It’s no secret that dogs love bones. They’re fun to chew on, and they make for a great treat. But are cooked bones safe for dogs? The answer is a bit complicated. While there are some risks associated with feeding your dog cooked bones, there are also some benefits. In this blog post, we will explore both the risks and benefits of feeding your dog cooked bones. We will also provide some tips on how to safely feed your dog cooked bones, if you decide that it is something you would like to do.
Chicken bones are fine for dogs
There’s a common misconception that chicken bones are too fragile and will splinter when dogs chew on them. However, this is not the case! Chicken bones are actually quite durable, and as long as they’re cooked properly, they’re perfectly safe for your pup to enjoy.
That said, it’s still important to supervise your dog while they’re chewing on chicken bones, just to make sure they don’t swallow any large pieces that could cause an obstruction. And as with all bones, it’s best to err on the side of caution and give your dog only a few at a time.
Supervising your dog with cooked bones
Your dog will love a tasty treat of cooked bones, but there are a few things to keep in mind when giving them to your pup. First, make sure the bones are cooked thoroughly and not raw, as this can cause health problems for your dog. Second, supervise your dog while they chew on the bone, as there is a risk of them choking on it or breaking their teeth. Finally, don’t give your dog too many bones at once, as this could lead to digestive issues.
Types of bones that are safe for dogs
There are three types of bones that are safe for dogs:
1. Raw meaty bones: These are the best type of bones for dogs as they are packed with nutrients and moisture. They are also easy to digest and won’t splinter like cooked bones can.
2. Cooked chicken or turkey bones: These bones are softer than raw bones, so they’re less likely to splinter. However, they still contain some nutrients and can be a good occasional treat for your dog.
3. Beef or pork Bones: These bones are the hardest and can splinter easily, so try to stick to dogs over 20 pounds.
How to cook bones for dogs
There are a few things to keep in mind when cooking bones for dogs. The first is to avoid cooked bones that have been splintered, as these can cause injury. I like to leave a little meat on them of course.
When cooking bones for dogs, it’s best to simmer them in water for 30-60 minutes. This will help to soften the bones and make them easier to digest. You can also add some nutritional supplements to the water, such as bone broth or apple cider vinegar, which can be beneficial for your dog’s health.
Small dogs should not eat bones
Small dogs can eat bones but some tiny breeds that have been recently bred like the Biewer Terrier should be supervised and you will want to experiment with sizes
Bones can pose a choking hazard for small dogs. If you do give your small dog a bone, make sure it is raw and not cooked, as cooked bones are more likely to splinter.
Conclusion
I remember reading years (and) ago that cooked bones were dangerous for dogs to eat, especially chicken bones. But over the years and since starting this site i have learned that is normal click baity content or press releases from dog food manufactures touting their bones as the only safe alternative. Dogs have been eating bones forever, these of course include raw, semi raw and sun baked. I always bring home the bones from dinner – beef, pork, chicken (chicken wings are great too fyi) – some of my favorite restaurants even save bones for my pups Estrella and Oscar.
Cooked and raw bones are safe for dogs. Let your dog be a dog and enjoy the best of the best!
