of a dog's back molars. Many vets specifically advise against these bones for this reason, regardless of whether they are raw or cooked.
What makes weight bearing bones uniquely hard
Bones that once supported an animal's full body weight during life, such as a femur or a large leg bone, are structurally denser than smaller, non weight bearing bones like ribs or necks, which is exactly why they are marketed as long lasting chews, but that same density is what makes them so likely to crack a tooth.
Why this risk applies whether raw or cooked
Unlike the general rule that raw bone is somewhat less brittle than cooked bone, weight bearing bones remain dense enough in either state to exceed the hardness threshold that causes fractures, meaning the raw versus cooked distinction matters far less here than it does for smaller, less dense bones.
What veterinary dentists commonly recommend instead
Veterinary dental specialists frequently list weight bearing bones alongside antlers and hard nylon toys as items to avoid entirely, recommending softer, purpose made chews that flex under bite pressure instead, particularly for dogs that chew forcefully or have any prior dental sensitivity.
Key takeaways
- Weight bearing bones like femurs are among the most commonly cited causes of tooth fractures.
- Their density makes them risky whether offered raw or cooked, unlike smaller bones.
- Veterinary dentists frequently list them alongside antlers and hard nylon toys as items to avoid.
- Softer, purpose made chews that flex under pressure are a lower risk alternative.