I have no scientific data, but I have fed Bud and Tash soup bones and I guess what you would call knuckle bones (great big bones you buy at the butcher's) since I have had them, which is almost ten years. I actually don't remember where the suggestion came from or if it is based on any fact at all, but I have always boiled them for about ten minutes (and then obviously cooled them) before I have given them to them and have never, ever had a problem (which over ten years, I believe to be a pretty good record!!). But, I have to admit that Buddy has gotten into some pretty rotten "stuff" over the years, Deer bones that have been sitting for God-knows-how-long, etc. and have never had a problem either, I suppose it depends on the dog. But I'd say it's worth a try, boil the bones before giving them to Gonzo and see what happens, it certainly can't hurt!!