Do your puppies love raw bones? Even though dogs and bones seem to go together like clockwork, you should be cautious when giving your puppies bones to chew—they are too complex for puppies to handle. It could cause problems such as vomiting, diarrhea, stomach upset, or even choking.
Do you have a puppy? Have you ever wondered what age is best for your puppy to start cracking bones? If that’s the case, keep reading this article to learn more about when it’s appropriate to give your pup a bone.
When Can I Feed My Puppy a Bone?
You can start giving your puppy a bone at the age of 12 weeks to six months—ensuring that they are actively chewing while their permanent teeth erupt. During this period, their permanent teeth develop, so giving them raw meat bones ensures they chew intently.
Additionally, chewing is necessary for resolving teething complications and providing several prime health benefits, such as maintaining healthy teeth and gums.
You can begin by giving your puppy raw lamb ribs, flaps, and raw chicken wings. Avoid giving your pup too many uncooked bones as this may cause constipation—one natural bone per week is recommended.
Don’t give your pup cooked bones because they can splinter and cause mortal internal damage or intestinal blockage—raw bones are required at all times.
Before introducing your dog to the raw bone—which is usually done gradually—prove it with a small portion of finely cut vegetables such as carrots and vegetables. However, when giving your dog bones, ensure it’s not big enough to prevent the dog from swallowing the whole bone.
Additionally, avoid giving your dog large marrow bones, T-bones, ‘chop’ bones, large knuckle bones, or bones sawn lengthwise, as these may cause teeth cracking in dogs. When your puppy is eating raw bones, you should always keep an eye on him.
On the other hand, you should watch closely when your puppy is eating the bones. They are often protective, especially when eating bones; therefore, you should warn children from moving near them.
Can You Give Puppies Bones To Chew?
Yes, you can give puppies bones to chew. Various raw bones such as raw chicken, lamb, turkey, and beef are soft, edible, and easy to digest. However, any bone can cause choking if swallowed without rigorous chewing. Furthermore, too hard bones can also damage your dog’s teeth.
These bones should be fine to prevent your puppy from being choked, and if you aren’t sure which bone to give them, always consult your veterinarian first.
Dogs chew on recreational bones because they are not intended to be eaten. These can include giant marrow-filled femur or hip bones from bison or cattle.
Meat, cartilage, or soft tissue can still be attached to these bones and are available at your local butcher.
Bacterial contamination is possible with raw bones and meat. But with proper handling, you can reduce these risks to your puppy. Make inquiries with your veterinarian about the safest way to handle and store raw bones.
Giving your dog these kinds of bones can be dangerous; however, following the safety guides will enhance your pups’ safety.
Precautions When Giving Puppy Bone to Chew
If you want to offer your dog a bone to eat or chew on, follow these guidelines to ensure their safety.
- Keep an eye on the chewing. Don’t let your dog alone to munch on a bone. They may bite off too much and suffocate, or they may chew too vigorously and injure themselves.
- Remove gnawed-down bones. Splintering becomes an issue if your dog eats a bone down to the fragile section. A bone that has been bitten down too tiny also creates a choking hazard.
- Give bones to a dog that has recently undergone restorative dental treatment. These dogs are prone to tooth decay and dental issues.
- Do not offer marrow-filled bones to dogs that have pancreatitis. Marrow contains a lot of fat, which might induce a flare-up or diarrhea.
- You are familiar with your dog’s eating habits. A bone can be dangerous if your dog swallows food rather than chewing it. Please don’t give a bone to a dog prone to biting it in half and consuming large chunks.
- After a meal, serve the bone. When your dog is not hungry, it is less likely to chew a bone quickly.
- Feeding your dog with big bones is not a good idea. Your dog’s size will determine this. For example, a Great Dane should not be given a small chicken bone.
- Provide your dog with bones that are longer than the length of their muzzle. As a result of this, they will be unable to swallow.
- Feeding your dog a lengthwise cut bone is not a good idea. Splinters are more likely in a cut leg bone, for example.
- Do not feed your dog pork or rib bones.
- Allow your dog to chew for a maximum of ten to fifteen minutes at a time to reduce the possibility of injury.
- When not in use, keep bones in the refrigerator. After three to four days, throw them away—lessens the possibility of contamination.
Can I Provide My 8 Week Old Puppy A Bone?
No, you can’t give your eight-week-old puppy a bone. A puppy is weaned and learning to eat dog food at the age of seven weeks. Their teeth are fragile and easily broken—allowing your puppy to chew on hard bones during this period is dangerous. The chew shouldn’t be more complex than the tooth, according to the rule of thumb.
Your puppies will chew anything they’ll find if you don’t give them safe chews. Give them inedible chews for three months old pups.
Chews that contain easily breakable pieces are not recommended. If swallowed, they can cause choking or intestinal obstruction in young puppies. So giving the puppy soft rubber toys or bones that the puppy can chew and squeak will keep it occupied and satisfy the chewing urge.
What are the Health Benefits of Giving My Dog a Bone to Chew?
Chewing is an automatic and necessary behavior in dogs. Their teeth are brushed and flossed with recreational bones. The sinewy bones help clean the teeth by breaking down tartar and reducing gum disease.
Chewing also encourages the production of saliva enzymes, which help to keep plaque at bay. Besides, dogs that chew bones are not likely to scratch or lick their paws.
