Why Most Vets Don’t Recommend Feeding Bones to Dogs Anymore
There’s a reason that iconic image of a dog gnawing on a big meaty bone has hung around in pop-culture for generations - it looks natural and satisfying. But when we look at the science and veterinary experience, the picture is a lot less rosy. These days, the majority of vets don’t recommend feeding bones to dogs, and here’s why.
🦴 Bones: The Good Stuff (and What They Could Do)
Bones - especially raw meaty ones - do have some potential benefits that have made them popular over the years:
They contain nutrients like calcium and phosphorus, important for bone health.
Chewing can offer mental stimulation and satisfy natural chew instincts.
Some people believe they help clean teeth by scraping tartar off the tops of teeth.
But here’s the rub: while these benefits sound good, the real-world effects are limited - and often outweighed by significant risks.
⚠️ The Risks That Make Vets Nervous
1. Broken or Fractured Teeth
Bones - especially hard ones - are harder than dog teeth. When dogs gnaw away with all their might, it can easily lead to cracked or fractured teeth, which are painful and often require costly dental surgery. Dental fractures and trauma are common issues in dogs presented to vets, often with hard chews and bones implicated as a cause.
2. Choking and Dangerous Obstructions
Bone fragments - particularly from cooked bones - can splinter unpredictably. These sharp pieces can lodge in the throat, oesophagus, stomach or intestines, potentially creating life-threatening blockages that require emergency surgery. This is far more common than you might think!
3. Gastrointestinal Damage
Bones can cause perforations in the stomach or intestinal wall - a catastrophic injury that can lead to peritonitis (a severe abdominal infection) and even death.
4. Bacterial Contamination
Raw bones can carry bacteria like salmonella, E. coli and campylobacter, which can infect both your dog and people in your household - especially children, the elderly, or immunocompromised individuals.
5. High Fat Content and Pancreatitis
Many marrow bones are high in fat, and that can trigger pancreatitis - a painful and potentially serious inflammation of the pancreas. Vets often see dogs hospitalised for this condition after high-fat meals or treats.
🧠 So Why Did People Feed Bones in the First Place?
Part of the reason is tradition - dogs used to eat whole prey and bones in the wild. But modern domesticated dogs have very different diets, anatomies, and lifespans compared to their ancestors. Domestic dogs have adapted to commercial diets that provide balanced nutrition, and dental needs are better met with regular tooth brushing or safe dental products than with hard bones.
Even when bones are raw (which is safer than cooked), they are not risk-free. Many vets feel that the danger of fractures, blockage, infection and costly surgery outweighs the modest benefits.
🐶 So What Can You Give Your Dog Instead?
Most vets today recommend safer alternatives that still satisfy chewing instincts and support dental health, including:
✅ Veterinary-approved dental chews (look for a VOHC seal of approval)
✅ Durable rubber or nylon chew toys
✅ Some dogs love crunchy vegetables like carrots!
✅ Daily or regular tooth brushing
✅ Special dental diets designed to help reduce tartar buildup
These alternatives help keep your dog happy and their mouth healthy - without the same degree of risk you get with bones.
🐾 In Summary
Bones may look natural and harmless, but the reality is that they can cause:
✔ Broken teeth and painful dental injuries
✔ Choking and intestinal obstruction
✔ Digestive perforations
✔ Severe infections and bacterial risk
✔ Dangerous pancreatitis from excess fat
Because of these well-documented risks, most veterinarians today don’t recommend feeding bones to dogs - especially cooked ones - and favour safer, vet-approved options for dental and behavioural enrichment.