Can You Feed a Dog Beef Bones?
Dogs need a good diet to be happy and healthy. Some bones, like chicken bones, are bad for dogs because they might splinter. Beef bones, when used correctly, can be a supplement to your dog's diet and can be a treat as well.
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Identification
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Before giving your dog a bone, make absolutely sure that it is right for him. The beef bone should be a big bone, at least as thick as three of your fingers. Anything smaller might splinter and choke your dog. There should be no splitting ends and no shards on the bone. Also, the bone should not have been cooked. Once a bone is cooked, it will be prone to splintering.
Function
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A dog can chew on the beef bone for several reasons. First, it will give him enjoyment and keep him occupied. Second, it will help to clean his teeth of tartar. Third, it can provide him with a bit of protein. Therefore, the beef bone functions as a dessert or treat for your dog.
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Potential
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Some dogs will chew on the beef bone for a while and then hide it or abandon it. Other dogs will chew the leftover meat off the bone, and then attempt to eat the bone itself. Still others will keep the bone without chewing it and might guard it carefully from other dogs or even humans. The only potential behavior you need to worry about is if your dog attempts to eat the bone. Some dogs with strong teeth might cause the bone to splinter and begin to consume it. If this happens, take away the pieces of the bone.
Warning
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A dog that ingests pieces of beef bone might have problems with his digestion. The bone might cause him to become constipated, or he might hurt himself as he passes the bone through his system. Lastly, bone splinters from beef bones can become stuck in a dog's throat and stomach just as other bones can. Therefore, only allow your dog to have the bone up until the point where he begins to break the bone apart and eat the pieces.
Prevention/Solution
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Dogs can get the same entertainment and enjoyment out of chewing on ready-made dog treats you can buy in the store. Rawhides and other types of treats are made for dogs to chew, and most are made for dogs to eat. Giving your dogs these instead of beef bones will help you make sure your dog is healthy and happy.
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