German Shepherds Eat Chicken Bones and raw chicken or cooked chicken bones are not suitable for German Shepherds. Choking hazards exist due to the possibility of obstructions, perforations, and lacerations that may be caused by chicken bones. Both you and your pet may become ill if you consume raw bones because they contain bacteria such as Salmonella.
A raw food diet is the safer option if you insist on feeding your German Shepherd bones. Those of you who wonder why dogs should not be given bones should be aware of some sobering facts.
Table of Contents
German Shepherds Eat Chicken Bones: Is it Good or Bad for my german shepherd
The bones of any kind of animal, including chicken bones, should not be fed to your dog. In the opinion of veterinarians, raw pork and poultry bones should not be included in a dog’s diet, as should any cooked bone.
Because of the abundance of bone-related injuries and fatalities in dogs due to ingestion of bones due to bone consumption, the Federal Drug Administration was compelled to release a statement to that effect.
Among the products marketed as treats for dogs that have been reported to cause bone treat-related injuries are the following:
- Bones from ham
- Bones from pork femurs
- Bodies of ribs
- Bones with a smoky flavor
It is estimated that fifteen dogs died between 2010 and 2017 as a result of injuries to their bodies. Only FDA complaints were included in this figure, and one would assume that the numbers are exponentially higher. There were also injuries to:
- Feeling sick
- Gastrointestinal obstructions
- Getting choked
- Injuries to the mouth and cuts
- A bleed in the abdomen
- The diarrheal disease
- The death of
Different Types of Chicken Bones for German Shepherds
Type of Chicken Bones | Can German Shepherds Eat? |
Raw chicken bones | Not recommended |
Cooked chicken bones | Not recommended |
Chicken bone broth | Safe in moderation |
Ground chicken bones | Safe in moderation |
The information provided in the table is for general guidance only. It is always best to consult with a veterinarian before feeding your German Shepherd any type of bones.
Bones For German Shepherds
Meaty bones: Meaty bones can be a tasty and natural addition to a dog’s diet, providing mental and physical stimulation, dental health benefits, and essential nutrients. However, they also pose risks such as splintering, choking, or blockages in the digestive system. It’s crucial to supervise and choose appropriate bones for your dog.
Pork bones: Pork bones can be a tempting treat for dogs, offering mental and physical stimulation and essential nutrients. However, they pose a high risk of splintering and causing serious injuries or blockages in the digestive system. It’s crucial to avoid feeding your dog pork bones and choose safer alternatives for their chewing needs.
Larger bones: Larger bones, such as beef or bison, can be too hard for dogs to chew and may fracture their teeth or cause blockages in the digestive system. Although they provide mental and physical stimulation and essential nutrients, it’s crucial to choose appropriate bones for your dog’s size and chewing ability to prevent potential risks.
Pieces of bone: Pieces of bone can pose a choking hazard or cause blockages in a dog’s digestive system. While they may offer dental health benefits and mental stimulation, it’s important to supervise and choose appropriate bone pieces for your dog to minimize risks. Consider safer alternatives for their chewing needs.
The Dangers of Bacterial Contamination in Raw Pet Food Diets
Raw food, including raw meat, poultry, and eggs, can be a source of bacterial contamination such as Salmonella, Listeria, and E. coli. While raw food diets for pets have become increasingly popular, they pose a risk of foodborne illness for both pets and their owners.
It’s crucial to handle and store raw food separately from other foods, wash hands and surfaces thoroughly, and follow food safety guidelines. Additionally, it’s recommended to consult with a veterinarian before feeding a raw food diet to your pet to ensure that it meets their nutritional needs and to minimize potential health risks.
What kind of bones is good for my German shepherds?
A bone is a source of calcium and phosphorus for the body. It is possible to feed one’s German Shepherd some bones. These bones can be classified into two types.
- A tasty treat
- Having fun
A German Shepherd can benefit from both types of bones.
A palatable bone is an important part of a dog’s food. There is a low weight to palatable bones. Among them are:
- Backbones
- Bones from quarters
The dogs receive minerals and nutrients from their bones. As well as collagen, they provide other nutrients.
Boredom and stress can be relieved by entertaining bones. They enjoy the company of bones. Palatable bones do not carry any weight as opposed to entertaining bones. A few of them are:
- Bruised knuckles
- A large bone containing a lot of marrow
- The bones are large and fleshy
Why should not feed bones to a German Shepherd?
A German Shepherd can suffer serious injuries from bones. Among the side effects are the following.
Choking and blockage
German Shepherds are not able to swallow large bones or bones with edges easily. There is an obstruction in the GIT. As a result, the throat becomes choking and obstructed. Breathing becomes difficult as a result.
It is evident at the beginning of the disease that there are a number of symptoms, including saliva dripping, pain on touch, anorexia, coughing, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, depression, and breathing through your mouth.
