Dogs and bones are practically synonymous. From kids’ nursery rhymes implying that giving a dog a bone is as natural an event as a man rolling home, to the numerous idioms around dogs and bones, the pairing is practically ingrained in our collective psyche. But when it comes to looking after a real-life pooch, are bones really that good for our canines? Can dogs eat bones or should they actually steer clear?
Can dogs eat bones?
Bones are a bit of a controversial topic in the wide world of canines. Some believe they’re a fantastic nutritious addition to a dog’s diet. Others think the potential drawbacks of feeding dogs bones far outweigh the positives.
In short, though, dogs can eat bones. Bones are good for your doggo’s mind and body, and they offer a bunch of health benefits.
However, they do come with quite a few caveats – not least the fact that they should always be raw. If you want to feed your dog a bone, it pays to know the risks, and the precautions you’ll need to take. These are designed to minimise the chance of anything bad happening to your pupper, which we’ll get to shortly.
What are the pros of giving bones to dogs?
From keeping your pooch busy, to offering a bit of a nutritional kick, there are quite a few advantages to throwing your dog a bone.
Bones are a great outlet for a dog’s need to chew
Chewing is a very natural behaviour for dogs. If left unsatisfied, it can lead to destructive behaviour (as well as the loss of your favourite pair of shoes, or your child’s most treasured plush toy). Bones fulfill your pupper’s inherent need to chew, plus they help keep their jaws nice and strong.
Bones boost your dog’s oral health
When your dog indulges in a good chewing session, not only are they thoroughly enjoying themselves, but they’re also keeping their teeth and gums in good shape. This is because chewing a bone stimulates saliva production and helps brush away tartar and plaque build-up.
Even better if the bone still has some meat on it. Bits of meat, cartilage, and gristle act like dental floss for your pupper.
They can also benefit your doggo’s digestive system
As long as they’re raw, your dog can easily digest various types of bones. Bones also provide a bit of roughage, which is ideal for keeping things moving in their digestive tract.
Bones contain vital minerals
Bones mostly consist of calcium phosphate. This means they give your doggo a nice dose of calcium and phosphorus, both of which are good for your dog’s health. Together, the two minerals work to support your pupper’s own bones, joints, and muscles.
Bones can keep them happy
Dogs need mental stimulation, and a bone can certainly provide that. When your dog has something to keep them preoccupied, especially if it’s something they can chew on, it makes them a happier, calmer, and more well-rounded dog.
Are there any risks associated with feeding bones to dogs?
While bones bear lots of benefits, they’re certainly not without their risks. This is why you should always supervise your dog when they’re chowing down on a bone.
Before giving your doggo any old bone, here are a few important things to know.
Bones are very dangerous when cooked
First up, bones should never, ever, ever be cooked. A cooked bone can’t be digested by your dog, and runs the risk of splintering. This means fragments of cooked bone could end up in your dog’s throat or digestive system, which can result in internal damage. Yikes!
Your dog runs the risk of contracting an infection
Does your pooch like to bury their bone in the yard or gnaw on it for hours? Unfortunately, prolonged time outside the fridge can cause bacteria to grow on the bone, especially if it ends up underground. For this reason, take the bone from your dog after 15 minutes or so and put it back in the fridge.
They can be choking hazards
There are lots of different-sized bones you can buy for your dog. These range from small chicken necks right up to giant leg bones from cows and kangaroos.
You want to ensure the bone is big enough that your doggo can’t fit the entire thing in their mouth. If the bone is too small, they run the risk of choking on it – and if your dog swallows a foreign object, it can have nasty effects. Smaller bones can be okay for smaller breeds, but not for big dogs.
Certain types of bones aren’t ideal for dogs
Aside from the size of bone you choose, the animal it comes from is key. Not all bones are created equal. Some are great for dogs, while others should be avoided.
- Can dogs eat chicken bones? Dogs can typically digest chicken bones pretty easily. However, as we know, they should only be given to smaller breeds. Uncooked chicken can also carry bacteria like salmonella, so some experts prefer to avoid chicken bones completely
- Can dogs eat rib bones? Dogs can eat beef rib bones, as long as they’re raw and given under supervision. Pork and chicken ribs should be avoided
- Can dogs eat pork bones? Pork bones aren’t the best for dogs. Firstly, they splinter easily, and secondly, raw pork can carry the larvae of a parasite known as Trichinella spiralis. If this gets into your dog’s system, it can lead to trichinosis, which causes bad digestive upset among other things. (Alternatively, if you’re wondering, “Are pig trotters good for dogs?” the answer is yes, they certainly are!)
- Can dogs eat lamb bones? Lamb bones are generally fine for dogs, as long as they’re raw and the right size
They’re not great in excess
An excessive amount of bones can lead to constipation, which is rather unpleasant for your dog! So, like anything you feed your pupper, bones should be given in moderation. Give your dog one or two bones per week, and space each one by a few days.
Bones may trigger aggressive behaviour
If your doggo is prone to resource guarding – that is, getting defensive if anyone comes near their precious food, bone, or toy – then you might want to tread carefully with bones. Left unchecked, resource guarding can lead to aggressive behaviour, including growling and biting.
This doesn’t necessarily mean your dog can’t enjoy bones. But if you catch them getting assertive, addressing the behaviour early with proper training will ensure it doesn’t evolve into full-blown hostility.
Can dogs eat bones when they’re really young or really old?
So, if pooches in general can eat bones with a few precautions, can dogs eat bones when they’re puppies or entering their senior years?
Puppies can generally enjoy bones from around 4-5 weeks of age, once their milk teeth have come through. Just make sure the bones are small, and ideally have a bit of soft meat still on them.
Bones are great for older dogs. The calcium boost can help protect their teeth and potentially help ward off arthritis.
Are there any alternatives to bones?
If you’re concerned about feeding your doggo a bone, know that there are plenty of fantastic alternatives. Chew toys for dogs are good because they satisfy your pupper’s need to chew and provide an oral health boost.
You can also feed your pooch nutritious dog meals, such as Mad Paws Dinner Bowl, that contain bone meal powder. This means your dog gets all the nutritional benefits of bones, without the potential side effects.
And if you’re ever unsure whether your dog should eat bones, your vet is always the best source of advice. They’ll let you know whether bones are suitable for your dog, and if they are, which bones are best.
Bone appetit!
