As loving, caring pet parents, it’s our responsibility to care for all aspects of our dog’s health, including their teeth. Many dog owners turn to bones for canine oral care, but are bones good for dogs teeth, or can they actually cause harm?
In this guide, we’ll dive deep into bones and your dog’s teeth. We’ll explain what bones are good for dogs teeth, all the potential risks you need to be aware of, and how to safely give your dog bones that will benefit their oral health.
We’ll also introduce you to some more tips for your dog’s dental care, including Mighty Munch dog dental chews. By stripping away plaque and tartar and fighting bad bacteria, our chews can keep your dog’s teeth and mouth clean and healthy, preventing painful and expensive dental issues later on.
Why Dogs Love Bones
First of all, why do dogs love bones so much? In cartoons, dogs are always burying or digging up bones. In real life, dogs love spending hours gnawing on a bone. But why? What is it about bones that keep our furry friends so captivated? Let’s take a look.
Natural Instincts and Chewing Behavior
Dogs are descendants of wolves, and their ancestors relied on chewing bones as part of their survival. This instinct has been passed down through generations, making chewing a natural behaviour for modern dogs.
Chewing serves multiple purposes, from helping puppies soothe teething pain to providing adult dogs with a way to keep their jaws strong and teeth clean. Even without the need to hunt for food, today’s dogs still retain this primal urge to chew, and bones satisfy that deep-rooted instinct.
Taste and Texture Appeal
Bones offer a unique combination of flavours and textures that dogs find highly appealing. The rich taste of marrow, combined with the tough outer surface of bones, creates a satisfying chewing experience for your pup.
The act of biting into a bone and working to extract marrow or small pieces of meat offers dogs a rewarding challenge. This combination of taste and texture keeps dogs engaged, making bones more enticing than many other treats.
Psychological Benefits
Chewing on bones isn’t just a physical activity; it’s also mentally stimulating for dogs. The repetitive action of gnawing provides a sense of relaxation and satisfaction. For many dogs, bones are a source of comfort, helping to relieve boredom, stress, and anxiety.
This psychological benefit is especially important for dogs that spend long periods alone, as chewing on a bone can keep them occupied and content for extended periods.
Are Bones Good for Dogs Teeth, Though?
We’ve explained why dogs love bones, but are bones good for dogs teeth? Yes - there are a lot of benefits to chewing on bones, but there are also some important risks to be aware of as a pet owner. Let’s break it down.
Why Are Bones Good for Dogs Teeth?
Why are bones good for dogs teeth? Bones can act as a natural toothbrush for dogs. The gnawing action scrapes away plaque and tartar from their teeth, which can reduce the risk of gum disease, bad breath, and tooth decay, which can be painful for your pup and expensive for you.
The act of chewing also stimulates saliva production, which helps wash away food particles and bacteria. This is why many pet owners and vets recommend bones as a natural and effective way to promote dental health.
As well as keeping your dog’s teeth clean, bones help maintain strong jaws and healthy gums. Chewing provides exercise for your dog’s jaw muscles, and as dogs bite and grind down on a bone, their gums are gently massaged, improving circulation and promoting healthier tissues.
Are There Any Concerns Pet Parents Should Be Aware Of?
Bones do come with some risks. Hard bones, like beef bones, can sometimes be too tough for a dog’s teeth and may cause fractures, particularly in aggressive chewers. Broken teeth are a common issue in dogs that chew on bones, leading to painful dental problems and costly vet care.
Another concern is the risk of choking or gastrointestinal blockages. Small bone fragments or splinters can break off and become lodged in a dog’s throat or digestive tract, posing a serious health hazard.
This is especially true for cooked bones, which are more likely to splinter than raw bones. Bones can also carry bacteria like Salmonella if not handled and stored properly, potentially leading to infection.
To minimise these risks, pet parents should choose the right type and size of bone for their dog. So, what bones are good for dogs teeth? Next up, we’ll take a look at different bones that are good for dogs teeth to help you make the right choice for your pup.
What Bones Are Good for Dogs Teeth Exactly?
Not all bones are created equal when it comes to supporting your dog’s dental health. Choosing the right type of bone can make all the difference in providing effective teeth-cleaning benefits while minimising potential risks. Let’s take a look at the bones that are good for dog’s teeth.
Raw Bones vs Cooked Bones
When selecting bones for your dog, you have to check whether they are raw or cooked. Raw bones are generally recommended as they are less likely to splinter and cause injuries. They have a more flexible texture that allows your dog to chew without the risk of sharp fragments breaking off.
On the other hand, cooked bones are brittle and prone to splintering, which can lead to choking, internal injuries, or blockages in the digestive system. For these reasons, cooked bones should be avoided entirely.
Types of Raw Bones
Not all raw bones are safe or beneficial for dogs, so it’s important to choose the right type. In terms of bones that are good for dogs teeth, the best options are typically recreational bones, which include larger bones like beef knuckle bones, marrow bones, or femur bones.
These are dense, sturdy bones that dogs can chew on for a long time, helping to scrape off plaque and massage their gums. Edible bones like chicken necks or wings can be good for smaller dogs, but they should be supervised as these bones are soft and may be chewed too quickly.
