A dog and a bone seem as natural a combination as peanut butter and jelly. If you don’t believe it, just show a bone to almost any dog, and the longing in his eyes will clearly display how much he wants to spend a little one-on-one time with it.
But are bones good for dogs? What about chews like rawhide, which can serve as a substitute for bones for dogs whose owners are uneasy giving them bones? Do the health benefits outweigh the potential risks? This article will explore the benefits and risks associated with feeding your dog bones and other chew items that can serve as alternatives.
Bones
It’s important to note that experts do not agree on whether pet owners should feed bones to their dogs. Some cite the nutritional value as reason enough to include an occasional bone in their pet’s diet. Others argue that the risks outweigh the benefits and that the serious injuries possible from eating bones should be enough reason to avoid giving them to dogs.
In the end, each pet owner must decide whether or not to give bones to their dogs. A bit of research can help pet owners feel confident they are making the best decision for their pet.
Despite the claim that bones are a great source of nutrition, the truth is that bones contain no vitamins at all. In fact, the only useful elements found in bone are calcium and phosphorus. Both are important for a dog’s overall health but are easily found in other foods.
There is no research proving that bones are essential for a dog’s health. Any health benefits might come from the meat and tissue that are still present on the bone when the dog consumes it.
Although some may say bones are a good source of nutrition, the truth is that there is little nutritional value in bones. Some even claim that a dog cannot be at his healthiest without bones. However, veterinarians who have been practicing for years see many dogs that live to a ripe old age without ever having had a single bone.
Of course, dogs in the wild eat bones, and some cite that as proof they must be healthy or necessary. But even if dogs in the wild need bones (and there’s no solid evidence for this), does that mean bones are the healthiest choice for domesticated dogs, for whom other options are readily available? Sure, if you gave your dog a choice between a bone and a bowl of healthy kibble, there’s a good chance he’d choose the bone. But, then again, if you gave him a choice between kibble or something from the cat’s litter box, he’d probably go for the litter box snack. The point is that you can’t always trust your pet’s instincts to make the healthiest dietary choices.
Many experts agree that the potential problems associated with eating bones make them a poor choice as a treat for your dog.
Some dogs, although admittedly a minority, are allergic to the marrow in bones and may become violently ill within hours of eating it. But that’s not the greatest danger. As bones break, they splinter. Usually, these splinters pass through the stool. However, there’s a chance the splinter will become lodged in the intestines or remain in the stomach. Also, if a dog swallows a larger chunk of bone, it can get stuck in the stomach or liver.
The health problems that result from such incidents can be very serious and, at best, lead to a stay in the hospital with hefty vet bills. At worst, the dog could die from the injuries.
Additionally, a dog’s teeth can crack from chewing on hard bones, leading to the potential for serious infections.
One solution for those who are sold on the health benefits of bones is to use ground bones. In fact, some commercial dog foods include ground bone in their recipes. This way, your dog can get whatever nutritional value is present in bones without the associated risks.
Alternatives to Feeding Dog Bones
Much of the appeal of bones is that dogs enjoy chewing on them. If you’d like to replace that aspect of bones for your pooch, there are many options available.
Rawhide
Rawhide, made from cow skin, is probably the most common chew item for dogs, but it is not without its own risks. If a dog swallows a chunk of rawhide, it will likely digest over time and not require surgical intervention. However, it can still make your dog very uncomfortable. When the rawhide becomes small enough for the dog to swallow, it should be taken away.
Pig Ears
Pig ears are very high in fat, so they aren’t the best choice for a dog struggling with weight. Because of their high fat content, pig ears should only be given as an occasional treat.
Pizzle Sticks
Pizzle sticks are lower in fat than pig ears and make a better choice for overweight dogs.
There are other animal products, such as lamb lung and pig tails, available for your dog’s chewing pleasure. No matter what you give your dog for chewing, whether it’s a bone or an alternative, you should always supervise your dog while he enjoys his treat to ensure he doesn’t choke on a large piece.
Whether or not you choose to give your dog bones, remember to weigh the risks against the benefits when making your decision.
