Can you feed your dog bones?
The image of the dog with its bone is anchored in people's minds and this practice has been done for centuries. However, it is advisable not to give any bone to your dog, this type of food not being without risk. Let's find out which bones your pooch can eat without affecting his health, as well as the benefits they bring him, and which ones he absolutely must not eat, at the risk of seriously injuring himself or choking.
Give bones to your dog: yes, but not just any!
Not all bones can be given to a dog; his health is at stake.Forbidden bones: cooked bones
Cooked bones are dangerous for the dog. They must absolutely not be given to him to eat or to play with. Unlike raw bones, cooked bones can block the animal's throat or puncture its intestines. This risk is because cooking makes them brittle and therefore more dangerous for the dog's digestive system.You should also know that giving a cooked bone to a dog has no nutritional value since cooking has eliminated all the nutrients.
Authorized bones: raw and non-brittle bones
Raw bones are allowed. Healthy, they are a source of minerals, calcium, and phosphorus, beneficial to your animal. Unlike cooked bones, raw bones are chewed and ground by the dog's teeth, providing some entertainment while helping to clean their teeth. When they join the stomach, the bones are reduced to the state of powder that the organ takes care of dissolving.Without danger, the raw bone is much more palatable and rich in taste than the cooked bone. Soft and flexible, it does not break, which makes it digestible. On the other hand, do not especially give him too small or brittle bones such as those of chicken, turkey, rabbit, sheep, or small pieces of cattle, because your dog could choke on them, perforate his stomach. or even damage the teeth and gums. Pork bones, although stronger, should also be avoided as a precaution.
A nice raw bone a week is enough. You can give it to your animal preferably surrounded by a little meat. The ideal remains the marrow bone of raw beef, in particular the middle of the femur, or a fleshy bone wrapped in meat.
The bones that you give to your dog must always be fresh. Damaged bones or surrounded by unfresh meat can poison it.
Be careful, however, because some dogs bury their bones to let them rot and eat them later. However, this technique makes them more brittle and therefore more dangerous. Avoid this tendency by removing the bone from your dog as soon as he's finished eating it.
What are the risks for the dog?
Giving a cooked bone or a bone that is too small and/or brittle to your dog is a source of danger. Here are some of the risks it faces:- broken teeth;
- gum or tongue lesions;
- an obstruction of the trachea causing difficulty in breathing and a hoarse cough;
- peritonitis, i.e. inflammation of the membrane that lines the abdominal cavity;
- damage to the esophagus, stomach, intestines, and rectum;
- blood loss ;
- constipation;
- blood in the stool.
In general, if you notice any suspicious behavior or feelings of discomfort in your dog after giving him a bone, go to the veterinarian immediately. It is advisable to act very quickly given the risks to the health of your animal.
What are the benefits of good bones?
Giving your dog good bones is good for his health. Studies have shown that regularly giving your dog a bone – once a week at most – helps him naturally fight against the formation of certain cancers and stimulate his immune system. In addition, the calcium and phosphorus content of the bones contributes to the solidity of the skeleton.A dog that regularly gnaws bones would develop fewer allergies, gingivitis, and cavities, because these naturally clean the teeth and rid them of dental plaque that causes tartar. Chewing a bone therefore effectively prevents periodontal disease and avoids bad breath.
Finally, gnawing on a bone is a stimulating activity for the dog. This work naturally gives him well-being.
What precautions should be taken when feeding bones to your dog?
If giving good bones to your dog is positive for his health, it is advisable to act with caution and take some precautions to preserve his well-being.- Give your dog meaty bones, that is, surrounded by meat. Meat helps reduce the risk of constipation induced by the bones dissolving into a thick paste in the dog's intestines.
- Banish small and brittle bones from his diet.
- Only feed your dog bones that are appropriate for his size. A small dog will not need a very large bone. On the other hand, avoid bones that are too small, as your dog will tend to swallow them quickly without taking the time to chew them; he then risks choking or injuring himself.
- Make sure your dog eats his bone slowly and chews it well while taking his time. He is less likely to hurt himself or choke.
- Monitor your dog systematically when he eats his bone, but leave him alone and do not try to interrupt him, unless his life is in danger of course. Never give him bones to eat in your absence to occupy him, as he may injure himself or choke. If you have to intervene, distract him with a toy or food and quietly remove the bone before he notices.
- Marrowbone is beneficial because it is loved by dogs. Less easy to gnaw, it will require some application from your pet who will have to chew it well. There is therefore no risk of swallowing too large a quantity.
- Don't let your dog eat a non-meaty bone entirely, as the excessive mineral intake caused can lead to digestive disorders.
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Dogs Feeding