Benefits of Raw Meaty Bones
Can Dogs Eat Raw Bones
Yes, they can. And you should consider it. But it’s a decision only you can make for yourself and your pet. Intention and Energy play a role in everything we do.
Many people are very uncomfortable with this and see only the risks. We have learned most of our entire lives bones are bad for dogs. But they really have so many benefits and risks can be minimized.
Benefits Of Raw Meaty Bones For Dogs:
Bones offer a source of natural calcium, minerals, collagen and glucosamine.
Bone marrow is a rich source of micronutrients.
Bones help fill psychological emotional needs for all carnivores. It is an instinctual behavior that releases endorphines making them feel satisfied and fulfilled.
Bones help your dog move into a parasympathetic mode after they have eaten their meal, where they rest and digest their foods. Sympathetic overload is an anxious and stressed-out dog.
Bones reduce stress.
Because Marrow bones are high in fat — marrow bones may not be ideal for dog susceptible to pancreatitis.
According to recent studies, almost 90% of dogs will have developed some form of periodontal disease by 2 years of age. What’s worse, dental disease has been linked to heart, kidney and liver disease in dogs!
A recent peer-reviewed study found dogs who chewed on specific pieces of bones had almost 90% of tartar buildup removed and the bones did not cause any root fracture, enamel fracture, or bone resorption. The study concluded pet parents should be using specific bones for their pet’s regular oral hygiene.
Many people get nervous about feeding bones. But this is what your dogs are designed for. Some dogs won’t even know how to eat them initially.
But you can actually teach your dog to eat them. Easy bones to start with would include Beef Rib or Pork Ribs – where you hold the bone with a gloved hand and teach them to gnaw and to relinquish the bone to you when asked. So that as the bone becomes “small” you can take small pieces away. You can move your way to chicken or turkey wings, necks and legs — even whole birds and rabbits.
Spongy bone is less dense and made up of trabeculae. Blood vessels and nerves enter the bone through the nutrient foramina to nourish and innervate bones. Spongy Bone includes vertebrae, ribs, skull, joint bones. In the study above even the femur bone was used. You may have heard that weight-bearing bones should be avoided — but this study concluded no damage to the teeth. Use your best judgement for your dog’s chewing style.
Fresh butcher bones are better than frozen when it comes to splintering risks. The younger the bone the better — but we don’t always know that at the grocers.
Pick a bone bigger than your dog’s mouth! And take it away when it starts getting small.
We can disinfect bones in the same way we use Thieves Veggie Wash! Even ACV can be useful to soak bones for a few minutes before feeding can be helpful.
Control where your dog has access to bones in multi-dog households. Make it a special occasion with rules & approved spots to enjoy.
You can refrigerate any uneaten bone for a day or 2 and then give it back.
Never feed cooked bones left from your meals. (If you do have a carcass left over, making a bone broth i is an excellent option for health benefits)
Let me know what you decide and if you use them, share your experiences.
Watch for a video on introducing bones to your dog coming soon.
Questions welcome.
Feed Your Dog Raw Bones only. Never cooked bones (Unless you have cooked them too absolute mush and pulverized them – but that’s a different goal)
Spongy Bones have been shown to reduce tartar by as much as 60% in just 3 days!
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26814157/