Remember Spike in the Tom and Jerry series, guarding his bone with his life? But what about your dogs? Are raw chicken bones actually good for them? We’ll tell you.
Remember Spike in the Tom and Jerry series, guarding his bone with his life? But what about your dogs? Are raw chicken bones actually good for them? We’ll tell you.
As someone who grew up watching dogs fighting over a thick, juicy bone, you may believe bones are a dog’s favorite. Yes, dogs enjoy gnawing on raw bones for their distinct taste. However, before allowing them to have raw bones more often, you should first know if raw chicken bones are actually good for dogs.
As observed, raw chicken bones can be both beneficial and risky for dogs. While some vets argue that they provide nutritional benefits, others warn of the potential dangers. The key is moderation: allow your dog limited, supervised time with raw bones to satisfy their natural instinct, but avoid making it a regular part of their diet.
Whether raw bones are good for dogs or not has become a controversial subject. There has been much debate among vets but, due to a lack of research and practical evidence, a definite answer remains elusive. To help pet owners make a responsible choice, we have shed light on the good and bad side of eating raw bones for dogs. This blog will provide satisfactory answers to your concerns.
Can Dogs Eat Raw Meat Bones?
Yes, dogs can eat raw meat bones, which are a good source of calcium, phosphorus, and protein. Chewing on raw meat bones also helps maintain their dental health and keeps their gums strong.
Additionally, it satisfies the dog’s natural chewing instinct, reducing the likelihood of them chewing on your furniture. However, raw bones should only be a part of your dog’s balanced diet and not their sole source of protein.
Is It Safe To Give A Dog Raw Chicken Bones?
Yes, it’s generally safe for dogs to have raw chicken bones, provided they aren’t small enough to be easily swallowed. While dogs have digestive systems capable of handling bones, there are instances where they might experience digestive issues if failed to do so.
Another concern related to offering raw chicken bones is bacterial contamination. To reduce this risk, ensure you source bones that are clean and stored properly.
Do Vets Recommend Raw Bones For Dogs?
While no vet recommends cooked bones for dogs, there isn’t a consensus among them regarding raw bones. Some vets are against giving any form of bones to pet dogs, citing potential risks such as choking hazards, digestive obstructions, and bacterial infections. Another group of vets believes that it’s natural for dogs to crave raw bones and that they can safely consume them.
We recommend that if your dog isn’t on a raw diet, you shouldn’t feed them raw chicken bones. However, if your dog shows interest in raw bones, consult your vet first and introduce them gradually and under supervision.
Can A Dog Digest A Chicken Bone?
Yes, a dog can digest a chicken bone. Due to the acidic pH of a dog’s stomach, it can digest the bone within 24-48 hours. However, there isn’t enough information about the ability of domestic dogs to digest bones safely.
Sometimes, dogs don’t develop any health issues after ingesting raw bones. However, in some cases, they may show symptoms such as vomiting, lethargy, constipation, or blood in their stool. Therefore, you must be vigilant and consult a vet at the first sign of trouble.
Is It Better To Give Dogs Raw or Cooked Chicken Bones?
It’s better to give raw chicken bones to dogs and avoid cooked ones. Cooked bones become more brittle and can easily be broken by your dog’s sharp teeth. If dogs apply more pressure in chewing cooked bones, they will crack, leading to small fragments being swallowed accidentally.
With cooked chicken bones, there are increased chances of intestinal blockages and internal injuries. It’s particularly more dangerous in small breeds.
Final Verdict
The query of whether raw chicken bones are good for dogs has left vets divided. Some support the idea that raw bones offer certain benefits, while others believe they cause more harm than good.
To put an end to your concerns, we advise against making it a habit for your dog to have raw bones every day. Limit their exposure as much as possible. Ten minutes of licking and chewing on raw bones under your supervision is enough to satisfy their craving while ensuring their safety.
