Is it okay for your dog to eat bones? Here what you can and can’t do.
It’s a common idea in our old folklore that dogs love chewing on bones and can get significant nutritional value from chewing up a large red-meat bone. However, there are a good many items that you should never feed your pet dog, as they could result in serious injury, infection, or death. In general, it is best to consult with your vet about your dog’s ideal diet and keep human food scraps out of reach of your pet. The question still stands: can dogs eat bones?
Bones NOT to Feed Your Pet
Never give your dog raw or cooked bones like those from chicken, turkey, marrow, or fatty bones. Such types of bones are brittle, bacterial, or too small, and can result in the following dangers:
- Broken teeth
- Cuts in the mouth
- Bacterial infection
- Upset stomach and diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Internal organ damage from broken bones
- Intestinal obstruction or blockage
- Rectal trauma
- Choking
Never feed your dog small, brittle bones, fatty bones, raw bones, or marrow bones.
Can Dogs Eat Bones?
Large, meaty bones viable for pet dogs could be an option for your pet. Your pet is unlikely to choke, break teeth, or suffer from an infection or laceration at all. In fact, your dog could gain several benefits from chewing a dog-safe bone:
- Dental health: Chewing on a large, meaty bone could help remove plaque from your dog’s teeth and prevent gum disease..
- Mental stimulation: If your dog gets bored, chewing on something can give your pet something to do without becoming destructive.
- Nutritional value: Large, meaty bones do have nutritional value for your favorite canine. They have minerals and vitamins like calcium and phosphorus that support your pet’s general health. The marrow in these bones is also nutritious.
It’s always best to consult with your pet to make doubly sure what kind of bone is safe for your pet, if any.
Alternatives
Commercially sold dental chews are safe alternatives that your pet is also likely to enjoy without any of the dangers that raw bones pose. Brushing your dog’s teeth and giving it chew toys also generally takes care of dental or boredom issues.
Trust the Care of Your Pet to the Professionals at Everhart Veterinary Medicine!
At Everhart Veterinary Medicine, our veterinary professionals strive to provide your pet with the very best of veterinary care. We believe that the best care for your pet should be provided by experienced, compassionate, and knowledgeable veterinary professionals. With three Maryland locations in Baltimore, Pasadena, and Cross Keys, we are always ready to welcome your pet as a new patient! Give us a call today at 410-355-3131, 410-793-7670, or 443-470-6790! For more information, as well as updates on veterinary news and topics, visit us on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn!