Food & Diet - Barky.com.au

April 16, 2025

Are Dog Bones Good for Your Pet’s Health?

Dog bones have been a staple treat for our canine companions for generations. But are they actually good for your pet’s health?

At DogingtonPost, we’ve dug deep into the world of dog bone health to uncover the facts. From raw bones to synthetic chews, we’ll explore the various types, benefits, and potential risks associated with giving bones to your furry friend.

What Are the Different Types of Dog Bones?

Dog bones come in various forms, each with its own set of benefits and risks. We’ll explore the most common types to help you make an informed decision for your furry friend.

Raw Bones: Nature’s Chew Toy

Raw bones pose risks of bacterial contamination. A study showed that, compared to other types of pet food tested, raw pet food was more likely to be contaminated with disease-causing bacteria.

Cooked Bones: A Dangerous Temptation

Cooked bones pose significant dangers to dogs. The cooking process makes bones brittle and prone to splintering. These splinters can cause serious injuries to your dog’s mouth, throat, or digestive tract. The American Veterinary Medical Association strongly advises against giving cooked bones to dogs due to these risks.

Synthetic Bones: A Safer Alternative

Synthetic bones are man-made chew toys that mimic the texture and appeal of real bones. Manufacturers often use materials like nylon or rubber to create these alternatives. These bones don’t splinter, which makes them generally safer than real bones. However, you must choose the right size for your dog to prevent choking hazards.

Dental Chews: Tasty Oral Care

Dental chews are specially formulated treats that promote oral health. They often contain ingredients that reduce plaque and tartar buildup. A study in the Journal of Veterinary Dentistry revealed that dogs given a daily dental chew had 42% less tartar accumulation after 28 days compared to dogs without the chew.

When selecting any type of bone or chew for your dog, consider their size, age, and chewing habits. No bone is 100% safe, so always supervise your dog during chew time. Consult with your veterinarian about the best options for your specific pet.

Chart listing four main types of dog bones: Raw Bones, Cooked Bones, Synthetic Bones, and Dental Chews - dog bone health

Now that we’ve covered the different types of dog bones, let’s explore the potential benefits of giving bones to your canine companion.

Why Do Dogs Love Bones?

The Dental Health Debate

Dogs have a natural attraction to bones, and many pet owners consider them as potential treats. Chewing on bones can reduce plaque and tartar buildup on a dog’s teeth. The mechanical action of gnawing stimulates saliva production, which helps neutralize acids in the mouth. A study found that dental calculus was reduced by 81.6% after 12 days of chewing on raw bones. However, this benefit comes with significant risks, as hard bones can cause dental fractures and injuries.

Chart showing 81.6% reduction in dental calculus after 12 days of chewing raw bones

Mental Stimulation and Stress Relief

Bones provide mental stimulation for dogs, which can help alleviate boredom and reduce destructive behaviors. The act of chewing releases endorphins, which can have a calming effect on anxious or stressed dogs. Dr. Marty Becker suggests that appropriate chewing can help dogs cope with separation anxiety, which may manifest as destructive chewing, especially at doors and windows, or nuisance barking (though it’s important to note that severe anxiety cases may require professional intervention).

Nutritional Aspects

While bones contain some nutrients (such as calcium and phosphorus), they should not serve as a significant source of nutrition. The risks associated with bone consumption often outweigh the nutritional benefits. Instead, focus on a balanced, veterinarian-approved diet to meet your dog’s nutritional needs.

The Safety Concern

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) advises against giving dogs bones due to the potential for serious injuries. As responsible pet owners, we must prioritize our dogs’ safety and consider safer alternatives that can provide similar benefits without the associated dangers.

Alternatives to Traditional Bones

Given the risks associated with real bones, many pet owners turn to safer alternatives. These include specially designed chew toys, dental treats, and interactive puzzles that can provide mental stimulation and promote dental health without the dangers of splintering or choking. The Dogington Post offers comprehensive reviews of these safer alternatives, helping pet owners make informed decisions for their furry friends.

Now that we’ve explored why dogs are drawn to bones and the potential benefits and risks, let’s examine the specific dangers that bones can pose to our canine companions.

Are Dog Bones Dangerous for Your Pet?

