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Everyone has heard the phrase “give a dog a bone,” but you might want to think about other treats besides dog bones.
Bones can be a good source of minerals and other nutrients and help satisfy your dog’s appetite. Chewing stimulates saliva enzymes and helps prevent plaque buildup on teeth and gum disease. And a dog chewing on a bone is less inclined to excessively scratch or lick their paws.
However, chewing bones can pose potential dangers to dogs. If you’re considering giving your dog a bone, consider whether it’s the right treat for your pet.
Beef rib bones can make tempting treats for our canine companions. As dog owners, we want to provide our pets with things that make them happy. However, beef rib bones bought from the pet store may not always be the healthiest option. This article will explore the risks and benefits of giving store-bought beef ribs to dogs.
An Overview of Beef Rib Bones
Beef ribs are cut from the rib section of a cow. They consist of long, curved bones surrounded by meat. Typical beef rib bones sold for dogs include back ribs, short ribs and bone-in ribeye steaks. Pet stores often stock beef ribs because dogs find them highly appealing. The smell of beef and the texture of gnawing on a meaty bone is irresistible.
When still attached to the slab of ribs, beef bones are too large for a dog to consume. Pet stores usually cut ribs into more manageable portions for dogs. Common sizes include 3-5 inch sections. The bones are sometimes smoked or seasoned. Packaging often features bright colors and mouth-watering photos to catch the shopper’s eye.
Potential Benefits of Beef Rib Bones for Dogs
There are some advantages associated with giving your dog store-bought beef ribs in moderation:
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Dental health Gnawing cleans teeth and provides an abrasive action to reduce plaque and tartar The bone marrow also delivers calcium to strengthen tooth enamel
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Mental stimulation: Working at a tasty bone keeps dogs engaged and satisfies their natural urge to chew. This is especially beneficial for energetic, intelligent breeds.
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Nutrition: Bones contain protein, vitamins, and minerals. The marrow provides healthy fats, omega fatty acids, glucosamine, and chondroitin. These support skin, coat, joint, brain, and heart health.
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Weight management: Busy chewing burns calories and the high protein content provides a feeling of fullness. This may help manage obesity.
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Bonding: Sharing a special treat and watching your dog enjoy it can strengthen the human-canine bond.
Potential Risks of Beef Rib Bones from Pet Stores
However, there are also some significant risks to consider when feeding pet store beef ribs:
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Fractured teeth: Bones that are too hard can fracture teeth, leading to expensive dentistry work. This is a particular risk for older dogs.
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GI obstruction/perforation: Bone shards can splinter and pierce or block the esophagus, stomach, or intestines. This requires emergency surgery.
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Choking: Bones getting stuck in the throat is frightening and life-threatening if immediate action isn’t taken.
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Bacterial contamination: Raw bones may harbor Salmonella, E. coli, and other harmful bacteria. This causes vomiting, diarrhea, and other symptoms.
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High fat content: Too much marrow fat can trigger pancreatitis which is extremely painful and potentially fatal.
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Allergies or intolerance: Some dogs don’t tolerate beef well. It can cause itching, upset stomach, or other reactions.
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Too many additives: Bones with dyes, preservatives, smoke flavoring, and heavy seasoning boost appeal but may cause nausea or allergies.
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Inconsistent safety: It’s impossible to predict whether a bone will splinter. Even if a brand seems safe, quality control varies between batches.
Are Store-Bought Beef Rib Bones Ever Acceptable For Dogs?
Some veterinarians take a zero-tolerance approach and recommend avoiding any kind of bone for dogs, including those sold in pet stores. However, most agree that beef rib bones are less risky IF you follow these strict precautions:
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Source bones from a reputable pet store with transparent safety standards, not a discount or grocery store. Ask questions on their quality control process.
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Select raw, not cooked. Raw bones are more flexible. Cooking dries out the bone, making it more likely to shatter.
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Choose bones without sharp edges or small bone fragments. Rounded edges are safer.
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Opt for bones too large to be swallowed whole. Longer bones encourage chewing, not gulping.
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Supervise very closely to avoid choking hazards and take away when the bone is about 2/3 gone.
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Feed larger dogs big beef bones appropriate for their size. Smaller dogs can tackle lamb ribs more safely.
