Yellow: with caution
Never cooked bones; raw bones only with caution and after seeking advice. Bones are marked yellow because expert sources disagree about raw bones. Bones are not toxic, but they can cause serious injuries.
Why the sources disagree
The ASPCA considers raw bones dangerous: dogs can injure their stomach and intestines or develop an obstruction that may require surgery. A vet from the VCA hospital group advises against both raw and cooked bones because they can cause vomiting, diarrhoea and obstructions and damage teeth. The American Kennel Club presents both views. Supporters of raw feeding consider raw, meaty bones easy to digest. Everyone agrees on cooked bones: they become brittle and splinter.
What to watch for
- No leftovers from the plate: Never give bones from roasts, chops or poultry from the kitchen, and secure the bin.
- Supervision is essential: If you give raw bones, stay with your dog. The AKC recommends taking the bone away as soon as it breaks into small pieces.
- No small pieces: According to the AKC, bones already broken into pieces are a choking hazard.
- Germs: The ASPCA and AKC state that raw bones can carry Salmonella or E. coli.
- An alternative: A firm chew toy with a little flexibility is the safer choice.
What if your dog has eaten a bone?
Call your vet and explain which bone it was, whether it was cooked or raw, how large it was, when it was eaten and how much your dog weighs. Gagging, drooling, difficulty swallowing, vomiting, abdominal pain, blood in the stools or an inability to pass stools are warning signs. Do not induce vomiting yourself, as splinters can cause further injury on the way back up.
If you suspect poisoning, take your dog to a vet or an emergency veterinary service immediately.
Snacks count towards the daily food allowance. Our free food calculator works out how much your dog needs, and you can find a complete feeding plan with guidelines for treats in our book “Hundeernährung und Futterplan” (book in German). New to life with a puppy? Our free Puppy Starter Pack can help. And if you would love to see your dog on your living room wall, explore our dog portraits from your own photo, available as a framed portrait or digital file.
Further reading
- Calculating your dog’s food allowance: how much your dog really needs
- Puppy checklist: essentials and the first 3 days
- Christmas with your dog: what to arrange beforehand
Sources, accessed on 20.10.2026: ASPCA, People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets (Raw/Undercooked Meat, Eggs, and Bones); VCA Animal Hospitals, Are Bones Your Dog’s Most Dangerous Treat?; American Kennel Club, Is It Safe for My Dog to Eat Steak Bones?
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