Bone marrow is a treat that some dogs enjoy. The question remains, however, if raw marrow bones for dogs are a good addition to their diet? And there are a lot of things to consider.
Yes, marrow bones are high in iron and natural antioxidants, as well as vitamin B12. But some dogs may not digest it as well as others because every dog’s digestive system is different. But let’s dive in deeper.
Do you have a specific question about the benefits of raw marrow bones for dogs? Then use the table of contents below to jump to the most relevant section. And you can always go back by clicking on the black arrow in the right bottom corner of the page. Also, please note that some of the links in this article may be affiliate links. For more details, check the Disclosure section at the bottom of the page.
Here's what we'll cover:
Can dogs eat bone marrow?
Giving your dog a marrow bone has one solid benefit: dental care. It cleans any buildup on your dog’s teeth, guaranteeing healthy gums.
Other than this, giving your canine companion bone marrow might not be a good idea. There are a variety of causes behind this. To begin with, chewing or gnawing on hard objects might be detrimental to their teeth in the long term because it wears down the enamel.
When your pup tries to extract additional marrow from the bone, your dog’s jaw can become caught in the bone. Once trapped, it can only be removed using professional equipment. In addition, your dog may be given an anesthetic, which is extremely damaging to the pet’s overall health.
And, because dogs enjoy chewing on hard objects when they are offered their favorite food (raw marrow bones), they may become overly enthusiastic, chewing hard on the bone and breaking it into small pieces. Chances are they will swallow these small bits by accident, putting you in an emergency because a splinter of a bone trapped in your dog’s digestive system can be fatal.
Are marrow bones good for dogs?
The answer is both yes and no, depending on your dog’s health, breed, and age.
If your dog is in good shape, it should be able to digest all the nutrients in the bone marrow. Just make sure your pet can’t choke on the bone.
Can dogs eat raw marrow bones?
When it comes to the nutritional content of raw marrow bones, all raw bones, including marrow, are considered healthy for your dog’s health as long as they are fed under the supervision of their owner.
Raw marrow bone provides your dog with various health benefits (in the form of key natural ingredients such as iron, vitamins, and minerals).
Nonetheless, ensure you don’t let your dog chew the raw marrow bone for more than twenty minutes since it can risk their dental health. Because the bone becomes extremely hard and brittle, and your dog can end up having its teeth broken into many pieces.
Are frozen marrow bones safe for dogs?
No veterinarian will recommend allowing your dog to munch on frozen marrow bones. Frozen marrow bones tend to become hard and brittle, which could cause your pet’s teeth to fracture, resulting in a costly dental bill.
Also, from a hygienic standpoint, it is not beneficial for your dog’s health. Old bones are more susceptible to bacteria that might cause infection.
Is cooked bone marrow good for dogs?
No, cooked or roasted marrow bones for dogs can prove fatal. They are detrimental to your pet’s health because the cooking process tends to dehydrate the bones, making them extremely hard. As a result, they can easily get broken during the munching process.
And suppose, against all odds, your dog swallows the splintered bone accidentally. In that case, it may damage any of his internal organs, making him prone to intestinal ailments. So, cooked bones for dogs is something you must not opt for, in any case.
How many marrow bones can a dog have
Your dog undoubtedly enjoys chewing on bones, particularly marrow bones, but as the saying goes, too much of anything is bad. So, bearing that in mind, give your dog marrow bones in a size that corresponds to his or her size.
As far as the number of servings is concerned, give small marrow bones to smaller dogs (preferably six or seven inches) once a week and two large bones to your large dog twice a week. However, to be on the safe side, getting approval before your trusted vet is highly recommended.
Conclusion: marrow bones and dogs
To summarise, marrow bones are high in fat and calories, with a moderate quantity of protein and vitamin B12. So, giving your dog a moderate amount of marrow bones is a smart habit for you as a dog owner. But avoid giving your dog large bones since they may break their teeth or even smaller bones because they may choke on them.
In any case, the best strategy is to keep a close eye on them while they savour their favourite treat.
Thanks for the blog graphics: Canva.com
Thanks for the blog graphics: Canva.com
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