Raw bones contain various minerals, such as calcium and phosphorus, essential to the digestive system—prevent bloat, inhibit anal gland issues, stimulate bowel movements and strengthen stomach muscles.
Moreover, chewing provides mental stimulation to your dogs, lessening apprehension that could cause high blood pressure and heart illness.
What Are Good Bones For Puppies?
1. Puppy Goodie Bone
Puppy goodie bones are made of tough rubber that can withstand the puppies’ sharp teeth. For your puppy entertainment, the puppy goodie bone comes with grip slots where you can place your dog treats. KONG-Puppy Goodie Bone produces all sizes you may need depending on the size of your puppy.
Pros
- It’s perfect for puppies who are still young and restless
- They are long durable, so your puppy chew on them until the appearance of adult teeth
- They are available in all sizes
- Encourages good chewing habit
- It helps in relieving sore gums and aching teeth
Cons
- They are not acceptable for aggressive pups.
- They are meant for small and not medium-sized pups.
2. Puppy Chew Toy
While purchasing your puppy chew bone toy, you’ll get three. The first one is used when your puppy’s sharp, sensitive teeth are still present, while the second is when the adult teeth have grown.
The third is packed with lamb and apple flavor—it’s edible, and your puppy will enjoy chewing it. Despite being artificial, these rubber chews taste just like any delicious meat.
Pros
- Aids in the development of a good chewing habit
- They come in a bundle of three different dog bones
- Your puppy can use the chew toy before and after teething
- Pups enjoy these chew toys as they are made in real chicken and lamb flavor
- They contain DHA Omega-3 necessary for brain and eye development
Cons
- Even for mild chewers, the pink chew toy can easily break off.
- They are not meant for large-sized puppies.
3. Pet Cuisine Dog
Pet cuisines are designed for your medium and large puppies who have already developed adult teeth. These chew sticks for puppies and adult dogs are made of premium rawhide and real high-quality chicken. Moreover, they are hand-wrapped and carefully inspected for quality assurance.
These long-lasting chews for dogs are high in protein and low in fat, making them ideal for puppies. You won’t have to bother about chemicals, preservatives, or artificial flavors because they are easy to digest. Pet cuisine is the perfect first bone you should provide when your puppy is ready for natural puppy chew treats.
Pros
- Edible and mouth-watering
- Manufacture in conjunction with premium and hand-wrapped qualities.
- Highly rich in protein, low-fat content
- Usually, come in all sizes
- It makes teeth and germs more strong
- Needs minimum or no artificial preservatives flavors and colors
Cons
- They are expensive
- Rawhide is challenging to digest.
4. Nylabone Healthy Edibles
Nylabone Healthy Edibles are usually best when your puppy prefers consumable treats over rubber chews. These Puppy Chew Treats are essential for your puppy as it is the primary source of protein. Additionally, it comes in various flavors and can be derived from turkey and sweet potato, lamb and apple, wild turkey, and a variety pack.
DHA fatty acids enhance eye growth and brain health, keeping your dog’s cognitive performance in peak condition! It is a natural therapy that does not contain any artificial preservatives, colors, or tastes. These are suitable for puppies above the age of three months.
Pros
- They are natural and edible.
- They contain DHL fatty acids, which aid in brain development
- They are designed for pups aged three months and above.
- They are delicious turkey and sweet potato flavored.
- Encourages mental stimulation.
Cons
- They are not suitable for pets with sensitive stomachs.
- The packaging may stain.
- If you have an aggressive chewer, it will not endure.
5. N-Bone Puppy Teething
Puppies have an adaptable teeth texture which makes it soothing on their teething mouths. Moreover, they help in protecting the teeth before and after their permanent teeth come in.
The N-Bone Puppy Teething Treat is made with natural ingredients and does not contain animal by-products, artificial preservatives, or colorants. It’s a treat you can give to your puppy without feeling bad about it.
If you want to give your puppy something edible, these are among the best chew treats for puppies. There is real chicken in the recipe, which makes the dog chews taste delicious and irresistible.
Pros
- Delectable chicken flavor
- Puppies of all sizes can use them.
- Ingredients that are edible and digestible
- They assist in the relief of aching teeth and gums
- They contain DHA supplemented Omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential fats.
Cons
- It’s pulpy, but it doesn’t last very long.
- Thin sticks are best for small breed puppies but not for large breed puppies.
Related Questions
1. What Bones Can You Give A Puppy?
Some of the best bones for your puppies are; ribs and flaps (never include lamb chops on their diet) and raw chicken legs and wings. Giving your dog too much raw meat can be dangerous to his health as it can lead to Constipation. One raw bone each week is usually accepted nicely. ‘Meaty’ bones are preferable.
2. What Raw Bones Are Best For Puppies?
Give your puppy soft and easy to chew meaty bones. Such bones can be from poultry products—their wings, carcasses, legs, or even ribs—sheep, kangaroo tails, pig frog legs, and brisket (rib) bones are also acceptable options. Do not feed your puppy with marrow bone as this can lead to dental problems.
3. Are Bones Bad For Puppies?
Yes, raw bones are bad for your puppy because they can cause digestive problems such as stomach flu, diarrhea, or the death of your puppy. Many dog experts recommend giving your dog an edible synthetic bone over raw or rigid bones, which are difficult to chew.
Leave a Reply