Oral health is a significant concern for all dog parents. By two years old, 75-85% of dogs have a periodontal disease caused by plaque accumulation. Unfortunately, most commercial products that claim to clean your dog's teeth are no more effective than the kibble he eats and is even dangerous, such as rawhide chews.

We have the answer! Raw, meaty bones provide natural dental cleaning and flossing, giving your dog an outlet for his natural chewing behaviors and mental stimulation.

Dogs need a source of calcium in their diet. Raw bones are a natural source of nutrients, including essential minerals like calcium and phosphorus and other beneficial compounds. Bones are covered with connective tissues that contain collagen, glucosamine, and chondroitin. These nutrients are vital for maintaining a dog's overall health, including bone and joint health.

However, the nutrients are just one of the benefits of feeding bone. Chewing on raw bones can help improve dental health by reducing plaque and tartar buildup. The mechanical action of chewing can promote healthier gums and stronger teeth.

Chewing is a primal behavioral need in dogs. Chewing on bones is a natural way for dogs to satisfy their instinctual need to chew. They also provide dogs with mental stimulation and jaw exercises.

Raw bones contain enzymes and other substances that may assist in the breakdown of food and absorption of nutrients. If given to kibble-fed dogs, you should first provide the bones on an empty stomach for proper digestion.

The standard recommendation for bone content of 10% is based on the average bone content of a rabbit at 8%. At the Feed Real Institute (FRI), we recommend 12% bone content as a starting point. The consistency of your dog's stool indicates that the bone content is appropriate. If your dog has loose poops with a ratio of 12% bone, you can increase the bone percentage to 15% and observe poop changes. Conversely, if the poop is hard, white, and chalky, you can decrease the bome percentage by 1-2% and again make poop observations. 

Your dog's daily food intake (DFI) is determined based on age, weight, and activity level, usually 2%-3% of his body weight. You must then choose the bone percentage (BP) that you think is appropriate for your dog. The FRI recommends starting at 12% bone. The total daily amount is multiplied by 12% or 0.12 to calculate the amount of the bowl, which should be raw meaty bones. 

The final calculation is based on the type of raw meaty bone you plan to use for the meal. You multiply the DFI by the BP and divide by the percentage of the raw meaty bone you are using. 

DFI for a 100-pound, somewhat active dog is 2.5 pounds of food. (100 x 2.5% = 2.5 pounds of food). 

You have duck wings, which are 30% bone, to use for the raw meaty bone 

The BP is 12%. So you multiply 2.5 by 0.12= 0.3. 

Next, divide 0.3 by 30% or 0.3 to get 1 pound of RMBs for the meal. 

Or you can use the Feed Real calculator based on the same equations. Remember, this is a starting point. The consistency of your dog's poop will tell you if the BP is correct.

Not all bones are equal. Never feed your dog cooked bones unless they are crushed into a powder. Raw meaty bones and air-dried bones are covered with meat and connective tissue that aids in the digestion of the bone. Prolonged cooking at temperatures that exceed 160 °F changes the bone's cellular structure and breaks down the protective muscle and connective material around the bone. Key components necessary for proper digestion, including moisture, are leached from the bones during this high-heat process, making the bone materials less digestible for dogs.

All bones can splinter, but cooked, smoked, or roasted bones will break into jagged shards more easily than raw bones. When bones are cooked at 160℉ or higher, the collagen, water, and nutrients are leached. During cooking, the Maillard reaction makes the bone brittle and more resilient to digestion. Chewing on cooked bones can result in broken teeth and mouth lacerations. The fragments can cause impaction, choking, constipation, bowel perforation, and peritonitis if swallowed.

Choosing the right raw meaty bones for your dog involves several factors to ensure that the bones are safe, appropriate for your dog's size and breed, and provide nutritional benefits. 

Choose bones that are appropriate for your dog's size and breed. Larger dogs may require larger bones, while smaller dogs should be given bones proportionate to their size.

However, avoid small bones that could be a choking hazard and large weight-bearing bones that are too hard for dogs to chew safely.

Opt for bones with a balanced meat-to-bone ratio. Too much bone can lead to constipation or obstruction, while too little bone may not provide sufficient dental benefits or calcium. Many people opt for poultry feet, turkey, chicken, or duck. They are ideal for flossing the teeth, but the calcium level in the foot bones is significantly lower than in other bones. So, when feeding poultry feet, it is essential to include another calcium source, such as egg shells.

