Is milkbone bad for dogs

Are Milk Bones Bad For Dogs? (An Analysis of Ingredients)

Although a popular dog biscuit, there have been questions about the safety of Milk Bones. We have all the answers here.

There are tons of options when buying treats for dogs, as the market for pet products has exploded in recent years. But the old standby Milk Bones is still the most recognized name in dog treats and also the most commonly found treat on grocery store shelves.

Rather than going to a pet store or online, it can often be easier (and cheaper) for dog owners to just grab a box of Milk Bones with its bright red packaging and toss it in the grocery cart.

We know dogs will happily accept the treats, but from a nutrition standpoint are Milk Bones bad for dogs? This article will review the different characteristics of Milk Bones that may bring hesitation when giving them to your dog.

Milk Bone Ingredients

When looking at the packaging for Milk Bone dog treats, there are many to take into consideration. Per the companys official website, the ingredient list for the original Milk Bone biscuit recipe includes the following items:

• Ground Whole Wheat
• Wheat Flour
• Meat and Bone Meal
• Milk
• Salt
• Beef Fat
• Natural Flavor
• Dicalcium Phosphate
• Malted Barley Flour
• Calcium Carbonate
• Brewers Dried Yeast
• Sodium Metabisulfite
• Minerals
• Vitamins
• BHA

This list does not have a significant cause for concern regarding ingredients that are or are not safe for dogs. However, what can become problematic is the number of calories. Each Milk Bone of their original recipe variety has 125 calories per treat.

Pet owners typically reward their dogs with more than one treat or several throughout any given day. When a pet is awarded multiple treats, their daily caloric intake can rise. Although this isnt a concern when it isnt an everyday occurrence, it can become troublesome for their health over time.

Are Milk Bones Good For Dogs?

As outlined in the ingredients list, the original Milk Bone does not contain alarming ingredients or ingredients that dogs shouldnt consume. However, there are several varieties of Milk Bone products on the market with different makeups.

An ingredient that can show up in the other product recipes is sugar. As is the case with humans, sugar in small quantities is acceptable for dogs. However, once pets get a taste of that signature ingredient, they want to have it more frequently.

Although pet owners can remedy this by only giving the treats in small amounts and infrequently, the excitement that pets have for the item can cause them to swallow it prematurely instead of chewing. This activity can lead to choking and digestive issues.

What About BHA?

In recent years, there was concern over the addition of butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) in Milk Bones and the potential correlation between it and cancer in dogs. This concern was brought about in a report by the National Institutes of Health in 1991 that concluded that BHA might have potential carcinogenic effects.

Used as a preservative, BHA allows the Milk Bone dog treats to have an extended shelf life. The Milk Bone recipe has utilized BHA since 1995 with no adverse reactions, according to the company. Additionally, studies surrounding the ingredient report the ingredient as having no negative consequence outside of the study cited in 1991.

Is Ethoxyquin Harmful?

In addition to BHA, some dog foods and treats include the use of Ethoxyquin. This ingredient is another form of food preservative that appears to correlate with a dogs heart and bone health and the use of Ethoxyquin.

Ethoxyquin is not approved for use outside of the United States but is allowed for limited use within the country. Although the company that produces Milk Bones has utilized Ethoxyquin in the past, they began taking steps to eliminate the ingredient from their recipes after reports of its effects on pets.

As of today, it appears that all Milk Bone products are free from Ethoxyquin.

Healthy Dog Treat Alternatives

If pet owners still feel uncomfortable giving their dogs treats and dog food with preservatives added in, there are options available for purchase that do not contain ingredients designated for the preservation of the food product.

The best option for your pet, as a way to avoid preservatives, is to invest in fresh food. Canned food will also contain a lesser amount of BHA but may still include it in some form.

When searching out the best products, it is necessary to note the title of the product. Most items that include the term Natural will contain few to no preservatives in their recipe.

Other options to consider include:

• Raw Duck Hearts
• Whole Pig Ears
• Marrow Treats
• Beef Bones

For meals, many pet owners will incorporate a raw food diet. This diet includes raw meat, fruits, vegetables, and starches into a dogs meal plan. There are options to purchase this type of meal through a variety of sources. However, many pet owners acquire the ingredients themselves and cook the food at home for their pets.

In Summary

All pet owners want what is best for their dogs. As much as they want to reward them for good behavior or successful training sessions, even more so, they want to know that the products they are giving to them are free from harmful ingredients.

With all the different ingredients available for use, it can be hard to know which are harmful and which are beneficial. So often, people just want to trust that the companies that produce the products are doing so with the best ingredients possible and pets health at the forefront.

