If you have questions about dog bones and safety, you are not alone! Many pet parents wonder about the hazards of dog bones, and if there are some bones better than others. Keep reading to find out what dangers are associated with dog bones, how to prevent them, and which bones you should be giving your pups.

Raw bones are the best option in terms of safety and nutrition. Avoid giving your dog cooked bones as these can splinter and cause damage to your dog’s mouth, throat, and intestines, and they do not contain nearly as many nutrients as raw recreational bones do. Bones that are smoked are less likely to splinter but will still require you to supervise your dog when it’s being chewed on. You should always monitor your pets when feeding any bone products. You can shop our all natural, nutritious bone options by finding a Pet Wants near you.

What are raw recreational bones?

Raw bones for dogs are uncooked, raw bones usually filled with marrow: the fatty substance found in the cavity of the bone. This can include ribs, tails, necks, hips, femurs, knuckles, and feet from animals like cow or buffalo. Usually served frozen, recreational bones are a delicious treat that provide mental stimulation and a good teeth cleaning.

What are the benefits of raw bones for dogs?

Raw bones clean teeth: When a dog chews on a bone, they remove tartar from their teeth which reduces the likelihood of developing gum disease. Once tartar starts to build up on teeth, plague can enter under the gum line causing inflammation (gingivitis) and this invites bad bacteria to enter into the gums and body. Over time, this can lead to infection all over the body such as issues in the joints, liver, and more.

Raw bones are all-natural: Compared to highly processed and highly chemical rawhide chews, bones are all natural! This whole, unprocessed food works with dogs’ bodies and doesn’t contain unnecessary chemicals or preservatives. They are an all natural source of protein and fat.

Raw bones provide mental stimulation: Provides healthy chewing option for growing puppies: Puppies have a physical and psychological need to chew. It is important to provide appropriate outlets for this behavior. They can provide a recreation activity for adult dogs, as well.

What are the best bones for small dogs?

Chicken, Turkey and Duck Necks: High in Omega-3s and great for skin, coat, and joints. Chicken, Turkey, and Duck Necks are also rich in glucosamine and chondroitin, which are great for joints and hips. These are perfect for a daily chew for teeth cleaning.

Chicken, Turkey and Duck Feet: If your dog is a power chewer, this is a great crunchy snack. For light/medium strength chewers, this is a nice daily chew for mental stimulation, glucosamine, and chondroitin. This option if perfect for joints, hips, and teeth cleaning for all chew strengths!

Chicken, turkey and Duck Wings: These are a nutritious addition to any diet. Duck wings are high in protein, calcium, glucosamine, and chondroitin, which helps naturally clean teeth and gums. Dogs find chewing these to be calming and a great mental stimulation.

What are the dangers associated with bones?

Some dogs will chew bones their whole lives and never experience an issue. Other dogs could have an emergency with just one bone. In part, it depends on the chewing style of the dog. The size, shape, and type of bone is also a factor.

Fractured teeth: Bones are hard enough to cause your dog’s teeth to crack, sometimes necessitating root canals or tooth extractions.

Oral injuries: The sharp edges of bones can cut your dog’s gums, tongue, and other oral mucous membranes. Bones can also get stuck in the mouth, particularly between the molars of the lower jaw.

Airway obstruction: All or part of the bone can slide down the throat and become stuck, blocking the airway and causing your dog to choke.

Gastrointestinal complications: Bones splintering passing through the digestive tract can cause serious damage. A piece of bone can become lodged in the esophagus, stomach, or intestines.

Raw bone safety guidelines

You can help make sure you dog stays safe when you give them a bone by following our recommended safety guidelines outlined below. Most importantly, you should always monitor your dogs when you give them bones.

• Keep an eye on your dog when it’s chewing on bones
• Bones that have been chewed down should be thrown out
• Give bones after meals. Having food in the stomach will also signal to your dog’s body to produce stomach acids which will help to digest bones
• Give your dog bones that are longer in length than their muzzle
• Do not give marrow bones to dogs who have pancreatitis
• Do not give your dog pork bones or rib bones as these bones splinter easily

If you’re interested in shopping our all natural bone selection, you can find your local Pet Wants location here.