4 Reasons Why Do Dogs Like Bones?
Why do dogs like bones? Besides being an excellent source of minerals and other nutrients, bones also aid in satisfying your dog’s hunger. We’ve all seen cartoons where dogs are shown running after bones, burying them, and generally treating them as if they were their most valued item. Is this, however, the case in actual life? If this is the case, what is it about bones that dogs find so appealing? Dogs like chewing on complex objects, whether because of the flavor or texture or just because they find them satisfying. We’ve all heard that bones aren’t the best chew toy, but can they be a nice reward on rare occasions when appropriately used? All of these are questions that we shall address today.
Why Do Dogs Like Bones?
There are a variety of reasons why dogs like chewing on bones. In addition to the bone marrow packed within the bone, any meat parts left on the bone are healthy and delectable. The second benefit of chewing on bones is that it gives mental stimulation and exercise to the jaw muscles. It is also a natural technique to remove plaque and tartar from the teeth while massaging the gums.
Dogs like bones nearly as much as they enjoy the steak or roast from which they were sourced. While a bone may not seem like a delicacy to you and me, it is to them. Let’s take a closer look at the reasons why dogs eat bones in more depth.
Reasons Why Do Dogs Like Bones?
1. Bits of meat
No matter how skilled, every butcher will struggle to remove all of the minute pieces of flesh off a bone… The work is well worth it for your dog compared to the satisfaction they get from just a few tiny bites of freshly cooked meat.
2. Bone marrow
Bone marrow is the canine equivalent of a Snickers bar in terms of nutritional value. In addition to being abundant in fat, bone marrow is greatly sought after for its flavor and nutritional value. When it comes to malnourished animals, eating bone marrow might be the difference between life and death. On the other hand, bone marrow isn’t the only part of the bone that tastes good. The bony structure may include fat, which acts as a glue to keep minerals such as calcium and phosphorus together. Fat is found in abundance in the human body.
3. Endorphins
Mother Nature has a fascinating way of working. Chewing boosts the release of endorphins in dogs, which is one of how it works. We are all aware that endorphins make us feel reasonable and responsible for the so-called “Runner’s High” that we get after physical activity.
But why is it so vital for dogs to gnaw on things? Previously, we examined how bone marrow is a rich source of fat and how it is one of the body’s last fat reserves to be depleted when an animal is forced into survival mode. As a result, wild dogs often depend on bone marrow as a substantial energy source when confronted with low-quality food, even though it is more challenging to get. As long as chewing makes a dog feel good, they will engage in the activity more often. This will increase the likelihood of reaching the life-saving bone marrow when it is required.
4. Mental stimulation
Because most of our dogs do not have a 9-5 job, they must occupy themselves with something productive throughout the day while we are away, or they may become destructive. For some people, gnawing on their bones may be quite arousing. Aside from the endorphin rush that they receive from chewing, dogs may also take pleasure in the problem-solving abilities required to extract that last piece of flesh or bone marrow off the bone as they are chewing.
Are Bones Safe for Dogs to Consume?
You may have seen several reports and articles on the internet recommending dog owners to refrain from feeding their pets bones to chew on. With so much information available to take in, it’s easy to get confused about what’s real and what isn’t. We’re here to inform you that everything you’ve heard is correct. Even though bones might be hazardous for dogs, you can make them safe by taking the required steps.
Always Monitor Your Dog
It would help if you always watched your dog while chewing on a bone, no matter how long you have given him the bone. Some breeds may have mighty jaws that can shatter and break bones into tiny fragments. These particles may get trapped in their throat. In more challenging situations, the bones might sever their internal organs and cause them to bleed to death.
OPT for Bigger Bones
It is usually preferable to feed your dog more giant bones than smaller ones since tiny bones might become choking dangers. Many dogs can swallow the bone in a single gulp and choke on the little piece of bone. Various bone sizes are intended for different breeds of dogs, just as they are for kibble. Make sure the slice you offer your dog isn’t so tiny that it can be eaten whole by the dog himself.
Training
Bones are often regarded as high-value rewards by your canine companions. They are delectable incentives that should not be offered on the spur of the moment. You should be aware that when your dog is given a bone, he may let his wild side take over and display violent behavior or food guarding. It is pretty uncommon for a dog to like bones, but he should not show his fangs at you or act aggressively against you.
If you see this behavior in your dog, you must teach him. Protection of food and natural resources is a complex topic that may need expert assistance.
Conclusion
What is it about bones that dogs find so appealing and safe for dogs? There are several reasons for this, ranging from the flavor to the health advantages. But, before you give your dog a bone, we recommend that you educate yourself on the possible hazards and take steps to mitigate them by keeping a close eye on him. Never give him a pig bone, and be sure to get one that is the right size for him. Give Best bones that are safe and healthy for dogs. If you are still unsure about the safety of giving your dog a bone, you may try some of the other options such as yak chews, antlers, and bully sticks, which are all safe alternatives.
