Bones For Dogs, Yes Or No?

Regarding whether or not we should give bones to dogs, there are many theories. While some flatly refuse, others think that there is nothing wrong. At the same time, some say that only a certain type should be avoided, such as chicken. What is the truth about this question?

Despite being one of the most nutritious foods that our pets like the most, the truth is that bones can cause damage. Not even the professionals agree to be dogmatic on this issue. They are not able to say yes or no.

Therefore, let’s analyze why they are dangerous so that everyone can make their decision. In case you decide to give them, let’s see which are the best.

Why are bones dangerous for dogs?

These are some of the dangers of giving bones to our dogs:

• They cause tooth wear and could cause fractures that would cause a lot of pain to dogs.
• They could cause injuries to the tongue, palate and even promote the formation of sores and ulcers.
• If a splinter escapes from a bone that our dog is playing or eating with, it could perforate the esophagus. This could lead to requiring surgical intervention.
• Many dogs do not chop the bone and gobble it whole. This act could even lead to death. A piece may get stuck in the intestine causing pain and difficulty with defecation. It could even lead to an infection that requires the colon to be removed.

Obviously, just because these dangers exist doesn’t mean they happen to all dogs. If, even knowing this, you want to give your dog bones, you should choose very well which ones are better and which ones you should avoid.

What bones can be given to dogs

Despite the myths created around chicken bones, these are the easiest type for a dog to digest. In addition, they provide nutrients and complexes such as calcium.

We must be aware that both the jaw and the digestive system of our dog are prepared to eat bones. Therefore, chicken, rabbit, ham, lamb and pork are suitable for dogs as long as a series of recommendations are followed. Namely:

• They should not be the basis of the diet. That is to say, that now you know that your dog can eat bones does not mean that you should give them every day. These should be just a whim and not part of the animal’s daily diet.

• They must be raw. The cooked ones splinter and therefore there have been accidents. Therefore, if you want to give chicken bones or any other type to your animal, they should always be raw. Forget the image of eating a roast chicken and wanting to give your pet a bone.
• Watch the size. You have to take into account the size of both the dog and the bone. They must be consistent with each other. If the dog is small, opt for the small ones (always raw) or the chicken cartilage. If the furry is large, opt for ham or leg bones, which are larger and will be tastier and easier to chew and digest.
• Do not give an old dog bones. The age of the animal is another thing to take into account. Just as we would not give them to a puppy because it could hurt himself, an elderly puppy should not eat them either. His teeth and digestive system have already become weak.

Whatever you choose, be cautious when giving your dog bones. If you decide not to give them to them, it is also a good option!