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Dogs have been gnawing on rib bones for millions of years.
So, in that context, you shouldn’t feel bad about sharing. Many owners feed ribs without incident.
That’s not to say that unfortunate things do not occur. They do!
What is absolutely certain is this:
Feeding your dog raw ribs will reduce a risk of injury.
It’s a good policy to be cautious whenever bones are attached to whatever meat you have on hand.
Only Feed Your Dog Raw Rib Bones
Careful if they are cooked because of a real possibility of splintering.
While lots of dogs can handle ribs, many vets actually discourage all bones.
Instead they often recommend synthetics made from rubber, rawhide or nylon. Whether those would satisfy your dog, and their natural urge to chew, remains to be seen!
As for rib meat, it can always be prepared and served up completely boneless. Do that and you won’t have to worry at all!
An Argument For Ribs
According to the BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food) diet, dogs can consume raw beef bones. The meat from delicious ribs is exactly what canines need to thrive.
Bones in general offer several health benefits.
For one, they will help to maintain your dog’s gums and teeth. This, in turn, reduces the possibility of dental diseases.
Chewing on meaty ribs also keeps the jaw muscles strong.
Last but not least, ribs will tend to satisfy your dog’s carnal instincts.
But these benefits must be weighed against the dangers.
The Argument Against
Store-bought rib bones, and especially when cooked, can certainly be dangerous for dogs.
Basically, they could splinter and lodge in the throat. This goes for poultry, pork chops and fish bones.
And internal tearing of the digestive tract is possible. It’s not unheard of.
If your dog chews off a chunk of rib bone, in the wrong way, they could require surgery.
Raw Reduces Rib Risks
So now you know that cooked ribs splinter more easily than raw, and this presents a serious hazard to your dog’s throat and insides.
Use this knowledge!
Prevent a potential blockage in the digestive tract, or even internal damage, by only providing your dog with raw ribs or bones.
A Few Additional Tips
Marrow bones should also be avoided because they tend to be thick and very high in fat. Vigorous chewers could break their teeth.
As best you can, make sure the ribs are appropriate for your dog.
For example: Bones must be large enough so your furbaby cannot possibly swallow them whole.
The Bottom Line
Gnawing on cooked rib bones may expose your dog to a serious health hazard.
Serve them raw due to a chance of splintering. And be sure to watch your dog whenever they chew any type of bone.
While it is natural for dogs to have ribs, and there are benefits, you have control the process and be on the lookout for mishaps.
What are the benefits of my dog biting on ribs?