Marrow bone

What is marrow bone?

Marrow bone is an animal by-product obtained from the bones of cattle or lambs. The marrow is the fatty tissue found in the cavities of the bones and is rich in nutrients. Marrow bone can be fed raw or cooked, although raw marrow bones are better for dogs because they do not splinter and contain more vitamins and minerals.

What are the benefits of marrow bone for dogs?

Marrow bone has several benefits for dogs that can promote both the health and well-being of your four-legged friend. Here are some of them:

• Marrowbone strengthens your dog's teeth and gums by removing plaque and tartar and stimulating circulation.
• Marrowbone supports your dog's digestion by providing fiber and improving intestinal flora.
• Marrowbone provides your dog with essential nutrients such as calcium, phosphorus, zinc and magnesium, which are important for strong bones, muscles and nerves.
• Marrowbone satisfies your dog's natural urge to chew and offers him a meaningful activity that prevents boredom and stress.

What are the disadvantages of marrowbone for dogs?

Marrowbone is not without its risks for dogs, which you should be aware of before you decide to give your dog marrowbone. Here are some possible disadvantages:

• Marrowbone can cause injury to your dog's mouth or digestive tract if the bone splinters or becomes jagged. This can lead to bleeding, inflammation or even intestinal obstruction.
• Marrow bone can contribute to overweight or obesity in your dog if it is fed too much or too often. This is because marrow bone is very high in fat and contains a lot of calories.
• Marrow bone can lead to digestive problems or constipation in your dog if he eats too much or too little of it. This is because the bone is very hard and can affect bowel movements.
• Marrow bone can lead to salmonella or other bacterial infections in your dog if the bone is not fresh or hygienic. This can lead to diarrhea, vomiting or fever.

What should you look out for if you want to give your dog marrow bone?

If you want to give your dog marrow bones, you should follow some tips to minimize the risks and maximize the benefits. Here are some of them:

• Choose raw marrow bones from beef or lamb that are not cut or chopped. These are safest for dogs because they don't splinter and have more nutrients.
• Pay attention to the size and shape of the bone and match it to your dog's size and jaw. The bone should be large enough that your dog cannot swallow it or choke on it.
• Only give your dog marrow bones occasionally as a treat or supplementary food and not as their main food. A rule of thumb is that the bone should not make up more than 10% of your dog's daily calorie requirement.
• Always supervise your dog when he eats a bone and remove it immediately if it starts to splinter or becomes too small. Also check your dog's mouth and stool regularly for signs of injury or problems.
• Store marrow bones in a cool, dry place and avoid keeping them in the fridge for more than two days or in the freezer for more than three months. Never heat the bones in the microwave or oven.