The tradition of giving dogs a bone is now under scrutiny. Should dogs eat bones? Chicken bones, rawhide bones, and brittle bones that can break into shards should absolutely be avoided, according to veterinarians who have been in practice for ten years or less. Other veterinarians claim that bones are essential. Dogs who eat bones generally tend to enjoy them without fuss. Dog owners who allow their dogs to chomp down on a big meaty bone now and then argue that those who restrict their dogs are being overly cautious.
However, there have been an increasing number of dog bone incidents that have led veterinarians to deem bone chewing a potential danger for dogs. This situation can be viewed from two perspectives. Imagine that dog bones are as safe as walking your dog. While walking your dog, things can happen: Another dog might suddenly attack, a car could narrowly miss your dog, or you could trip and lose control of the leash. Similarly, while eating bones, dogs might choke, fail to properly digest the bone, or end up with a sensitive stomach, resulting in a case of dog diarrhea.
When we were kids, eating cookie batter was considered a fun treat while waiting for the real cookies to bake. For many of us, the batter was the best part. Now, we are warned about the potential dangers of eating raw cookie dough. Similarly, when we were children, car seats were rarely used, and car accidents were more often fatal for small children. Are we becoming an overly cautious society, or are we simply learning more about the consequences of our actions? This is the question when we wonder, should dogs eat bones?
Dogs are carnivorous, and we rarely provide them with the essential meaty nutrients they require. Bones have been proven to keep teeth clean, reverse periodontal disease, and maintain a balance of essential proteins and minerals that they can’t get from wheat-based dog food. Thus, there are many benefits to allowing your dog to have a bone. In fact, many veterinarians recommend a trip to the butcher shop once a month for a knotted meaty bone. The elbow bone is less likely to splinter, while still providing your dog with natural nutrients needed for good health and chewing habits. Other vets argue that meaty bones are a danger, citing cases of lacerated esophagi, stomachs, and bowels. Again, it comes down to the percentage of dogs injured by bone eating.
Many veterinarians report seeing more problems and health complications from dog toys, chewed clothing, Christmas ornaments, and plastic bags than from bones. Is this because fewer people are giving their dogs bones based on veterinary advice, or are bones actually safer than we’ve been led to believe?
Bone chewing can provide a good source of protein and essential nutrients and can be as safe as any other activity, as long as there is ample supervision. Before giving your dog a bone, teach him to give up his prized possessions. If you feel you can take anything away from your dog without consequence, you are on the right track. This way, you can remove the bone if you feel he is shredding it into unsafe pieces.
Not All Bones Are Safe for Dogs
It’s important to know your bones. When you visit the butcher shop or grocer, ask for the specific bones you are seeking. Avoid bones that have been cooked, bones that have been cut into small pieces, bones without sufficient meat, large leg marrowbones, or bones with sharp fragments and angles. You should also avoid bones that are small enough to be swallowed whole.
Neck bones from chickens, turkey, or beef, as well as tail or rib bones from beef—low fat with high meat content—are the safest bones for your dog to eat. Large bones with smooth edges are also safe.
While there will always be debate about whether dogs should eat bones, it is up to a responsible owner to weigh the pros and cons, supervise bone chewing sessions, and determine what is right for their dog. Raw bones should not be left out for more than two days, as they spoil quickly. Therefore, dogs should not be left alone with a bone for an indefinite amount of time. For those who are uncomfortable with their dog chewing on bones, there are alternative meaty treats available that provide protein and nutrients but may lack some minerals.
