Can Dogs Eat Bones? The Ultimate Guide To What's Safe & What's ...

“Give a dog a bone” — a common saying we’ve all heard, but in reality, should you satisfy those pitiful eyes begging you for your leftover bone from dinner? We all know dogs consider a bone a prized possession, but do you know which bones are safe, and what do you do if your dog eats a bone that’s harmful? Find out all the answers to your questions and more in our comprehensive guide to safe bones for dogs.
What Types Of Bones Can Dogs Eat?
Although it depends on the type of animal bone, you should follow some general rules when considering giving your dog this “treat.”
Raw vs cooked: Can dogs eat raw (uncooked) bones? Most veterinary experts agree that it’s much safer to give your dog raw bones than cooked bones. Cooking causes bones to soften and increases the risk of bones splintering when chewed. Raw bones are also an excellent source of minerals and vitamins. However, raw bones may contain bacteria that cause food-borne diseases, so talk with your vet about how to handle the bones safely to prevent illness in you and your dog.
Bone size: Opt for large, thick bones rather than small or narrow bones. Dogs are less likely to chew down large bones into shards and smaller pieces they can swallow.
Existing digestive problems: If your dog suffers from digestive issues, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or frequent diarrhea, then it’s a good idea to take all bones off the table. Bone marrow is extremely rich and can exacerbate these problems.
Beef Bones
One of the most frequent questions we see is, “can dogs have beef rib bones?” Yes, as long as they’re large. Beef bones are naturally harder than most other types of animal bones, making them more difficult for dogs to break down. Can dogs eat steak bones? The same rule applies to rib bones.
Can dogs eat rib bones or cooked beef bones? There’s been some disagreement among veterinary experts in the past on if dogs can have cooked beef bones,but the general consensus is that cooked bones, regardless of the type, are not good for dogs. Talk with your vet about feeding your dog cooked beef bones.
Chicken Bones
Can dogs eat cooked chicken bones (or raw, for that matter)? The consensus on chicken bones of any kind is a resounding NO. Why? Chicken bones, especially when cooked, easily break and splinter. This can cause your dog to choke from bones getting caught in their throat.
Even worse, the sharp, splintered bones can puncture your dog’s gastrointestinal tract, which not only can cause extreme pain and infection but can also lead to death if not treated immediately.
Turkey Bones
Turkey bones splinter easily like chicken bones. So, feeding turkey bones of any kind (raw or cooked) is not recommended.
Pork Bones
Can dogs have pork bones, or can dogs eat pork chop bones? Like chicken bones, veterinary experts typically agree that pork bones aren’t safe, whether they’re cooked or raw. This includes pork ribs, ham bones, and pork chop bones. The adverse health effects can be the same as you’d see with chicken bones.
Lamb Bones
Lamb’s bones are more similar to beef bones in their density. So, follow the same rules as beef bones. Raw is better but cooked is okay if the lamb bone is large and thick.
What Do I Do If My Dog Eats A Bad Bone?
We all try to be responsible pet parents, but pups can be sneaky and steal a bone off a plate or counter when you turn your back for a second. So, let’s say your crafty canine ate cooked chicken bones. What do you do? Stay calm and follow these steps:
3 Immediate Steps
If you catch your dog in the act, try to take the bones away before he gobbles them all down.
Make sure they are not choking (see the video below for how to help a choking dog).
Call your veterinarian to see if they have any immediate suggestions. Some vets and the American Kennel Club recommend giving your dog a few pieces of white bread to help cushion their GI tract. Every situation is different, however, so be sure to call your vet asap.
Watch Your Dog Closely
Ingesting chicken bones doesn’t necessarily lead to any problems, but it’s crucial to keep a close eye on your dog for the next several days to make sure he’s in the clear.
If your dog exhibits any of these symptoms, go to your vet right away: vomiting, lethargy, abdominal bloating, not eating, constipation or straining to defecate, or bloody stool.
Check your dog’s stool for a few days to see if the bone fragments passed through.
If you haven’t seen the bones in his stool within 3-4 days, visit your vet to make sure the bones aren’t stuck in your dog’s GI tract.
The injuries resulting from damage to a dog’s intestinal tract could require expensive surgery. Signing up for pet insurance before your dog ends up in an unexpected veterinary emergency is an excellent way to reduce your financial risk as a pet owner. Use our tool below to get multiple quotes instantly.
Can Dogs Eat Bones Infographic
When in doubt, you can reference this handy infographic we created that summarizes tips about dogs eating bones.
How To Help A Choking Dog (Video)
If your dog is choking on a bone (or anything else), be sure to watch this brief video that illustrates how to help him right away until you can get him to your vet.
What Other Foods Should I Keep Away From My Dog?
If you’ve been in the habit of feeding your dog table scraps or giving them human food, stop what you’re doing and read our article telling you what foods are toxic to dogs right away. You might be surprised at the number of foods dogs should never eat. You might also check out our rawhide alternatives article for some safe options for your dog to chew on.
The information provided through this website should not be used to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease; it is not intended to offer any legal opinion or advice or a substitute for professional safety advice or professional care. Please consult your health care provider, attorney, or product manual for professional advice. Products and services reviewed are provided by third parties; we are not responsible in any way for them, nor do we guarantee their functionality, utility, safety, or reliability. Our content is for educational purposes only.
About The Author
Sally has been a writer and copy editor for Canine Journal for many years. She has 25+ years of professional writing and editing experience. She also has years of experience in public relations, marketing, and fundraising communications, specializing in health care communications. Her past work history and major freelance clients include the UVA Health System, the VCU Health System, the MCV Foundation, and various local and regional publications.
Sally holds a BA in English from James Madison University and began her writing career as a graduate student at the UNC-Chapel Hill School of Journalism & Mass Communications. She’s been researching and writing about dogs for Canine Journal since 2015, specializing in dog health articles. But she also has written extensively about dog accessories, pet insurance, training, and many other dog subjects. Her work has appeared in several notable media outlets, including The Washington Post, Entrepreneur, People, Forbes, Huffington Post, and more.
Sally has never lived in a home without pets. Now, she and her two daughters, who live in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia, are proud pet parents of all rescued pets (one dog and four cats). If they had room, there would be many more! They can’t imagine life without a home full of their fun and loving furry companions.