Are cheese bones good for dogs?
If your dog loves to chew, you may have wondered whether cheese bones are a good choice for them.
The short answer is that a suitable cheese bone can be an enjoyable long-lasting chew for many dogs, provided you choose an appropriate size, supervise your dog and take their individual chewing style into account.
The Good Cheese Bone is made in the UK using British milk and a small amount of salt. The cheese is pressed, hand-cut and slowly air-dried to create a dense, hard chew designed for dogs who enjoy a proper chewing session.
But, as with any dog treat or chew, it's important to use it responsibly.
What are cheese bones?
Cheese bones are hard dog chews made from cheese that has been prepared and slowly dried.
The Good Cheese Bone starts with British cow's milk. The milk is turned into cheese before being pressed into blocks, hand-cut into individual bones and naturally air-dried for up to 120 days.
The result is a dense cheese chew with a hard texture.
[Learn how our cheese bones are made]
Why do dogs enjoy cheese bones?
Chewing is a natural behaviour for dogs, and many dogs simply enjoy spending time working on something tasty.
A long-lasting cheese chew can provide an activity that takes considerably longer to finish than an ordinary small dog treat.
Every dog is different, however. Some dogs are gentle chewers, while others will try to demolish anything they are given.
That's why the right size and supervision are important.
For more information read our Cheese Bones for Dogs: The Complete Guide.
What are The Good Cheese Bones made from?
Our cheese bones are made using British milk and salt.
We don't add grains or artificial preservatives, and we keep the ingredient list deliberately simple.
Are cheese bones nutritious?
Cheese contains naturally occurring protein and minerals, but cheese bones should still be considered a treat or chew rather than a replacement for your dog's complete and balanced food.
Treats and chews contribute to your dog's overall calorie intake, so they should be given in moderation. PDSA recommends that treats make up no more than 10% of a dog's daily food allowance, with their normal food adjusted accordingly.
Are cheese bones suitable for every dog?
Not necessarily.
Dogs differ in age, size, chewing style, dental health and dietary requirements.
A hard cheese chew may be enjoyable for one dog but unsuitable for another.
Always:
- Choose an appropriate size.
- Supervise your dog while chewing.
- Make sure your dog has access to fresh drinking water.
- Remove the chew if it becomes small enough to swallow whole.
- Take your dog's individual dental health into consideration.
If your dog has damaged, weakened or painful teeth, speak to your vet before introducing a hard chew.
PDSA also recommends supervising dogs with chews and being careful with very hard treats because excessively hard items can potentially damage teeth.
Are cheese bones good for puppies?
The Good Cheese Bone currently states that its cheese bones are suitable for puppies from 4 months old, but puppies still need an appropriately sized chew and careful supervision.
If you're buying for a puppy, read our dedicated guide:
[Cheese Bones for Puppies]
What size cheese bone should I choose?
Size matters.
A chew that's too small may be easier for a dog to swallow, while a chew that's unnecessarily large may be difficult for a smaller dog to manage.
Consider both your dog's weight and how they chew.
[Read our Cheese Bone Size Guide]
How long do cheese bones last?
There's no universal answer.
A cheese bone can last considerably longer for a gentle chewer than for a dog who attacks every chew with enthusiasm.
The Good Cheese Bone has had customers report bones lasting more than a week, while the brand's own guidance explains that chewing intensity can make the lifespan vary considerably.
What happens to the last piece?
Don't throw it away.
When your dog gets down to the final small piece, The Good Cheese Bone recommends microwaving it for 30–60 seconds to turn it into a light, crunchy puffed cheese treat.
Always allow it to cool completely before giving it to your dog.
So, are cheese bones good for dogs?
A suitable cheese bone can be a tasty, long-lasting chew for dogs who enjoy chewing.
The key is choosing the right size, supervising your dog and treating the cheese bone as part of their overall diet rather than an unlimited snack.
If you're ready to find the right one for your dog:
