Can Dogs Eat Animal Bones?

While some advocate for bones as a key part of the BARF diet, claiming they promote excellent health and digestion, others warn of serious risks like intestinal blockages and digestive damage. So, when is it safe to give bones, and which types should be avoided? Let’s take a closer look.

Can dogs eat bones?

The short answer is: it depends! While bones can be a tasty treat for dogs, they come with potential risks. Chewing on bones can cause broken teeth, choking hazards and digestive issues like blockages or tears in the intestinal tract. The risk increases if bones splinter or are the wrong size for your dog.

Can dogs eat lamb bones?

Yes, lamb bones are generally safe for dogs when raw. They are softer than beef bones, making them easier to chew, and they can provide great dental benefits by helping to clean your dog’s teeth. However, you should never give your dog cooked lamb bones, as they become brittle and can splinter, posing a choking hazard or causing damage to the digestive tract.

Can dogs eat chicken bones?

Chicken bones can be risky. While raw chicken bones might be safe and softer for chewing, cooked chicken bones are dangerous as they splinter easily and can cause serious injuries to your dog’s digestive system. Always ensure chicken bones are raw and not too small.

Can dogs eat pork bones?

Pork bones can be given to dogs if they are raw and large enough for your dog to chew safely. Raw pork bones are less likely to splinter compared to cooked bones. However, cooked pork bones SHOULD NEVER be given to dogs, as they can easily break into sharp fragments, posing serious risk.

So, what types of bones are safe for dogs?

Here are some guidelines for selecting bones that are safer for dogs:

Raw bones ONLY

These are generally the safest option for dogs. Raw bones are less likely to splinter compared to cooked bones.

Examples of safe bones include raw beef bones (like marrow bones), raw lamb bones and raw pork bones (big enough for your dog to chew with minimal risks).

Size matters

Choose bones that are appropriate for your dog's size. Larger bones for bigger dogs and smaller bones for smaller breeds.

IMPORTANT: Always watch your dog while they chew on a bone to ensure they don’t break it into dangerous pieces.

What bones should be avoided?

Cooked bones

Always steer clear of cooked bones, which are more likely to break into sharp fragments. Especially those from poultry (like chicken or turkey) can easily splinter and cause severe internal damage.

Small bones

These are more likely to be swallowed whole or could get lodged in your dog’s throat or intestines.

Fish bones

Fish bones, like those from salmon or sardines, can be dangerous because they’re small, brittle and may cause injury to your dog’s digestive system.

If your dog shows symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty swallowing or excessive drooling after eating a bone, you should consult your vet immediately.