Raw bones that you get from reputable butchers or specialty pet stores are generally safer and healthier than those of unknown origin. Also, raw bones should always be stored properly to reduce the risk of bacterial contamination, and any bones that still have marrow or meat should be frozen or refrigerated.
Size and Hardness Considerations
The size and hardness of a bone are crucial factors in determining its safety and effectiveness for dental health. The bone should be large enough that your dog can’t fit it entirely in their mouth, reducing the risk of choking.
It’s also important that the bone is not too hard, as overly dense bones can lead to cracked or broken teeth, especially in aggressive chewers. A good rule of thumb is to choose bones that are proportionate to your dog’s size and chewing strength.
For smaller dogs, softer bones like poultry necks or ribs are usually safer. For larger dogs, bigger and sturdier bones like beef knuckles or marrow bones work better. Always keep an eye on your dog while they’re chewing to make sure they’re safely enjoying their treat.
Commercially Prepared Dental Bones
If you’re worried about the potential risks of natural bones, commercially prepared dental bones can be a safer alternative. But, like bones, are dental sticks good for dogs teeth, or are dental chews bad for dogs? Actually, they’re one of the best way to keep dogs teeth clean!
So, how do dog dental chews work? Dental chews and bones are specifically designed to support oral hygiene and are made with ingredients and textures that help reduce plaque and tartar buildup. Many are also fortified with vitamins and minerals that support overall dental health.
What do dental sticks do for dogs? They freshen your pup’s breath, keep their jaw strong and healthy, support gum health, and strip plaque and tartar from your dog’s teeth as they chew. If you’re wondering how to prevent dental disease in dogs, dental bones are a great place to start.
Unlike natural bones, dental bones are formulated to break down safely in your dog’s digestive system, minimising the risk of blockages or injuries. However, not all dental chews are created equal, so it’s important to choose high-quality options that are free from harmful additives or artificial ingredients.
How many dental sticks can a dog have a day? We recommend one stick per day. In terms of when can you give puppies dental sticks, it’s best to wait until they’re six months old so they can safely chew (and benefit from) their dental bones.
Other Ways to Enhance Canine Oral Health
While bones can play an important role in maintaining your dog’s dental health, they shouldn’t be the only method you rely on. Let’s take a look at some of the other strategies you can use to protect your dog’s teeth and gums, reducing the risk of dental disease.
Mighty Munch Dog Dental Chews
We’ve already talked about how good dental bones and chews are for treating plaque on dog’s teeth, but we haven’t told you that you can find the best dental sticks for dogs here at Mighty Munch!
While you could spend an entire day trying to make homemade dog dental chews, you could save your time by instead investing in our top-rated dental chews, formulated with premium ingredients and infused with a potent dog probiotic.
Our dental chews will scrape away plaque and tartar, help prevent dental disease, freshen your dog’s breath, and keep them entertained for hours! We never use dried fillers, artificial ingredients, or anything harmful, and our chews are made locally in a human-grade facility.
While you’re here, make sure you check out our other Australian dog supplements, including our premium dog joint supplements and best probiotics for dogs Australia. We also have top rated orthopedic dog beds Australia and the best pet odour eliminator Australia for stubborn pet smells!
Routine Brushing and Flossing
Brushing your dog’s teeth regularly is one of the most effective ways to maintain oral health. Just like with human teeth, brushing removes plaque and prevents it from hardening into tartar, which can lead to gum disease and tooth decay.
Although most dogs hate having their teeth brushed or flossed, aim to brush your dog’s teeth at least a few times a week using a dog-specific toothbrush and toothpaste. Never use human toothpaste, as it contains ingredients that can be harmful to dogs.
In terms of brushing dogs teeth vs dental chews, or using dental sticks vs floss, it’s usually much easier to use dental chews and dogs prefer them, but try to integrate all methods into your dog’s oral care.
Dental Diets
Some dog food brands offer specially formulated dental diets that promote oral health. These foods are designed to reduce plaque and tartar buildup through both nutritional ingredients and kibble structure, though they shouldn’t replace brushing or professional cleanings.
The kibble in dental diets is typically larger and textured to provide a gentle scraping action as dogs chew, helping to clean their teeth with every bite. These diets often contain added enzymes, antioxidants, and nutrients that support gum health and fresh breath.
Expert Care
Regular vet checkups are essential for maintaining your dog’s oral health. Your vet can perform professional dental cleanings that go beyond what at-home care can achieve, removing tartar and addressing any emerging dental issues.
How often should dogs have a dental cleaning? If you’re using dental chews and brushing your dog’s teeth, you can limit cleanings to annually. The dog dental cleaning cost is relatively high, so using at-home measures and reducing the frequency of appointments can save you in the long run.
Final Thoughts on Bones That Are Good for Dogs Teeth
So, why are bones good for dogs teeth? The right type of bone can strengthen your dog’s jaw, strip plaque and tartar, and relax your pup as they chew. But, when it comes to maintaining your dog’s dental health, bones can help, but you’ll still need other strategies like dental chews and brushing.
Mighty Munch dental chews contain natural, powerful ingredients that fight the bad bacteria responsible for plaque and tartar on your dog’s teeth. They keep your dog’s teeth stronger and cleaner, and help your pup’s overall oral hygiene.
Start protecting your dog’s dental health today with premium dental chews from Mighty Munch!