Asthenia
Bacteria are more likely to flourish on dirty and uncleaned bones. Salmonella can be transmitted through bones. Anorexia, depression, fever, and other systemic issues may ensue as a result of a septicemic condition.
Injury to the GI tract and the respiratory system
As the bone resorbs, it is obvious that there is a possibility of injury. It is possible for the bones in the body to cause severe bleeding.
It is even possible to die from a respiratory injury. The mouth, throat, and rectum are all susceptible to injury from it.
Why Chicken Bones Are Bad For Your German Shepherd?
When dogs have been consuming bones for years, owners wonder why they’re bad for them. As human primal diets have taken off, a lot of dog owners say dogs should eat raw bones too. Bones were eaten by our dogs’ ancestors so they could get to the healthy marrow inside them.
Most dogs don’t have any problems digesting chicken bones, and they’ll dissolve in their stomachs. Clearly, this raises the question, what if the bones cannot be dissolved, and the animal suffers intestinal damage as a result? Would it be worth it to risk the potential dangers of a bone for the pleasure of having one?
Bone Consumption and Its Effects
- Obstacles: Some bones may appear smaller than your dog’s throat when cooked, although they may seem softer when raw. It is possible for them to choke, retch, or drool when swallowing a bone, such as a thigh bone. The bone may cause difficulty breathing and choking if it lodges in the throat or pharynx.
- Contamination by bacteria: According to clinical studies, raw animal food products contain bacteria that can be harmful not only to pets but also to their owners if eaten raw. The bacterium Salmonella Bacterium can be found in the bones of dogs that are left uncooked, resulting in salmonellosis. The bacterium can be transmitted to humans, due to the fact that it is a zoonotic bug.
- The digestive tract is torn: Your pet’s vulnerable digestive system is at risk of being damaged by splinters and sharp edges in chicken bones and bones. Anesthesia, sedation, enemas, intravenous fluids, x-rays, and surgery may be required for your dog if he has sharp bone splinters in his digestive tract.
What happens when German shepherds eat chicken bones?
Owners and dog handlers cannot prevent dogs from swallowing chicken bones despite their best efforts. There is nothing better than bone food for your dog. Despite stealing, GSDs are capable of eating.
There is no problem eating from the table for German Shepherds. There is a possibility that a dog can suffer serious injuries from these broken bones after they are cooked.
There is no need to get concerned if your dog ate a bone by accident. If you worry more, your dog might suffer serious injuries.
- While watching the dog feed bones, try gently removing them from his mouth.
- Don’t speak harshly to your dog or act harshly towards him. He will swallow the bone faster if you behave harshly and put him in a state of fight or flight.
- The nearest veterinarian should be contacted if your dog swallowed the bone. His problem can be solved by a veterinarian.
- When your dog consumes a bone, keep an eye on him. A bloody stool could mean that he has suffered an internal injury to his gut, so you should take him to the veterinarian right away.
Nutritional value of bones For German Shepherds?
A PetMD article suggests that dog bones don’t provide much nutritional value and that they are not needed in a dog’s diet. Calcium, phosphorus, oxygen, and hydrogen make up much of a bone’s composition. As far as any substantial nutrition can be provided, there are no vitamins, fatty acids, proteins, or carbohydrates that can be found in this food.
In spite of the fact that bone contains 30% collagen, this collagen cannot be digested well by a dog’s digestive system and does not provide substantial health benefits to the animal. In other words, the health benefits of your dog eating bones are negligible, making the potential harm to your dog insignificant.
However, dogs may be fed marrow in their food without the potential harm associated with the bone itself, despite the fact that the marrow in bones provides an evolutionary advantage for them in low prey conditions.
Do German shepherds benefit from Milk-Bone?
Providing your dog with milk bones is the best thing you can do for him. Treats like this are given as rewards for good behavior by dogs.
Dogs benefit from this product because it provides them with delicious food that is rich in minerals, easy to chew, and has no obstruction issues at all. A dog would benefit greatly from eating this bone.
The diet provides a German Shepherd with the essential nutrients he needs. The product is of high quality. The German Shepherd will benefit greatly from eating this meal. Crunchy and nutritious, it is a great snack. Their growth and resistance to diseases are aided by the minerals and vitamins they receive from it.
Which Bones Are Safe For German Shepherds
Here is a list of bones that are generally considered safe for German Shepherds to chew on:
- Raw beef bones (large knuckles or joints)
- Raw bison bones (large knuckles or joints)
- Raw lamb bones (ribs or shanks)
- Raw chicken bones (neck or wings)
- Raw turkey bones (neck or wings)
It’s important to note that even with these types of bones, there is always a risk of splintering, choking, or blockages in the digestive system. It’s crucial to supervise your German Shepherd while they’re chewing and to choose the appropriate size and type of bone for its age, size, and chewing ability.