When it comes to feeding bones to dogs, it's essential to understand the distinction between edible bones and recreational bones. Both types have their purposes and considerations, and choosing the right type depends on various factors, including the size of the dog, chewing habits, and dental health.

Edible bones are intended to be fully consumed in your dog's diet. They provide nutritional benefits and are digestible. Examples of edible bones include chicken necks, backs, or wings. These bones are smaller, softer, and easily chewed and digested by your dog. 

Nutritional bones are the softer and often hollow bones in birds, including:

Mammalian bones that are good nutritional bones include:

Recreational bones are primarily for chewing enjoyment, mental stimulation, and dental exercise. They are not intended to be consumed as a significant part of the dog's diet.

Recreational bones are often large, weight-bearing bones, such as beef knuckle bones, marrow bones, or large joints. These bones may have meat and connective tissue attached, providing an enticing flavor for dogs.

Gnawing on recreational bones helps promote dental health by reducing plaque and tartar buildup. It also provides a satisfying chewing experience, offering mental stimulation and helping to alleviate boredom.

Bones to use recreationally (not completely edible):

Weight-bearing bones from large animals such as cows as these bones are too hard for aggressive chewers and can cause tooth fractures.

Machine-cut bones such as pork chops or steaks have sharp edges that can cause mouth injuries.

Deer antlers (dried) may be too hard for some dogs and damage their teeth.

Raw hides, white in color, are traditionally processed with chemicals and glue and may cause digestive blockages.

Roasted/cooked bones, especially those purchased at the pet shops, are smoked and artificially flavored. 

Monitoring the dog closely when chewing on recreational bones is crucial to ensure they don't attempt to consume large pieces that could pose a choking hazard. Dogs should be supervised to prevent fractures or damage to teeth. Once the dog has enjoyed the chewing experience and removed any attached meat, the bone should be removed to avoid potential gastrointestinal issues or obstruction.

Why Raw Meaty Bones May Not Be Right For Your Dog

While feeding bones to dogs can have potential benefits, there are also risks and reasons why some dog parents choose to avoid or be cautious. Alternatives for bones may need to be substituted.

Dogs with severe dental issues may be unable to consume raw, meaty bones. Before transitioning to raw feeding, you should schedule an oral exam for your dog. Loose teeth may need to be extracted. Antibiotic therapy may also be indicated to heal the oral cavity properly. Once the mouth has healed, you can introduce your dog to raw meaty bones. Dogs with dental implants, such as crowns, should not be fed whole bones. 

Feeding raw food or bones will not cause aggression in dogs. However, dogs that exhibit guarding behaviors must be separated from other dogs when fed raw meaty bones. Assess your dog's reaction to bones, as they are a high-valve food item and may invoke food guarding. You can introduce bones using a bone holder or a vise grip to remove the bone from your dog without the risk of injury. 

Feeding raw meaty bones provides numerous benefits for your dog. However, it is up to you to provide your dog with safe bones. Controversy exists among veterinary professionals about the safe use of raw meaty bones for your dog. The article, Myths, And Truths About Air-Dried Bones Versus Raw Bones,  provides a more comprehensive overview of why and how to feed raw meaty bones to your dog.

Raw, meaty bones are nutritious and mentally stimulating.

Cooked bones are dangerous and should never be fed.

Always remember to supervise your dog's chew sessions.

Oral health is a significant concern for all dog parents. By two years old, 75-85% of dogs have a <a href="https://feedreal.com/glossary/periodontal-disease">periodontal disease</a> caused by <a href="https://feedreal.com/glossary/plaque">plaque</a> accumulation. Unfortunately, most commercial products that claim to clean your dog's teeth are no more effective than the <a href="https://feedreal.com/glossary/kibble">kibble</a> he eats and is even dangerous, such as <a href="https://feedreal.com/glossary/rawhide">rawhide</a> chews.

We have the answer! Raw, meaty bones provide natural dental cleaning and flossing, giving your dog an outlet for his natural chewing behaviors and <a href="https://feedreal.com/glossary/mental-stimulation">mental stimulation</a>.

