Can Dogs Eat Lamb Bones?
Dogs have a long association with bones, which is not hard to fathom. The bone may contain bits of meat the canine will gladly munch before going for the juicy and fatty marrow. Next, it uses the bone as a chew toy, gradually chewing on it until nothing is left. Some sneaky dogs may bury the bone for the future; pretty impressive, you may agree.
Can dogs eat lamb bones? This query is a no-brainer for many people due to dogs’ strong relationship with bones. Yes, dogs can eat lamb bones, but there is much to know before tossing the bones to your dogs.
Hang on as we open another dimension on the lamb bones and dogs discussion.
Health Benefits of Lamb Bones
Lamb’s bones are rich in several nutrients that your dog needs. Let us briefly look at these nutrients.
- Proteins – Your dog needs this nutrient to build its body mass and heal injured and worn tissues.
- Fats – The bone marrow is rich in fats, which your furry friend may need for insulation, especially if you live in cold areas. Fats are an excellent source of energy.
- Vitamins – Lamb bones are a decent source of B vitamins, which are crucial for your dog’s health. Additionally, these vitamins promote cellular metabolism and brain function.
- Minerals – The bones have plenty of phosphorus and calcium, which dogs need for bone and teeth formation and maintaining their state. Other minerals in lamb bones are zinc, potassium, iron, copper, and magnesium, which are necessary for various physiological processes.
Related: Why Do Dogs Like Bones?
How to Feed Lamb Bones to Dogs
Most people believe that feeding dogs is as easy as tossing the bones to them. Yet, this is not the right way as you put your dog at risk of many hazards.
First, you should ensure the bone doesn’t fit into the dog’s mouth. The logic is that smaller bones can fit easily into their mouth and choke them. It is a situation that you do not want to encounter.
Larger bones suitable for dogs are tailbones, ribs, and flaps. Chops are very small, so your canine can munch them in one bite and try swallowing them.
The other thing to remember is always to feed your dogs raw lamb bones. When cooked, bones lose their spongy profile and become brittle. When your dog bites such a bone, it easily breaks and may have sharp edges that can pierce the tongue and the throat or puncture the intestines.
Besides, when raw, the bone marrow is intact. When cooked, it may melt and lose its fattiness, which dogs enjoy.
Serve your dog on a clean surface. Tossing the bones to them exposes them to pathogens. Put the food in their bowl, which makes cleaning after them hassle-free.
Bone Broth for Dogs
You can prepare broth from the bones by boiling them. The broth is very nutritious but comes at the cost of the bone’s sponginess. Dogs love bone broth, and you may add it to their dog food.
Crushed Lamb Bones for Dogs
Crushing bones makes them easy to eat. Grind raw bones in a meat grinder until you get a fine powder. This bone meal is an excellent source of calcium and phosphorous. Ensure the powder is fine, as coarse pieces can choke or injure your pup. Fortify your standard dog food with the finely crushed bones.
How Often Can Dogs Have Lamb Bones?
Lamb bones should not be your dog’s primary source of nutrition and should not make more than 10% of your dog’s diet. Feeding your furry friend 2-3 raw bones twice a week is healthy. Give a two-day allowance between subsequent servings.
Risks of Dogs Eating Lamb Bones
You cannot overlook the risks lamb bones present to canines. They include:
- Choking and intestinal blockage are common issues that you may have to handle. You can avoid these problems by giving your dog large bones that cannot fit into its mouth.
- In the case of brittle bones, your dog may get wounded in the mouth or other parts of the intestinal tract.
- Some raw bones can harbor pathogens that will make your pet ill.
- Your dog might develop a possessive behavior to secure a bone and can become aggressive if anyone tries to take it.
Final Say
Dogs enjoy lamb bones, and it wouldn’t hurt to give your canine a few pieces occasionally. Always go for fresh and raw bones, as they are easy to handle. Larger bones are okay due to a lower probability of choking.
While your dog may love lamb bones, they should not be their primary food. Once or twice a week will do justice for your pooch.
Further Reading:
- Can Dogs Eat Chicken Bones? Here is What you Should Know
- Can Dog Eat Rib Bones? Should You be Worried?
- Can Dogs Eat Pork Bones?
- Can Dogs Eat Ham Bones?
- Can Dogs Eat Chicken Feet?
- Can Dogs Eat Turkey Bones?