And for the most part, this is the case. Individuals started pet food and treat companies with a mutual love of pets at the center. Harming pets is not what they signed up for and would hurt their business model in the long run.

However, there are circumstances in which the effects of certain ingredients are unknown until time has passed. This action isnt the fault of the company. It is a matter of not having the complete picture at the time when the ingredient was incorporated into the food or treat recipe.

For the pet owners wondering are Milk Bones bad for dogs? All can rest assured, the popular treat is safe to give to dogs in moderation.

Are Milk Bones Bad For Dogs? (Detailed Review)

Milk bones are by far the most popular dog treats on the market today. They are available in almost any local pet food aisle. And no dog can resist a treat from this all-American classic brand.

Honestly, if it wasnt for Milk-Bone treats, some dogs wouldnt have learned basic commands like sit, lay, shake, heel, etc.

For starters, the company is over 100 years old. So, it is not only your pup that loves biscuits and treats from this companyprobably his ancestors also enjoyed munching Milk-Bone biscuits!

Despite the fact that the brand is so successful, many dog parents are still wondering whether their biscuits and treats are healthy for dogs.

To clear the air around this old dog treat brand, I will try to cover everything you need to know about giving your dog Milk-Bone treats.

About Milk-Bone

As hinted above, Milk-Bone has been in the dog biscuit industry for more than 100 years.

The biscuits were first manufactured in 1908 by New York-based F.H. Bennett Biscuit Company.

In 1931, the National Biscuit Company (or Nabisco) acquired the bakery, increased its manufacturing capacity, and moved it to Buffalo in 1957, where it still operates to date.

Under the ownership of Kraft Foods, Nabisco sold the Milk-Bone rights in 2006 to Del Monte Foods.

In March 2015, the Big Heart Pet Brands (pet division of Del Monte Foods) sold the Milk-Bone brand to J.M. Smucker Company.

Milk-Bone biscuit was originally named Maltoid and was basically a bone-shaped dog treat made from milk, meat products, and minerals.

Between 1915 and 1926, the biscuits name was changed to Milk Bone due to its high composition of cows milk.

Over the past few decades, the brand has been expanded to include other flavors like beef and chicken.

Their marketing focus also shifted from being a mere dog treat company to a brand that promotes cleaner teeth and better oral health in dogs.

In fact, in the past few years, the company has manufactured a wide range of low-calorie treats, dental chews, and trail mix.

Recently, they launched Milk-Bone brushing chews, which they claim are as effective in reducing plaque buildup and bad breath in dogs as brushing your poochs teeth twice a week.

Another important aspect of the company is its leading role in giving back to the community. The company is famed for the Canine Assistant Program, which supplies trained dogs to help disabled people become independent, courtesy of their canine companions.

Recently, the company, in partnership with the Public Broadcasting System, produced a documentary about the program and the good things they do.

For more information about Milk-Bones history, check their website.

Milk-Bone Ingredients

Milk-Bone ingredients depend on the product that you chooseingredients in Marosnacks Dog snacks may differ from Gnawbones Dog Treats.

However, in general, a typical Milk-Bone treat contains:

• Flours (Wheat flour, Wheat germ, wheat bran, Malted Barley Flour, etc)

• Minerals (such as Calcium Iodate, Ferrous Sulfate, Manganous Oxide, Zinc Oxide, etc)

• Vitamins( like Vitamin A, E, D& B12 supplements, Riboflavin supplements, folic acid, D-Calcium Pantothenate, etc)

• Preservatives (BHA, Sodium Metabisulfite, etc)

According to Milk-Bone Companys website, most of these ingredients are sourced from the US.

Like other dog food companies, they may source a few minor ingredients from other countries due to limited availability in the US.

However, their quality standards apply to all the ingredients irrespective of the country of origin.

The only Milk-Bone product that is not manufactured in the US is the Milk-Bone GnawBones.

The product is currently manufactured in China but using globally sourced ingredients.

According to the company, this particular product requires a special manufacturing process that is not currently feasible in the US.

Are Milk Bones Bad For Dogs?

The short answer is: Dogs can eat Milk-Bone without any issue.

These dog biscuits have been around for over 100 years, so if you feed them to your dog in moderation (like other treats), Milk-Bone shouldnt have adverse health effects on your dog.

In fact, there are health benefits that your dog may gain from anoccasional Milk-Bone treat, including:

• Freshens your pups breath

• Its crunchy texture may help prevent tartarand plaque buildup

• As seen in the ingredient list, these biscuitsare loaded with vitamins and minerals that can improve your dogs overall health.

Milk-Bone contains wheat and corn, so if your dog is intolerant to gluten, you should consider giving him other dog biscuits or treat alternatives.