Dog bones, while popular, can pose serious risks to your pet’s health. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has reported numerous cases of illness and even death related to bone treats. Let’s explore the potential dangers of giving bones to your furry friend.

Chart showing FDA reported about 90 cases of illness related to bone treats between November 2010 and September 2017 - dog bone health

Choking and Obstruction Hazards

Bones can easily become lodged in a dog’s throat or digestive tract. The FDA reported about 90 cases of illness related to bone treats between November 2010 and September 2017. Large bone fragments can cause choking or create blockages in the esophagus or intestines. These obstructions often require emergency surgery to remove.

Dental Damage and Oral Injuries

Hard bones can crack or break your dog’s teeth. The American Veterinary Dental College warns that fractured teeth cause pain and can lead to infections if left untreated. Sharp bone fragments can also cut your dog’s gums, tongue, or the lining of their mouth, which potentially causes severe bleeding and infection.

Gastrointestinal Complications

Bone fragments can puncture or tear the digestive tract, which leads to peritonitis (a life-threatening infection of the abdominal cavity). The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) reports that even small bone splinters can cause severe damage to the stomach and intestines. Symptoms of internal injuries include vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.

Bacterial Contamination Risks

Raw bones carry a risk of bacterial contamination. A study published in the journal Veterinary Record found that 80% of raw chicken used in raw diets for dogs contained Salmonella. This poses a risk not only to your pet but also to human family members, especially children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems.

Safe Alternatives to Consider

To keep your dog safe, try alternatives like dental chews approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council or durable rubber toys designed for chewing. The best dog chew bones should be easily digestible, non-splintering and should last long enough to make the price worth it. Always consult with your veterinarian before you introduce new treats or chews into your dog’s routine. Your dog’s safety should always be the top priority when you choose treats and toys.

Final Thoughts

Dog bone health involves a balance of benefits and risks. Bones can improve dental health and provide mental stimulation, but they also pose dangers like choking and intestinal blockages. Pet owners must weigh these factors carefully when deciding whether to give bones to their dogs. Constant supervision is necessary if you choose to offer bones, and you should never leave your dog alone with one.

Many safer alternatives exist that offer similar benefits without the associated risks. Dental chews, durable rubber toys, and interactive puzzles can stimulate your dog mentally and promote oral health safely. We recommend consulting with your veterinarian before introducing any new treats or chews into your dog’s routine.

At DogingtonPost, we strive to help you make informed decisions about your dog’s well-being. Our platform provides extensive information on dog bone health, nutrition, and safe chew alternatives. You can ensure your furry friend leads a happy, healthy life by staying informed and prioritizing safety (while still indulging their natural chewing instincts).

January 22, 2025

Dogs Eating Grass: Are They Turning Vegan?

As dog owners, we witness all (or most) of our dog’s many firsts – and that includes all the quirky behaviors they learn or develop as years go by.

And one quirky behavior that dog owners commonly see is their dogs eating grass. Seeing this, you might wonder “is my dog turning vegan?”

dog eating grass in the garden — Sarawut sriphakdee / Shutterstock.com

Well, the answer is no, they’re not! Eating grass doesn’t mean your dog is turning vegan. Instead, this is a common (yet weird) habit that dogs develop.

But why do dogs do it? Why the sudden taste for greenery? In this article, we’ll explore the curious habit of dogs eating grass, uncover the possible reasons behind it, and how to properly handle it!

Dogs Eating Grass: Are They Turning Vegan?

Seeing your dog happily and deliciously chomp on grass like it’s the finest salad in town can be a confusing experience.

This habit can be seen when you walk your dog in the park and they see a patch of grass they find oh so delectable. Or you might catch them munching on grass while they’re in the backyard.

Cute white labrador eating grass in summer garden — Haletska Olha / Shutterstock.com

But these scenarios don’t mean that your dog is slowly switching to a vegan diet. Dogs are naturally carnivorous and while they have omnivorous tendencies from eating some vegetables and fruits, eating grass is not an indication of a diet switch.

It may be due an eating disorder called Pica where dogs eat “strange” non-food items which is often associated with a diet deficient in nutrients, vitamins, or minerals.

But if dogs look to be healthy and is on a well-balanced diet, then why are dogs eating grass? Let’s find out!

