Dangerous or Healthy Snack: Can Dogs Eat Bones?
Sometimes owners want to do something good for their four-legged friends and wonder: Can dogs eat bones? And if so, which bones are suitable and what should be considered when feeding them? We offer tips.
The same dog food every day, with the occasional chew or other treat from the pet store – dogs are usually perfectly content with that. Unlike us humans, they don't need something different on their plate every day—or rather, in their bowl. Nevertheless, dog owners want to treat their four-legged friends to something special on occasion.
Which bones can dogs eat?
In general, dogs are excellent at eating bones. Many four-legged friends love to gnaw, lick, and chew them with relish. Chewing is relaxing, the rubbing of the teeth on the bone removes annoying plaque, and bones also contain valuable calcium, which is essential for muscle function, among other things.
In principle, all bones from slaughtered animals can be fed. Bones with meat content, especially beef and veal breastbones, lamb ribs, chicken and turkey necks, and marrow bones, are popular among dogs.
If you haven't fed your dog bones before, you can start with turkey necks and see if and how your dog accepts them. Turkey necks are a perfect starting point because they are slightly softer and therefore easier to eat and digest. The remains of young animals, such as lamb and veal, are also generally softer and consequently recommended for feeding. They contain many minerals and trace elements and are very elastic. Fresh animal bones can be purchased from a butcher, for example.
The most important rule, however, is to feed raw bones if possible.
Cooked or braised bones, on the other hand, are generally taboo. Heating in any form can cause the bone structure to become porous, increasing the risk of splinters. This can have serious consequences: Bone splinters can not only cause injuries in the mouth but also perforate the intestinal walls, allowing food particles to enter the abdominal cavity and cause inflammation in the dog's body.
Marrow bones for dogs are only available under supervision.
Very well-known and popular among dog owners are beef or veal marrow bones, which are offered in slices for dogs to lick. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when feeding marrow bones:
- Initially, feed the marrow bones only under supervision and observe the animal.
- Some dogs accidentally wedge their jaws into the rounded shape. If you prefer, you can split the marrow bone in half as a precaution.
- Be careful with large dogs: There's a risk that these enthusiastic four-legged friends will swallow the marrow bone whole. In this case, the bone should be discarded immediately and not offered again.
- If your dog chews too vigorously on the marrow bone, the hard material can ruin its teeth. Marrow bones are more complicated than many other bones and, therefore, not suitable as chew toys.
And what about chicken bones?
For years, many dog owners have held the view that poultry bones should never be fed to dogs. Thin chicken bones, in particular, are so brittle that sharp bone fragments quickly form when chewed, which could cause life-threatening injuries to the dog.
Big or small? Finding the right bone size
As with other meals and snacks, the ideal bone size depends on the dog's body weight and size. Smaller dogs are happy with smaller bones and quickly become overwhelmed by larger bones, while larger dogs are better off feeding larger animal bones.
The animal's eating habits also play a role: dogs that generally gulp a lot should not be given bones that are too small, which they can swallow whole in their enthusiasm and which, in the worst case, get stuck in their throat.
In principle, all dogs should be introduced to bones slowly. This gives their digestive system enough time to adjust. Even a dog who may have previously only been fed soft, wet food will gradually learn how to handle bones best.
If given too much, bone feces may occur
Although bones can generally be a healthy snack for dogs, it's essential to take the word "snack" seriously. Feeding bones should only be done as a supplement and in moderation. As with so many foods, the saying "the dose makes the poison" applies to bones as well. If a dog eats too many bones, it can lead to digestive problems, constipation, and the formation of bone stools.
The reason: Some dogs not only gnaw the meat off the bones, but also eat small pieces of bone. These pieces cannot be digested and are excreted in the faeces. If a dog eats too many bones, the result can be very hard stools, which are painful and, in the worst case, lead to a total blockage of the digestive system, i.e., intestinal obstruction.
Bone stools develop when the water is removed from the undigested bone pulp in the dog's large intestine. As a result, the stool becomes hard like cement and can even damage the intestinal wall. Anyone who feels pain after feeding bones, or who only passes hard stools with pain, should definitely consult a veterinarian.
Can puppies eat bones?
Puppies and young dogs should not be fed bones. In young animals that are still growing and whose teeth are not yet fully developed, the risk of tooth fractures is significantly higher than in adult animals.
When feeding a puppy, owners should therefore opt for high-quality puppy food that ensures a balanced diet. Pet food for puppies and young dogs contains all the nutrients small four-legged friends need for healthy growth. If you want to do something extra for your little furry friend, you can choose special puppy snacks or feed them a cooked carrot.