Many dogs and cats love chewing on bones, and for some pets it can be an enjoyable form of enrichment. But when it comes to bones, not all options are created equal.
While some pet owners choose to offer appropriately selected raw bones, others prefer dental chews, treats or enrichment toys instead.
While views differ on whether bones should form part of a pet’s routine, most experts agree that choosing the right option and understanding the risks is important. Whatever your preference, understanding the potential benefits and risks can help you make an informed choice for your pet.
In this article, we explore safer bone options, bones to avoid, and some alternative ways to keep your pet happy and engaged.
Dogs
If you choose to offer your dog a bone, consider the following:
- Raw meaty bones that are appropriately sized for your dog’s breed and chewing habits
- Large recreational beef bones for chewing that are too large to swallow whole.
- Puppies – take extra care if you are considering giving a bone to a puppy and seek veterinary advice before introducing bones
Selecting appropriate bones for dogs:
- Choose raw bones that are fresh and suitable for your dog’s size and chewing style. It should be so large that your dog cannot crack, crunch or swallow it. They should only be able to gently chew and massage around the softer ends of the bone while enjoying the enrichment of trying to extract the marrow.
- Avoid harder (weight-bearing) bones, as these are more likely to create dental issues
- Raw lamb necks, lamb ribs or beef brisket bones (depending on the dog’s size) can be given – keeping in mind when they splinter, the sharp edges can cut into the gums, expose tooth roots and create deep pockets where bacteria can enter
- Remember that raw meat products can harbour bacteria and should be handled appropriately
- Always supervise your dog while chewing any bone or chew item, as all bones present a choking risk – if the bone starts to splinter, it needs to be removed immediately.
Avoid cooked bones of any kind
Cooked bones should never be fed to dogs. Cooking makes bones harder and more brittle, increasing the risk of splintering. Splinters can cause serious injury to the mouth, throat or digestive tract and may result in choking or intestinal blockages.
Do not feed leftover meats or fish that contain bones, including chicken, pork, rib bones, turkey or ham.
Beware of small bones
Small bones can be swallowed whole or break into smaller pieces, increasing the risk of choking, injury and gastrointestinal obstruction and are not suitable.
Take care with very hard bones
Very hard bones, including some marrow and knuckle bones, may increase the risk of tooth fractures in strong or aggressive chewers, and are more likely to wear down the enamel on their teeth.
Potential benefits of bones include:
- Chewing enrichment and mental stimulation
- An outlet for natural chewing behaviours
- Assistance with dental hygiene in some dogs – as a replacement for dental chews/treats that may have too many preservatives and not really be healthy
Alternative options
Some safer alternatives to bones include:
- Veterinary-approved dental chews – not all dental chews are created equally
- Freeze-dried or dehydrated treats made specifically for dogs
- Dog-safe enrichment toys
- Small pieces of carrot as an occasional treat (introduced gradually and fed in moderation).
Remember – always seek advice from your veterinarian before introducing new foods, treats or chew items. What is suitable for one dog may not be appropriate for another, depending on age, breed, health status, chewing behaviour and dietary requirements.
With the right choices and a little supervision, treat time can be both safe and enjoyable for you and your dog.
Cats
Some cat owners choose to offer appropriately sized raw meaty bones as an occasional treat or enrichment activity. If doing so, it is important to select a bone that is suitable for your cat’s size and chewing habits.
Some cat owners choose to offer raw chicken necks, chicken wing tips or quail pieces as an occasional treat or enrichment activity. However, raw meat products can carry bacteria. If owners choose to offer raw meaty bones, they should be sourced from reputable suppliers, handled hygienically, stored appropriately and removed if not consumed promptly.
Safer bone options for cats:
- Raw chicken necks (for adult cats that are accustomed to eating raw meaty bones)
- Raw chicken wing tips
- Raw quail pieces.
What to avoid:
- Cooked bones
- Large, hard bones that cats cannot safely chew
- Bones that could be swallowed whole
- Leaving your cat alone to eat a bone – they should always be supervised.
Benefits
Potential benefits reported by some cat owners and animal care professionals include:
- Mental stimulation and enrichment
- An outlet for natural chewing behaviours
- May assist with dental hygiene in some cats, although dental treats and diets are common alternatives.
Important risks for cats
Bones can also cause:
- Broken teeth
- Choking
- Mouth or throat injuries
- Intestinal blockages
- Constipation
- Bacterial contamination if not handled properly
- Kittens require special care as young animals can be at greater risk of choking or injury than adult cats – seek advice from your vet first.
Alternative options
Not all cats will chew bones safely or show interest in them. If you would prefer not to offer them, alternatives include:
- Veterinary-approved dental treats for cats
- Dental diets recommended by your vet
- Freeze-dried treats made specifically for cats
- Puzzle feeders and food-dispensing toys
- Interactive toys that encourage natural hunting and play behaviours.
These options can provide enrichment and stimulation without the risks associated with bones.
Remember, what works for one cat might not be suitable for another, depending on their age, health status, dietary requirements and preferences. With the right choices and a little supervision, treat time can be both safe and enjoyable for you and your cat.
General Guidelines for feeding bones
- Always supervise when giving bones.
- Choose a bone size appropriate for the animal.
- Safely remove the bone if it becomes small enough to swallow.
- Introduce bones gradually to avoid digestive upset.
- Consult your veterinarian if your pet has dental problems, digestive issues or is on a special diet
