Cooked bones are extremely dangerous and should never be given to dogs. Raw meaty bones may be safer under strict supervision but still carry choking and blockage risks. Only give large raw bones occasionally, always supervise chewing, and limit sessions to 10-15 minutes. If your dog has any digestive sensitivity, avoid bones entirely.
Why Bones Need Caution
Cooked bones become brittle and splinter easily, causing serious injuries. Bone fragments can lodge in the mouth, throat, or digestive tract, causing life-threatening blockages requiring surgery. Splintered bones can also perforate the intestines, leading to peritonitis—a potentially fatal bacterial infection.
Raw meaty bones are less likely to splinter than cooked bones, but risks remain. Large marrow bones and knuckle bones are structurally stronger and less prone to breaking, but smaller weight-bearing bones (like chicken or turkey bones) splinter readily even when raw. Dogs can also break teeth on bones, leading to painful dental disease and infection.
How Much Can Dogs Eat?
Bones should be treated as occasional enrichment, not regular food.
- Small dogs (under 10 kg): Avoid bones entirely due to choking risk
- Medium dogs (10-25 kg): One large raw meaty bone, maximum once weekly, supervised for 10-15 minutes
- Large dogs (over 25 kg): One large raw meaty bone, maximum twice weekly, supervised for 10-15 minutes
Even for large dogs, bones should not be a diet staple.
How to Serve Bones Safely
If you choose to offer raw meaty bones:
- Select large, raw meaty bones from reputable sources (never cooked bones)
- Choose structurally sound bones like lamb knuckles or beef marrow bones
- Ensure the bone is larger than your dog's mouth—they should not be able to swallow it
- Supervise chewing at all times
- Limit chewing to 10-15 minutes, then remove the bone
- Do not allow overnight access
- Store raw bones in the freezer and thaw before serving
Freeze raw meaty bones for longer-lasting enrichment and reduced bacterial growth.
Never give cooked bones of any kind—from roast dinners, restaurants, or prepared meals. Cooking makes bones dangerous.
Avoid small weight-bearing bones, poultry bones, fish bones, and any pre-packaged "bone treats" that have been processed or boiled.
If your dog shows signs of blockage (vomiting, constipation, lethargy, abdominal pain), contact your vet or call the Animal Poisonline on 01202 509000 immediately.
Size and Breed Considerations
Small and toy breeds should not receive bones due to the choking and blockage risk relative to their body size. Dogs with a history of bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus), bowel obstructions, or inflammatory bowel disease must avoid bones entirely. Dogs with poor dental health or aggressive chewers may break teeth on bones; these dogs need careful monitoring or should avoid bones. Senior dogs with compromised digestion should not have bones.
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