Should I feed my dog raw marrow bones thawed, frozen, or cooked?

You are absolutely correct you should never give dogs cooked bones. That's because they easily splinter in the GI tract, causing perforation and obstruction. I never recommend raw bones either. I've seen too many teeth broken from dogs chewing on them, and they can cause obstruction as well. I hope this helps!

I would not recommend feeding cooked bones, and it’s best to avoid raw bones as well. Cooked bones can splinter and cause an obstruction, constipation or diarrhea. Raw bones could cause an obstruction as well and could result in food borne illness.

No, it is never recommended to allow dogs to eat cooked bones. They can splinter in the GI tract, causing perforation of the intestinal tract. They can also cause a blockage. I would not feed this to your dog.

No! Dogs should NEVER be given raw or cooked animal bones for several reasons. Raw bones run the risk of transmitting harmful bacteria, including Salmonella or Campylobacter, both to your dog and any exposed people. These bacteria can be transmitted through a dog’s stool and saliva. Bones can also pose hazards for foreign body obstruction in the esophagus, stomach, or intestines. Poultry bones are inherently filled with air and cooked bones become more brittle, both of which can splinter leading to perforation of the stomach or intestines. Bones and antlers are also quite hard and can lead to tooth fractures. Instead of offering bones, alternative products such as Nylabones, Kongs, or the dental treats approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (www.vohc.org) are safer and more effective alternatives for dogs that like to chew.

No I never give cooked chicken bones as they become hard after cooking and will splinter and can cause intestinal perforations or a blockage that can be life threatening and need emergency surgery to repair. Raw chicken necks with bones are fed by some people who feed a raw diet but I have seen problems with those also including vomiting and bloody diarrhea. Cooked chicken meat without the boxes, and chicken broth are fine to add into Eli's diet but please don't give the bones. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Eli.

Great question! I personally don't recommend giving dogs any bones, even though with bone marrow in it, because they break teeth, and can cause choking and obstructions in the GI tract. I don't feel it's safe and it's not worth the risks to the dog. If you do decide to give one to Maya, I would monitor her the entire time she is chewing on it, making sure she doesn't swallow large pieces of it whole. I hope this helps!

I would recommend the Virbac dental chews and/or the dental diet Hills T/D bites, which work phenomenally well. The T/D diet is prescription so ask your vet to give you a card if you’re interested. I have never heard of freezing bones to kill bacteria. I wouldn’t advise that since these raw hides are meant to be consumed as is, and whatever enzymes are present on the bones is meant to be there to break down soft plaque, and shouldn’t be altered. Best wishes with your pet Otis and I hope he likes his new dental chews and/or dental diet. Take care!