Are Bones Good for Health?
Dogs have been known to chew bones since time immemorial. Bones are said to be a treat from the dog’s ancestors.
However, many people ask: are bones good for dogs? Although bones are good for dogs, there are risks associated with eating them. Conscious dog owners exercise caution when allowing dogs to eat bones. We always have to proceed step by step in every task; otherwise, we create problems that pose a threat to our dogs. In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of bones for dogs.
Let’s get started.
Why do dogs love bones?
Dogs have loved bones since time immemorial. Bones were once a dog’s favorite treat. Today, several popular dog treats are available. As these treats are readily available, people are less inclined to give bones as treats to their dogs.
But we can never exclude bones from a dog’s favorite list. The taste and smell of bones attract dogs, stimulating their minds.
Types of Bones:
There are many types of bones available in the market. A list of bones is categorized with advantages and disadvantages.
[I don’t know how others do it, but this is how we do it.]
Here are some of the most common types of dog bones:
Raw Bones:
These are uncooked bones. Usually, these bones are collected directly from animals like cows, goats, sheep, buffalo, etc. No drugs are used in chemical processing or preservation of them.
Pros:
Raw bones provide nutrition to dogs. It can also be called natural nutritional stimulation. Raw bones play a large role in making up for calcium deficiency in dogs. Moreover, due to the presence of elements like phosphorus in bones, the demand for them has increased. Chewing on raw bones creates mental stimulation in dogs and helps control their boredom.
Moreover, raw bones play an effective role in solving various dental problems in dogs. For example, they keep the teeth naturally clean and prevent the formation of tartar and plaque. Their importance is immense in keeping teeth strong and healthy.
Cons:
One of the disadvantages of raw bones is the risk of bacterial contamination. Raw bones are prone to bacterial contamination quickly, which can pose a risk to both dogs and humans. Raw bones can also cause digestive difficulties. Large bone fragments can cause gastrointestinal blockages during digestion. Small pieces are very sharp, which can cause mouth wounds and pose a choking hazard to the dog.
Cooked Bones:
These bones are usually cooked to preserve them.
Pros:
Various spices are used in cooked bones, making them more palatable than raw bones. By chewing on cooked bones, the dog can easily learn which parts are edible and easy to chew. Additionally, the nutrients contained in the bones are quickly and easily absorbed when chewing.
Cons:
The disadvantages of cooked bones can be divided into two categories:
- Lack of sufficient experience in cooking.
- Careless chewing by dogs.
Anyone who cooks bones for dogs should have a good understanding of the process. They should know what kind of spices are needed, how much is needed, when to add the spices, and how hot the fire should be. Otherwise, improper cooking can put the dog’s health at risk.
In terms of the dog’s experience chewing a bone, we should not leave full responsibility to the dog. We must also ensure that the bones provided are safe and train the dog to chew safely from the start. Safe bones are those that do not contribute to health risks.
Bone Selection:
We should choose the right and safe bones for our dogs. When selecting bones, we should focus on certain factors such as the dog’s age, breed, and temperament.
Natural Bone Selection:
In selecting natural bones, we refer to those obtained from cows, pigs, sheep, etc. We should avoid giving cooked bones because they may contain splinters that increase the risk of tracheal injury.
Bone Size:
Size matters when selecting bones. We must consider our dog’s size when choosing the right size bone. Very hard bones should be avoided as they can hurt teeth and gums and cause tooth cracks. Softer and more flexible bones should be chosen for our dogs.
Avoiding Chemically Processed Bones:
Several bones available in the market are chemically preserved. These bones are generally not suitable, as they contain fewer natural nutrients. However, chemically processed bones are widely popular due to their convenience.
Dog Size:
We need to provide bones that are appropriately sized according to the size of the dog. Bones that are too small can be swallowed whole, while bones that are too large can be difficult to chew. Therefore, there needs to be harmony between the size of the dog and the bone.
Supervision:
Dogs must always be supervised when chewing on bones to ensure they don’t choke or experience digestive issues. Bones should be provided as needed, and small pieces should be removed after the dog has chewed on them.
Bones for Puppies:
Puppies’ teeth and gums are soft and weak, so they should not be given thick, large, or hard bones. Softer bones like chicken or turkey necks can be a good option for puppies, as they are easier to chew and less likely to cause tooth injuries.
Bones for Older Dogs:
The same guidelines for puppies can be applied to older dogs. Depending on the older dog’s health, they may be given bones that suit their jaw and tooth strength. If the dog’s jaws and teeth are relatively strong, bones can be chosen accordingly. Otherwise, softer and more flexible bones should be provided.
It is not recommended to give puppies bones before they are 6 months old.
Say No to Stale Bones:
We should always choose healthy and fresh bones for our dogs and avoid giving them stale bones, which increase health risks.
How to Identify Stale Bones:
Recognizing stale bones requires careful observation and knowledge. Stale bones often have tiny blisters, appear discolored, and look dull.