Can Dogs Eat Steak Bones?

It depends.

Steak bones are the hard matter from beef cuts such as T-bone and porterhouse. These popularly sold meat are both found in the short loin or sirloin area. Dog owners must proceed with caution before giving steak bones to their pets. 

Your dog should never eat cooked steak bones. These can easily splinter into small pieces and cause damage to your dog’s mouth, tongue, throat, stomach, and intestines. Plus, these shattered parts can cause airway or intestinal obstruction. In addition, the common ingredients used to cook steak (such as salt, onions, and garlic) are also very harmful for dogs. This adds another level of complication for canines that enjoy eating cooked steak bones. 

MasterClass states that steak bones are rich in calcium, phosphorus, and protein. Though the chances of raw steak bones breaking apart is less likely, consuming it also comes with risks. Dogs may get bacteria such as campylobacter, clostridium perfringens, E. coli, salmonella, and yersinia from unclean sources. 

Some canine owners believe that bone consumption can naturally clean their pets’ teeth or provide them with mental stimulation. But this should be discussed with your veterinarian beforehand, making sure that your pet is not at risk if he gnaws on it. 

What to do if your dog accidentally eats steak bones: If your dog gets his paws on a large portion (approximately the size of your dog’s head) of uncooked and unflavoured steak bone, he may not experience any major issues. However, problems may occur if the meat was seasoned, if the bone is cooked, and if it breaks into smaller pieces as he eats it. Observe your pet closely for any changes in his mood, behaviour, and eating/excreting habits. Contact your veterinarian to share your observations. 

In summary: Looking for something your dog can safely chew on? You may be putting him in danger by giving him cooked steak bones. Instead, find out which vegetables and fruits you can feed him under our “can dogs eat” category.

References:

T-bone steak – Wikipedia

Can Dogs Eat Steak Bones? 3 Risks of Steak Bones for Dogs

Can Dogs Eat Bones? Raw & Cooked Bones for Dogs

Food dogs should not eat and some they should