The Dose Makes the Poison

Although Milk-Bone biscuits are safe for dogs and have been around for several years, they are not the healthiest and best treats for dogs.

So, they should NEVER form the bulk of your Fidos regular diet.

As a guide, Milk-Bone should only be given as treats, which implies that they shouldnt make up more than 10 percent of your dogs regular diet.

Milk-Bone themselves recommends about 1-3 biscuits per day. They also suggest feeding your dog 1 biscuit per 10-33 pounds of your dogs body weight.

You should also remember that calorie requirements (and ultimately the amount of Milk-Bone to give your dog) may also vary with your dogs size and level of activity.

When consumed in large quantities, Milk-Bone can produce certain unpleasant side effects in dogs, including gastrointestinal issues, diarrhea, skin diseases, and a host of other health issues.

Here are more reasons whyexcessMilk-Bone isnt good for your pooch.

I. Artificial Preservatives

Milk-Bone products include preservatives such as butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA).

Ideally, these preservatives are added to certain Milk-Bone ingredients to help extend the whole products shelf life.

However, they can cause a wide array of health issues in dogs after long-term consumption

(Since most dog parents who are asking about the safety of Milk-Bone products are concerned about the presence of BHA, we have covered the issue in more detail in the subsequent sections).

II. Sugars and sweeteners

Nearly every Milk-Bone product has sugar or sweetener as one of its ingredients.

While such sugars are meant to boost the taste and flavor of the treats, they may lead to excess weight gain in dogs. Overweight dogs are vulnerable to lots of heavy conditions such as thyroid diseases.

Sugar may also cause blood glucose spikes in diabetic dogs.

III. Chemicals

Besides preservatives, Milk-Bone may also contain other chemicals that may react with your dogs digestive system and cause serious health issues such as diarrhea and liver failure.

Such chemicals may also lead to allergies in some dogs.

Milk-Bone versus BHA Debate

As hinted above, the most common concern about the safety of Milk-Bone products revolves around the use of BHA.

Most dog parents are worried about the safety of Milk-Bone products because they contain BHA, a preservative that is believed to be carcinogenic.

There are also a few findings worth mentioning:

• According to this report by the National Institute of Health, BHA was found to cause benign and malignant tumors in lab mice.

However, the FDA still considers the preservative as GRAS(Generally Recognized as Safe). And thats why many commercial food companies stilladd it to meats, fats, and foods containing fats.

What can we deduce from these reports?

Well, using products with natural preservatives is safer. If you find out that particular dog food has been preserved with BHA and other artificial shelf-life extenders, you may want to stand aside.

Of course, no dog owner will be comfortable to continue feeding his dog a substance that is suspected of causing cancer.

So, should you avoid giving your dog Milk-Bone products?

Not really. FDA still permits the use of BHA as a food preservative under the assumption that it is safe in low doses. Milk-Bone adheres to this regulation and even states on their website that:

We add trace amounts of BHA to their dog treats to help preserve fats and protect the treats against staleness. Trace amounts of BHA are completely harmless. We hope that this information puts our customers minds at ease.

So, if you are going to give your caninefriend Milk-Bone treats in moderation (and only as a treat), you shouldnt beworried.

Related: Can Humans Eat Milk Bone Dog Treats?

Does Milk Bone causecancer in Dogs?

The rumor about Milk-Bone causing cancer in dogs is mainly fueled by the fact that the company uses BHA as an anti-oxidant in their products.

Hopefully, the above explanation has cleared the air on the issue. Besides, cancer is a complex issue with multi-factorial origins, including genetics.

While what you feed your dog is critical to his health and all kinds of treats should be given to dogs in moderation, it is not fair for people to blame cancer cases on a product that they probably fed their dogs 2 years ago.

Milk-Bone and other commercial biscuits may not be the healthiest treats for your dog, but they are not buckets of radioactive sludge either.

Does Milk-Bone CauseDiarrhea in Dogs?

No. Milk-Bone doesnt cause diarrhea in dogs.

However, like any other dog treat, giving your dog too much Milk-Bone can cause gastrointestinal upset and even diarrhea.

The problem may even be compounded if your dog is allergic to wheat, milk, or bone mealthe main ingredients in Milk-Bone.

However, even if your pooch is allergic to these ingredients, you may not see any reaction if you give him one or two Milk-Bone biscuits.

But if you feed him way over the recommended quantity, then diarrhea is a possibility.

Have Milk-Bone TreatsBeen Recalled?

The short answer is No.

For over 100 years that the company has been in operation, none of their products has been recalled.

However, if this Facebook post by Pet Sore Universe is anything to go by, the company seems to have withdrawn two sizes of dog biscuits (Lot #12071K) in 2011 because they had not completely dried post-baking.

