Can Dogs Eat Rib Bones? | Foods That Will Kill Your Adorable Dog!

The answer is not that simple. Some sources say yes, ribs are healthy dog ​​food. Others say absolutely not. As with anything given to your dog, the final decision is up to you. In any case, when a food has contraindications, it is recommended to proceed with caution. Let’s see why it’s recommended not to give ribs to the dog.

The controversy against the Ribs

The main problem is that of the potential perforation of the dog’s internal organs. This would obviously be terrible and is the main reason why some experts say never give cooked bones to dogs. A cooked pork rib may break into small sharp pieces once chewed by the dog. And it’s true that these incidents happen quite often.

An owner could give the dog bones and risk terrible consequences. Gastrointestinal problems and hemorrhagic gastroenteritis would cause your dog severe pain and are very expensive problems to fix.

In addition,  ribs can be dangerous even raw. Although the risk factor decreases if they are given raw, the dog does not digest them adequately. Also, if the dog is small in size or still a puppy, if you decide to give It ribs, you should find them a suitable size for the puppy to chew.

can dogs eat rib bones

However, a bone that is too small could be swallowed whole and cause serious problems, in the worst case the breaking of the bone during swallowing could create very dangerous sharp protrusions.

Large dogs, such as German Shepherds, Labradors, Dobermans, etc. should eat bones large enough not to be swallowed whole. Make sure the bone is longer than the length of your dog’s muzzle so that It cannot swallow it.

A bone as large as a shank is a good example of the size best suited for large dogs. Ultimately, all those who say that bones are bad, including pork ribs, are the ones who suggest that other owners buy only synthetic bones made of rubber, nylon, or rawhide – in order to eliminate any danger

The criticisms in favor of the Ribs

There are other people who claim that dogs, being descendants of wolves, have an innate need to eat raw bones and that these are healthy food for them. It’s part of their animal instinct, humans shouldn’t deprive them of that.

A raw pork rib would fall into this food category. Pet owners should understand the nature of their dog. Not only on the basis of what has been said before but also for their alimentary character. Is your dog one of those types who likes to chew a lot or one who prefers to swallow whole and immediately? If your dog is the first-case type, bones won’t be a problem.

can dogs eat rib bones

So, can dogs eat ribs?

In my opinion, the key to the matter is common sense. Consider your dog’s eating habits before experimenting with feeding It ribs.

Physically speaking, the structure of the jaw is also a factor to consider. Brachycephalic breeds such as bulldogs, boxers, shitzu and pugs, do not have a jaw structure suitable for chewing bones safely. Always avoid cooked bones which could break and become sharp.

Also, beware of misconceptions. Some believe that raw bone is a good source of nutrients for their dog. In reality, this is a false figure. The bone itself and the collagen within it are not absorbed during digestion. If your dog eats a whole pork rib It will just go through it from end to end. Bones are good food only for dental care.

Chewing helps stimulate salivation and if given to the dog 10 minutes after meals, it can help remove small particles that are stuck. This can help prevent plaque buildup and is helpful in preventing gum disease. A good, adequate rib can also help improve some small bad habits of your dog. As a source of distraction, it can help It stop constantly licking, scratching, and other nervous behaviors.

Steps to follow to give your dog ribs

If your dog brings the bone into the garden, make sure It’s not spoiling the flowers in an attempt to bury It.

After taking the bone and taking it away from your dog, check Its teeth and gums. They may look bad and even bleed. Although it could be a symptom of some dental disease, the appearance of the teeth could be due to excessive chewing. This means that perhaps It was chewing on a bone that was too long or too sharp.

Overall, as long as the ribs are added to the dog’s diet in extreme moderation, the dog should enjoy chewing them without risking harm.

Author

  • Amanda Wheatley

    Passionate about animals, Amanda draws her expertise from her training as an educator, pet behaviorist as well as her extensive experience with animal owners. A specialist in dog and cat behavior, Amanda continues to learn about our four-legged companions by studying veterinary reference books but also university research sites (UCD, Utrecht, Cambridge, Cornell, etc..) Why Trust ShelterAPet? At ShelterAPet, our collective is composed of writers, veterinarians, and seasoned animal trainers with a deep passion for pets. Our team of esteemed professionals delves into extensive research to deliver trustworthy insights on a broad spectrum of pet-related subjects. We anchor our evaluations on direct customer experiences, meticulous testing, and comprehensive scrutiny. Our commitment is to uphold transparency and integrity for our cherished community of pet aficionados and prospective pet parents.