Most people in this part of the world grew up with the mindset that dogs love bone and it’s their best meal. Pet owners hence have developed feeding bones as a form of a treat for their dogs while some others give it because they believe it is nutritious and rich in minerals. 

The simple truth about dogs and eating bones is nothing but a myth we all grew up with. Dogs are carnivorous animals meaning they feed on flesh and not bones. Dogs are greedy eaters except for a few, and when you give a bone, they will jump at it, scrape all the left-over meat, crack the bones and swallow. Many dogs do this because they are hungry and they will take anything that appears like food while some others simply just play and toy with the bone.

When dogs eat bones, they do not chew but only swallow the small pieces. As these bone fragments travel from the mouth through the stomach and intestines, they cause small wounds/lacerations which often result in Gastro-enteritis (Inflammation of the stomach and intestines).  Common signs like loss of appetite, vomiting, and bloody diarrhoea usually follows. If you notice any of these signs, you should visit your Veterinarian immediately.

Are there nutritional benefits of feeding bones? The answer is yes. However, there are more risks associated with feeding bones than the benefits. Therefore, it is not healthy to feed your dog bones.