Can Dogs Eat Tomahawk Steak Bones? The Surprising Truth Every Pet Parent Needs to Know

It’s a picture-perfect weekend: the grill is fired up, the smell of seared tomahawk steak fills the air, and your dog is planted at your feet, tail thumping a mile a minute. Those big, hopeful eyes seem to say, “C’mon, share a little—you know I deserve it!” You’ve heard the age-old debate: “Bones are good for dogs, right?” But tomahawk bones are thick, meaty, and… well, steak bones. Are they safe? Or are they a hidden hazard in your pup’s favorite “treat”?

If you’ve ever found yourself asking, “Can dogs eat tomahawk steak bones?” you’re not alone. Let’s cut through the confusion, separate fact from fiction, and keep your furry friend happy and healthy.

Table of Contents

1. Can Dogs Eat Tomahawk Steak Bones? The Short Answer
2. Potential “Benefits”: What You Might Think (and Why They’re Overhyped)
3. The Risks: Why Tomahawk Bones Are a Big No-No
4. Guidelines: Is There Any Safe Amount?
5. Healthier Alternatives to Tomahawk Bones
6. FAQ: Your Top Tomahawk Bone Questions Answered
7. Conclusion: Prioritize Safety, Not Tradition

Can Dogs Eat Tomahawk Steak Bones? The Short Answer

No. Dogs should not eat cooked tomahawk steak bones. Raw tomahawk bones also pose significant risks, making them an unsafe choice for your pup.

Let’s break this down. Tomahawk steaks are cut from beef ribs, known for their thick, meaty bone and marbled fat. While the meat on a tomahawk (in small, plain portions) is generally safe for dogs, the bone itself—whether cooked or raw—is a hazard. Here’s why.

Potential “Benefits”: What You Might Think (and Why They’re Overhyped)

You might assume bones are a natural, nutrient-packed treat for dogs. After all, wolves and wild canines eat bones in the wild, right? But domestic dogs are not wolves, and tomahawk bones (especially cooked ones) don’t offer the benefits you might expect.

What People Think Are Benefits:

• Nutrients: Some believe bones provide calcium, phosphorus, or marrow (rich in fat and vitamins).
• Dental Health: Chewing bones might “clean teeth” by scraping plaque.
• Mental Stimulation: Gnawing can keep dogs occupied and reduce boredom.

The Reality:

• Cooked bones lose nutrients: Heat destroys most of the marrow’s nutritional value, leaving behind a dry, brittle shell.
• Dental risks outweigh benefits: Hard bones can crack teeth, leading to painful fractures (we’ll dive into this later).
• There are safer ways to stimulate your dog: Puzzle toys or approved chews offer mental enrichment without the danger.

In short, any “benefits” of tomahawk bones are overshadowed by the very real risks.

The Risks: Why Tomahawk Bones Are a Big No-No

The dangers of tomahawk bones (cooked and raw) are serious—and potentially life-threatening. Let’s unpack the biggest risks:

1. Choking and Blockages

Tomahawk bones are large, but dogs can still break off small, sharp fragments or try to swallow chunks whole. These pieces can get stuck in:

• The throat: Causing choking (look for pawing at the mouth, gagging, or difficulty breathing).
• The esophagus: Blocking the airway or digestive tract, requiring emergency surgery.
• The intestines: Sharp splinters can tear the intestinal lining, leading to infection or internal bleeding.

According to the ASPCA, bone fragments are a top cause of gastrointestinal blockages in dogs.

2. Splintering (Cooked Bones Are the Worst)

Cooking transforms bones from flexible to brittle. When a dog chews a cooked tomahawk bone, it doesn’t bend—it shatters into shards. These shards are razor-sharp and can:

• Puncture the mouth, tongue, or gums (causing pain and infection).
• Tear the stomach or intestines (a condition called perforation, which is fatal without surgery).

Raw bones are slightly less brittle, but they still splinter—especially if your dog is an aggressive chewer. Even “soft” raw bones can break into dangerous pieces.

3. Pancreatitis from Fat

Tomahawk steaks are marbled with fat, and the bone is often coated in leftover grease. Dogs can’t digest large amounts of fat well, which can trigger pancreatitis—an inflammation of the pancreas. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and severe abdominal pain. Pancreatitis is costly to treat and can be deadly.

