Chow Chow owners have always been split about feeding chicken bones to their pets. Some say that their Chow Chows can bite through it, while others argue it carries extreme risks of choking or even puncturing the esophagus. So, to answer the question, can Chow Chows eat chicken bones safely?
Being informed is an essential part of being a dog owner as it may be the difference between your precious dog’s life or death. If you are looking for evidence to see if your stand on this issue is either right or wrong, then you’re in luck as we will present to you the two sides of the coin.
By the end of this article, you should be able to conclude whether it’s safe to feed you Chow Chow chicken bones or not and its risks and advantages.
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Can Chow Chows Eat Chicken Bones?
Chow Chows Can eat Chicken Bones and you can give chicken bones to your Chows as treats. However, the bones should be raw, meaty ones rather than cooked bones.
Chow chows can safely eat raw chicken or chicken bones as they are relatively softer and chewier. Raw chicken bones are highly nutritious and very flavorful. They are also beneficial in terms of the dog’s physical development as chewing promotes stronger neck and shoulder muscles
On the other hand, cooked bones are very dangerous as they tend to splinter, and the sharp edges might damage the soft linings of your pet’s internal organs.
To cut to the chase, just remember these two things:
- Cooked Bones – No, they’re dangerous!
- Raw Bones – Yes, they’re safe to eat!
Benefits of Raw Chicken Bones
Chicken bones are not only a tasty treat for your pet Chow Chow, but they are also loaded with plenty of advantages too. Here are some of them.
- Raw Bones are a good source of nutrients.
One of the best reasons to feed raw chicken bones to your Chow Chow is the nutritional benefits that come along with it. Raw bones, especially the marrow found within, are full of fat, protein, calcium, phosphorus, and other essential minerals and nutrients.
- Bones are a staple for a raw diet.
The raw dog food diet is continually gaining popularity over recent years. The diet, while highly controversial, emphasizes feeding raw vegetables, fruits, meat, and bones. While the diet itself comes with risks, the upside and the logic behind its reasoning can’t be ignored. According to Australian Veterinarian Ian Billinghurst, adult dogs would certainly thrive on a diet that mimics what their ancestors ate before being domesticated. The benefits include shinier coats, better energy levels, and smaller excrements.
- Raw Bones helps keep the teeth and gums healthy.
The primary reason behind this is raw bones rich in phosphorus and calcium, which are both important for strong, healthy teeth. The other reason is that when dogs chew through the bone, the latter will scrape through the teeth and gums and give it a thorough cleaning, just like a toothbrush or dental floss.
Best Raw Chicken Bone Parts to feed your Chow Chows
Here are the best chicken parts with bones to feed your Chow Chow:
- Wings
- Necks
- Feet
- Carcass
How to Introduce Raw Chicken Bone to your Dog
If your Chow Chow had never eaten a raw bone before, one of the first things you need to do is to introduce it slowly. For the first few feedings, bring your dog and the bone together in a confined space for about 10-15 minutes per day. As the marrow inside a raw bone is rich in fat, it may cause some loose stools if your dog has a sensitive stomach. Once the dog is used to eating raw bones, it can be left out in the open and fed at least three times per week.
What to do if your Dog ate a piece of Cooked Chicken Bone
Now that you know that cooked chicken bones are harmful to your dogs, you might as well start to keep a close watch on them whenever they’re around while you’re eating. Chances are, your dog will attempt to steal a piece of delicious chicken while you’re not looking.
Supposing that your Chow Chow did successfully steal and eat one, these are the actions that you need to do afterward. If the bone is still in his mouth, you can just remove it, but what if he already swallowed it?
- Check the airway – Open your dog’s mouth and use your fingers to pry and feel if there is anything obstructing the airway.
- Perform a Heimlich Maneuver – If your dog is struggling to breathe, you’ve got to perform the Heimlich maneuver on your pet. Wrap your arms around your Chow Chow’s chest, bring them together below the point where the sternum ends, and quickly pull your dog against your body. This should help clear the stuck pieces of bones or even cause your dog to cough them out.
- Observe – While there is always a chance for a possible injury, this isn’t always the case. All you have to do is watch and observe your pet’s condition in the following days. If you notice that something is wrong, get in touch with your trusted veterinarian immediately for the next course of action.
Conclusion
So there you have it! When it comes to bones, just remember that cooked bones are a no-no, while raw bones are the way to go!
Raw bones are not only rich in nutrients and minerals but also very full of flavor, which your Chow Chow will surely love. It will also promote healthier teeth and gums, so you can expect that your pet’s mouth will no longer stink. Just remember, if anything does go wrong, don’t hesitate to consult your most trusted vet.
