Can dogs eat rib bones? Why vets say it’s a bad idea

Can dogs eat rib bones? And more importantly, should they?

Rib bones, like other animal bones, contain protein and minerals such as calcium and phosphorus. They can keep your dog busy for hours and satisfy that natural urge to chew. 

That said, the risks that come from your dog eating rib bones far outweigh the benefits. In this article, we’ll walk through why dogs and rib bones don’t mix, explain what to do if your dog eats one, and share safer options that let your dog chew in peace without the risk.

Can dogs eat rib bones?

No, dogs should not eat rib bones, whether cooked or raw. While it’s tempting to toss your pup a leftover bone, it's a dangerous choice. Cooked rib bones become brittle and can splinter easily, posing serious health risks like choking, internal injuries, or digestive blockages. 

Raw rib bones aren’t much better. Though less brittle, they can still break and may carry harmful bacteria like Salmonella or E. coli. These can make your dog sick and even spread to humans through contact with saliva or stool.

No matter your dog’s breed or size, rib bones simply aren’t worth the risk.

Why dogs and rib bones don’t mix

Besides the risk of salmonella and E. coli from raw bones, rib bones can lead to serious health problems that require urgent medical attention. Let’s break down exactly why dogs and rib bones are a dangerous combination.

Choking hazards and splintering risks

Cooked rib bones become dry and brittle. When a dog chews on them, they can break into sharp, jagged pieces, which can easily get stuck in the throat, cutting off airflow and creating a medical emergency.

This is why the answer to “are cooked rib bones safe for dogs?” is a firm no. Cooking weakens the structure of bones, making them more likely to splinter into dangerous fragments. Even with supervision, a dog can break through a cooked rib bone quickly and end up in serious trouble.

Raw rib bones may not be as brittle, but they can still splinter under pressure, and the risk of choking remains high.

Dental and digestive dangers

Chewing on some animal bones can break teeth while gnawing, leading to exposed nerves, infection, or the need for tooth extractions. The sharp edges of a bone can also slice the inside of their cheeks or gums, causing bleeding and pain. 

However, that’s not all. When fragments of the rib bone are swallowed, they can cut the inside of your dog’s esophagus on their way down and perforate the walls of the stomach or intestines. It’s extremely painful and often requires emergency surgery to fix. 

At other times, bone fragments can become lodged and form a blockage that prevents food and waste from passing through properly, leading to symptoms such as vomiting, bloating, constipation, and lethargy.

Can dogs eat pork rib bones or beef rib bones?

Some people assume that a bigger bone means it’s safer because it’s harder to swallow or splinter.

Pork rib bones are generally smaller, thinner, and softer than beef rib bones. As such, they break more easily when chewed, increasing the chances of sharp splinters forming. Additionally, pork bones have more fat and grease, which can upset your dog’s stomach and potentially trigger pancreatitis.

Can dogs eat beef rib bones, which are larger and denser? At first glance, they seem less likely to break apart and more suitable for large breeds. However, the size and hardness of beef bones can crack or break your dog’s teeth. These dental injuries are painful and expensive to treat.

If you're looking to give your dog something to chew on, it's best to choose vet-approved chew toys or dental treats that are specifically designed to be safe and digestible. These can still satisfy your dog’s natural urge to chew without putting their health at risk.

What to do if your dog eats a rib bone

No matter how careful you are, accidents happen. So what happens if a dog eats a rib bone? The first step is to pay close attention to their behavior. Some dogs may pass small bone fragments as stool without issue, while others exhibit signs of danger immediately.

Signs your dog might be in danger

Watch your dog closely for any of these signs:

• Vomiting.
• Lethargy or weakness.
• Pale gums.
• Constipation or trouble passing stool.
• Excessive drooling or lip licking.

If your dog is coughing, gagging, or pawing at their mouth, the bone may be stuck in their throat. Carefully open your dog’s mouth and try to see if any bone is visible near the front. If it's easily reachable and your dog is calm, gently remove it.

If you can’t remove it, you may need to perform the Heimlich maneuver. For smaller dogs, pick them up and turn them upside down with their back against your chest, then give quick, firm thrusts just below the ribcage. For larger dogs, place them on their side and apply firm upward pressure behind the rib cage. 

When to call the vet (and what they might do)

If you’ve tried the Heimlich or attempted to remove the bone and there's no improvement, rush to the vet right away. Other signs to look out for that require immediate vet attention are:

• Persistent vomiting.
• Extreme tiredness or collapse.
• Swollen, tight, or painful abdomen.
• Bloody diarrhea or black, tarry stools.
• Repeated attempts to vomit without success.
• Whining or signs of pain when touched.

At the clinic, the veterinarian will perform X-rays or an ultrasound to determine the location of the bone and assess whether it's causing a blockage or damage. They might also run blood tests to check for infection or inflammation.

Depending on the severity of the situation, the vet may administer medications to reduce inflammation or perform surgery to remove bone fragments and repair damaged tissue.

Safer alternatives to rib bones for your dog

There are plenty of safer alternatives that satisfy your dog’s need to chew without putting their health in danger.

• VOHC-approved dental chews: These chews have been tested for safety by the Veterinary Oral Health Council and have been proven to help reduce plaque and tartar. They’re made with ingredients that are safe for your dog’s teeth and stomach. You can find them at most pet stores or through your vet.
• Vet-recommended dental treats: These treats are made from safe, digestible materials that are tough enough to chew but soft enough not to splinter or damage your dog’s teeth. They also help keep your dog’s breath fresh and their gums healthy.
• Frozen toys: Fill a sturdy rubber toy with xylitol-free peanut butter or soft dog food and freeze it. This makes a fun, long-lasting treat that keeps your dog engaged. 

Other good alternatives include dental sticks, frozen carrots, and squeaky toys. You can also make DIY dog chew toys, such as the sweet potato rope toy.

Even with safe chews, keep an eye on your dog while they’re chewing. No chew is completely risk-free, and pieces can still break off, posing a choking hazard. Inspect toys and treats for signs of damage and replace them once they’re worn down or too small. 

Rib bones aren’t worth the risk

Rib bones might seem like a good treat for your dog, but they can cause serious harm. Fragments of the bone can get stuck in your dog’s throat and cause choking, or poke holes in their stomach and intestines. If you choose to give your dog a raw rib bone instead, it can carry harmful bacteria, such as Salmonella or E. coli, which can make both pets and humans sick. It’s not worth the risk!

Does your dog have a habit of gnawing? There are many safer things that it can chew, such as dental chews approved by vets or rawhide-free chews. Always keep all animal bones out of your dog’s reach, especially after meals or during cookouts. It’s much better to prevent problems than to deal with an emergency later.