I'm in need of some advice. I’ve got a two-year-old Labrador named Duke, and he's an absolute monster when it comes to chewing up bones. I recently bought him this massive beef bone, and he absolutely loved it, chewing on it for hours. But now I’m wondering if I should adjust his dinner portion tonight because of it. I usually feed him two cups of kibble in the evening, but I’m a bit worried that adding the bone to his diet might be too much for his tummy. I’m not too sure about the calorie content or if I should even be concerned about it at all. Anyone here who’s experienced something similar? Would really appreciate your insights. Thanks! Duke and I really appreciate any help.
Hello and thanks for reaching out with your question! It's wonderful that you’re considering how a large bone could affect your dog's diet. When you give your dog a big bone, you're providing a treat that is not only fun for them to chew on but can also contribute calories.
If the bone has bits of meat or fat on it, this could add extra calories to your dog’s diet. In this case, you might consider offering a slightly smaller portion at their regular meal to balance things out. This helps prevent overfeeding, which is important for maintaining a healthy weight.
While bones can be a great source of enrichment, it’s important to monitor your dog as they chew. Make sure the bone is size-appropriate to prevent choking or breaking teeth. Also, avoid cooked bones, as they can splinter easily.
Keep an eye out for any signs of distress like vomiting, extreme drooling, difficulty passing stool, or lethargy after chewing a bone, as these could indicate a more serious issue that needs veterinary attention.
If you notice anything concerning or have specific dietary questions for your dog, it would be a great idea to book a video consult with one of our vets at Dial A Vet to discuss your pup’s needs in more detail!
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