Anyone who’s ever seen a cartoon with a dog on it knows they love a bone. You’re not always going to be able to find those classic, glistening white ones that you see in Looney Tunes though - in fact, they’re far from being the best sort! You’re much better off getting your dog a raw meaty bone, something with a bit of flesh on it that your dog will enjoy the challenge of gnawing off. This chewing provides them with mental stimulation, as well as clearing the plaque off their chompers. So go on, throw your dog a bone the next time they’re antsy for some play or feeling a bit peckish before dinner time - you’re bound to get their tail wagging.
Read on to discover which bones are safest for dogs, which ones are best for them, and which ones vets recommend!
What Kind Of Bones Are Safe For Dogs?
Dogs are known for their love of chewing on bones. Not all bones are safe for dogs to consume, though. Once a bone has been cooked, it becomes brittle and can splinter, causing potentially serious injuries to your pet. Cooked bones should therefore always be kept out of reach of dogs. We repeat: never, ever, ever feed cooked bones to your dogs. Raw bones, on the other hand, are a healthy and nutritious option for your furry friend. They provide essential minerals and vitamins, as well as help to clean your dog's teeth.
However, it's important to choose the right size and type of bone for your dog. Smaller breeds, for example, may struggle to chew through large beef bones. It might surprise you to hear it, but smaller dogs are more suited to eating raw chicken bones for dogs. So long as they’re uncooked, chicken wings and chicken frames make great challenging chew toys for puppies and smaller pooches. With so many options available, there's no excuse not to give your dog the healthy treat they deserve!
What Is The Best Bone For A Dog To Chew On?
With so many different types of bones available, it can be tricky to choose the right one for your dog. If you're looking for a bone that will provide long-lasting chew time, then you can't go wrong with a marrow bone. Marrow bones are packed with flavour and nutrients, and they're also relatively tough, which means they'll take your dog longer to chew through.
However, marrow bones can be messy, so if you're looking for a neater option, then try a chicken neck. These raw chicken bones for dogs are a gristly, challenging treat made of all-natural chicken meat and muscle, plus they’re gentle on the stomach. Whichever type of bone you choose, always supervise your dog while they're chewing to make sure they don't choke on any pieces.
What Bones Do Vets Recommend?
Here are a few top tips vets commonly provide when it comes to asking about feeding bones to your dogs:
- Bones are not toys. They should only be given to dogs under supervision, otherwise, they can be dangerous. Supervise your dog when they chew on bones and make sure to throw them away when they're finished.
- Bones should never be given in small chunks. Broken bones could be swallowed and cause serious injury. Keep your dog safe by feeding them bones that are a proper size.
- Cooked bones can be very dangerous for dogs. They can splinter and cause intestinal blockages, or even perforate the intestines. It's best to err on the side of caution and avoid giving your pup cooked bones.
- Bones you feed your dogs should be almost as big as their head. This way, they'll pose something of a challenge to the dog rather than just having your dog gulp them down easily (and dangerously!).
- Dogs love to chew on bones, but frozen ones can be dangerous. If you give your dog a frozen bone, it could break a tooth or hurt their gums. Plus, they might not be able to digest it properly. So it's best to avoid giving them frozen bones altogether.
