Can Dogs Eat Bones Safely?

Dogs are famous for chewing everything from socks and shoes to toys and furniture. Whether we like it or not, dogs must chew. Which brings us to the question of what bones can dogs eat safely (if any)?

Depending on the meal you just ate for dinner you might ask can dogs eat cooked pork rib bones… or can they eat steak bones? And we’ve probably all pondered whether it’s OK to hand over those leftover sticky chicken wing bones…

If you own a doggo, you probably have lots of questions. Everything from what bones are safe for my dog to eat to can dogs get sunburn. You might also want to know how you go about identifying dog poisoning symptoms, given dogs like to gobble up all kinds of things. We’ve got you! Check out our pet parents blog anytime you need a little extra information to help you on your journey.

But for now, let’s answer the question ‘can dogs eat bones safely?’ We’ll begin with understanding dog behaviour, like why they chew. Then we’ll look at cooked vs raw dog bones. We’ve also included possible dangers and alternative options for your dog.

To chew or not to chew (is that even a question)?

Chewing is a natural dog behaviour. Dogs have a natural tendency to chew because this behaviour has several built-in benefits they instinctively aim to achieve.

Firstly, chewing helps use up mental and physical stimulation, which in turn helps keep them calm. Secondly, depending on the item being chewed there’s the possibility of value-added nourishment like enriching minerals, vitamins and nutrients. Thirdly, dog bones can in some instances help with dog teeth cleaning. Major bonus.

Sure, there are times when the chewing gets waaay out of hand (we’ve all been there). If you’re going through that now, read our free puppy teething guide.

What bones can dogs eat?

Since bones are nature’s chew, this brings us to the question of what bones can dogs eat safely? Cooked or raw, chicken or beef? The answer is less of a clear yes or no, and more of a maybe in certain circumstances. Certain bones served in specific ways are safe.

Not quite the definitive answer us pet parents are looking for… But not to worry, while the answer may not be a simple yes or no, below are some great tips to guide you with what bones, types and sizes are safer for your pooch.

Can dogs eat cooked bones?

Can dogs eat cooked pork rib bones from your Sunday lunch leftovers or any cooked bones for that matter? An especially relevant question when you consider New Zealand’s meat production. We eat quality meat and that surely means quality bones and chew-time for our dogs…

So, can dogs eat cooked bones safely? The answer is no.

Cooked bones aren’t safe for your pooch. Regardless of whether it’s pork rib, beef or chicken, dogs shouldn’t be eating cooked bones. Cooked bones pose a threat to your canine buddy’s safety. Unfortunately, those bones need to go to the bin rather than your pup’s gullet.

Here’s why.

Why cooked bones are a no-no

Cooked dog bones can cause some serious unintended effects. For example, cooked bones are more prone to splintering. The fine poky splinters can pierce a dog’s digestive tract. They can also be a choking hazard before they even get to the digestive tract.

Cooked dog bones (whether red meat or white) have the potential to cause the following problems:

• Bones can get stuck in a dog’s jaw (mainly the lower jaw) causing oral health issues in teeth and gums
• They can also cause tongue and mouth injuries
• Bone can cause a blockage in the digestive tract (and, as we mentioned, also pierce it)
• Choking is another one we mentioned (read about what leads to a dog choking from accidental ingestion and what to do if your dog or cat is choking)
• Constipation is another big one… eek!
• Bacterial infections (like peritonitis) from puncturing to the stomach/intestines

Thankfully the answer to whether or not dogs can eat cooked bones is cut and dry. Not under any circumstances.

Then what about raw bones, can dogs eat raw bones of any kind? Let’s see.

Can dogs eat raw meat bones?

Animal experts and vets are divided in opinion on what bones dogs can eat. Some specialists believe chewing bones is more than an age-old tradition and feel it’s healthy and safe. Others feel that dogs chewing on bones is fraught with possible dangers and can easily be avoided altogether.

