Can Dogs Eat Rib Bones?

It is not safe for dogs to consume rib bones because the shape and size of these table scraps present a choking hazard. Technically, there is nothing unsafe about a dog gnawing on a bone, so long as they don’t swallow any of it. However, your canine’s sharp teeth can easily splinter animal bones (especially cooked bones), which can cause a host of health issues (including internal damage) when swallowed.

Avoid letting your dog chew on any type of bone unless they are under constant supervision. Keep in mind that uncooked beef bones and lamb bones are preferable for dogs because they are less likely to splinter than turkey bones, pork rib bones, or chicken bones. Always consult a veterinarian before incorporating human food into your dog’s diet.

While it may seem like a safe move to “give a dog a bone,” as the saying goes, there are serious risks to doing so, including:

1. 1. Bacterial infections: Raw bones are less likely to splinter than cooked ones. However, raw pork bones and raw beef bones are more likely to leave lingering traces of bacteria, like salmonella, E. coli, or listeria, which can make your pet ill.
2. 2. Blockages: Even if a bone is larger than a dog’s throat, it can still cause problems. Both bone fragments and an entire raw rib can become stuck in a dog’s esophagus or gastrointestinal tract. Intestinal blockages will usually require surgery to fix.
3. 3. Teeth and mouth issues: Amid vigorous bone chewing, your dog’s teeth can split, causing pain and potentially leading to infection. It’s also common for rib bones to splinter into small pieces, which can pierce the sensitive skin of your dog’s mouth.
4. 4. Pancreatitis: Eating an excess of high-fat content foods can cause a host of health problems in dogs, including pancreatitis. For this reason, you may want to avoid feeding your dog rib bones, which can contain traces of animal fat.

Here’s how to feed rib bones to your dog safely:

1. 1. Select the right type of bone. If you choose to feed your dog a rib bone, only give them an uncooked bone that you have cleaned and dried thoroughly. Choose a piece that isn’t small enough to swallow or get lodged in a dog’s stomach or digestive tract.
2. 2. Monitor your pooch. Keep a close eye on your dog as they chew on a bone. If you don’t feel comfortable giving them a real bone, a chew toy or bully stick is a dog-safe option for pups wanting to gnaw on something.
3. 3. Call the vet if you notice side effects. Call your veterinarian immediately if you suspect that your dog has swallowed a fragment of bone, or if they’re showing signs of an adverse reaction—like vomiting, nausea, or lethargy—after chewing on a bone.

Certain human foods can cause adverse reactions in canines, so always consult your veterinarian to determine whether it is safe to add these foods to your pet’s diet. This article is for educational and informational purposes and is not a substitute for medical or dietary advice.

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