Gnawing on a bone is a normal behavior for dogs, but is it safe for canines to consume bones from other animals, specifically deer?
This article will examine the advantages and disadvantages of rewarding your dog with deer bones, as well as provide some tips for doing so in a manner that is safe.
Whether you are an avid hunter or simply want to give your pet a tasty treat, this page will offer you with all the information you require, whether you are interested in hunting big game or not.
Can I Give My Dog Deer Bones? Is It Safe?
Yes, you can give your dog deer bones to chew on.
Just keep in mind that this should be something done in moderation and not all the time.
Deer bones are safe for your dog, but you should still keep an eye on him while he’s enjoying it.
Your dog will love having deer bones as an occasional treat.
Here are a few tips for you –
- Deer knuckle bones (epiphysis) are good for dogs that are hardcore chewers, which tends to be medium to large breeds. These are great because of the marrow.
- Deer leg bones (the long ones) are only good for chewing on and should only be given to large breeds.
- Deer kneecap bones (patella) is a good source of cartilage, but due to it’s size is not ideal for giving to large dogs.
- Deer hooves are great for chewing on since they are so freaking tough, but their size only makes them good for small to medium size dogs.
- Ribs and other flat bones are great for puppies because they are softer bones.
Pros & Cons Of Giving Your Dog Deer Bones
As with anything you give your dog, there are some good things and bad things about deer bones for dogs.
When your dog uses a deer bone just for chewing, it promotes better oral health for your pup.
It also results in an endorphin boost for your doggo.
Bones that have cartilage in them contain glucosamine, which is a great if you have a dog who has arthritis.
Keratin, which is in deer hooves, is great for making your dog have a nice shiny coat
If your dog has problems with loose stool, then avoid the deer bones with marrow because it will make things worse.
Also make sure that you NEVER boil the bones before giving them to your dog because the bones become too brittle after boiling.
How To Introduce Your Dog To Deer Bones?
If you’re ready to start giving your dog deer bones for the first time, then let us help you introduce them to it.
1. Start slowly
You don’t just want to give you dog a bunch of deer bones the first time.
So, start with just one and only let the pup have the bone for a a few minutes.
And then you work up to letting the dog have the deer bone for a longer period of time.
Basically you want to see how the dog reacts and make sure that it’s a good experience for him.
2. Watch out for bad reactions
Keep a watchful eye on your dog as they work their way through the bone.
If they appear to be enjoying it and are successfully chewing it, you can gradually increase the size of the pieces you give them over time.
You also want to make sure the dog isn’t having a bad reaction to the deer bones, just like with any other food.
3. Don’t let things get out of hand
Always keep a close eye on your dog while they are gnawing on a deer bone.
And remove the bone if they begin to gnaw on it excessively or start to swallow huge chunks of it.
Final Word
If you have some deer bones from a recent hunting trip, you can give them to your dog.
Deer bones are safe for dogs to eat, but do treat them the same way you would any new food being introduced to the dog.
If your dog is a voracious chewer or has a history of gastrointestinal issues, it is probably better to refrain from giving them any deer bones at all.
Talk about your options with your trusted veterinarian so you can make an informed decision.
You can help ensure that your dog is able to eat deer bones in a safe manner and without experiencing any negative effects by following our guidelines above.
When providing your dog with this kind of reward, you should always make sure to keep a tight eye on them and use your best judgment.