Cooked vs Air Dried Bones: What’s safe for your dog to eat?

Bones have been a fan favourite for dogs since the dawn of time. However, not all bones are prepared in the same way. Cooked bones are widely considered unsafe due to the chance of becoming brittle and splintering, but that doesn't mean there are no safe bone alternatives for your dog.

Air dried bones are processed differently, and when chosen appropriately, they are an excellent choice for your dog. Air dried doesn't automatically mean 'risk free' but it does offer several physical and mental health benefits for your dog which make it a treat worth exploring.

In this guide, we look at the difference between cooked and air dried bones and how to find a safe option for your dog:

1. The difference between cooked and air dried bones
2. Why are cooked bones dangerous for dogs
3. Are air dried bones safe for dogs?
4. Benefits of air dried bones
5. Choosing a safe dog bone treat
6. FAQs

The difference between cooked and air dried bones

There is a huge difference between how cooked and air dried bones are made. Cooked bones are exposed to heat through roasting, boiling, grilling and several other cooking methods. This changes the structure of the bone, making it much more brittle. Brittle bones have increased risk of splintering and breaking into sharp fragments that can cause injury.

Air dried bones are dried gradually to remove the moisture without cooking the bone. This process aims to produce a dried and long-lasting chew without changing the structure of the bone. By removing moisture, it also reduces the chance of mould and extends the shelf life of air dried bones. This is why a dog bone treat can be perfectly healthy for your dog, whilst your spare chicken leg from a roast dinner is not a suitable alternative.

Air dried bones are also not the same as raw animal bones. These can contain bacteria and are often unhygienic, meaning raw bones are not a safe option for your dog.

Why are cooked bones dangerous for dogs

Cooked bones are much more likely to splinter. As a dog chews the cooked bone, due to it being more brittle, it could fracture into small pieces or shards. This could:

• Become lodged in the throat or airway
• Cause choking
• Cut the mouth or gums
• Damage the oesophagus
• Cause gastrointestinal obstruction
• Puncture parts of the digestive tract
• Become lodged in the stomach or intestines

Bones can easily get stuck in a pet's oesophagus, stomach or intestine whilst splintering can cause serious injuries. This applies to all cooked bones, but is most common with poultry such as chicken and turkey. As much as your dog may love the flavour, it's simply not worth the risk.

Are air dried bones safe for dogs?

Air dried bones are generally safe for dogs and most puppies, however, this doesn't mean every dog can eat every air dried bone. Air dried bones go through a completely different cooking process meaning:

• Dried using a controlled drying process
• Retain bones' structure, natural flavour, vitamins and nutrients
• No added ingredients, ensuring easy digestion and they are suitable for dogs with sensitive stomachs
  

Whilst air dried bones are safe for dogs to eat, there are still some factors to consider. Air dried bones can still chip, which could be a choking hazard if the chip is too large. It's good to monitor your dog when chewing and regularly rotate treats or dog toys used for chewing to prevent any issues.

You should also consider your dog's size and age. Larger bones are typically suited to larger dog breeds and more aggressive chewers, whilst smaller bones, for smaller breeds. Most of our bones are suitable for dogs and puppies from the age of 4 months, but always check feeding guides before giving to your dog, or consult your vet if you're unsure.

Benefits of air dried bones

Air dried bones offer several benefits for both physical and mental wellness of your dog. Benefits of air dried bones include:

• Scraping away plaque and tartar whilst stimulating saliva products, all supporting your dog's oral hygiene and dental health.
• Reduced splinter risk, which prevents potentially serious health issues and injuries to your dog.
• Retaining nutrients, vitamins and flavour of the bone, making it a great treat for dogs. Our air drying process also uses only 100% natural ingredients, free from grain, gluten, additives and preservatives which could trigger stomach sensitivities or allergies.
• They also support with mental stimulation, satisfying your dog's natural urge to chew. This can be especially beneficial if your dog struggles with anxiety or boredom to keep them occupied at potentially stressful times.

Choosing a safe dog bone treat

If you choose to give your dog air dried bones, it's important to make sure they are eating the treat safely. Always supervise your dog whilst they are chewing. Bones are still susceptible to chipping, whilst larger pieces could become a choking hazard. Supervision allows you to intervene quickly and rotate chews regularly. When choosing an air dried bone:

• Choose an appropriately sized product
• Follow the manufacturer's feeding guidance
• Remove the chew if it develops sharp edges
• Remove small pieces that could be swallowed whole
• Make sure your dog has access to fresh drinking water
• Avoid giving multiple high-calorie treats in addition to their normal diet

At T. Forrest, we believe dogs deserve 100% natural treats made with quality ingredients. We make a wide range of natural chews including air dried bones, available in several sizes and flavours to cater for every dog.

You can order natural dog treats online at T.Forrest, with free next day delivery on orders over £34.99

FAQs

Can dogs eat cooked bones?

No, cooked bones should not be given to dogs. Cooking can make bones brittle, increasing the likelihood that they will splinter into sharp fragments that can cause choking, internal injury or gastrointestinal obstruction. 

Can dogs eat air dried bones?

Yes, dogs can eat air dried bones. Make sure to choose a bone that is a suitable size for your dog and contains natural ingredients. Air dried bones can still pose a risk, so make sure to supervise and monitor your dog regularly whilst chewing.

Can puppies eat air dried bones?

Yes, puppies can eat air dried bones. However, many bones are only suitable from 4 months old when adult teeth start to develop, so make sure to follow feeding guides and again, buy based on your dogs size and chewing habits

Are bones good for dog's teeth?

Yes, dog bones are good for your dog's teeth, helping with saliva production, removing plaque and tartar to improve overall dental hygiene. However, strong bones could also lead to chips. To avoid this, make sure to supervise your dog when chewing, keep air dried bones as part of a balanced diet and rotate chews and toys.

What should you do if your dog eats a cooked bone?

If your dog eats a cooked bone, contact your vet for advice. Lookout for any change in behaviour from your dog such as choking, being sick, loss of appetite, digestive problems and potential abdominal pain. If you notice any severe symptoms, contact your vet immediately.