What bones should dogs not eat?
Never feed your pup cooked bones. These are brittle and can splinter easily, causing damage to your dog’s teeth, mouth, tongue and stomach. “Cooked” includes any bone that has been boiled, baked or smoked.
If your dog is new to raw bones or has a sensitive stomach, remove any and all bone marrow before allowing them to go to town. Bone marrow is incredibly rich and fatty; while some dogs may handle it well, others could start vomiting or have diarrhea. In fact, Animal Emergency Service advises against feeding dogs with delicate systems bones at all. Stick to chewable treats or hard carrots, instead.
Dogs who have had past dental surgery or experienced a cracked tooth before should not eat bones. Gnawing on hard surfaces could re-crack teeth or cause inflammation and pain. Some breeds have naturally soft teeth and jawbones that don’t do well with hard bones; bulldogs, pugs and boxers fall into this category. For these types of pups, try dental sticks or treats that are soft-baked, like Duck, Duck, Beet Soft Baked Dog Treats by Shameless Pets.
Turkey, chicken and pork bones are almost always going to be too small for dogs. It’s not worth it to let your dog gnaw on a bone from the Thanksgiving turkey—it could end up stuck in their throat, sending you to the emergency vet on a holiday. Lamb and beef bones can be safe, as long as they are big enough.
What Age Can You Give Dogs Raw Bones?
Raw bones are appropriate for dogs of all ages, but it’s important that you introduce them at the right time.
If your dog is a puppy, then you should wait until he is at least 4 to 6 months old before giving him any type of raw bone.
This ensures that his immune system has matured enough to handle the potential pathogens and bacteria present in raw meat.
What is the best bone for dogs to chew?
As Dr. Becker and her co-author describe in The Forever Dog, the best bone for dogs to chew is a large knucklebone from bison, venison or beef with some cartilage or tissue still attached. These are large and safe to consume. Let your dog chew for about ten to 15 minutes, then take a break and place the raw bone in the fridge. Too much raw gnawing can lead to constipation or tummy aches. Raw bone chew time twice a week is a safe amount.
ONLY Safe Way to Give Bones to Dogs ⚠
When you get several fresh bones for your dog, you may not be able to use them up all at once. So, can you freeze them? Frozen bones for dogs can actually be a wonderful treat, particularly on a hot summer day. The bone can be taken outside and hold the dog’s interest for hours longer than the regular raw one. Since the bone is still raw, they’re resistant to splintering.
If your dog’s teeth aren’t in good condition, it’s wise to let the raw bone defrost some before offering it to Rocky. He only knows it smells great, not that it might hurt his teeth. Having said that, healthy dogs can enjoy the frozen bone pretty much “as is.” You just want to be sure to clean off the bone before putting it into cold storage.
Once out of the freezer, you can use it for about three days before it should be thrown away. If you see any signs of cracks or splinters, get rid of it. The culinary saying, “when in doubt throw it out” applies to dog bones, too.