Did You Know: You Shouldn't Feed Cooked Bones To Strays As They Can Cut Their Intestines
However, strays can safely eat raw bones.
By Tamara Jayne — 20 Feb 2025, 04:44 PM
Many people believe feeding leftover bones to stray dogs and cats is a kind gesture, but cooked bones can actually be dangerous
Although it may seem like a treat, cooked bones can easily splinter and cause serious injuries to a dog's or cat's mouth, throat, or intestines.
When bones are cooked, they become brittle and can break into sharp pieces when chewed.
These sharp fragments can:
Cause choking – Stray dogs and cats may swallow large pieces, leading to blockages.
Tear the intestines – Sharp bone splinters can cut the digestive tract, causing internal injuries.
Damage the stomach – Fragments can cause severe pain, bleeding, and infections.
Unlike cooked bones, raw bones are softer and less likely to splinter
They provide dental benefits and essential nutrients like calcium and phosphorus for dogs.
Cats can also eat raw bones, but only small, soft, and suitable ones like chicken necks or wings. These bones help clean their teeth and provide nutrients, but weight-bearing bones from larger animals can be too hard and may cause dental fractures. Always supervise cats when giving raw bones to prevent choking or injuries.
Contrary to what you see in cartoons, both raw and cooked fish bones are actually dangerous for cats, as they can get stuck in the mouth, throat, or digestive tract, causing serious harm.
If you want to help stray dogs and cats, consider giving them:
Dry or wet pet food – A balanced and safe option.
Boiled meat (without bones) – A nutritious treat that won't harm them.
Rice with chicken or fish (boneless) – A filling and safe meal.
Feeding strays is a kind act, but it's important to do it safely
Instead of bones, offer food that won't put them at risk. If you see a stray in distress after eating bones, contact a local vet for help.
