Can Dogs Eat Beef Rib Bones From the Pet Store? A Vet’s Safety Guide
Beef rib bones are popular dog treats sold at many pet supply stores But with recent warnings from the FDA about the dangers of commercially processed bones, should you let your dog chew on these enticing ribs from the pet shop?
While they may look like a tasty snack, pet store beef rib bones can pose serious health risks that responsible pet owners must consider In this article, we’ll cover
- The appeal and perceived benefits of store-bought beef ribs
- Risks and safety concerns with these processed bones
- Safer bone alternatives to buy for your dog
- Signs of trouble if your dog eats a processed bone
- What to do if your dog gets ahold of one
Let’s dig in so you can make an informed decision when it comes to pet store beef rib bones!
The Appeal of Beef Rib Bones From Stores
Walk down the dog treat aisle, and you’ll find beef rib bones prominently displayed. Often labeled as “all-natural” or “oven-baked,” pet supply stores market them as a healthy, stimulating edible chew.
The bone shape and flavor tap into dogs’ natural chewing instincts. The hardness provides dental benefits and occupies busy pups. Plus, the “bone” label leads owners to believe they’re a safe, natural food.
With all this going for them, it’s no wonder beef rib bones fly off shelves into owners’ carts and into eager dogs’ mouths at home. But are they truly as healthy and safe as claimed?
Potential Risks of Processed Beef Rib Bones
In recent years, the FDA has issued warnings about potential dangers of commercially processed bones like these pet store ribs.
Unlike raw meaty bones directly from a butcher, store-bought dried bones are harder and more brittle. They can easily:
- Splinter into sharp fragments
- Wedge into the roof of dogs’ mouths
- Get caught in the throat, causing choking
- Puncture or block the digestive tract
These processed bones may also harbor mold or bacteria. All of which can lead to serious injury or even death in dogs who consume them.
Other Safe Bone Alternatives to Buy
Rather than risking harmful beef rib bones from stores, pet owners have many safer bone alternatives to choose from, including:
- Raw meaty bones from the butcher like marrow bones
- Synthetic Nylabones or Gumabones
- Dental chews made from veggie starch
- Himalayan chews from yak and cow milk
- Durable rubber Kong toys
- Rope bones and other interactive toys
These provide chewing satisfaction without the risks of processed bones. Talk to your vet about the best options for your dog.
Signs of Trouble After Eating Store-Bought Bones
While some dogs eat processed bones without issue, be alert for these signs of potential trouble:
- Choking or gagging
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Blood in stool or black, tarry stool
- Lethargy or restlessness
- Abdominal pain or bloating
If you observe any of these symptoms within days of your dog eating a bone, call your vet right away as it could signal a blockage or internal injury requiring immediate treatment.
What to Do If Your Dog Gets a Processed Bone
Hopefully you’ll be able to keep store-bought bones away from your dog. But if your determined pooch manages to snag one anyway, follow these steps:
- If they start choking, perform first aid maneuvers and get to the vet ASAP
- Check their stool over the next few days for bone fragments
- Monitor for signs of trouble indicating an obstruction
- Call your vet with any concerns for advice on next steps
- Avoid giving any more questionable bones in the future
With close supervision, you can get your dog through an incident, but processed bones are best avoided altogether.
The Verdict: Should You Give Your Dog Beef Rib Bones From Stores?
While they may look tempting, commercially processed beef rib bones pose enough of a health hazard that they are best avoided. Safer chew alternatives provide enjoyment without the risks.
Feed raw meaty bones only under your vet’s guidance. And supervise your dog with any chew toy to prevent problems. With caution, you can steer clear of the dangers of dubious store-bought bones.
Frequency of Entities:
- beef rib bones: 16 times
- pet store: 10 times
- risks: 5 times
- alternatives: 3 times
- trouble: 3 times
Are rib bones from the pet store safe for dogs?
Can dogs eat beef rib bones?
Yes, dogs can eat beef rib bones, but only raw bones, not cooked ones. Beef rib bones can be a tasty treat for dogs, but it’s important to know the risks involved. Raw bones provide important nutrients and can help keep your dog’s teeth clean. However, cooked bones can splinter and cause injuries to your dog’s mouth, throat, or digestive system.
Can dogs eat pork ribs?
Avoid overly fatty bones, like pork ribs, and make sure to handle the bones like you would any type of raw meat. Wash your hands thoroughly after handling, limit the number of surfaces that your dog has the bone on, and refrigerate or freeze the bone between chewing sessions to maintain safety.
Can dogs eat raw meat bones?
A bone and its marrow can cause diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome. Bones could also further irritate already sensitive stomachs. Some veterinarians suggest raw meat bones for dogs. But raw meat bones may carry bacteria like salmonella. And bones that are too hard, even raw bones, could damage your dog’s teeth.
Are Raw Bones safe for dogs?
Raw bones are generally safer for dogs to consume. They are softer and less likely to splinter, reducing the risk of choking or internal injuries. However, this doesn’t mean all raw bones are safe. Safe raw bones for dogs come from animals such as beef, lamb, and venison.
