Vets warn over TikTok trend of raw-bone platters for dogs

Public attention is turning to a rising social-media trend that shows dog owners presenting platters of raw meat for their pets on TikTok and Instagram. In the clips, highly trained dogs await a cue before dining on items such as entire chicken carcasses, goose necks, duck wings or even lamb heads, often finishing in under a minute as bone-crunching sounds punctuate the meals.

A growing number of posts feature these “paleo” platters, with owners narrating and filming the moment of feeding. Experts caution that there is little nutrition to justify the practice and, more importantly, that raw bones can be dangerous for dogs regardless of size or the cut of meat.

Veterinarians say raw bones can cause blockages in the stomach or intestines and may pose a disease risk, just as raw meat can carry bacteria. Dr Elizabeth Mullineaux, senior vice president of the British Veterinary Association, told the Daily Mail that raw bones can lead to choking and potential gastrointestinal issues, and that there is a broader disease risk associated with raw meat for dogs. Authorities such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration have echoed the concern that uncooked butcher-type bones can be dangerous, warning that feeding bones might prompt an emergency visit or even death in worst cases.

Carmela Stamper, a veterinarian at the FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine, said: “Giving your dog a bone treat might lead to an unexpected trip to your veterinarian, a possible emergency surgery, or even death for your pet.” Dr Brian Collins at Cornell University’s hospital for animals likewise discourages owners from giving bones, antlers or hooves of any kind.

The American Kennel Club’s (AKC) chief veterinarian noted that while some veterinarians and pet owners advocate bones for dental health or enrichment, the risk remains. “The majority of veterinarians, including the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) do not advise feeding bones of any form to your dog,” the AKC official said. “Raw bones can still splinter, lodge in the throat, and carry bacterial contamination that can harm pets.” The AKC urged owners who nevertheless feed bones to supervise closely and to consult a veterinary professional to ensure the diet remains balanced and safe.

In addition to the risk of choking or perforation, authorities warn that raw bones can harbor bacteria such as Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria, which can affect both pets and humans, particularly pregnant individuals, the elderly, or those with compromised immune systems. Lauren Bennett, a scientific and policy officer for the RSPCA, stressed the broader hygiene and infection risks that come with handling raw meat and bones, and urged strict hygiene when meals are prepared at home. She also underscored that those who choose to offer raw diets should be mindful of the increased risk of bacterial infections in both pets and people.

Beyond the raw-bone debate, experts point to safer alternatives that can satisfy a dog’s urge to chew without the hazards. Synthetic bones sized to fit a dog’s mouth, durable dental chews approved by veterinary groups, or edible chews are commonly recommended. For dogs that enjoy chewing as a way to relieve boredom or anxiety, items such as bully sticks and properly prepared frozen treats—like carrots, apple slices without seeds, or bone-shaped broth cubes—are cited as safer options. The guidance also emphasizes avoiding antlers due to the high risk of dental fractures and costly extractions.

The conversations around raw bones tie into longstanding cautions about dog nutrition: bones can cause constipation or injuries to the digestive tract, and even raw flesh poses bacterial risks if mishandled. The consensus among major veterinary bodies remains that bones—raw or cooked—are not a required or universally safe part of a dog’s diet. Owners considering any diet change are urged to consult a veterinarian to ensure the plan meets the dog’s nutritional needs and health conditions.

As social-media trends continue to shape pet care practices, veterinarians say caution and vigilance should guide decisions about what dogs eat. While viral videos can be compelling, the medical risks illustrated by veterinary authorities highlight why many experts advocate sticking with vetted, dog-safe nutrition and enrichment strategies that minimize health hazards for both pets and their human families.