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Avoid bones for senior dogs or those with dental disease or digestion issues.
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Introduce new bones carefully in case of allergies.
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Wash hands and bowls thoroughly to prevent bacteria spreading.
Even with precautions, any bone may cause obstructions or dental damage. You know your dog best, so use your judgment on what they can handle. Many dog owners choose safer chew alternatives to avoid bone-related risks.
Healthier Alternatives to Beef Rib Bones
There are options that provide chewing satisfaction without the same degree of danger as bones. Here are some to consider:
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Nylon or rubber chew toys – Look for aggressive chewers versions that are more durable.
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Frozen chews – Try freezing carrots, apple slices, banana, or peanut butter inside a Kong.
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Chewy dental treats – Some options are formulated to fight tartar and freshen breath.
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Hooves – Specifically pig hooves for small dogs or cattle hooves for large breeds. Avoid brittle ones that can fracture teeth.
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Antlers – Naturally shed deer, elk or moose antlers appeal to strong chewers. opt for whole antlers, not splits.
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Bully sticks – These dried bull penises offer long-lasting chewing and are digestible. Select single-ingredient over flavored.
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Himalayan chews – Formed from yak and cow milk, these hard cheese-like chews soften as the dog works on them.
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Chomper ropes – Braided cotton ropes provide a gentle flossing action. Pick a size suited to your dog.
Dog owners want the best for their pets, so it’s understandable to consider a tasty beef rib bone. However, the risks likely outweigh the benefits of pet store bones. With so many chewing alternatives available, you can avoid the dangers of bones yet still keep your dog’s teeth healthy and their brain engaged. Your furry friend gets to chew to their heart’s content, and you’ll have peace of mind knowing they’re safe. That sounds like a winning solution!
Fragments Can Be Choking Hazards
When your dog gnaws on a bone, they might chew it down into small pieces. Those fragments are a major choking hazard. Bone fragments can easily get lodged in your dog’s throat, blocking the airways and creating an emergency situation.
Also, these chunks are typically very sharp. They can puncture and cut the inside of your dog’s mouth, tongue, stomach, and intestines. Bone pieces, especially rib bones, can also get stuck in the descending colon near the rectum and cause pain and symptoms similar to constipation. If this occurs, bring your dog to the veterinarian or emergency clinic for treatment.
What to Do When Giving Your Dog a Bone
Some veterinarians suggest raw meat bones for dogs. But raw meat bones may carry bacteria like salmonella. And bones that are too hard, even raw bones, could damage your dog’s teeth. You should know that if a bone is harder than a tooth, the tooth could break, and your dog would need an expensive dental exam and treatment. So ask your vet if it’s okay to give your dog a raw meat bone before you do.
Are rib bones from the pet store safe for dogs?
FAQ
Are store-bought beef rib bones safe for dogs?
Are rib bones from Petsmart safe for dogs?
Can dogs swallow bones from the pet store?
What store-bought bones are safe for dogs?
Can dogs eat beef rib bones?
Yes, dogs can eat beef rib bones, but only raw bones, not cooked ones. Beef rib bones can be a tasty treat for dogs, but it’s important to know the risks involved. Raw bones provide important nutrients and can help keep your dog’s teeth clean. However, cooked bones can splinter and cause injuries to your dog’s mouth, throat, or digestive system.
Can dogs eat raw meat bones?
A bone and its marrow can cause diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome. Bones could also further irritate already sensitive stomachs. Some veterinarians suggest raw meat bones for dogs. But raw meat bones may carry bacteria like salmonella. And bones that are too hard, even raw bones, could damage your dog’s teeth.
Can dogs eat ribs?
Because of the chances of choking, digestion problems, and sharp bones in the gastrointestinal tract, veterinarians like Renee Schmid, DVM, DABVT, DABT, a veterinarian toxicologist who works with Pet Poison Helpline, have begun shying away from recommending that dogs chew on animal bones. Here’s why. Are Ribs Safe for Dogs?
Can dogs eat baby back ribs?
You may want your baby back (baby back, baby back) ribs, as the Chili’s commercial jingle went a few years ago, but is it cool to give beef or pork rib bones to dogs as a treat once in a while? While there’s anything inherently toxic to dogs about cooked pork or beef rib meat, bones are a more complicated issue.