Dogs need a source of <a href="https://feedreal.com/glossary/calcium">calcium</a> in their diet. Raw bones are a natural source of nutrients, including essential minerals like calcium and phosphorus and other beneficial compounds. Bones are covered with connective tissues that contain collagen, <a href="https://feedreal.com/glossary/glucosamine">glucosamine</a>, and <a href="https://feedreal.com/glossary/chondroitin">chondroitin</a>. These nutrients are vital for maintaining a dog's overall health, including bone and joint health.

However, the nutrients are just one of the benefits of feeding bone. Chewing on raw bones can help improve dental health by reducing plaque and <a href="https://feedreal.com/glossary/tartar">tartar</a> buildup. The mechanical action of chewing can promote healthier gums and stronger teeth.

Raw bones contain enzymes and other substances that may assist in the breakdown of food and absorption of nutrients. If given to kibble-fed dogs, you should first provide the bones on an empty stomach for proper <a href="https://feedreal.com/glossary/cellulase">digestion</a>.

Your dog's daily food intake (DFI) is determined based on age, weight, and activity level. It is usually 2%- 3% of his body weight. You must then choose the bone percentage (BP) that you think is appropriate for your dog. The FRI recommends starting at 12% bone. The total daily amount is multiplied by 12% or 0.12 to calculate the amount of the bowl, which should contain raw, meaty bones. 

Or you can use the <a href="https://feedreal.com/calculator">Feed Real calculator</a> based on the same equations. Remember, this is a starting point. The consistency of your <a href="https://feedreal.com/articles/become-a-poop-inspectormonitoring-your-dogs-health-by-examining-his-poop">dog's poop</a> will tell you if the BP is correct.

All bones can splinter, but cooked, smoked, or roasted bones break into jagged shards more easily than raw bones. When bones are cooked at 160℉ or higher, the collagen, <a href="https://feedreal.com/glossary/adenosine-triphosphate">water</a>, and nutrients are leached. During cooking, the Maillard reaction makes the bone brittle and more resilient to digestion. Chewing on cooked bones can result in broken teeth and mouth lacerations. If swallowed, the fragments can cause impaction, choking, constipation, bowel perforation, and peritonitis.

Choosing the right raw meaty bones for your dog involves several factors, including ensuring that the bones are safe, appropriate for your dog's size and breed, and provide nutritional benefits. 

When feeding bones to dogs, it's essential to understand the distinction between edible and <a href="https://feedreal.com/glossary/recreational-bones">recreational bones</a>. Both types have purposes and considerations, and choosing the right type depends on various factors, including the dog's size, chewing habits, and dental health.

*Poultry feet should never be the sole source of calcium for puppies and should only be used occasionally as the raw meaty bone component.

Poultry feet contain only 54% of the calcium found in other bones, such as necks, wings, and backs, and have minimal muscle meat.

Monitoring the dog closely when chewing on recreational bones is crucial to ensure he doesn't attempt to consume large pieces that could pose a choking hazard. Dogs should be supervised to prevent fractures or damage to teeth. Once the dog has enjoyed the chewing experience and removed any attached meat, the bone should be removed to avoid potential gastrointestinal issues or obstruction.

While feeding bones to dogs can have potential benefits, there are also risks and reasons why some dog parents choose to avoid or be cautious. <a href="https://feedreal.com/articles/alternatives-to-bones-for-the-rawfed-dog">Alternatives for bones</a> may need to be substituted.

Dogs with severe dental issues may be unable to consume raw, meaty bones. Before transitioning to <a href="https://feedreal.com/glossary/raw-feeding">raw feeding</a>, you should schedule an oral exam for your dog. Loose teeth may need to be extracted. Antibiotic therapy may also be indicated to heal the oral <a href="https://feedreal.com/glossary/cavity">cavity</a> properly. Once the mouth has healed, you can introduce your dog to raw meaty bones. Dogs with dental implants, such as crowns, should not be fed whole bones. 

Feeding raw meaty bones provides numerous benefits for your dog. However, it is up to you to provide your dog with safe bones. Controversy exists among veterinary professionals about the safe use of raw meaty bones for your dog. The article, <a href="https://feedreal.com/articles/myths-and-truths-about-airdried-bones-versus-raw-bones">Myths, And Truths About Air-Dried Bones Versus Raw Bones,</a>  provides a more comprehensive overview of why and how to feed raw meaty bones to your dog.

All About Feeding Bones

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