Feeding Bones - Is it Safe?

Yes! With caution and properly selected raw bones.

Isn't feeding bones Dangerous? 

There is much debate about the "dangers" of feeding dogs raw bones and meat. Hence it may be of interest to understand the very nature of the gastric environment of a dog. 

The gastric acidity (gastric PH) of a dogs stomach when on a diet predominantly made of raw meat, is very low (very acidic). This highly acidic environment allows for the breakdown of raw meats and bones into a digestible matter. This low PH level is also very effective in killing any bacteria. Hence the natural diet of our dogs has evolved a gastric environment which favors the proper breakdown of raw bones and meats with a PH level that is able to kill potentially harmful bacteria. This is consistent with the scavenger nature of dogs. 

Dogs on a highly processed, high carb diet, have altered PH levels making it difficult for their stomach to break down a raw bone. The sudden reaction would be a rejection of the bone through vomiting. 

Feeding bones is perfectly healthy as long as your dog eats fresh meat daily to make sure that the gastric PH remains low. We do not recommend feeding raw bones to kibble fed dogs as their gastric environment is too modified to digest bone material. We also do not recommend feeding whole bones to aggressive eaters.

If you are interested in learning more on how to shift to a species appropriate diet, click here. 

The benefits from feeding raw bones

  1. Cleans teeth and supports healthy gums: gnawing on a bone helps scrape plaque from teeth and any tartar build up. Chewing on muscle tissue can further act as floss. 
  2. Stronger jaws: chewing raw bones activated the muscles in a dogs jaw and also their neck and shoulders as well. If for any reason you are unable to exercise your dog, this can act as a beneficial indoor workout.
  3. Mental stimulation: As carnivores, dogs have a natural desire to chew. This provides great mental stimulation and reduces endorphins which are referred to as the "happy hormone". Give them something to chew, and they will less likely chew on something they are not suppose to. 
  4. Essential nutrients for healthy bodies: raw bones are great natural sources for essential minerals and vitamins such as phosphorus and calcium. Smaller bones such as chicken feet and chicken frame are packed with collagen in their connective tissues. 

How to choose the best raw bone for your dog?

Not all bones are created equal and hence not every type of bone should be fed to every dog. Dogs which are smaller in size should be fed smaller bones and vice versa for larger breeds. The size of the bone should be large enough for the dog to need to crush down on the bone rather than swallow whole. For instance, a medium or small dog can do well with a chicken or turkey neck.

First time bone chewers should be taught how to eat a bone. This is easy to do. Choose a stick shaped bone such as turkey neck or chicken wings. Hold one end of the bone and allow your dog to chew on the other end. If it seems your dog is trying to swallow the bone whole, pull away. This process is very similar to what a mother wolf would teach her young to patiently enjoy a bone rather than swallow. 

How often should you be feeding raw bone? 

Bones should never be fed as a replacement to a full meal but rather as an addition to a raw diet which is overall nutritionally sufficient. If feeding a diet which already contains appropriate bone content (such as in our raw mixes), we recommend feeding a raw bone in moderation, possible once weekly. This in order to avoid over feeding bone content in the diet. 

Giving too much bone can lead to constipation. If you suspect this has happened, add pumpkin to meal to help digestion and stools. 

 

Make sure to monitor your dog’s consumption of bones especially those which are more powerful chewers!

bones you should never feed!

  1. Cooked bones: serving ANY cooked bones is extremely dangerous. This is because bones are dehydrated when cooked, sucking out all moisture and making them brittle hence being more prone to splinter into small shards. These can cause a lot of damage when bit into or swallowed. 
  2. Large animal weight bearing bones: bones such as marrow bones from larger animals are significantly more dense and harder than other bones. For this reason, they pose a risk of damaging or fracturing a dogs teeth when they try to break it down. Bearing bones of smaller animals such as chicken or rabbit do not fall in this category since they do not weigh much. 
  3. Machine cut bones: Machine cut bones such as pork chops or steak bones may have sharp edges making them dangerous. Note that bones purchased at a butcher are normally machine cut.
  4. Bare bones: It is recommended to always feed meaty bones rather than bones which have been stripped from all meat. This is because the meat acts as additional cushioning whilst chewing. 

bones which can be safely fed

  1. Raw meaty bones of smaller animals: these are bones which are softer and easier to chew. Depending on the size of your dog these can be beef neck bones and poultry bones.

  2. Ground bone: this is what you can find in our raw mixes. If you prefer not having your dog chew on a bone for whatever reason, pre-ground bone is the way to go. In this way, your dog still receives the nutritional benefits which a bone provides and which dogs need. 

Can puppies eat bones?

Yes! Raw meaty bones are a good option to feed puppies due to their nutritional benefits and calcium rich content. This furthermore gives them something healthier to chew on rather than your shoes or furniture and helps tire them out through mental simulation!

 

Make sure to:

- Teach your puppy to chew rather than swallow a bone

- Select soft bones such as chicken or turkey bones

- Select bones of an appropriate size - not too small or too big

- Supervise when fed - never leave along with any form or type of chew

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