Can German Shepherds Eat Chicken Bones? (Explained) 2022
In this blog, we will discuss can German shepherds eat chicken bones?
It is known that protein is the best for dogs growth. The daily protein intake requirement of a German Shepherd is 18-22% Meat is a delicious feed a dog feeds on.
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It contains a large amount of protein. It is loved by all the German Shepherds. The approximate percentage of bones in meat is around 30 percent of the whole.
But the question behind is that is it safe for a German Shepherd to feed on bones?
Can German shepherds eat chicken bones? No, a German Shepherd cannot feed on bones. Bones are dangerous for a dog to feed on. Bones may cause serious harmful and unwanted effects on a dog. Bones can cause severe types of injuries to the mouth and gut. Bones can cause obstruction and choking if ingested accidentally. Grimy bones are more dangerous when they are the source of bacterial infections.
Bones are the main part of the meat. Bones are also made up of cells. Bones contain various micronutrients and minerals.
But due to their dangerous effects on a pet, they are least recommended by various nutritionists. If someone wants to feed bones to his German shepherds, it is necessary to take precautions.
Bones are good for the oral health of a German Shepherd. Bones help in the strength and cleaning of teeth and gums. Bones provide strength to the muscles of the stomach.
What kind of bones is good for German shepherds?
Bones provide calcium and phosphorous for feeding. There are some bones that one can feed his German Shepherd. Following are the two kinds of those bones.
- Palatable
- Entertaining
Both of these kinds of bones have their benefits for a German Shepherd.
The palatable bones are beneficial and are considered part of dog feed. Palatable bones are low in weight. They include:
- Neckbones
- Quarter bones
Bones provide nutrients and minerals to the dogs. They also provide collagen.
Entertaining bones help relieve their stress and boredom. Bones entertain them. Entertaining bones are weight-bearing compared to palatable bones. They include:
- Knucklebones
- Large bones with bone marrow
- Large bones with flesh
Precautions of bone feeding:
- Select a bone whose size is equal to the mouth of the dogs.
- Do not feed broken bones.
- Do not cook the bones as they can splint.
- Do not feed uncleaned bones.
- Monitor your dog while offering him bones.
- Do not offer larger and weight-bearing bones.
- Do not offer a bone that has edges.
- In case of any underlying condition like diarrhea, inflammatory bowel syndrome, and gastric dilatation-volvulus do not offer bone-in feed.
Why we should not feed bones to a German Shepherd?
Bones can cause serious harmful effects to a German Shepherd. The followings are some of the side effects.
- Gastrointestinal Tract Blockage
- Choking of the digestive tract
- Injuries to rectum
- Lacerations in mouth and throat
- Vomiting
- Septicemia
- Diarrhea
- Death
Some of the important issues are discussed as follows.
Blockage and Choking
The larger bones or the bones with edges are not swallowed by the German Shepherd easily. It is obstructed in the GIT. It causes choking and obstruction in the throat. It causes difficulty in breathing.
Drooling of saliva, pain on touch, anorexia, coughing, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, depression, and open mouth breathing are some of the obvious signs.
GIT and Respiratory tract Injury
Due to the bone’s uptake, the chances of injury are obvious. Bones can result in severe bleeding in the body. The injury to the respiratory system may lead to death even.
It can cause injury to the whole gastrointestinal tract especially the mouth, throat, and rectum.
Septicemia
Dirty and uncleaned bones are a good source of bacterial contamination. Bones are a good source of salmonella infection. This may lead to a septicemic condition resulting in anorexia, depression, fever, and general systemic issues.
What happens if a German shepherd eats chicken bones?
In spite of the best efforts of the owners and dog holders, dogs accidentally swallow chicken bones. Bones are very delicious dog food. GSDs can eat after stealing even.
German Shepherds can eat from the dining table as well. these cooked bones can break into pieces causing serious effects to a dog.
If your dog has eaten a bone by chance or accidentally, there is no need of getting worried at all. Getting more worried may cause serious harm to your dog.
- Peacefully try to remove the bone from the mouth of the dog, if you watch him feeding bones.
- Do not use harsh words or behavior in front of your dog. Your harsh behavior will induce him in a situation of fight and flight and he will swallow the bone faster.
- In case your dog has swallowed the bone, bring him to the nearest vet. A veterinarian can offer him a simple solution to his problem.
- Observe your dog after ingestion of bone. In case of any blood in stools, bring him to his vet as it is an indication of internal gut injury.
Is Milk Bone good for German shepherd?
Milk bone is the best bone to be offered to a dog. It is offered to a dog for his good behavior as a treat. It helps the dogs by providing him delicious meals containing the essential minerals, chewing ease, and no obstruction issues. It is an ideal bone to feed a dog.
It provides the essential nutritional benefits to a German Shepherd. It is a high-quality product. It is a highly effective meal for a German Shepherd. It is crunchy and nutritious. It contains all the minerals and vitamins that help them to grow and fight against diseases.
Conclusion:
It is finally concluded that feeding bones to a German shepherd have dual effects. It is beneficial for the health of a dog in case if served properly and monitored afterward.
It can also be proved dangerous in case of the negligent behavior of the owners. It is beneficial as it is a good source of several vitamins and minerals essential for the health of a German Shepherd.
But if precautions are not taken, uncleaned bone, bones in cooked form, and the bones that have edges and high weights are fed, it may result in severe health issues like obstruction and choking in the gut and respiratory tract and may lead to the lethal situations.
Always seek the help of a veterinarian in case of bone obstruction or any unwanted signs described above. Always consult a nutritionist for feed formulation. Milk bone is a good brand feed to feed your German Shepherd. it provides a good source of feed.
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