I’ve got a bone to pick, and it’s with the local legal system. Here’s the deal: Mr. Moderation Man has been released from prison. Horrible news. Just horrible. It’s also bad news when a dog owner learns their pup ate a chicken bone. But should you really worry if your pup does so? Can dogs eat chicken bones?

The answer depends on the following words: raw, or cooked?

Going Raw?

So, can dogs eat chicken bones? Well, if the bone is raw, then they certainly can. In fact, raw bones contain plenty of healthy nutrients for your furry friend.

Raw chicken bones provide substantial amounts of calcium, phosphorus, while also stimulating saliva enzymes in your dog’s mouth. These saliva enzymes help keep your pup’s mouth clean and healthy.

As for the calcium and phosphorus, the calcium and phosphorus both aid your dog’s bone health and strength. It’s quite ironic, isn’t it? The fact that eating bones helps your dog strengthen their own bones.

I’d say that’s living proof of the phrase, “You are what you eat.” However if that were completely true, I’d be a chicken quesadilla from Taco Bell.

And honestly, that wouldn’t be a bad life.

But I digress.

Convenience

The convenience of chicken bones also improves its rating as a good human food snack for your furry friend.

Because you likely don’t keep raw chicken bones around the house, you don’t need to worry too much about moderation.

Oh no, I said it. The simple utterance of the word, ‘moderation,’ can be heard by Mr. Moderation Man so long as he’s within a 100 mile radius. The floors of my home are rumbling, now. He’s coming!

Mr. Moderation Man smashes through a freshly patched wall of my home. The plaster from the repairs freshly dry, now cover my living room floor. Mr. Moderation Man, a smirk plastered to his face, says, “I’m baaaaack! And remember kids, even if you don’t keep raw chicken bones handy, that moderation is still key!”

While speaking his spiel, I’m quickly dialing the police. Mr. Moderation Man will be back in his specially designed, no wall-breaking jail cell in no time!

While Mr. Moderation Man makes his escape, I place another call to the home repair guys. I’m rapidly becoming their top customer. Hmm, perhaps they had something to do with getting Mr. Moderation Man out of jail? After all, he is good business for them. There’s a conspiracy afoot.

But where was I? Oh, yes, whenever you need to debone a chicken, consider keeping those bones as a special treat for your fur baby.

Whenever your dog eats one of the bones, make sure your dog doesn’t attempt to swallow them whole. If they do attempt to swallow them whole, then it’s probably best not to give them the bones for a snack.

Can Dogs Eat Chicken Bones That Are Cooked?

As for cooked chicken bones, your dog shouldn’t eat them. Cooked chicken bones easily splinter in your pup’s tummy and digestive system, which possibly leads to dangerous health issues.

If your furry friend happens to get ahold of some cooked bones, don’t panic! First of all, ensure that your dog isn’t choking. A choking dog will pace anxiously, wretch, and rapidly lick their lips.

A dog that has successfully ingested cooked chicken bones should be observed for any signs of intestinal blockages. In the next couple of days, watch out for things like trouble pooping, bloody poops, and stomach swelling. These are tell tale signs of a blockage.

A dog showing any of these signs requires medical assistance. Take your pup to the vet to ensure they return to good health.

The Bone Was Picked

As I’ve assured you in your quest to know the answer to can dogs eat chicken bones, the local law has just assured me that Mr. Moderation Man will be locked away for years to come.

We’ll see about that.

Because I sense some collusion between Mr. Moderation Man and the local home repair guys. As I said, a conspiracy is afoot!