Raw Meaty Bone Safety
Raw meaty bones (RMBs) are a delicious mix of edible bone and meat; chicken, turkey, lamb, kangaroo, beef and oxtail bones can all be fed in their raw, natural form. For dogs, these bones act as a toothbrush, are a valuable source of nutrients and provide your dog with valuable enrichment and opportunity to exercise their chewing muscles.
Raw meaty bones, particularly where the dog gets to sink its teeth to gum level, are most effective at maintaining dental health. As periodontal disease develops along the gum line, regular use of the whole tooth by tearing into and gnawing on meaty bones provides the best natural cleaning opportunity.
IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS
Before you throw your dog any old bone, there are important things to know.
Bones that have been weight bearing in large animals, such as cattle leg bones, are too hard to be considered raw meaty bones. These large, hard bones have been associated with an increased risk of slab fractures in some dogs. Some dogs never have a problem with these types of bones and may have them as recreational bones. Know your dog and how they chew before you decide whether to feed a recreational bone.
Never feed your dog any bone that has been cooked. The risk of the bone splintering causing pain and internal damage is significantly increased. The process of cooking also hardens the bone increasing risks of tooth fractures.
Avoid bones that have been sawn lengthwise. When bones are cut lengthwise they may act as a lever that splits the teeth.
When choosing raw meaty bones quality is important. Fresh, good quality bones are best for your dog’s health. Meat that is human grade is much less likely to cause any contamination problems for your furry friend.
Bones can cause constipation, particularly in pups and kittens, if fed too frequently. To avoid this, ensure bones are a size that requires the dog to chew and break up the bone and monitor your dog’s toileting habits.
SUGGESTIONS FOR RAW MEATY BONES
Chicken, turkey, rabbit, quail carcasses
Poultry by-products including heads, feet, necks and wings.
Whole fish (check stomach for hooks) and fish heads
·Goat, sheep, calf, deer and kangaroo carcasses cut into large pieces of meat and bone
Other by-products include: pigs’ trotters, pigs’ heads, sheep heads, brisket, tail bones, rib bones
References
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