5 Reasons Why Dogs Eat Grass

There are many theories, speculations, and possibilities observed on why dogs eat grass, but the truth is no one knows for sure what the exact reason is.

You might’ve heard that dogs eat grass to relieve an upset stomach. But how true is this? Thankfully, there have been studies that show a few theories and how some myths are just not true at all.

Curious to know the science behind dogs eating grass? Continue reading to find five possible reasons why they do this.

1. Your Dog Is Bored

Chewing on grass might be a sign that your dog is lacking mental stimulation. Dogs do not only need physical exercise but also mental stimulation to keep them healthy and busy.

Chewing behaviors, along with digging behaviors, have been commonly linked to boredom. Dogs use this as a coping mechanism for stress and boredom.

So, if you see your dog munching on grass, then it might be a sign that they’re not getting enough exercise.

2. Your Dog Likes The Taste Of Grass

Jack Russell Terrier playing in the Park in the grass eating grass — Aksana Lebedz / Shutterstock.com

We promise you, your dog is not turning into a vegan! However it’s more common to see dogs eating grass during the spring and summer season, between April and August, because the grass is more “fresh” during these seasons.

The texture, smell, and taste of the grass may be more inviting to dogs during these times, and so they start chomping on grass.

As a matter of fact, one study found that grass was the most frequently eaten plants by 79% of dogs.

3. It’s Simply Your Dog’s Instinct!

Scientists suggest that dogs eating grass is simply an instinct that they inherited from their wolf ancestors.

VCA Hospital shares that examining stool samples shows that 11-47% of wolves eat grass, since they have to consume anything in the wild that helps fulfill their basic diet requirements.

And while dogs today don’t have to hunt for their own food, they still have their natural instinct to scavenge.

So, if you see dogs eating grass occasionally, it might not be a cause of worry but something that comes naturally to them!

4. Your Dog Needs More Fiber

dog and fresh harvest of vegetables in the grass — alexei_tm / Shutterstock.com

A poor and unbalanced diet can be an indication why your dog is eating grass. Since grass contains a lot of fiber, many dogs will resort to eating it simply because their diet is lacking in the nutrients that they need.

Indications of a lack of fiber in dogs include loose stools or constipation. So, if you notice these signs and see your dog eating grass, then it’s time to evaluate their diet and supplement it with fiber.

Some dog-safe vegetables and fruits that are rich in fiber include:

Blueberries
Carrots
Apples
Watermelon
Canned and unseasoned pumpkin
Green beans
Broccoli
Banana

However, please give these foods to your dog in moderation because a diet that contains too much fiber can cause stomach and digestive issues such as diarrhea, bloat, and dehydration.

5. Your Dog Is Trying To Soothe An Upset Stomach

When you see dogs eating grass, it might mean they have an upset stomach and are trying to soothe it.

If you see your them do this, while also vomiting and experiencing diarrhea, then a stomach issue might be the culprit behind it.

Grass contains fiber, which helps with loose stools or constipation. Furthermore, grass has also been shown to help settle your dog’s stomach by bringing its pH level down, helping soothe the pain and symptoms dog feel.

Should Grass-Eating In Dogs Be A Cause Of Concern?

No, this is not a cause of concern if the grass-eating is occasional. However, excessive consumption, accompanied by other problems like lethargy, vomiting, and diarrhea is a cause of concern.

Furthermore, if your dog is casually eating grass on your backyard, make sure the grass is not treated with any harmful and toxic chemicals like pesticides and herbicides. Doing so can be life threatening to your dog.

If dogs eating grass show other signs of health issues along with the grass-eating behavior, make sure to immediately consult this with your dog’s vet.

