Paul from South Africa asked this question using the contact form on Best Dog Food Guide.
“I have been feeding my dogs raw and cooked chicken bones for over 3 years now. Never had a problem. Both were strays so I know they have been eating the same or much worse in the past. That means all of their lives they have eaten bones like chicken bones.
Why are we not supposed to feed our dogs chicken bones? The notion seems absurd. I have seen wild dogs devour an impala until there was almost nothing left, including the bones. Am I to believe my dogs are so far removed from those in
Bones are very nutritious for dogs. You do need to take several things into account when selecting safe bones.
- Choose robust bones. Dogs can choke in tiny bones.
- Choose raw bones. Cooked bones can easily splinter! Bone splinters can perforate the digestive tract. Though your dog’s stomach acid is very strong and will dissolve most of the splinters. Still, this is a risk that can easily be avoided.
Wild dogs of course always choose uncooked bones 
So it’s not a problem to feed your dogs chicken bones, as you can already tell from experience. Feed cooked bones however, elevates the risk of damaging the intestines. Cooked bones are unsafe, especially cooked chicken bones.
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This is very true. However larger or mid size bones can be great for chewing on and the cooking brings the flavour out.
This is true however boiled bones which have been boiled for a long time will actually soften, especially chicken bones.
it’s very true!feeding chicken bones are very nutritious for dogs.be careful when selecting the bones for your dog.nice post!
I make chicken/turkey broth by boiling the carcass and other nummy stuff for at least 12 – 18 hours. I prefer 24 hours. Along with the cold water as a starter, I also put in about a cup of vinegar for about 30 cup of water. Our dog is always happy on these days, b/c the second pot of broth I make is for her. By this time, the bones are mushy – I boil/simmer the goop for another 10 – 18 hours again adding vinegar to the cold water. I also take the time to break the bones with my hands as I put them back into the stock pot.
The bones are soft and very edible (having also tried eating them before giving them to her…. yes weird, but hey, what other mischief do us northern gurls get into with so little day light during the winter – LOL!)
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