Feeding raw meaty bones can work wonders for your dog’s health – but many owners are perplexed with where to start. Which bones can your dog eat? How do you feed bones? This blog details all the benefits of raw meaty bones, how to feed them, and most importantly, which bones are suitable for your dog. Once you have the knowledge and support, feeding bones is easier than you might think, and your dog will certainly thank you for it. ‘Bone’ appétit!
Benefits of Bones
Oral Health
Many vets believe that there is a close link between oral health and general health, and with periodontal disease one of the most prevalent issues in veterinary practices, it’s important to keep their mouth in tip-top shape. Whilst your dog’s diet may already be nutritionally complete, additional intervention to remove plaque is advised. Raw meaty bones are considered natural toothbrushes and a healthy option to avoid plaque build-up and tooth decay. Chewing on the abrasive bone and cartilage effectively scrapes tartar from the teeth and massages the gums. Additionally, ripping meat off the bone acts as a flossing mechanism, a preventative measure against calculus formation between the teeth.
Enhanced Digestion
Bone content within the diet helps firm up stool. The bone is dissolved by the dog’s extremely strong stomach acid, which then hardens faecal material, and this digested bone acts as fibre. This also ensures the stool is firm enough to allow expressing of anal glands during defecation, preventing impactions and infection, whilst also satisfying the need for scent marking.
Enrichment
Chewing a bone gives dogs the chance to exhibit natural behaviour and provides enrichment, releasing endorphins such as dopamine, which keeps them happy and relaxed! This can be a good calming tool to use when dogs are anxious. Bones also aid with the dog’s physical need to chew, providing exercise and keeping the jaw strong.
Nutritional Benefits
Raw meaty bones contain an abundance of protein, fats, and minerals. Bones are an excellent source of calcium, which is an essential mineral in blood coagulation, muscle contraction, and nerve impulse transmission as well as supporting healthy teeth and bones. On the other hand, meat is an excellent source of phosphorous, which has a significant role in energy metabolism. Another important mineral provided by bones is magnesium, which plays vital roles in the stability of muscle and nerve cell membranes, secretion of hormones and the mineral structure of teeth. Magnesium also helps prevent tooth decay by binding calcium to the enamel.
Teething
Chewing chicken wings are an excellent option for teething puppies, this helps dislodge any loose teeth, whilst massaging and soothing their sore gums. This is especially effective if given cold or frozen and helps discourage potentially dangerous chewing habits around the house. The softer nature of the bone and higher cartilage content also makes chicken wings a suitable choice for weaning puppies onto raw.
How to Feed Bones
Bones must always be given raw. Cooking alters the bone’s composition, making it brittle, indigestible, and more likely to splinter and injure your dog. Bones can either be thawed prior to serving or given frozen for a longer lasting chew or treat on a hot day. Just make sure to dispose of uneaten bones within 24 hours of thawing to avoid bacteria proliferation and hardening of the bones. The safest way to feed raw meaty bones is by acquiring them from trusted suppliers.
We would suggest on days you are offering bones, to reduce your dog’s feeding ration, to account for the additional calories, especially if you are watching your dog’s weight. This is also particularly important in bones with higher calcium levels such as lamb bones. If you are already feeding a diet complete in calcium, offering bones should be limited to once or twice a week, and meals reduced accordingly. If your dog’s poop is too hard and crumbly or white, then this indicates you are feeding too much additional bone, and you should either cut back their meal quantity further or reduce frequency of complementary bones.
As with any raw meat product, wash your hands after handling the bone. Offering the bone in a designated area ensures you can effectively clean up after your dog. We recommended feeding in their crate or on wipeable surfaces such as a mat or hard floors. Alternatively, they can settle on a towel, and this can be washed once they have finished. Many owners will also choose to feed raw bones outside to prevent any unwanted mess indoors. If you are concerned about residue on their muzzle or paws, you can give them a quick clean with a dog-safe wipe.
New to raw? We suggest waiting around 4 weeks after introducing a raw diet to your dog before offering whole bones, to ensure their stomach is settled on their new diet. You are best to start with smaller, softer bones such as chicken necks, allowing the stomach acidity to adjust and adequately break down bone.
Types of Bones You Can Offer Your Dog
It is important to select a size suitable for your dog and always supervise whilst they are eating or chewing bones.
Edible Bones
The majority of non-weightbearing bones can be utilised as part of your dog’s diet for eating, as these are typically softer and smaller, reducing the likelihood of splintering. Meat and cartilage on the bone protects the oesophagus when the bone is swallowed. Once in the stomach, it begins to ‘dissolve’. In order to break down bone quickly and efficiently, the stomach environment must be at optimum acidity, with a pH between 1-2, which is achieved through feeding a raw, biologically appropriate diet.
- Chicken wings – Beginner bone. Softer, more cartilaginous bone. Suitable for cats, puppies, small and medium breeds.
- Chicken necks – Beginner bone. Softer, more cartilaginous bone. Suitable for cats, puppies, and small breeds.
- Chicken carcass – Softer, more cartilaginous bones. Suitable for puppies, medium and large breeds.
- Turkey necks – Suitable for larger breeds.
- Lamb bones – Advanced bone. Suitable for medium and larger breeds. Tougher bone. Ensure to adjust complete meals accordingly to prevent constipation.
Recreational Bones
Recreational bones are designed to have the meat stripped and chewed, however the bone itself is not swallowed. It is recommended that these bones are larger than your dog’s head, to prevent accidental swallowing, and remaining bone should be removed once the meat has been stripped.
- Beef marrow – Marrow is highly nutritious but also very calorific due to its high fat content, you should adjust meals accordingly. This bone is ideal for a longer lasting chew. Not recommend for serious, focused chewers – it’s a very tough bone and the risk for tooth fracture is higher if fed unsupervised. For owners looking for a tenacious chew that is lower fat, the marrow can be replaced with mashed vegetables such as pumpkin or carrot. This is more suitable for overweight dogs or those requiring a diet lower in fat, such as dogs with pancreatitis.
- Beef Rib – Advanced bone. Suitable for medium and larger breeds. Tougher bone.
Lucy James, BSc (Hons) Bioveterinary Science