4. Dental Fractures

Dogs (especially small breeds or those with weak teeth) can crack or break their molars by gnawing on hard bones. A fractured tooth exposes the nerve, leading to:

• Chronic pain.
• Infection (which can spread to the jaw).
• Expensive vet bills (root canals or extractions for dogs cost $500–$1,500 per tooth).

5. Bacterial Risks (Raw Bones)

Raw tomahawk bones may harbor harmful bacteria like Salmonella or E. coli, which can sicken both dogs and humans. Even if your dog doesn’t get sick, they can spread bacteria through their saliva or feces—putting kids or immunocompromised family members at risk.

Guidelines: Is There Any Safe Amount?

No. There is no “safe” amount of cooked tomahawk bone to feed your dog. Even a tiny splinter can cause harm.

If you’re tempted to give your dog a raw tomahawk bone (e.g., from an uncooked steak), think twice. While some vets may approve raw recreational bones (like knucklebones from a trusted source), tomahawk bones are not recommended. They’re too large, too fatty, and too likely to splinter.

The only “guideline” is this: Keep tomahawk bones (cooked or raw) away from your dog.

Healthier Alternatives to Tomahawk Bones

You don’t have to deny your dog the joy of chewing—just swap tomahawk bones for safer options. Here are vet-approved alternatives:

1. Raw Recreational Bones (From a Pet Store)

Look for large, weight-bearing bones (like beef knucklebones or femurs) sold at pet stores or butcher shops. These are:

• Soft enough to chew (not brittle).
• Too big to swallow whole.
• Designed for “recreational” chewing (not nutrition).

Note: Always supervise, and discard if they break into small pieces.

2. Dental Chews (VOHC-Approved)

The Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) certifies chews that reduce plaque and tartar. Brands like Greenies, Pedigree Dentastix, or Whimzees are safe and effective.

3. Fresh Veggies and Fruits

Crunchy, low-calorie options like:

• Carrots (high in fiber and vitamin A).
• Green beans (low-fat, great for weight management).
• Apples (remove seeds; high in fiber and antioxidants).

4. Rubber Chew Toys

Toys like Kongs or Nylabones are durable, non-toxic, and designed to withstand heavy chewing. Stuff them with peanut butter (no xylitol!) for extra fun.

FAQ: Your Top Tomahawk Bone Questions Answered

Q: My dog stole a cooked tomahawk bone—what should I do?

A: Don’t panic, but act fast. Call your vet immediately. Watch for symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or refusal to eat. Do not induce vomiting unless your vet tells you to (sharp bones can damage the esophagus on the way back up).

Q: Can puppies eat tomahawk bones?

A: Puppies have softer teeth and smaller digestive tracts, making them more at risk for choking or blockages. Never give bones to puppies.

Q: What if my dog only chews the meat off the bone?

A: The meat itself is okay in small amounts (no seasoning, garlic, or onions!). But once the meat is gone, throw the bone away—don’t let them chew the bare bone.

Q: Are “smoked” or “slow-cooked” tomahawk bones safer?

A: No. Smoking or slow-cooking still dries out bones, making them brittle and splinter-prone.

Conclusion: Prioritize Safety, Not Tradition

It’s easy to fall for the “dogs love bones” myth—after all, it’s a classic image. But when it comes to tomahawk steak bones, the risks far outweigh any perceived benefits. Cooked bones splinter, raw bones carry bacteria, and both can lead to choking, blockages, or worse.

Instead of sharing your steak bone, opt for safer alternatives: raw recreational bones from a pet store, VOHC-approved chews, or fresh veggies. Your dog will still get to chew, and you’ll sleep easier knowing they’re safe.

When in doubt, always consult your vet. They know your dog’s health history and can recommend the best treats for their needs.

Here’s to many happy, healthy grilling seasons—with your pup by your side (and a safe chew in their mouth)!

References

• American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). “People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pet.” aspca.org.
• American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). “Raw Food Diets for Pets.” avma.org.
• Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC). “Accepted Products.” vohc.org.
• VCA Hospitals. “Raw Bones for Dogs: Risks and Benefits.” vcahospitals.com.