Prime rib bones are a common treat for dogs.
They’re often given as a reward or bribe, and they’re also sometimes fed as a snack between meals.
But can dogs actually digest these bones?
In the past, people commonly fed their dogs raw meat, but this practice has fallen out of favor.
Today, most people feed their dogs commercially prepared dog food.
This includes dry kibble, canned food, and even frozen food like hot dogs.
While it’s true that dogs don’t have much taste for some of these foods, many owners still give their dogs prime rib bones because they believe they’re good for them.
But does this belief hold up?
Let’s take a look at what happens when dogs eat prime rib bones.
How Do You Make Beef Prime Rib?
To make prime rib, you need a good quality steak knife.
Start by cutting several slashes in the fat cap (the skin covering the meat).
Then place the meat flat on a cutting board and start slicing across the grain to create thin slices of meat.
It’s okay if some of the fat remains attached to the meat after this step.
After that, season the meat with salt and pepper.
Then, place a large pan over medium heat and add about two tablespoons of vegetable oil.
When the oil starts to shimmer, add the meat and sear until it turns golden brown.
Remove the meat from the pan and set aside.
Add another tablespoon of oil to the pan and then add 1/4 cup of flour.
Cook the flour for about 5 minutes, stirring constantly.
Add 1/2 cup of white wine and cook for about 3 minutes.
Add 2 cups of beef stock and bring it to a boil.
Reduce the heat and let simmer for 15 minutes.
Season the sauce with salt and pepper.
If needed, add more stock.
Place the meat back into the pan, cover with foil, and return to a warm part of the kitchen.
Let the meat sit for about 30 minutes before serving.
Serve the meat sliced with the gravy poured over the top.
The Risks of Feeding Dogs Prime Rib Bones
While the benefits of feeding dogs prime rib bones are few, there are certainly risks involved in giving them to your dog.
Some of those risks include choking on bone fragments and broken pieces of bone that may be left behind after the meat has been eaten.
If you give your dog prime rib bones, it’s important to understand what will happen when he eats them.
The following information outlines some of the dangers associated with feeding dogs prime rib bones.
Choking Risk
When a dog swallows a piece of bone, it can damage his digestive tract.
This is especially true if the bone is large enough to block his airway.
If this happens, your dog could die from asphyxiation (a lack of oxygen to his body).
Some prime rib bones are particularly dangerous because they contain sharp edges that can easily penetrate the stomach wall.
Even if your dog doesn’t choke on a prime rib bone, he might still get an infection from the bacteria present in his gut.
This can lead to diarrhea, vomiting, and even death.
Bacterial Infection
In addition to the risk of choking and bacterial infections, a prime rib bone can also introduce harmful bacteria into your dog’s system.
Not only will this increase the chances of him getting sick, but it also increases the likelihood he’ll pass along these diseases to other people and animals around him.
Dehydration
Another danger associated with giving your dog prime rib bones is dehydration.
When a dog consumes too much food at one time, it makes it hard for him to process all of the nutrients he needs to stay healthy.
If you feed your dog prime rib bones regularly, he’ll likely have trouble processing the protein, fat, and calcium content of the bone.
Digestive Problems
One of the most serious risks associated with feeding prime rib bones to your dog is that it can lead to digestive problems.
There are two main reasons why this occurs.
First, the bones themselves can irritate the intestinal tract.
Second, the bacteria found in the intestines can cause inflammation and blockages.
This leads to discomfort, diarrhea, and even vomiting.
Liver Damage
Although the effects of eating prime rib bones are more severe than those of eating beef bones, your dog’s liver does take some damage.
This is caused by the high levels of cholesterol in the meat.
Eating prime ribs can also cause your dog to become overweight, so his liver takes up more space in his abdomen.
Heart Disease
Eating prime rib bones can also have negative effects on your dog’s heart.
If the meat is ingested before it’s fully digested, it can clog blood vessels and increase your dog’s risk of developing heart disease.
The Benefits of Feeding Dogs Prime Rib Bones
In short, yes.
They can be safe to feed if you follow the instructions below.
