Is It Safe Feed My Pets The Leftover Bones From My Family's Dinner? | Dog & Cat Health, Wellness, Products and Breed Information

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Is It Safe Feed My Pets The Leftover Bones From My Family's Dinner?
| Print | By Dr. Lauren Brickman | May 10, 2009 1:05 PM

Q: Is it safe feed my pets the leftover bones from my family's dinner?

A: It is probably best to avoid feeding your pet any bones at all. Bones are one of the most common causes of intestinal obstruction in animals. If a bone obstructs your pet, they can become very ill and may even require costly surgery to remove the bones from the intestines or stomach.

Chicken bones are some of the worst bones that your pet can eat. These bones are very brittle and when chewed by your pet will splinter and can irritate your pets' stomach. When animals are not used to getting anything other than pet food, a new type of food can cause vomiting and diarrhea which can lead to dehydration in your pet. If you feel that your pet would really enjoy a bone, pet stores carry products that will be safer for your pet than table scraps.