Chicken Bones for Dogs: Yes or No? Everything you need to know!

On many occasions, we have chosen to buy chicken bones for our furry friends and we think we are sure that it is a suitable food for them, but is it really? Where do we get that information and why do we replicate it without consulting a professional?

On this occasion, Waggy's collected all the information necessary to deny or affirm this situation. Stay reading and discover if chicken bones represent a danger to our pet or not, at what age they can eat them, the types of bones they can ingest and some tips for giving them. Let's get to them!

Can I give my dog ​​chicken bones without risk?

Actually, you can, however, it is important to establish that the dentition and the digestive system of a carnivore (dog) are not the same as that of an omnivore (human), so their body is not prepared to assimilate certain ingredients with the same efficiency. or food. In addition, bones have an added danger for dogs: they can cause perforations of the digestive system, choking and intestinal obstructions.

At what age can dogs eat chicken bones?

Waggy's recommends asking this question to your favorite veterinarian. He will know how to guide you and give you more accurate care because he knows your pet, its medical history and also its diet. However, it is generally recommended to wait until puppies are at least 6 to 9 months old before introducing raw bones into their diet.

If you are thinking about taking your puppy for a consultation, you have to be prepared to know how to deal with stress and anxiety in dogs , since this state is often triggered by the nerves that being in a doctor's office generates. Try giving puppy treats with CBD for dogs from the Waggy's brand, they also contain Omega 3 for dogs , a necessary and essential component for the development of our pet, as you will see they are ideal for calming your rabid dog .

Types of Chicken Bones Safe for Dogs

If you decide to give your dog chicken bones, it is important to consider the following types of bones:

Raw and large bones

Some people argue that raw, large bones, such as chicken necks or whole wings, are safer than cooked bones. They are said to be easier to shred and less likely to splinter. However, there is still a risk of fragmentation or obstruction of the digestive tract.

Fleshy and uncooked bones

Bones with meat attached may be less prone to splintering than dried, cooked bones. The surrounding flesh can act as a protective barrier and therefore reduce the risk of splintering.

Tips for giving chicken bones to your dog

Raw bones yes, cooked no

Cooked bones tend to splinter more easily, which can pose a danger to your dog's health. Raw bones are more flexible and less likely to break into sharp splinters.

Pieces suitable for your size

Make sure you give bones that are proportional to your dog's size. Bones that are too small can pose a choking hazard, while bones that are too large can be difficult to handle and digest.

Better meaty bones

Bones with meat attached are preferable, as the meat can provide an additional protective layer and make the bone safer to consume.

Always under supervision

Never leave your dog alone while he is chewing on a bone. Monitor its behavior and be sure to remove the bone if it begins to splinter or fragment.

Soft, flexible and easy to crush

Before giving it to your dog, make sure the bone is soft, flexible, and easy to crush. If you notice that the bone becomes brittle or appears to splinter, remove it immediately.

Previously frozen or semi frozen

Freezing or semi-freezing raw bones before giving them to dogs can not only make them safer to chew, but can also help maintain hygiene and reduce the risk of transmitting bacteria.

What should you avoid when giving chicken bones to your dog?

• Avoid giving cooked bones, we already explained why above.
• Avoid bones that are very small or that you consider may pose a choking risk.
• Avoid making chicken bones your main meal. Consider them more of a treat, don't make them part of their daily diet.
• Avoid giving hard load-bearing bones, such as the long bones of the legs, as they are denser and can splinter more easily.
• If your dog has dental, digestive or general health problems, it is advisable to avoid giving him bones, as they could worsen these conditions. Examples of consequences due to digestive problems would be gas in dogs and diarrhea in dogs.

Benefits of giving bones to dogs

Remember that it is not a 100% correct decision to give chicken bones to your pet, however, some of the benefits if you decide to do so may be the following:

Entertainment and mental stimulation

Bones can provide entertainment and mental stimulation for dogs. Chewing on a bone can be a pleasurable and calming activity for them, helping them release energy and reduce boredom.

dental improvement

Chewing raw bones can help clean dogs' teeth and strengthen their gums. By biting and chewing, they can remove tartar and plaque, thus maintaining good oral health.

Nutrient source

Raw bones contain nutrients such as calcium, phosphorus and other essential minerals that can benefit dogs' bone and joint health.

Promotion of the natural hunting instinct

Chewing bones can satisfy dogs' natural hunting and chewing instincts, offering them a more natural and satisfying experience.

Strengthening the bond between the dog and its owner

By offering your dog a bone to chew in a controlled and safe manner, the bond between owner and pet can be strengthened, while teaching the pet to follow directions and limits.

Conclusion

We want to end this blog by emphasizing that giving bones to your pet will be a personal decision. As we have mentioned, experts are divided as to whether it is necessary or good to give this type of food to our pet or not. It is essential to remember that not all dogs react to bones in the same way and that there are associated risks. The bones must be given in a very controlled manner and always under supervision. Additionally, some dogs may have digestive problems or adverse reactions to bones, so it is essential to watch for any signs of discomfort and stop their access to bones if necessary. It is always recommended to consult a veterinarian before introducing bones into your dog's diet to ensure safety for the individual pet.