But before we get into that, let’s look at what makes prime rib bones so dangerous in the first place.
These bones are cooked, and although it may seem like a good idea to give your dog some protein-rich food to help him build muscle mass, these bones are made from cuts of beef that have been aged for days and then cooked for hours.
This is not only unhealthy for your dog (you don’t want him eating this kind of meat), but it can also cause digestive issues for him.
One thing to note is that there are different types of prime rib bones.
Some are made from the front leg of the cow, while others come from the back leg.
The back leg bones are more expensive and harder to obtain, which is why many people buy them instead of the front leg bones.
However, both are considered prime rib bones because they’re cut from the same part of the cow.
So, what exactly happens when you feed your dog prime rib bones?
- This type of bone contains large amounts of collagen, which is an important component of healthy joints. Collagen helps make up cartilage, ligaments, tendons, and other connective tissues within the body. It also helps keep muscles strong and flexible.
- When dogs chew on these bones, they break down the collagen. This causes the bone to become brittle and prone to breaking, which can lead to dental problems.
- If your dog eats too much prime rib bones, he could develop arthritis or other joint issues. Joint pain is one of the most commonly reported symptoms of canine osteoarthritis, and prime rib bones are known to exacerbate this condition. Additionally, consuming too many of these bones can affect his digestion.
- Some dogs will eat their own feces after chewing on prime rib bones. This is because the bacteria that normally lives in the dog’s gut has been altered by the acids produced by the dog’s stomach through its chewing process. Eating feces can increase the risk of gastrointestinal disorders, such as diarrhea or constipation.
- If your dog chews on prime rib bones, he could develop a bacterial infection known as necrotizing fasciitis. This occurs when the bacteria enter the bloodstream, causing tissue damage throughout the body. If your dog eats these bones frequently, he could develop this condition, making it difficult for him to walk.
- These bones are high in fat content. Because fat isn’t digested properly by dogs, it can accumulate in the liver, resulting in fatty liver disease. Fatty liver disease can cause serious health issues, including kidney failure.
- Because these bones contain a lot of calcium, they can cause intestinal upset, especially if your dog eats too much of them. This is because the calcium can cause an overgrowth of bacteria in the intestines, leading to an imbalance of bacteria inside the intestines. This can result in diarrhea, vomiting, or even blood in the stool.
How to Feed Dogs Prime Rib Bones Safely
Before we get into the nitty gritty of feeding dogs prime rib bones safely, let’s first talk about why you might want to feed them in the first place.
You may be wondering if it’s safe to give your dog prime rib bones, especially since they’re made from beef.
Beef is one of the most dangerous meats that dogs can consume due to its high fat content.
Beef is also rich in phosphorus, which is an important mineral in bone health.
Because of this, many pet stores will recommend against giving your dog any bone with more than 20% beef.
However, there are ways to ensure that your dog doesn’t have to worry about eating too much beef, while still providing them with their favorite treat.
Here are some tips on how to feed dogs prime rib bones safely and without causing harm to your furry friend.
What is Prime Rib?
Prime rib is a cut from the top loin of beef.
It is considered one of the most flavorful cuts of beef.
The meat is tender and has a rich flavor that is enhanced by cooking it at a low temperature for a long time.
Beef prime ribs are usually served with a sauce made out of wine and stock.
Some restaurants serve it with mashed potatoes and other side dishes such as broccoli rabe or Brussels sprouts.
It’s important to note that while prime rib is cut from the top loin, the rest of the animal makes up the bottom half of the cow.
So if you buy a whole cow, the prime rib will be on the top portion of the carcass.
This is also known as the “top sirloin” or the “center-cut.”
Conclusion
No, dogs should not eat prime rib bones.
These bones are cooked and can splinter, which can cause harm to your dog.
If you have any doubt about this, please read the following article on how to feed dogs raw bones.
- What Dog Breeds Have Pink Skin? - March 24, 2023
- What Are the Most Inspiring Dog Breeding Quotes? - March 20, 2023
- Can Pheromone Spray Help Improve Dog Breeding Results? - March 19, 2023