One way to answer whether dogs can eat raw meat bones safely is this: most of the nutrition your dog gets when they chew is not in the bone itself. The majority of goodness is actually in the sinews, meat, cartilage and fat that’s on the bone.

Can dogs eat raw chicken bones?

As far as raw bones go, chicken bones are easier to digest than bigger red meat bones. And in particular, chicken feet are a great option.

Ground-up raw chicken bones can be a good source of calcium. Chicken necks being softer are easier to grind up and add to your pup’s meal. Raw bones need to be given in the correct amounts.

Ask your vet for a dietary recommendation to prevent too much or too little nutrition.

Can dogs eat boiled chicken bones?

Never. Chicken bones are perhaps the most renowned for splintering and causing anything from mild to severe health risks.

It might seem hard to resist handing over the bones to Rover. However, stay your hand for their wellbeing.

Can dogs eat lamb bones safely?

As you know, cooked lamb bones are a no-go. Raw lamb bones that’ve had the excess fat removed are relatively safe to give your dog. Make sure to stick to the size guide (same size as your dog’s head), which can be tricky as lots of lamb bones are small.

Choose the biggest bones, like the hip and leg bones, and keep a watchful eye on Rover while he’s chewing. Lamb bones aren’t as easy to digest as chicken (chicken wins out every time) so your dog mustn’t swallow any pieces whole.

Ideally, they’ll get all the goodness and satisfaction from chewing, licking and gnawing – not from swallowing their lamb bones. Replace bones that are gnawed to a smaller size and pose a choking hazard, with a new bigger one.

How to give your dog raw bones safely

Unlike cooked bones, raw bones can be safer for dogs, provided you monitor them. Make sure they don’t choke or chew bits off their chew bone. After all chewing on bones is all about the gnawing action and stimulation this provides.

Actually, breaking off bits is a no-no because it’s the bone shards that can be poky when swallowed. Some vets recommend choosing a bone a similar size to your dog’s head because this can help prevent chewing bits off.

If you know your dog is prone to gulping down chews in one go, opt for bigger bones from bigger animals. Think kangaroo leg and cow hock, for example.

Another way to get the goodness of a bone into your dog’s diet is as bonemeal, which is a mixture of finely and coarsely ground animal bones. This is also a great way to avoid having your dog swallow bones whole – another danger to be avoided.

What about store-bought treats and dog chews?

Pet shops cater to the widest range of dog bone and dog chew tastes, from Nylabone-type chews and rawhide chews to Bonafide bones. But which ones are safe and how does one even know where to start?

A great safe and healthy option is dental chews. Not only can they satisfy the need to chew but they can also be digestible and they support good oral health. Or, you can get chew toys that satisfy just the need to chew and aren’t made to be eaten.

Sadly, rawhide is one of the not-safe-dog-bone-substitutes, as it poses a couple of dangers. Read ‘is rawhide dangerous for dogs?’ to find out more.

Chews made from cartilage, meat and muscle are easier to digest then bone and, while they may not last as long, they do give dogs a run for their chew. Options like bully sticks and tendons can provide lots of exciting chew-time for dogs.

If you source them locally, you’ll be ticking the sustainable dog food box too!

Dog insurance for a wagging tail

Whether or not you feed your dog bones or other healthy treats, be sure these complement a healthy doggy diet. After all, keeping your dog healthy is a great way to avoid other more serious health issues certain breeds are prone to. Read these 10 common dog breed health problems to see what to safeguard against.

Another furbulous way to safeguard your new puppy or dog from the dangers of bones, other dog bites, accidents, allergies and more is dog insurance. You simply put a little towards your pet care plan each month and if your dog unexpectedly needs vet treatment, hospitalisation, surgery and more your plan helps to pay for these.

Did you know that with PD Insurance you can get one or more months of FREE pet insurance? Yep, that’s right. Click below to get a quote.