What are some common dog stereotypes? Dogs love to chase cats. They bark at the mailman. And they always have a trusted bone on paw. The third stereotype happens to hold truth: dogs do love bones. But not all bones are safe for our furry friends to gnaw on. In fact, some bones can be quite dangerous. Can dogs eat rib bones? Today we will answer this question as we explore bone safety.
Can Dogs Eat Rib Bones?
Ribs make for a delicious summer special. We love to cook them up on the grill and suck the tender meat right off the bone. And when you’re faced with a plate of bones and a hopeful canine, it’s hard to say no. But is it safe to toss your dog a bone? Can dogs eat rib bones?
The answer is no, dogs cannot eat rib bones. We all love to keep our dogs happy, and it’s very tempting to allow them to gnaw on our leftovers. But even if you’re watching your dog as he eats, rib bones can still prove to be highly problematic.
Rib Bone Hazards
Certain animal bones can cause serious issues for dogs, especially when cooked. While our teeth likely won’t chomp through bone, dogs can easily manage to snap a bone in half. Bones can splinter when they break, causing a slew of health problems for dogs. These sharp splinters can create both choking hazards and internal injuries.
Since rib bones can splinter into small pieces, they provide a major obstruction for dog’s throats. They can easily block airways and lead to emergency situations. Additionally, the sharp paces can cut up dogs externally and internally if swallowed. The risk of internal bleeding is not worth the reward of a few minutes of gnawing on a bone.
Additional Concerns
The problems don’t stop there. Rib bones, and other pork product bones, are quite high in fat. Since dogs cannot eat large quantities of fat, consuming rib bones could put them at risk of developing pancreatitis. Additionally, the spices added to the meat could cause stomach upset for your dog.
Lastly, even if you manage to navigate all of these problems, there is a serious risk of bone fragment causing intestinal blockage and obstructing the flow of other food. Signs of blockage include diarrhea or vomiting for prolonged periods of time after consuming a bone. Call your vet immediately if you have any concerns about your dog swallowing animal bones.
Give a Dog a Bone
The good news is that there are safe bones for dogs to eat, as bones can actually be beneficial for dogs. They provide minerals and other nutrients for dogs, as well as a satisfying snack. So what are safe bones for dogs?
The American Kennel Club lists raw meat bones as the veterinarian-approved choice for canines. For ideal bone servings, give your dog a bone after he eats, and let him chew on it for about 10 to 15 minutes. That way your dog won’t eat too much bone, but he can still enjoy a special treat. However, make sure you’re not serving bones too often.
It is important to be aware that not all animal professionals are in favor of giving dogs animal bones. Other safe options include chew toys and commercial simulated bones. To play it safe, always supervise your dog when it’s bone time.
And to run down the list of banned bones, never feed your dog poultry or pork bones, especially cooked ones.
Bones in Brief
Can dogs eat rib bones? As tempting as it might be, never give rib bones to your dog. Cooked bones are more likely to splinter, which can cause choking and seriously internal complications. Stick to raw meat bones or manufactured products to keep your dog safe and happy.
To read more abut more danger food for dogs, check out why dogs should never eat walnuts.
