We know that no dog can resist a juicy bone. They are tasty and dogs enjoy licking and chewing them. However, not every kind of bone is good for your dog, especially when it comes to rib bones.

Why?

There are several reasons why you can’t give your dog a rib bone, from a choking hazard to health issues.

Let’s take a look at all the reasons why dogs can’t eat rib bones below!

Why Can’t I Give My Dog a Rib Bone?

Dogs adore chewing and eating rib bones. They are delicious and provide dogs with a fun chewing experience. But, vets say that we shouldn’t give dogs rib bones because they are hazardous in several ways.

Rib bones, whether raw or cooked, can splinter into tiny pieces and choke your dog. Even if they don’t splinter, their size and shape may not fit your dog’s mouth and digestive tract, thus causing choking or blockage of the digestive tract. They may also damage their mouth, throat, and internal organs causing lacerations.

Additionally, they may block their intestines and cause nasty constipation. In some cases, intestinal blockages require surgery to be removed.

Apart from these dangers, raw rib bones can also contain bacteria like listeria, salmonella, and Escherichia coli, which are poisonous and will make your dog ill. Pork rib bones also carry the risk of transmitting Trichinella spiralis, a roundworm that causes Trichinosis in your pet or you. Ouch!

Last but not least, rib bones can cause pancreatitis. Namely, rib bones contain a high amount of animal fat and eating food high in animal fat may lead to pancreatitis.

Beef vs Pork Rib Bones: Are They Both Dangerous?

While rib bones should be avoided in general, some kinds of rib bones are less dangerous than others. Let’s take beef and pork rib bones for example.

Beef rib bones are usually safe as long as they are large. They are harder than the other kinds of animal bones, so they don’t splinter that easily.

Pork rib bones, on the other hand, are a big NO-NO because they easily splinter into pieces thus causing the above-mentioned health issues.

Alternatives to Rib Bones

‘If I can’t give my dog rib bones, what can I give them?’ You may ask yourself this question now that you know that rib bones aren’t safe for your dog as you thought they are. Don’t worry, there are alternatives to rib bones you can give your dog.

You can give your dog antlers, bully sticks, or rubber toys. The antlers are closest to rib bones because they are bones themselves. They are safe for your dog to chew and are a healthy and nutritious snack.

Bully sticks also provide a chewing experience similar to chewing bones. They are hard enough not to splinter, yet soft enough to be chewable. They are made of natural ingredients and packed with nutrients.

Lastly, although not similar to bones, rubber toys provide an enjoyable chewing experience for dogs. They are safe and will keep your pooch busy for hours.