Dangerous or Safe: Can Dogs Eat Bones?

Bones: A Vital Source of Calcium and Phosphorus

Bones and cartilage are an excellent and completely digestible source of calcium, phosphorus, and glucosamine—especially cartilage.

Raw meaty bones are an indispensable part of a dog's fresh raw diet. The most commonly recommended types include chicken backs, wings, and necks, as well as鸡腿, turkey necks, beef and pork ribs, lamb, beef tails, and beef backs, among others.

How Dogs Chew on Bones

The ideal choice of bones depends on the dog's size and chewing habits, and should be chosen, adjusted, and tested based on actual observations. Dogs typically gnaw at bones with force a few times before swallowing them. It's wise to keep an eye on your dog while they're eating bones. If you notice them swallowing a piece that's too large, immediately remove the bone and try a different type.

If they happen to swallow a large, indigestible piece or part, they will usually vomit it up.

Three Important Rules for Providing Bones

1. Fresh and Raw Only

Always provide your dog with fresh, raw bones. Dogs can easily digest raw bones and soften them with digestive juices, provided their stomach acid maintains a pH level around 2—a value often found in dogs that consume a lot of raw food, with minimal carbohydrates, except for some vegetables.

Therefore, if your dog isn't accustomed to eating raw bones, it's best not to offer them, as they may not be able to safely digest bones due to insufficiently acidic stomach acid!

2. Beware of Heat Treatment and Dehydration

Be cautious when giving dogs cooked, roasted, smoked, or dried bones, as they can pose certain risks—being sharp, hard to digest, and potentially causing mechanical damage to the gastrointestinal system.

3. Avoid Hard Femur Bones

Steer clear of large, very hard bones like femurs, as they can damage a dog's teeth, especially for those who like to gnaw on bones aggressively and greedily.

Additionally, bones can be used to make broth, which is an excellent laxative.