Are bone treats dangerous for dogs? Benefits, potential dangers, and five ways to prevent them

Dogs are always seen gnawing on bones, but have you ever wondered whether it's actually okay to feed them bones? Some people may have heard that giving bones to dogs can be dangerous because they can get stuck in their internal organs.

If used properly, bone treats can provide calcium, relieve stress, and have a teeth-cleaning effect.

However, if given incorrectly, they can cause teeth to break or wear down, exposing the dental pulp.

This article will explain in detail the benefits and precautions of giving bone treats to dogs.

Three Benefits of Giving Your Dog Bone Treats

First, let's look at three benefits of giving your dog bone treats.

① Bones are rich in nutrients

Bones contain nutrients such as calcium, protein, fat, and phosphorus.

In addition, the marrow at the center of bones contains collagen. Dogs seem to instinctively know that bones are rich in nutrients, and most dogs enjoy chewing on them. However, be careful not to give them too many bones, as this can cause not only indigestion but also constipation and diarrhea.

② Toothbrushing Effect

Chewing on hard bones stimulates the teeth and gums, and also has a toothbrushing effect.

Keeping your dog's teeth healthy will help prevent periodontal disease and tartar buildup. Of course, brushing your dog's teeth at the same time is the most effective way to achieve this, but giving your dog bone treats will further enhance its oral care.

③ Strengthens Jaws and Teeth

Continually chewing hard bones strengthens the jaw and teeth, making them stronger and more durable.

A dog's jaw and teeth are important for eating, so keeping them strong will allow them to enjoy food and treats even as they get older. Dental health is essential for a dog's long life.

Why is it said that giving bone treats to dogs is dangerous?

You've probably heard that giving bones to dogs is dangerous. Of course, depending on how you give them, it can be dangerous. However, as mentioned above, there are many benefits to giving bones to dogs.

The idea that bones are dangerous is said to have started about 60 years ago, when American dog food manufacturers spread the rumor that "feeding bones to dogs is dangerous because they can get stuck in them" as a way to promote dog food.

Recently, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has confirmed cases of death caused by dog ​​treats and has pointed out that certain "bone"-type treats can cause fatal injuries.

According to the FDA, 15 dogs in the United States died in 2016 after eating treats made from bones or coated with bones. Approximately 70 other dogs have also been reported to have become ill.

To avoid putting your dog at risk, it's important for owners to provide safe bone treats in a well-considered environment.

5 Ways to Prevent Potential Dangers from Bone Treats

Here are some points to keep in mind when giving your dog a bone. Please review these points before giving them to your dog.

① Don't take your eyes off your dog while feeding him!

Bone treats can lead to accidents such as choking if your dog swallows them whole. Always feed your dog within your sight, such as when you're away from home.

Also, blood may stain the bone while your dog is chewing it. If your dog's gums are bleeding, remove the bone treat. Also, try giving your dog a softer bone treat next time.

When keeping multiple dogs, they may eat quickly or fight over food to avoid being stole. Eating quickly increases the risk of swallowing whole food. Create an environment where they can eat without worrying about each other.

② Boil bones until they fall apart

Cooked bones are prone to breaking, and fragments can get stuck in a dog's mouth or internal organs, causing injury. Therefore, it's recommended not to feed cooked bones to your dog. However, the condition of bones varies depending on the bone's size, part of the body, type, cooking method, and processing method.

Concerned owners can use a pressure cooker to boil the bones until they are soft enough to break down. In this case, you won't get the teeth-cleaning benefits, but you'll still get the nutrients from the bones!

③ Pay attention to bone size

It's important to choose bones that fit your dog's body and mouth. Bones that are too small may be swallowed whole. Large bones are safe if your dog can chew them, but if swallowed whole, they may get stuck in the throat or esophagus.

We recommend a length that allows your dog to hold the bone with its front paws. Specifically, remember that it should be about 2-3 times the length of your dog's nose from the tip of its mouth. If your dog's nose is 5cm long, a length of 10-15cm is recommended. If the length is the same as or shorter than the length from the nose to the corner of its mouth, caution is advised.

④ Be especially careful with chicken bones

There are many types of bone treats for dogs, but chicken bones are especially important. When cooked, chicken bones split lengthwise, resulting in sharp, potentially damaging esophagus and stomach damage. In the worst case scenario, this can lead to intestinal blockage or peritonitis.

Chicken bones contain collagen and nutrients, so if you want to feed them to your dog, try boiling them in a pressure cooker until the bones are soft enough to fall apart, as mentioned above, or cutting them into smaller pieces before giving them to your dog.

⑤ Be careful not to overfeed

If you suddenly give a dog a lot of bone treats after it's normally fed dog food, it may vomit or develop diarrhea. Dog food is a complete and balanced diet.

Bones contain a lot of nutrients, such as phosphorus and calcium, so feeding too many can disrupt your pet's nutritional balance and lead to skeletal abnormalities. Decide the amount you give your pet at one time, and be careful not to give your pet bones on a daily basis.

Summary

Bone treats have significant physical and mental benefits for your dog, so give them to them! However, it's important that owners understand the precautions and take responsibility for their behavior.

Bones are rich in nutrients, so when you first start giving them to your dog, give them small amounts. Be careful not to overfeed them.