 | Dr. Laura Morland graduated from Kansas State University in 1971 with a doctorate in veterinary medicine. Dr. Morland is very involved in her community. She has four children and two grandchildren. In her spare time she enjoys raising Yorkies, Cairns and Maltese, and being a grandma. Dr. Morland may be reached at 620-724-8054 or visit www.girardanimalhospital.com. |
Pets
1969-12-31 18:00:00
Are bones healthy for dogs?
Question: I’ve heard mixed opinions on the safety of feeding pets from the table. Are bones healthy for dogs and what would you recommend pet owners to watch for when feeding pets “table food?”
Answer: Feeding pets from the table is not recommended by most veterinarians. Good quality dry food is far superior as a diet for most pets. It teaches dogs bad habits to feed them while you are eating and spoils them so they don’t want to eat their proper food. If you insist on feeding “table food” then give the dog or cat a variety of food which includes vegetables, fruits and a small amount of meat. Don’t feed fatty leftovers to your pet as pancreatitis is common problem. There is a long list of foods that if fed can result in severe consequences for your pet. This list includes avocadoes, onions in all forms, grapes and raisins, nuts, raw fish, yeast dough, salty foods, raw potatoes, chocolate, candy or gum with xylitol and caffeine or other medicines.
Chewing bones can provide health benefits for your dog. They keep the teeth clean and keep the dog occupied. However there are a number of serious hazards you should avoid, these include avoiding bones that will splinter such as cooked poultry, rib, pork chop and steak bones. You should select bones which are softer than your dog’s teeth such as knuckle bones. Hard bones can fracture teeth or become lodged in the intestine. Trim bones closely of all fat as it can cause intestinal upsets. A good suggestion for keeping a pet busy is to only allow them to chew on a bone under supervision for 20-30 minutes at a time. Store the bone in the freezer in between chewing sessions. Fortunately, there are many available commercial chew treats and artificial bones that are much safer for your pet and along with a balanced diet will ensure a long healthy life.
