From the FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) and in the news this week:

Illnesses reported to FDA by owners and veterinarians in dogs that have eaten bone treats have included:

• Gastrointestinal obstruction (blockage in the digestive tract)
• Choking
• Cuts and wounds in the mouth or on the tonsils
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Bleeding from the rectum, and/or
• Death. Approximately fifteen dogs reportedly died after eating a bone treat.

The reports, sent in by pet owners and veterinarians, involved about 90 dogs (some reports included more than one dog). In addition, FDA received seven reports of product problems, such as moldy-appearing bones, or bone treats splintering when chewed by the pet.

The FDA has received about 68 reports of pet illnesses related to "bone treats” .  They are processed and packaged for sale as dog treats, descriptions include  “Ham Bones,” “Pork Femur Bones,” “Rib Bones,” and “Smokey Knuckle Bones”.  Brand names were not listed.

The products may be dried through a smoking process or by baking, and may contain other ingredients such as preservatives, seasonings, and smoke flavorings.
(via FDA: "No Bones (or Bone Treats) About It: Reasons Not to Give Your Dog Bones")

A good reason to cook fresh food that is good for your animal family.