Chewing is an important part of a dog’s life. Not only does it provide physical and mental stimulation, but it can also support a dog’s overall well-being. But is it safe for a dog to chew a bone?
Why give your dog a bone to chew?
Raw bones have been a necessary part of a canine’s diet for thousands of years, providing a range of nutritional, physical, and mental benefits. Chewing on treats like chews and bones helps remove plaque, tartar, and bacteria from your pet’s teeth, which in turn can help to prevent gum disease, tooth decay, and bad breath. It also helps to massage your dog’s gums and promote blood circulation.
Chewing also provides the mental stimulation that helps dogs release anxiety and reduces boredom, stimulating the release of endorphins (happy hormones!), so it’s no wonder your dog loves it. So, if you want to keep your pup healthy and happy, give them something to chew! Check out our longer-lasting chews here.
Bones and longer-lasting chews can also provide essential nutrients like calcium, phosphorous, and magnesium, which are vital for strong bones and teeth. The marrow inside the bones is also a great source of omega-3 fatty acids and other beneficial vitamins and minerals.
What about air-dried bones?
Chewing on air-dried bones is an excellent way to keep your dog’s teeth and gums healthy. The hard texture of the bones helps to remove plaque and tartar build-up, promoting better gum and dental health. The air-drying process also reduces the chances of the bone splintering when being eaten. It also provides mental stimulation as it encourages your dog to think and work out how to get to the delicious marrow inside.
In addition to these dental benefits, air-dried bones are also packed with essential minerals and vitamins that benefit overall health. Calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium are all found in air-dried bones, all of which are essential to maintain good bone and joint health. Zinc, copper, and iron are also present in air-dried bones, which are all important for a healthy immune system.
And air-dried bones do not have the mess of fresh bones like fresh meat, moisture, and blood, which can make feeding bones a messy practice.
Why not try our ostrich wings or venison legs?
What bones are unsafe for dogs to eat?
Cooked bones are unsafe for your dog to chew, as they can break into dangerous pieces. For example, cooked chicken bones, pork or rib bones, and anything smaller than your dog’s mouth is all unsafe for dogs to eat.
Rawhide bones can also be dangerous, as some of them come into contact with salmonella and can be too tough or too soft for a dog to chew, also a lot of rawhide products have been treated or produced with chemicals, making them a deadly chew, And this is why we have no rawhide products at Friends and Canines.
Are bones ok for all dogs?
As with anything, each dog is an individual and as such, each dog will digest and chew bones differently.
Some dogs do not digest bones well and bring them up in bile immediately or a few hours later. I would suggest trying them with a smaller or less dense bone.
Also, there can be a risk of dogs choking on bones. Some reasons can be if they are given bones that are too small, if they are gulpers, or if they are disturbed and try to swallow the bone. I would always recommend careful monitoring of feeding any type of bone.
There are also lots of longer-lasting chews that do not contain bone, so why not try a moon bone, although it says bone in the name it is actually a beef cartilage chew.
Or try a beef muscle for your dog, 100% beef and 100% natural air-dried beef.
Does the size of the dog matter?
Yes and no!! Some big dogs are gentle chewers and small dogs are strong chewers but do match the size of the bone to your dog.
If they are gulpers go for chews longer in length like the venison leg.
Tiny dogs can still enjoy bones like chicken feet and chicken necks.
Can puppies chew bones?
Yes, some softer bones are suitable for puppies and are more suitable than antlers and really hard chews that can damage the tooth bed, and cause problems in later life.
I would recommend softer bones like chicken or duck necks.
What bones do I give my gang?
The collies, Harvey, Dodger, Rebel, and Theo, the cavalier king Charles all love bones, quick daily chews for them are duck necks and chicken necks.
Then they have a big bone weekly, ostrich wings and venison legs are the current favourites.
The new venison bone has been a big hit with the rottweilers, Rommel and Lola.
Let me know your dogs favourite chew in the comments below
