Can you give dogs marrow bones?

Dogs love to chew, and the right things can be beneficial for their dental health. Is there anything more cliché than a dog with a bone? As dog owners, it is our responsibility to see to it that all of our pet’s needs are met, including providing them with healthy and secure chew toys. Unfortunately, marrow bones, one of the most popular treats given to dogs by their owners, are not suitable for canines.

We’ll cover everything you need to know about marrow bones in this article and explain why there are much better alternatives you can give your pet. Despite their widespread use, most veterinarians advise against giving marrow bones to your pets. Let’s talk about why.

The Cons of Giving Your Dog Raw Bones

On the flip side, raw bones can present a danger. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) warns, “Bones or bone fragments in some raw diets can result in intestinal obstruction or perforation, gastroenteritis and fractured teeth.”

Proper Chow Down of Marrow Bones

As a pet owner, it’s crucial to spend time watching your dog chew to note how much they enjoy it, as well as to better understand their eating habits and perhaps offer them something of value.

What to Look for When Purchasing and Prepping Marrow Bones

The right bone selection by the owner is crucial for safe and effective bone consumption when it comes to your easily excited best friend. In general, marrow bones are safe. However, they can be hazardous in some circumstances, just like any chew or bone. It’s not always as straightforward as small pet = small bone and large pet = large bone when selecting the best marrow bones for dogs. It’s crucial for owners to observe their dogs in action and take note of how much they enjoy their chews and bones.

Look for a bone big enough in a size that it can’t get lodged in their esophagus or intestines. As long as you’re supervising and you choose the right option, bones are relatively safe for your dog. But size is important. Specifically, you should never give your dog a marrow bone that’s too small for them. Not only does a bone thats too small increase the risk of choking and intestinal obstructions, but it also decreases the benefits that your dog should be gaining from the bone as well. When gnawed and chewed, marrow bones are great tools to help your dog clean their teeth — but this can’t happen if your dog just swallows it whole.

Giving your dog cooked/smoked bones. When giving dogs cooked or smoked bones, it’s important to always be sure that your dog is only gnawing or chewing on them. The bones should never be physically consumed as they could potentially splinter. Of course, the pieces of meat that are oftentimes attached to the exterior and the marrow inside the bones are safe (and delicious) for consumption.

Look that both bones and packaging are in good condition. Product packaging shouldn’t show any signs of damage or tampering.

Look for keywords that point to quality. When you’re looking into new products for your dog, you want to look for keywords that speak to quality, such as single-ingredient, highly digestible, and natural.

FAQ

Are marrow bones good for dogs?

Marrow bones can be a great source of exercise, play, flavor, vitamins, and more for your dog while also helping to improve their oral and general health when consumed safely and in moderation. They promote and enhance oral health, which ultimately benefits overall health.

Can I give my dog a frozen marrow bone?

Can marrow bones make dogs sick?

Raw bone marrow is extremely rich and can trigger pancreatitis flare-ups and diarrhea. As an alternative, you can feed a “low fat” version by defrosting the bone and removing the marrow to cut down on the amount of fat.

How much marrow bone can a dog eat?

Too many bones may lead to constipation. One to two raw bones per week, spaced out by a few days, is the general recommendation, but individual dogs may require different amounts. Consult your veterinarian for guidance. Speak to your vet about your dog’s nutrition.