Can Dogs Eat Bones?

Chewing bones has many benefits for dogs. Chewing provides much needed mental stimulation. Especially indoors during the winter months. It also helps prevent plaque build up on teeth, as well as gum disease. In addition, it makes your pup less likely to engage in licking their paws or scratching themselves. Yet, we hear lots of mixed advice on whether or not we should be giving our dogs bones. So can dogs eat bones? Here are some guidelines we recommend when it comes to giving your pup bones:

Can Dogs Eat Bones? – The Dos and Don’ts:

What Bones Can’t Dogs Eat?

Don’t Give Your Pup Poultry Bones, Pork Bones, or Rib Bones:

Poultry bones are too small to be given to dogs. And rib bones are too brittle. And pork bones are too high in saturated fat and can lead to pancreatitis, or inflammation of the pancreas.

Don’t Give Your Dog Cooked Bones:

Not only does cooking the bone remove any nutrients from the bone, but it also makes it brittle and easily splinter. This can easily cause choking or punctures in the mouth, throat, stomach, or intestines. Be mindful of keeping bones out of reach of your pup while cooking. And be sure that your garbage can is secure when throwing out bones from your food scraps.

Don’t Let Your Dog Chew Bones into Small Pieces:

Small pieces of bone can easily get stuck in your dog’s throat and block airway passages. The small pieces are usually sharp as well. These sharp pieces can easily puncture part of your pup’s digestive system.

Don’t Give Your Dog a Bone to Chew on When Other Dogs Are Present:

Dogs love bones! Thus, they can become very possessive of their bones and fights can break out.

What Bones Can Dogs Eat?

Give Your Pup Raw Meat Bones:

It is best to purchase cow or bison bones from a locally sourced butcher. Just be sure that the bone isn’t harder than your dog’s teeth. If it is, your pup’s tooth may crack.

Give Your Pup The Appropriate Size Bone:

Larger Breed dogs, such as Mastiffs, need larger bones. Any bone given to your dog should be longer than your dog’s muzzle. This will prevent them from swallowing any bone whole.

Monitor Your Dog While Chewing the Bone:

Only allow your pup to chew on the bone for 10-15 minutes at a time. During this time, be sure to constantly check in on your pup while they are chewing the bone. Be ready to take it away if the bone is splintering or getting too small. After about 10-15 minutes, remove the bone and put it back in the refrigerator for another time.

Dispose of the Bone After 2-3 Days:

Bacteria easily grows on bones, so be sure to keep it refrigerated in between chewing sessions. In addition, be sure to throw it out after a few days.

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