Bones have always been a dog’s all-time favorite treat. For years, we have fed our pooches raw or cooked bones, and have delighted in seeing them enjoy every bit of it. Nevertheless, questions have recently been thrown to experts whether all bones are safe for dogs to eat. If not, which ones need to be avoided?
· Raw bones. Almost any raw bone is safe for dogs. Believe it or not, raw chicken, turkey, lamb, beef, or even oxtail bones can be fed in their natural raw form. Plus, besides being tasty, raw bones are excellent for maintaining dental health. Aside from that, a whole fish, including its head, can also be given to your pooch. These raw dog bones have been identified as soft bones; making it easy and safe to chew and eat.
· Recreational bones. Another kind of bone that can be given to your dog is the recreational type. This generally refers to a large joint bone that is offered not as a meal but to provide your pooch long hours of chewing satisfaction. Some of the most common recreational bones are the knuckle bones and the beef leg bones. It is critical, though, that owners get to remove these large bones once chewed down to small chunks as it can pose a serious choking hazard to pets. When cooked, these bones are labeled specifically for dogs.
· Cooked fish and poultry bones. Any bone that breaks into sharp shards is dangerous for your dog. This kind of cooked bone generally presents not only a choking hazard to dogs but a splintering risk as well. Never feed cooked fish, chicken, or beef bones as they can easily splinter, damaging his gums, teeth, and throat; causing pain and even potential injury. If your dog swallows the shards from these cooked bones, he also runs the risk of internal injury.
So, as a standard rule of thumb – only give your dog raw bones or bones sold and labeled specifically for dogs. Always make sure you give your dog a bone that is appropriate for his or her size to avoid any choking hazards. And, always monitor him while he’s gnawing away to avoid any potential dangers.
Can Dogs Eat Cooked Oxtail Bones?
The previous section looked at the problems with raw oxtail bones. But, cooked oxtail bones present a different problem that we have already briefly looked at. Cooking the bones makes them more brittle. So, as your dog chews on the bone, it’s more likely that pieces will splinter off.
These splinters will be sharp, and just the right size to swallow. If your dog does swallow these bits, they could choke, or the bits of bones can cause complications further on in your dog’s digestive system.
You should never feed your dog cooked bones. And, if your dog does manage to get hold of any cooked oxtail bones, remove them immediately. Call the veterinarian for further advice if you know that your dog has managed to eat some before you could remove them.
Are Oxtail Bones Safe for Dogs?
Many owners will feed their dogs oxtail bones with absolutely no problems. And, if pet stores sell oxtail bones, that must mean they’re safe for our dogs, right? Well, there are a few risks around oxtail bones and bones in general, even when they’re served raw. The two major dangers are internal damage and dental issues.
Although raw bones are less brittle than cooked ones, it’s still possible for pieces to break off. And, when bones are served alone, with no meat surrounding them, there is nothing to protect our dog’s soft, vulnerable internal organs when they swallow these pieces. The major risks here are internal blockages, but also sharp pieces of bone piercing or scratching internal organs. Both of these problems can be fatal, and will likely need immediate veterinary attention.
The other major problem concerns your dog’s teeth. Raw bones are hard – particularly when there is no meat surrounding them. So, there is a risk that these hard bones will break your dog’s teeth. In some instances, owners even find oxtail bones stuck on their dog’s teeth or lower jaw. Broken teeth will need veterinary attention and will be extremely painful for your dog. This care can be expensive. So, it’s something you must be prepared for if you give oxtail bones to your dog.
Are There Other Ways Of Feeding Oxtail Bones To Dogs?
Yes, if you’re worried about the potential harm that could arise from feeding raw or cooked oxtail bones to dogs, you could simply make an oxtail bone broth.
Oxtail bone broths are easy to make at home. What’s more, making such a broth removes all the potential dangers bones may pose while still being able to extract every possible nutrient contained within the bone pieces.
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FAQ
How do you cook oxtails for dogs?