The question of whether or not to feed marrow bones for puppies is a perennial one. What is it about it that some dog owners like and others don’t? Is bone marrow good for dogs?
As these are frequently asked questions, we consulted a qualified veterinarian for the best answer.
Before giving your puppy a marrow bone, you should wait until he or she is 7-8 months old (or has all of their adult teeth) at the latest. Before this age, a puppy’s marrow bones are probably too large and hard to chew for it to eat.
The following is a comprehensive response with recommendations.
Everything you need to know about Marrow Bones for Puppies
Larger animals like cows produce marrow bones that contain a lot of bone marrow. Blood cells are made in the spongy tissue found within bones called bone marrow.
As a source of nutrients for human consumption, bone marrow has been shown to have a number of health advantages.
Raw or cooked, these bones are available for purchase. It’s not uncommon for them to be flavored and packaged specifically for the dog market. On the other hand, can puppies have marrow bones?
What age can you give a puppy a marrow bone?
To eat or chew bones, puppies must have their adult teeth and a more pronounced jaw before they are strong enough to do so. Keep your dog’s favorite treats and toys from the pet store in mind instead.
Adult teeth and a larger jaw may allow your dog to eat a bone when they’re older and have more room to do so. To be clear, the fact that they can doesn’t automatically imply the fact that they should.
It’s complicated because, while having bones has some advantages and is thought to have health benefits, it also has some drawbacks. Below, we’ll discuss this.
Giving puppies marrow bones may benefit their health and development, according to proponents of this practice. Included in this group are:
Dental calculus is lessened:
Interestingly enough, feeding marrow bone to healthy Beagles was found to be an effective method of removing calculus buildup. In addition, no adverse reactions to the bones were observed during the course of the investigation.
Calcium-rich food:
Puppies, especially those of large breeds, go through a lot of development. In order for their bones to grow, they need a steady supply of calcium and other nutrients.
As an enjoyable diversion:
Keeping a young dog occupied can be difficult, and we all know it. They’re always looking for something to do, just like toddlers.
It’s possible that they’ll dig up your yard or scratch at your new sofa if you don’t provide something to keep them busy. As a result, you can put your feet up and read the paper while your dog snoozes on a bone for hours.
Disadvantages of Puppies Eating Bones
In every situation, there’s always a positive and negative side. Marrow bone feeding does have some potential drawbacks. As a result, we must consider these factors before moving forwards.
Each time a puppy is given a bone, there is an undeniable risk to their health. A fractured tooth or intestinal obstruction or perforation can be caused by bone fragments, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).
Bones are a common cause of hospitalization in this author’s experience.
Fat can be found in marrow bones. Obesity isn’t a problem for growing pups because of their high caloric needs, but it can be difficult for them to digest if they become obese.
Some dogs may experience stomach discomfort or worse, a case of pancreatitis, as a result of excessive fat consumption. Slushy bowel movements are not unheard of following a bone meal.
After feeding a bone, many dog owners report that their pet’s bowel movements become constipated. Despite the fact that this is a temporary and minor side effect, some dogs may experience significant discomfort as a result.
Providing plenty of water and encouraging physical activity can help prevent constipation. Some dogs may necessitate the use of laxatives, intravenous fluids, and enemas from the vet.
It is possible that feeding a dog a bone can cause behavioral problems and even aggression. It’s possible for a puppy to develop resource guarding habits if a marrow bone is considered valuable.
When there are more than one dog in a household, there may be a fight over who gets to eat the bone. When a dog is in a crate or a room alone, it may make sense to give them a bone.
Can dogs eat raw marrow bones?
Many dog owners want to know this. This can lead to fractures and splinters in the bone after cooking.
In addition to sticking in between teeth and cutting the mouth, these sharp shards have the potential to lacerate internal organs. Raw bones are generally recommended because of this.
The dangers of eating raw bones have already been discussed. Pathogenic (disease-causing) bacteria can cause food poisoning in both dogs and humans if they are consumed.
Because the longer a bone is left out, the more dried up it is. As before, this increases the likelihood that it will break apart.
Are marrow bones safe for puppies?
If you’ve decided to give your dog a bone, make sure it’s the right size and age for your pup. At 7 or 8 months, their adult teeth usually start to erupt and it’s safe to start brushing them.
So to answer the question “are marrow bones good for puppies”, the answer is yes and no. Feeding a bone is never without risk, and you could be setting your pet up for disaster.
Cooked bones are preferable to raw marrow bones for puppies in most cases. Never leave your dog alone with a bone, even if it’s just for a few minutes. Remove the bone after they’ve finished.
Marrow substitutes for puppies
Fortunately, there are numerous safe alternatives to marrow bone for puppies on the market. Puppies require chew toys, and business owners have responded to this need by creating a wide range of options for discerning pet owners.
All of the above, as well as rawhide, bully sticks, dental sticks, chew toys, and nylon bones, are possibilities. If you’re going to let your dog chew something, you should do your research before buying it.
Don’t forget that you can also keep it simple and serve up a delicious raw carrot as a reward.
What kinds of marrow bones are available to puppies?
There are a few things to consider before feeding your dog marrow bones. Here are marrow bones good for dogs for your reference:
• Marrow bones should be given to your dog as raw – they should never be cooked. In addition to choking and internal injury, cooked marrow bones are prone to splinter and break apart, creating a variety of other dangers for your dog.
• Some puppies may have an adverse reaction to the chemicals used to dry and preserve processed bones, such as those found in pet stores.
• These types of marrow bones are prone to splinter and can have dangerous or deadly consequences for puppies and dogs, so avoid them at all costs.
• It is better to eat raw marrow bones than to eat cooked bone marrows. Cooked bone marrows are more prone to breaking than raw ones.
• Sharp edges can be found on marrow bones.
• Make sure you’re using the right kind of bone for the job. An appropriate size should fit your dog’s muzzle without being too big or too small.
Teeth can be broken by the large marrow bones, so stay away from them. Small bones, such as those found in the neck, should be avoided because your dog may swallow them whole.
• Splintering is more likely as marrow bone for your dog dries and hardens.
• Properly store and seal marrow bones to prevent the spread of bacteria.
• The marrow bone should never be left unattended by your puppy. Take your dog out of harm’s way as soon as you see it.
Marrow bone feeding guidelines for puppies
There are certain things to bear in mind while giving bones to your cute puppies. A bone should never be left unattended by your dog. In the event of a problem, you should always be present.
Only after the puppy has digested its meal can marrow bones be offered as a treat or as a main course.
Help youngsters understand that pups and canines love bones and will fight tooth and nail to defend their own food. While he’s doing that, let him have his bone all to himself.
Bacteria can be found in bones. Bacteria may injure people even if they aren’t toxic to your dog. After touching a dog’s bone, wash your hands well and keep them out of the reach of youngsters.
Discard bones after a few days if you don’t plan to cook them. They should be thrown out as soon as they begin to smell or change color.
Final Thoughts
So, are marrow bones safe for dogs? There are both advantages and disadvantages to feeding marrow bones for puppies.
While we can’t make the decision for you, we hope that you can use the information provided above to help you make an informed decision for your pet.
What do you feed your dog with? Do your dogs like eating marrow bones too? Share it with us by commenting down below!
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