But the items never posed any safety risks, and couldnt trigger a recall or any legal action from the FDA.

Do Milk Bones Clean Dogs Teeth?

Dry kibble and other types of dog biscuits have been credited with keeping dog teeth clean, especially when compared to wet dog foods which tend to be stickier and often get trapped in between the dogs teeth.

Based on this analogy, Milk-Bone biscuits can help clean your dogs teeth.

As aforementioned, over the past few years, the marketing focus of the company shifted from being a mere dog treat giant to a brand that promotes cleaner teeth and better oral health in dogs.

They even have specific products that are designed to reduce tartar and plaque build-up.

Milk Bone Brushing Chews, for instance, is scientifically designed to maintain a healthy oral profile in dogs.

The company claims that the chew can even reach your dogs back teeth as well as down to the gum line.

The Chew has even received the VOHCs Seal of Approval for plaque buildup control, which is proof that it works.

Milk Bone Dog Treats Reviews

Which Milk-Bone treat should you get for your dog?

Well, this a decision that boils down to your dogs preferences and what you want to achieve as far as your dogs diet needs are concerned.

That being said, here is a quick review of some of the best Milk-Bone products that your pup will enjoy:

If you are looking for the same crunchiness of the Milk-Bone Original Biscuits, this is the product to go for.

The biscuit features 5 delicious flavors that your pooch will definitely love even if he is a choosy eater.

The product has rave customer reviews, so you wont go wrong if you get it for your pup.

If your dog is allergic to wheat, consider getting him this particular Milk-Bone product.

It is wheat-free and formulated with real chicken that is not only easy to chew but also boasts a rich, mouth-watering taste.

The treats are also fortified with 12 vitamins and minerals to boost your dogs overall health.

As the name suggests, this Milk-Bone snack combines the crunchy goodness of a biscuit with the mouth-watering taste of real bone marrow.

If you are looking for something that can help your pup maintain strong bones and teeth, this wholesome Milk-Bone treat has you covered.

If you have a puppy or senior dog that has a hard time chewing dry or hard things, this is the best Milk-Bone treat you should consider getting him.

It is soft, chewy, and made with real beef, so your dog will not only enjoy the savory flavor but will also get a lot of proteins in the end.

All dogs love peanut butter, so matter the kind of eater your dog is, he will surely love this Milk-Bone Treat.

It comes with 3 peanut butter tastesnormal peanut butter taste, Bacon, and Honey flavorsso you can choose what works best for your dog.

Most dog owners also use peanut butter treats to teach their dogs new tricks.

Although the above Milk-Bone treats will help your dog maintain good oral health, this treat is specifically formulated for that purpose.

It is scientifically designed to clean your pups mouth like a toothbrush.

This is not a mere claim; the tartar control capability of this treat is backed by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (or VOHC) Seal of acceptance.

If you have a fast eater, this long-lasting knotted chew is what you should go for.

The knots encourage prolonged chewing, which can also go a long way in cleaning your pups teeth.

Made with real chicken and rawhide-free, the chew is also recommended for dogs with sensitive stomachs.

Finally, we recommend this particular Milk-Bone product for dog owners with fussy eaters.

It comes with 4 amazing meaty flavors that your dog will find irresistiblechicken, bacon, liver, and beef.

It also crunchy and will help your dog maintain good oral health.

Quick Tips for making the most out of Milk-Bone Dog Treats

To make the most of Milk-Bone treats:

• If your dog is allergic to certain foods, check the label of the Milk-Bone product you want to share with him to ensure that the biscuit will be safe for him. Common symptoms of Milk-Bone allergies in dogs are skin itching, rashes, inflammations, diarrhea, coughing, drooling, rapid breathing, loss appetite, etc. Learn more about allergies in dogs here: Best Foods for Dogs with Allergies: Everything You Need to Know.

• Also, check the label to be sure of the recommended intake guidelines.
• Break the biscuit or chews into small pieces if you are feeding a small dog.

• And if you are giving Milk-Bone to your dog for the first time, monitor his progress for a few hours after munching the treat. Contact a vet if you notice any abnormal symptoms.

• Have a bowl of water nearby when giving your dog Milk-Bone or any other treat as many dogs like to wash dry kibble and treats with water.

Healthy Alternative to Milk Bones

Although Milk-Bones are very popular dog treats, you may not be comfortable with trace amounts of BHA in them.

If thats the case, you are free to try alternatives. You have many choices when it comes to alternatives:

• If you are looking for something that your dog can chew for long to help him work around his teeth and prevent plaque and tartar build-up, check the following posts:

Good Luck in finding your pup a suitable Milk-Bone biscuit or an alternative treat!

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