It’s also recommended to avoid cooked bones, as they can become brittle and prone to splintering. Consulting with a veterinarian is always recommended before adding bones to your dog’s diet.
If Your Dog Eats Chicken Bones What Should You Do?
Don’t shout at your dog or become loud and active if they grab a chicken bone and appear to be eating it. Trying to grab the bones away from your dog can be tempting, but this is likely to result in a panicky response from your dog, which may make him swallow them fast rather than attempt to give them back to you.
Stay calm around your dog if you see him taking a chicken bone from the table, rather than scolding him. Give them some of their favorite treats, or even some chicken, instead of giving them bones, and you might find that they respond better to that than to the bones.
Ideally, you want to throw the treats away from the bones as soon as possible so you can pick them up after enough time has passed, but just be wary that they may have eaten some or even all the treats by now.
If Your Dog Ate Chicken Bones What Should You Look for in the Coming Hours?
You can wait to see if anything happens following the ingestion of chicken bones if your dog appears to be in no immediate distress. You should not let your dog eat chicken bones every time. It might be okay sometimes.
Look for bleeding from your dog’s mouth or throat if he ate chicken bones. A person may cough or vomit up blood when experiencing these symptoms.
In addition, your dog may not be able to have a bowel movement without blood in the stool. Make sure you are paying attention to your dog’s breathing to make sure that the bones aren’t obstructing or damaging their airways.
Chicken bones for dogs: When should you take them to the vet?
You should take your dog to the emergency vet as soon as you see them eating a chicken bone so that they can receive the care they need.
A dog who ate chicken bones should be rushed to the emergency veterinarian in the following situations:
How to Deal with Choking Dogs
In the event that your dog is actively choking after eating chicken bones, you should immediately take him to an emergency vet. Their airways may need to be cleared by emergency personnel. In addition, you should take them to the emergency veterinarian if they begin to choke or have partial airway obstructions in the coming days.
Dogs with extreme constipation or bloating
In addition, if your dog has become extremely constipated or bloated after consuming chicken bones, take him to an emergency vet as soon as possible. It is also a good time to see a veterinarian if your dog has not passed the bones in a few days. It is possible that they will die if this blockage is not treated.
The vomit, stool, or saliva of your dog contains blood
If your dog vomits, stools, or saliva has any bleeding after eating chicken bones, take them to the emergency vet. A splintered bone chewed up may have caused bleeding in the throat or intestines of the animal, resulting in serious medical problems that may require surgery to be properly treated. If this happens, they may need to be hospitalized for further treatment.
Can I give my dog other chewing options?
Choosing safe alternatives to chicken bones for your German Shepherd to chew on is another option if you don’t want to risk their health. Rather than giving your pet a bone, you can give them thick rubber treats or woven fiber chewing toys.
By brushing your dog’s teeth daily, or by giving them dental treats, you can help keep their teeth healthy. The Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) recommends chewing treats and toys wherever possible.
Is the Bone a source of protein for German shepherd
Bones can be a source of protein for German Shepherds. Bones contain collagen, which is a protein that can provide some nutritional value. Additionally, when German Shepherds chew on bones, they may also ingest small amounts of meat or marrow, which can be a source of protein as well.
However, it’s important to note that bones should not be the primary source of protein in a dog’s diet, and it’s crucial to feed a balanced and complete diet that meets their nutritional needs. It’s recommended to consult with a veterinarian to determine the appropriate diet for your German Shepherd.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you think my German Shepherd will be able to chew on raw chicken bones?
Chicken bones can splinter and cause choking and digestive tract injuries if given to your German Shepherd to chew on. As an alternative, you should provide safe and appropriate chew toys for your dog.
Can my German Shepherd eat chicken bones accidentally?
Monitor your German Shepherd closely for symptoms of distress if you suspect he has consumed a chicken bone, such as vomiting or diarrhea. These symptoms should be reported to your veterinarian as soon as possible.
My German Shepherd can eat other types of bones, too?
A German Shepherd can eat some raw bones, such as large, weight-bearing beef or lamb bones. If you intend to give your dog any bone, you should always consult your veterinarian, since every dog’s digestive system reacts differently.
Conclusion
We would like to conclude by saying that if you are trying to feed a raw or cooked chicken bone to a German Shepherd, you should not do so. The consumption of chicken bones is dangerous for dogs because they are natural carnivores. It’s possible to choke on chicken bones, get injured, or have your digestive tract obstructed.
The best way to satisfy your German Shepherd’s natural chewing instinct is to provide him with a chew toy that is safe, appropriate, and well-balanced nutritionally. You can avoid any health complications for your furry friend by doing so.
I’m David, an expert contributor and writer, with two furry friends of my own, I know the challenges of raising and caring for dogs. From training to nutrition and health, my goal is to provide valuable insights and advice to help create strong bonds and happy, healthy lives. Find me in Twitter.