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Can Dog Eat Bones?

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In the much recent past. To treating the dogs to pork chop bones left over was not an issue of great concern. This is not the case today where dog owners are much more aware and knowledgeable about canine nutrition. If you were to ask an individual from baby boomer generation the question. They will tell you the dogs should eat bones. It is much more likely that their answer will originate from the myths found in their societies then.

However, it should be a known fact that allowing dogs to chew on the right type of bones. It can provide them with a health boost. Bones are a vital source of minerals as well as other nutrients for the dogs. It allows them to meet their needs for specific nutrients. It has probably come to your attention that the ancestors of dogs, as well as their counterparts in the wild. Also, it has been consuming bones for as long as their history is traceable.

In their natural habitat, therefore, canines will devour prey which includes their bones, stomach contents, and meat. Dogs possess natural biological requirement for the nutrients contained within the bones and the marrow. It should come as no surprise that dogs enjoy chewing bones because of the mental stimulation they provide. The exercise it provides for their jaw muscles, and the yummy taste.

 

Are Bones Safe for Dogs?

Once you have enjoyed a nice dinner and you notice your dog eating the leftover bones. It is always common to wonder if they can eat bones. Well, this depends on the details.

In most cases, cooked bones should be off-limits entirely. The rationale for this is that when they dry up, they become brittle. It makes them easy to break into shards with the potential to do damage to the dogs. The shards travel down the gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, you should always try to avoid feeding your dogs cooked bones. This encompasses the bones originating from your kitchens as well as those that are purchasable.

According to the report by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the United States. 90 dogs became sick soon after consuming commercially-acquired baked or smoked bones between 2010 and 2017. Out of this number, fifteen dogs died.

 

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Raw Bones

Raw bones are practically safer for the dogs compared to their cooked counterparts, but then again. It is dependent on the details. If you intend to provide your dog with a bone because of the mental stimulation it receives. It promotes its dental hygiene, you should consider giving it a raw bone that approximately matches its head. This guarantees that the dog will be able to gnaw on the bone with minimal chances of breaking away chunks of bone that can lead to ill-health. Thus, such an issue highlights the importance of regular monitoring for the dogs whenever they are chewing bones. Unchecked and uncontrolled access to bones can have disastrous impacts on the dog’s health.

‘Round’ bones are also a safety issue in matters concerning dogs’ health. It is easy for dogs to break their teeth while gnawing on these types of bones. The bones potentially leading to abscesses and infections surrounding the tooth root among other health issues.

In some instances, raw bones can easily introduce food-borne pathogens such as the Salmonella into your home. Especially if the bones have been stored outside for long periods. It can be especially dangerous if anyone within the premise (whether human or pet) is ill. It means the strength of his (her or its) immune system will be significantly low.

The question, should dog eat bones? is answerable by the safety surrounding this activity Despite cooked bones being dangerous, the raw bones are particularly safe for the dogs provided their consumption occurs under enough oversight. Furthermore, the fact that bones comprise a significant portion of their diet necessitates its inclusion.

 

Types of Raw Bones

Numerous pet animal specialists recommend that dog bones are in two categories, namely; edible and recreational bones.

Edible bones are basically hollow and non-weight bearing bird bones usually of chicken and turkey necks and wings. These bones are generally soft and pliable because of their lack of bone marrow. It makes them easy to crush using a meat grinder. Consumption of these bones provides the dogs with the necessary calcium, phosphorus as well as trace minerals. These are essential for its balanced diet.

Recreational bones, on the other hand, usually comprise of big bison femur or chunks of beef. These bones contain a lot of marrow. Also, these bones do not provide the vital dietary nutrition for the dog. Since their design is not for being chewed or swallowed only for gnawing purposes. However, they give the dog substantial mental stimulation and a suitable mechanism to maintain the oral health of the dogs.

Chewing on raw, recreational bones (especially meaty ones still containing soft and cartilage tissue) ensure that the dogs’ teeth acquire treatment equal to proper flossing and brushing for humans. As such, bones are instrumental in breaking down tartar. It can reduce the potential for gum disease among the dogs. This explains why dogs living in the wild have healthy teeth and gums. It is an outcome of continuous chewing and gnawing on bones. Also, it allows for the sinewy composition to contribute to the teeth cleaning process.

 

Healthy Alternative to Raw Bones

There are instances where feeding the dogs raw bones can become detrimental to the health or safety of a dog. For example, raw bones should be off-limits to dogs. It has a predilection for pancreatitis since the raw bone marrow can lead to diarrhea. It eventually flares up the condition. Dogs with such dispositions should consume ‘blow fat’ raw bones made by thawing it and scooping out a significant portion of the marrow.

A recreational raw bone can be dangerous if the dog tries to swallow it whole or try to consume it in large chunks. In such instance, an edible dental bone of high quality can be a viable option. It should be digestible so that the chewing process provides the dog with a mechanical abrasion. It aids in controlling tartar and plaque. Also, it offers a similar effect for consuming raw food in the wild.

 

Conclusion

You should always keep in mind that many knowledgeable and experienced veterinarians do not agree on bone chewing. However, you should always ensure that before deciding to give your dog a bone. You have a responsibility to ensure that is a raw bone and not commercial or cooked bones. Moreover, the dog should be under keen supervision while having access to their bones to prevent incidents. It might have dire health consequences for the pet.

 

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