Barbecue at Home | Is it Safe for Pets to Eat Rib Bones?

Whether you barbecue at home or bring home leftover ribs from a restaurant, the general consensus seems to be that it is never a good idea to give your dog rib bones.

Cooked Bones vs. Raw Bones

You should never give your dog bones that have been cooked. It doesn’t matter if you barbecue at home or buy pre-cooked ribs—cooking changes the properties of the bones and causes them to splinter, which can be very dangerous for your dog. Dogs can choke on the splinters and bone fragments can get lodged in the dog’s tummy. While some large beef bones are not as likely to splinter as pork or chicken bones, they could still pose a choking hazard for your dog.

Raw bones can cause other health issues, just like raw meat can in humans, and some craw bones can still splinter. So it’s best to avoid feeding raw bones to your dog.  If you’re concerned about your dog getting ahold of a stray rib bone from the garbage, or you feel you need to share your ribs with your dog, you might want to consider boneless pre-cooked ribs.

Things to Consider Before Sharing Your Tasty Boneless Ribs with Your Dog

It’s so hard to say no when your dog gives you those sweet puppy-dog eyes while begging for food.  But is giving in really the best option for your dog?  Fat and oil can cause several health issues in dogs—some issues as severe as pancreatitis. And certain human foods can even be toxic to dogs. Dogs that are fed table scraps can also become dependent on them and may refuse to eat traditional dog food, which is made to suit their specific dietary needs. This could lead to dietary deficiencies in your pet.

If you barbecue at home, your dog probably smelled the ribs cooking, and it got those hunger grumbles going in its tummy. Consider feeding your dog a little bit of food while you eat dinner, so that everyone can enjoy a quiet, nutritious meal.

As the Old Saying Goes – It’s Better to Be Safe Than Sorry

Having a barbecue at home with pre-cooked ribs is a great way to feed a hungry family, but it’s probably not the best option for your dog—especially when it involves bones. Cooked or raw, pork or beef…it’s best to avoid giving your dog a bone, and it’s much safer to stick to feeding your dog food that was made for its digestive system.

Pork rib bones may not be safe for dogs, but Tony Roma’s World Famous Pre-Cooked Ribs are a delicious choice for you and your family.  Pick them up from your local grocery store today!

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