Can Dogs Have Deer Bones?
The good news is that deer bones are not toxic for dogs, so they are safe to chew.
Here are a few of the different kinds of bones and what you should know about them.
Longer deer bones are found in the legs.
The cartilage inside the bone and soft tissue attached to the outside provide the nutrients and fat that dogs benefit from.
Specifically, dogs that chew bones enjoy more calcium phosphate, protein, and calcium than if they stuck with eating just their normal kibble[1].
As they chew, they’ll also absorb collagen, which improves their bone, joint, and coat health[2].
You can find flat deer bones in a deer’s ribs, scapula, or pelvis.
They may also come from the spine, although these will be much smaller than traditional flat bones
They share the same nutritional value as long deer bones. The only differences are their shape and where they come from.
Your first thought may be to cook the deer bones by boiling or baking them to remove any germs left behind by the raw meat.
This is actually extremely dangerous for dogs, because the bone becomes more likely to break into shards when they chew it.
Cooking also takes away most of the nutrients[3], so it’s better all around to avoid cooking any bone you want to give to your dog.
Dogs have the genetic makeup to chew on raw bones and benefit from it.
Unlike humans, who are sensitive to raw meat and juices, dogs get more nutrients from bones straight from an animal.
If they get a bone that still has some meat and grizzle on it, that’s an even tastier and nutritious snack for them.
Be aware that any raw bones may contain salmonella, which can make dogs sick with fever, diarrhea and lethargy[4].
If your dog is going to eat a raw bone, they should do so outside in an area that can get messy.
It may be smart to wash your dog’s mouth and possibly give them a bath if they get the raw meat and juices on them before letting you or your loved ones pet them.
Are They Good for Dogs?
Deer hooves don’t contain many nutrients, so they won’t benefit your dogs health as much as traditional deer bones.
However, they do provide a good chew because they’re tough.
Like with any bone, hooves present the opportunity to splinter and block your dog’s intestines.
They can also be dangerous for large dogs, as they have bigger mouths and the ability to swallow a whole hoof.
See also: Can dogs have cow hooves?
Can All Dogs Eat Deer Legs?
There is some debate over whether or not all dogs can eat deer legs. Some vets believe that only dogs with a specific genetic profile that includes a strong stomach and resistance to parasites should consume deer legs because of the high level of antler-associated toxins present. Other experts say that any dog can eat deer legs, as long as they are properly cooked and the meat is removed from the bones.
Can Dogs eat Deer Bones? Can Dogs eat Bones?
There are many different things a dog can eat, but none more iconic than the of a dog sitting and chewing on a bone.
Although there are a number of types of bone out there that are safe for your dog, not all of them are suitable. Can dogs eat deer bones (see also ‘Is It Safe For Dogs To Eat Rice Krispies?‘) (see also ‘Can Your Dog Eat Tilapia?‘)?