Bones for dogs are a tasty and beneficial treat. However, not knowing which bones to give and in what form can be confusing. Some owners, without much thought, abstain from giving this genuinely beneficial addition to their pets.
Myth: You should not give a bone to your dog; this can lead to the death of your pet.
So, which bones are suitable for your furry friend?
Many dog owners who remove bones from their pet's diet, thinking they might harm their health, are mistaken. A dog that periodically chews and gnaws on raw bones does not suffer from plaque buildup on its teeth. This process also serves as a preventative measure for specific gum problems. It actively develops stomach muscles.
What are the benefits of raw bones?
Gastrointestinal Tract (GIT) Features:
In the process of chewing and gnawing on bones, the stomach muscles actively develop, preventing gas formation in the intestines. Bones as treats contribute to the proper functioning of the digestive tract and protect your pet from various illnesses.
Coarse food, such as raw bones, takes longer to digest. Therefore, beneficial micronutrients are absorbed more significantly, strengthening the intestines.
Many dog owners who remove bones from their pet's diet, thinking they might harm their health, are mistaken. A dog that periodically chews and gnaws on raw bones does not suffer from plaque buildup on its teeth. This process also serves as a preventative measure for specific gum problems. It actively develops stomach muscles.
What are the benefits of raw bones?
- Raw bones are a natural source of calcium and phosphorus to support your dog's skeletal structure.
- Raw bones naturally keep a dog's teeth clean and white. During gnawing and tearing the meat from the bone, the teeth are cleaned of plaque, preventing tartar formation.
- Raw bones satisfy a dog's need to chew and often act as stress relief. A 30-minute chewing session on bare bones can help calm and relax your pet.
- Raw bones help your dog feel full. No pet will refuse food, and bare-bones help satisfy their appetite.
Gastrointestinal Tract (GIT) Features:
In the process of chewing and gnawing on bones, the stomach muscles actively develop, preventing gas formation in the intestines. Bones as treats contribute to the proper functioning of the digestive tract and protect your pet from various illnesses.
Coarse food, such as raw bones, takes longer to digest. Therefore, beneficial micronutrients are absorbed more significantly, strengthening the intestines.
How often can you treat your pet with a bone?
For adult dogs, no more than 2-3 times a week is recommended. You must be cautious to avoid damage to the dog's oral cavity. However, it depends on the type of bone given and whether the dog has been accustomed to chewing bones from a young age.
Forbidden Bones:
For adult dogs, no more than 2-3 times a week is recommended. You must be cautious to avoid damage to the dog's oral cavity. However, it depends on the type of bone given and whether the dog has been accustomed to chewing bones from a young age.
Forbidden Bones:
- Bones that splinter are hazardous. They can become lodged in the throat when swallowed, leading to choking. Bone fragments left in the digestive tract can cause constipation or bloody diarrhea.
- Chicken bones, especially wing and drumstick bones.
- Pork bones, especially table scraps. It's better to avoid pork altogether.
- Boiled bones are softer but can be just as harmful as raw bones. The cooking process forms glue, which solidifies after entering the dog's stomach or intestines and is difficult to expel from the body, leading to constipation.
Feeding your dog chicken, pork, and rabbit bones can pose serious risks. The consequences of providing small puppies under two months old can be fatal. Their digestive system is not ready to digest coarse food.
It is recommended to feed large raw beef bones to adult dogs.
When buying bones, ask the seller about the age of the animal the bone is from. If the animal is young, there is no danger to the dog.
What to Choose: Boiled or Raw Bones?
Choose raw bones. Boiled bones offer no benefits except for the chewing process. To clean teeth and maintain proper gastrointestinal health, opt for bare bones.
Benefits of Bones When Teething:
When puppies are teething, they experience discomfort and itching in their mouths. Tricky treats ease the teething process, resulting in clean and strong teeth, healthy gums, and the intake of vitamins and minerals that positively impact their growth.
Consequences of Inappropriately Chosen Bones:
— Digestive issues, including constipation, diarrhea, bloating, and poisoning,
— Damage to tooth enamel, teeth, gum injuries, throat issues, excessive drooling,
— Choking.
- The bones should be medium-sized, of the correct shape (suitable for any breed), and contain meat (meat trim on the bone). For large breeds and adult dogs, you can give beef cartilage ribs. They can chew them thoroughly.
- You can give puppies a large beef bone, but they won't be able to chew it very well. However, they will still enjoy the process.
When buying bones, ask the seller about the age of the animal the bone is from. If the animal is young, there is no danger to the dog.
What to Choose: Boiled or Raw Bones?
Choose raw bones. Boiled bones offer no benefits except for the chewing process. To clean teeth and maintain proper gastrointestinal health, opt for bare bones.
Benefits of Bones When Teething:
When puppies are teething, they experience discomfort and itching in their mouths. Tricky treats ease the teething process, resulting in clean and strong teeth, healthy gums, and the intake of vitamins and minerals that positively impact their growth.
Consequences of Inappropriately Chosen Bones:
— Digestive issues, including constipation, diarrhea, bloating, and poisoning,
— Damage to tooth enamel, teeth, gum injuries, throat issues, excessive drooling,
— Choking.
Attention!
If your pet is eating dry kibble, avoid feeding them natural bones. The digestive systems of these dogs are already adapted to process dry food. It's better to choose commercial alternatives available in pet stores for such dogs.
Expert Recommendation!
You can only give bones in a natural feeding system (when your dog is already adapted to raw feeding) and should strictly avoid giving bones in a mixed diet or when feeding dry dog food.
You can only give bones in a natural feeding system (when your dog is already adapted to raw feeding) and should strictly avoid giving bones in a mixed diet or when feeding dry dog food.