Youve probably heard people say that feeding bones is natural and healthy for dogs (for a report on the nutritional value of bones, read this) and that feeding bones promotes clean teeth and aids the nutritional status of the animal. But “natural” does not always equate with “healthy.” For example, wild mushrooms are certainly natural, but certain types will kill a dog if eaten. Let’s investigate the pros and cons of feeding bones to help you determine if and what types of bones might be appropriate for your dog.
Now take a look at these two X-rays. They are of a dog that was straining to pass stool and was weak and dehydrated when presented to the veterinarian. The dog, Dr. Goodroad would learn, had a history of raiding the neighbors garbage cans.
If after reading about the potential dangers of feeding your dogs bones you’ve decided that the practice is not for you, don’t worry, you have options. There are many ways to satisfy your dog’s desire to chew. Toys made out of twisted rope fibers or dense rubber are good choices. You can keep your dog’s teeth clean by brushing them daily or by feeding dental diets, treats, and chews. Those that are approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) have been scientifically shown to be safe and effective. And when it comes to food, commercially available diets that are made by reputable companies provide the complete and balanced nutrition dogs need to stay healthy.
Raw bones are generally safer than cooked, but again, the devil is in the details. If you want to give your dog a bone because chewing provides mental stimulation and can help keep the teeth clean, Dr. Karen Becker recommends picking a raw bone that is approximately the size of your dog’s head. Bones of this size will allow your dog to gnaw while helping to reduce the chances that your dog will break off and swallow a chunk of bone that can cause health problems.
Below are X-rays of a case presented to Dr. Ray Goodroad. This hound of about 75 pounds was found by his owner feeding on a dead deer carcass. The dog became very lethargic, attempted unsuccessfully to vomit and pass stool, and was dehydrated. Sharp bone fragments are clearly visible.
The Many Benefits of Real Meat Bones
Giving your dog a bone can be beneficial. Chewing helps stimulate saliva enzymes and when given AFTER meals for 10 or 15 minutes helps remove trapped food particles from the teeth. Chewing on bones also help prevent plaque buildup and gum disease especially in the back upper molars.
Bones provide minerals and other nutrients (depending upon what kind of bone) and help satiate your dog’s desire for food. Bones provide the nutrients needed to keep the skeletal system fed regenerating and adapting. Chewing on bones can also help pacify a dog’s habits such as excessive self-licking, scratching and other nervous behaviors.
So what about raw bones?
Although cooked bones should not be given to dogs, they will get a great deal of pleasure from a raw one. Most dog owners will know what joy a dog can obtain from a lovely big bone. They carry it around proudly in their mouth, paw at it and play with it before finding a comfortable spot to settle down and chew it thoroughly. They will often guard their bone like a treasured possession. And they will not want to relinquish their trophy to another dog without a protest. Once their hunger is fully satisfied they will often seek a secure spot in which to hide or bury their bone and save it for another day. It is not uncommon for plenty of holes to appear in a dog owner’s garden as they bury their treasured bones.
The long hours spent chewing on a good bone satisfy a behavioural need and can help to keep dogs mentally healthy. Bones can also be a great distraction for your dog if you wish to prevent them chewing on your slippers!
Bones contain minerals such as magnesium, phosphorous and calcium. They also provide vitamins, essential fatty acids and essential amino acids. Much of the nutritional content is found in the marrow which your dog will usually eat with enthusiasm.
The mechanical action of chewing on a large raw bone can help to prevent the build-up of dental plaque on the teeth and therefore help prevent dental disease. Chewing will stimulate the production of saliva. This can flush food debris away and carries enzymes to help prevent the build up of dental plaque.
However, remember that even raw bones can break or fracture teeth too so care is always required. And this is why some vets advise using artificial bones or chews rather than natural.
They have nutritional value and provide plenty of mental stimulation for your pet; not to mention that dogs love them as a treat! So when you do give your dog a bone ensure that it is raw. The best type of raw bone to feed your dog will be a matter of individual preference, taking into account any health issues your pet may have. Any raw bone you provide for your dog should always be large enough that it cannot be swallowed. A simple rule of thumb is to choose a bone which is longer than your dog’s muzzle. Ideally you should be able to supervise your pet when they are chewing and playing with their bones to ensure their safety.
All dogs are individuals with specific nutritional needs and they will all behave differently when given a bone. If you are in any doubt about the suitability of bones as part of your pet’s diet, discuss the issue with your local vet who will be able to give you further information based on their knowledge of your unique and special pet.
Dog bones: Which are safe for dogs? | Ultimate Pet Nutrition – Dog Health Tips
“Give a dog a bone” — a common saying we’ve all heard, but in reality, should you satisfy those pitiful eyes begging you for your leftover bone from dinner?
We all know dogs consider a bone a prized possession, but do you know which bones are safe, and what do you do if your dog eats a bone that’s harmful?
Find out all the answers to your questions and more in our comprehensive guide to safe bones for dogs. Table Of Contents