Which bones are okay for dogs

Ensure the raw bone is large enough so that the dog cannot swallow it whole or fit the whole bone in its mouth. Always feed your dog raw bones. Never feed cooked bones to your dog, as these can splinter and cause internal injury.

Too many bones may lead to constipation. The general guideline is one to two raw bones per week with a few days in between each serving, but this may vary between individual dogs so talk to your vet for advice. Dogs are natural chewers and having a bone or chew around might just stop your dog from feeling the need to chew up the couch or the corner of the family coffee table.

Beyond keeping your furniture safe, they can also provide health benefits for your pet, including:. Dog bones keep your pet mentally stimulated. Dog bones help relieve teething pain for puppies. Teething puppies will often feel the urge to chew as a means to alleviate teething discomfort. Bone chews and puppy toys can give your puppy a constructive way to comfort their teething pain.

Dog bones improve jaw strength. Dogs naturally feel an urge to chew as a way to stimulate their jaw bones, since dog food diets do not provide dogs with enough jaw bone stimulation to keep them satiated.

Dog bones can help prevent destructive chewing behavior and provide pets with adequate jaw exercise. Most dog bones and chews found at your local pet store will be safe for your pet. However, some popular types of hard dog bone chews might be more suitable for your pet. Some of the most common and healthy chew for dogs that you can find at your local pet store, include:. Bully sticks for dogs. Bully sticks are shaped like natural bones, but they have a softer texture that are more palatable and easy to digest.

Bully sticks are some of the best chews to give your dog. Dental dog chews. Rawhide dog chews. Rawhide bones are thicker and more durable than bully sticks and edible dog bones.

Not to mention, dogs love their natural flavoring. You should also supervise your dog when giving a rawhide treat, since they can sometimes pose a choking hazard.

If a bone is harder than a tooth, the tooth can fracture and your dog will need an expensive dental evaluation and treatment.

Take the bone away from your dog after to minutes, and put it in the refrigerator. Dispose of a bone after three or four days. Bacteria can grow and cause intestinal problems for your dog. A beef shank bone is a good example of the type of bone to give to a large dog. Do supervise your dog when you give him a bone. Be an educated consumer. The Food and Drug Administration FDA publishes information about dog bone treats, which are processed and sold commercially as dog treats.

Keep in mind that experienced and knowledgeable veterinarians disagree about bone chewing and many advise owners to play it safe and only provide commercially available chew toys and simulated dog bones that are made for dogs of all sizes. We do know that dogs love to chew, and chewing on a bone can keep them busy and happy. It can even reduce anxiety and serve as a big reward for good behavior.

Should you give your dog a bone? The choice is yours, but if you do give your dog a bone, be careful and do it wisely. Not only are these bones long-lasting and easily digestible, they also promote healthy teeth and gums. Durable and non-toxic, this bone chew toy is a great alternative to a real bone.

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