The long answer: Lamb is a good source of protein for dogs. It is packed with essential amino acids and dietary fats that can help your dog build body tissues and sustain his energy. Though it is good to include lamb meat in your dog’s diet, its bones are a different matter. Animal bones, in general, are not recommended for dogs to consume. Raw bones can carry bacteria such as salmonella and campylobacter which can enter your dog’s body. On the other hand, cooked bones can easily break into sharp pieces that may harm your pet’s internal organs. These may cause internal injuries, namely: broken teeth; bones looped around the lower jaw; mouth or tongue injuries; windpipe, esophagus, or gastrointestinal blockage; constipation; rectal bleeding; and/or peritonitis. Show Some sources report that raw lamb bones may be consumed by dogs, but only when purchased from a trusted source and eaten under close supervision. It is recommended that your dog eats lamb bones on a surface that can easily be cleaned such as linoleum or tile. These raw bones must be big and hard, and should be taken away from him once they become small enough to be swallowed. Dogs with irritable bowels, stomach issues, or prone to diarrhea should not be given raw lamb bones because they may trigger these problems. If you are interested in feeding your dog lamb bones, consult with your veterinarian before doing so. Make sure to ask your vet how to safely handle and store raw bones. What to do if your dog accidentally eats cooked lamb bones: Closely monitor your dog for any changes. Depending on your pooch’s size and how much he ate, he may not manifest any problems. Similar to eating cooked ham bones or chicken bones, eating cooked lamb bones may cause internal bleeding, airway blockages, and/or intestinal blockages. Bring your dog to the veterinarian if he looks distressed and displays any of these respiratory-related symptoms: trouble breathing, coughing or gagging, and excessive drooling. You should also take him to the vet if he becomes lethargic, loses his appetite, vomits, has dark-coloured stool, or has difficulty pooping. In summary: Cooked lamb bones are not safe for dogs to consume. These cooked bones may present complications that can harm your beloved pooch. On the other hand, raw lamb bones may occasionally be given to your dog if it is approved by your veterinarian. These must always be fed to him under close supervision. The popular idea that dogs love chewing on bones is universal for a reason. Animal bones contain marrow and grease that provide dogs with much-needed fat in their diets. Dogs don’t just chew bones, either — using special teeth inherited from their wolf ancestors, they gradually grind the bones down and eat the dust. Raw lamb bones, with most of the meat removed, are a great choice for your furry friend. That said, you can’t just finish eating your lamb chop and toss it on the floor for your dog to snatch up. There are several crucial steps to follow in order to make sure your dog enjoys its lamb bone in a safe, healthy way. Which lamb bones are good for dogs?First, we should be clear that we’re talking about chewable bones here, also known as recreational bones. Smaller bones, like those from a chicken, can be ground up and added to your dog’s diet as a source of extra fat. However, this won’t work with lamb bones. If you feed your dog a lamb bone, your intent should be for them to chew on it and grind it down to dust themselves over the course of several days. Image: Pikist Now that that’s clear, let’s talk about the three traits of a suitable lamb bone for dogs:
Lamb bone health benefitsYou absolutely can give your dog bones to chew on. If you’ve got a bone that meets all of the above criteria, feel free to give it to your puppy, and watch them enjoy a whole raft of nutritional benefits. Image: Pxfuel
Image Credit: Manuel Schmitt, Pixabay How do I serve my dog lamb bones?Like all human food, lamb bones are not meant to replace your dog’s diet. All human food, bones included, should make up no more than 10 percent of your dog’s diet at any time. A good-quality dog food should give them the nutrients they need without any of the other risks. That said, if the health benefits in the previous section convinced you to start throwing your dog some bones, we’re all for it. Just make sure to follow these directions (and seriously, never cook the bones). Below are a few final guidelines on offering bones to your pup:
Featured Image: Pxfuel Contents
Authored by Nicole Cosgrove Nicole is the proud mom of Rosa, a New Zealand Huntaway, and Baby, a Burmese cat. Originally from Canada, Nicole now lives on a lush forest property with her Kiwi husband in New Zealand. Nicole has a strong love for all animals and has experience caring for all types of dogs, from Yorkies to Great Danes. Nicole even worked as a dog sitter during her travels through South America and cared for stray pups — something she holds close to her heart. With a degree in Education and a love for writing, Nicole aims to share her and others' expert knowledge with pet lovers worldwide with Hepper. Can dogs eat cooked bones lamb?Never feed cooked bones as these can splinter and cause internal damage or become an intestinal obstruction. Always supervise dogs when they are eating raw bones. Dogs 'like' bones very much and sometimes become protective.
What cooked bones can dogs eat?Don't give your dog cooked bones of any kind.
Cooked bones splinter into shards that can cause choking and serious damage to the dog's mouth, throat, or intestines. Cooking can also remove nutrients from the bone.
|