Introduction
When you think of a dog, you might picture them happily chewing on a bone. But the truth is, giving bones to dogs, especially puppies, is a controversial topic. Before considering the appropriate age to give your puppy a bone, it’s crucial to determine whether it’s a safe practice. While I personally chose not to give bones to my dogs, let’s explore both sides of the argument.
What Age Can I Give My Puppy a Bone?
Some people claim that you can start feeding your puppy raw bones from the age of 12 weeks. However, it’s essential to acknowledge the risks associated with feeding bones to puppies. The RSPCA animal charity advises checking with your vet before offering your puppy a bone. They caution against giving raw bones to puppies with misshapen jaws, as they may struggle to chew them safely.
Benefits of Giving Bones to Puppies
1. Nutritional value
Bones provide calcium, which helps puppies develop strong and healthy bones. The bone marrow contained in bones is rich in iron, proteins, fats, and antioxidants, supporting overall canine health. Some owners even report shinier coats and improved skeletal development in their dogs after introducing bones into their diets.
2. Combatting boredom
Dogs love to chew, and sometimes they resort to destructive behaviors like chewing on furniture. Offering a tasty bone can redirect their chewing urges and provide them with a stimulating pastime. Chewing bones is an enjoyable activity for both dogs and puppies.
3. Dental hygiene
As dogs grow older, tartar can accumulate on their teeth, leading to dental problems. By chewing on bones or chew toys, puppies can scrape off tartar and help maintain cleaner and healthier teeth. Preventing tartar buildup is crucial for their overall oral health.
4. Soothing teething gums
Growing new teeth can be uncomfortable for puppies. Chewing on bones can massage their sore gums and provide relief. While softer rubber chew toys are gentler on sensitive gums, some owners still opt for bones to alleviate teething discomfort.
Types of Bones Suitable for Puppies
When choosing bones for your puppy, opt for ones that have round edges and are at least the size of their head. Lamb and beef bones are popular choices due to their suitable size and shape. Local butchers often have fresh raw bones available. However, avoid certain types of bones:
- Cooked bones: Cooked bones become brittle and pose a breaking hazard, potentially leading to splinter ingestion.
- Whole chicken bones: Chicken bones are small, hollow, and fragile, making them dangerous if fed to puppies whole.
- Small bones: Choose larger, rounded bones to prevent choking hazards.
- Frozen bones: Frozen bones can negatively impact oral health. If using bones, ensure they are fresh and fully thawed before giving them to your puppy.
Dangers of Giving Bones to Puppies
While some embrace the idea of giving puppies bones, there are risks that shouldn’t be ignored.
1. Cracked teeth
Bones are incredibly tough, and even the strongest chewers can struggle to break them. Puppies may overexert themselves while trying, potentially resulting in broken or cracked teeth. Vets frequently encounter dental issues in dogs and puppies who have been given bones to chew.
2. Swallowing bone fragments
Swallowing bone fragments can be hazardous to your puppy’s digestive tract. Bones are indigestible and may cause obstructions or choking. Vets have had to operate on puppies with bones stuck in their systems, highlighting the serious health risks involved.
Safer Alternatives to Bones for Puppies
Considering the risks associated with bone chewing, you might be wondering about safer alternatives for your puppy.
1. Rubber chew toys
Rubber chew toys, such as the popular Kong toy, are optimal alternatives to bones. These non-toxic toys are softer on your puppy’s gums and provide hours of entertainment. Some chew toys even double as treat-dispensing toys, adding an extra fun element to playtime.
2. Ground bones and cartilage for nutritional benefits
If you desire the nutritional benefits of bones and bone marrow minus the choking hazard, consider grinding them up and sprinkling the mixture on your puppy’s meals. Cartilage, which contains glucosamine, is also beneficial for joint health, keeping your puppy’s joints supple and mobile as they grow older.
Conclusion
The decision to feed bones to puppies is a personal one, and it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons carefully. In my opinion, the risks associated with bones outweigh the benefits, especially since there are alternative ways to fulfill their nutritional and chewing needs. Ultimately, consult your vet to determine the appropriate age and make an informed decision.
