Many dog owners are unsure whether they can feed their pets bones or not. For some, bones are an essential part of a balanced diet, while others fear potential health risks. They worry that bones may splinter and cause injuries to the dog. But which side is right?

In this article, you will learn whether bones are dangerous for dogs and what you should consider when feeding them these treats.

Bones for Dogs – Yes or No

Some dog owners prepare food for their four-legged friends themselves and give them bones for essential mineral intake. Others use bones as a reward, for entertainment, or for dental care.

In general, giving bones is okay because dogs are allowed to eat them. However, there are a few points to consider to ensure that nibbling on bones does not pose a danger to your pet. If a bone ever gets stuck in the throat, seek immediate veterinary attention!

If we were to ask the dogs themselves about this topic, the answer would be clear: most of them enjoy eating bones! And indeed, there are a few positive aspects associated with them.

Advantages:

Giving bones to a dog can make sense. However, let’s also take a look at the potential dangers.

Are bones dangerous for dogs?

There are a few risks associated with feeding bones despite the positive aspects. It is important to be aware of these risks and minimize them. In general, cooked bones are off-limits for dogs as they can splinter. Stay away from marrow bones as well.

If a dog licks the marrow out, it can get stuck in the mouth. In the worst case, the bone may need to be removed by a veterinarian.

Here’s what you should consider when feeding bones:

1. Watch out for young animal bones

Use bones from young animals, for example, from calves or lambs. These are not only softer but also thinner and smaller. They are therefore better suited for feeding than bones from older animals. Popular choices for beef include joint bones and breastbones, and for lamb, breastbones and ribs.

2. Raw bones are okay

All types of bones become brittle through boiling, frying, or grilling, making them prone to splintering. Bone splinters can cause injuries not only in the dog’s mouth but also in the digestive tract. Additionally, important nutrients are lost through the heating of bones.

3. Poultry bones yes – but please only raw

Hardly any dog will refuse a chicken or turkey neck, and you can safely give them these in raw form. If they are roasted or cooked, however, there is a high risk of splintering. So, do not feed bones from roasted or grilled poultry!

4. Pig bones and wild boar

Many dog owners still associate pork with the Aujeszky virus, which causes the so-called pseudorabies.

This disease can be transmitted through raw pork and bones if the animal was infected. Although this notifiable disease has been eradicated in domestic pigs in the United States, there is still a residual risk with wild boars.

Therefore, it is recommended to feed the meat from both types of pigs only in cooked form. However, since bones become brittle during cooking, you should not give them to your pet.

5. Small or large, which bone size is the best?

The suitable bone size for your dog depends on its body size. It is important to ensure that your four-legged friend only eats relatively small bone pieces. Be careful not to give your dog bones that it can swallow whole due to its natural instinct.

Too many bones or a larger, swallowed bone piece can cause problems in the dog’s digestive system, leading to constipation and abdominal pain.
However, the bones should not be too small either. They could break during chewing and get stuck in the dog’s throat.

If your dog is only supposed to nibble on the bone without chewing it, it’s best to give them a particularly large one. To prevent overeating and potential blockages, take the bone away from them in time. This way, you are definitely on the safe side.

6. Risk of constipation due to too many bones

The quantity of fed bones also plays a significant role. Excessive bone consumption carries a high risk of the dog developing constipation, known as bone feces.
In the worst case, this can lead to a complete blockage of the digestive system, resulting in intestinal obstruction. Bone feces occur when undigested bone slurry in the colon has water withdrawn from it.

Possible consequences: The feces become as hard as cement and can even damage the intestinal wall. Additionally, bone splinters may protrude from them, posing further injury risks to the intestines. How to react to constipation in dogs is outlined here: Dog Constipation

Health Aspects of Feeding Bones

Contrary to the notion “more is better,” an excessive amount of bones can significantly burden your dog’s organism. If you want to give bones to your pet to supply it with essential calcium, it’s essential not to overdo it. Both under- and over-supplementation with calcium can be harmful.

Especially in puppies and young dogs, excessive calcium can cause severe skeletal disorders. Instead of strengthening bones, it can lead to growth disturbances and limb deformities.

So, if you are already providing your dog with commercial dog food containing an adequate amount of calcium, you should be cautious when additionally feeding bones.

If you prepare your dog’s food yourself, keep a close eye on the bone ratio. Too much calcium can not only harm the bones but also promote the formation of urinary stones, as well as contribute to organ calcification, muscle weakness, and constipation.

The recommended calcium intake for an adult dog is approximately 50 milligrams per kilogram of body weight per day. However, this is only a rough guideline, as the actual requirements vary from animal to animal. Pregnant females or young dogs, for example, may need more. It is impossible to estimate how many minerals can actually be extracted and absorbed from a bone. Therefore, it is unclear how bone feeding precisely affects calcium supply. In case of doubt, less is more.

If you are unsure, consult your veterinarian.

Can Puppies Eat Bones?

In principle, even small puppies can eat bones from the eighth week of life. The same precautions as for adult dogs apply. The bone should be large enough for the puppy to gnaw on but not small enough to be swallowed.

Make sure the puppy does not eat too much of it. On the one hand, there is a risk of over-supplementation of minerals, and on the other hand, there is also the potential for dangerous bone feces. Puppies and young dogs also do not have as stable teeth. Nibbling on a bone, therefore, carries a higher risk of tooth fractures.

Tips for Puppies – Suitable Bones

For puppies, chicken necks or wings from young animals are well-suited as these bones are easily digestible. Puppies and dogs can gnaw on these bones without worry.

However, don’t be immediately concerned if your puppy experiences diarrhea after the first bone. The stomach often needs time to adjust to the new diet. Tips for dealing with dog diarrhea can be found here: Dog Diarrhea

As an alternative for dental care or entertainment, there is a wide selection of special chew items or toys that you can use instead. If you still want to feed bones to your puppy, it is advisable to consult with a veterinarian to determine the mineral needs.

How often and how many bones can dogs eat?

The number of bones a dog can eat depends on various factors, including age, size, overall health, and the type of regular feeding. If you provide homemade food to your dog, calcium supply plays a different role than with a dog fed with commercial food.

An exact quantity cannot be specified as each animal has an individual metabolism. One dog may tolerate bones well, while another may not. Introduce your furry friend to eating bones gradually and observe how they react. The animal’s digestive system needs time to adapt.

For a dog receiving commercial food, you can give a bone approximately once a week. If the dog is fed raw, the proportion of bones can be slightly higher.

Conclusion – Feeding Bones with Care

Giving bones to a dog is associated with positive effects. It keeps the dog busy, and their teeth are cared for. Most dogs also enjoy gnawing on bones, but you should allow this pleasure in moderation.

It is crucial to provide your pet with only raw bones and never leave them unsupervised, so you can intervene immediately in case of an emergency.

If your dog happens to have eaten too many bones and is now suffering from bone feces, it’s best to consult a veterinarian immediately, as hard feces can lead to a life-threatening intestinal obstruction. The cost for diagnosis, treatment, and necessary medications is covered by dog health insurance.

Do you have any questions about this or any other animal-related topic? Feel free to leave us a comment!