Can dogs have lamb bones?

Quick takeaways about lamb bones

• Never feed your dog cooked lamb bones – these can splinter and cause damage.
• It’s okay to feed your dog raw lamb bones.
• Always supervise your dog while they’re eating a raw bone.

 

Dogs love bones – fact. But not all of them are safe for dogs. Cooked lamb bones can easily splinter, and the fragments can lead to choking and internal damage.

If you feed your dog raw lamb bones that are too small for their mouth – like chops – they can swallow them whole, which can also cause blockages.

So, can dogs have lamb bones? Here, we explain everything you need to know.

 

Can dogs have cooked lamb bones?

Cooked lamb bones are dangerous to dogs. They can splinter and cause choking or internal damage.

Both issues can be life-threatening. Never feed your dog cooked bones of any kind.

 

Are raw lamb bones good for dogs?

They can be, yes. The marrow and cartilage in raw bones contain calcium phosphate and collagen. These are high-quality nutrients your dogs’ ancestors used to eat regularly.

Gnawing is also a natural behaviour in dogs. Chewing can help clean their teeth and strengthen their jaws.

Chewing hard objects, like bones, is satisfying because it provides dogs with mental stimulation. This – coupled with exercise, play and a routine – helps reduce anxiety. That’s why stressed dogs often turn to destructive chewing.

But both raw and cooked bones can be dangerous. Let’s see why.

 

Why can eating raw lamb bones be harmful for dogs?

Opting for bones that are too small or bone chunks can be choking hazards for your dog. On the other hand, large, dense bones can sometimes damage your dog’s teeth.

Some bones can be overly fatty. Generally, always read the ingredients list and package instructions before feeding your dog.

 

What are the signs of gastrointestinal obstruction?

Common symptoms are:

• Shallow breathing
• Vomiting and diarrhea
• Choking, coughing or retching
• Blood in the saliva or coughing up blood
• Excessive salivation
• Difficulty eating or loss of appetite
• Becoming withdrawn and sluggish
• Effort when doing a poo
• A sore or contracting belly
• Excessive whining and whimpering.

If your dog shows any of these symptoms, visit the vet immediately. They might need urgent surgery.

Which lamb bones are safe for dogs?

Only give your dog raw lamb ribs, lamb shanks and tail bones. These are usually big enough not to be choking hazards and soft enough not to damage your pooch’s teeth.

 

How do I safely give my dog raw lamb bones?

Buy fresh raw bones sold by a reputable dog food brand so you know they’re high quality. You can check out our raw treats here.

 

Choosing the right bone size

Choose bones roughly the size of your dog’s head and bigger than their muzzle, with bulges and lumps on both ends. So they can easily grab them and hold them with their paws to work on them.

 

Handling raw bones safely

Refrigerate or freeze bones before you give them to your dog. Place them in a separate bag or container from other food to prevent contamination.

Always wash your hands after touching raw bones, or handle them with gloves.

 

Always supervise your dog while they eat bones

Stay with your dog and watch them while they chew a bone.

Your dog must chew the bone thoroughly so they don’t swallow splinters and small chunks.

Throw away any lumps that fall off the bone. If your dog leaves the chewed bone on the floor and walks away, throw it away.

 

How much raw lamb bone should my dog eat?

Dogs shouldn’t eat lamb bones too often. We recommend once or twice a week.

When you feed your dog raw bones, you might want to reduce their food intake to prevent weight gain.

Bear in mind that excessive raw bone chewing can cause constipation. And if your dog needs to eat a low-fat diet, it’s best to avoid feeding them bones altogether.

 

The bottom line

Chewing bones is a natural, satisfying behaviour for dogs. It keeps their teeth clean and jaws strong.

Cooked lamb bones easily splinter, causing choking and dangerous intestinal blockages. So, only give your dog raw lamb bones that are roughly the size of their head.

Stay with your dog at all times while they chew, and keep an eye out for signs of problems.

 

Lamb bone FAQs

Can dogs have lamb shank bones?

Lamb shank bones are safe to eat for medium-sized dogs. They’re big enough not to be a choking hazard.

 

Can dogs have lambchop bones?

Lambchop bones are too small for dogs to eat. They can get stuck in a dog’s throat and cause obstructions or blockages in the digestive system.

 

Can dogs have lamb leg bones?

Lamb leg bones are usually big enough to be eaten by medium-sized dogs.

   
Try a personalised meal plan with quality, natural, raw ingredients to help keep your dog healthy and happy.