How To Stop Your Dog From Eating Grass

Woman playing with Labrador in park on summer day — Pixel-Shot / Shutterstock.com

If the grass-eating habit is becoming excessively concerning, it’s best to look for ways to help stop the behavior altogether. But how do you do this? Here are ways you can slowly stop this habit:

Improve their diet by increasing fiber intake. As mentioned above, dogs eating grass may be because they do not get all the necessary nutrients they need, including fiber, from their food. Consider switching up your dog’s diet by adding cooked vegetables (rich in fiber) to their diet, or giving them dog-safe and fiber-rich fruits as a form of treat.
Mental stimulation. Dogs that eat grass usually lack the mental stimulation they need. If this is the case, then providing mental stimulation in the form of interactive dog toys or training can help alleviate the behavior.
Physical exercise is a must. If you do not walk your dog regularly, then they might start developing the habit of eating grass. So, make sure you walk your dog regularly or play with them. A game of fetch in the backyard will definitely keep your dog’s mind away from chewing some “delicious” grass!
Provide them with chewing alternatives. There are plenty of chew toys and treats that your dog can chew on to pass time, instead of the grass!
Supervise their outdoor time. Whether it’s a walk in the park or playtime in the backyard, make sure to watch your dog closely so that they don’t show interest in grass.
Consult a vet. If all else fails, and if you feel like the behavior is becoming obsessive, then please do consult with your dog’s vet to rule out any medical and health reasons.

Conclusion

french bulldog dog eating and sniffing fresh green grass at summer nature — Irina Nedikova / Shutterstock.com

Dogs eating grass is usually harmless, but it doesn’t mean your pooch is turning vegan in doing so!

Even though it is a common yet quirky behavior, it is still important to keep an eye on how often your pooch does it, and if your pooch is showing health concerns along with the behavior. Doing this can help you address the underlying problem, if there are any, properly.

How often does your dog eat grass? And how do you usually curb this “craving”? Share it in the comments below!

December 14, 2024

FDA Issues Warning Letter To Mid America Pet Food LLC Due To Salmonella In Their Dog Foods

On December 10, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released the warning letter they sent to Mid America Pet Food LLC on November 22 citing different concerns and violations that the company committed.

The warning letter contained information about the inspections conducted by the FDA in the company’s food manufacturing facility in Mount Pleasant, Texas in November 2023 and January 2024.

This comes after Mid America Pet Food LLC made different voluntary recalls in September and October, which they both expanded in November last year, when Salmonella was detected in certain lots of their Victor dog food.

hand scooping up a portion of brown dog food kibble with a small bright pink measuring cup spoon — Omi Works / Shutterstock.com

Aside from the inspection being made due to the voluntary recalls, the FDA also made the inspection as part of an investigation with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) into a multi-state foodborne illness outbreak of Salmonella Kiambu.

The warning letter reveals, “A total of seven people from seven states were infected with the outbreak strain from January 14, 2023 to August 19, 2023, and one person was hospitalized.”

“Six of the affected people were children under one year of age,” the FDA adds.

The illnesses were linked to the dog food manufactured in Mid America Pet Food LLC’s facility in 2023 through a sample of Victor Super Premium Dog Food Classic Hi-Pro Plus (lot 1000016385; Best By 4/30/24), which the company recalled in September 2023.

Based on results, the FDA has deemed the product Victor Super Premium Dog Food Classic Hi-Pro Plus (lot 1000016385; Best By 4/30/24) as “adulterated”.

This means, “it bears or contains a poisonous or deleterious substance which may render it injurious to health,” the FDA explains.

Furthermore, the FDA conducted another inspection earlier this year, from January 23 to February 09 due to a consumer complaint.

During the inspection, the FDA found not one, not two, but three strains of Salmonella in the company’s manufacturing facility: Salmonella Rissen, Salmonella Minnesota, and Salmonella Mbandaka.

Sample Preparation of Dry Dog Food for Testing in Laboratory — Microgen / Shutterstock.com

In addition to this, the FDA investigators also found evidence of other significant violations of the Current Good Manufacturing Practice, Hazard Analysis, and Risk-Based Preventive Controls for Food for Animals requirements in Title 21, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 507 (21 CFR Part 507).

With these violations, the FDA said the company’s products are “adulterated in that they were prepared, packed, or held under insanitary conditions whereby they may have become contaminated with filth, or whereby they may have been rendered injurious to health.”

In the warning letter’s conclusion, the FDA wrote, “It is your responsibility to ensure that your firm complies with all requirements of federal law and FDA regulations.”

The FDA also reveals that if Mid America Pet Food LLC fails to properly address these concerns and violations, it may lead to legal action, “including, without limitation, seizure, and injunction.”

You can read the full warning letter here.