Raw bones are an wholesome and beneficial treat for dogs. Additionally, they supply them with essential minerals like calcium and phosphorus.
While some may be hesitant to give their dog a bone, the advantages far outweigh any risks. Make sure the size is appropriate and monitor your pup’s chewing habits closely.
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They Chew
Raw bones are an excellent way to give your pup mental and physical stimulation. Additionally, these types of bones promote oral health by scraping plaque off teeth, helping prevent tartar buildup and periodontitis.
Chewing on a bone each week can do wonders for your pup’s gums. A recent study demonstrated that chewing beef bones reduced dental calculus by around 10% after just seven months of usage.
When selecting raw bone for your pup, there are a few things to take into account:
Prior to eating any type of cooked bone, make sure it’s safe for consumption. Some bones can be extremely brittle and will splinter when chewed, making them unsuitable for tough eaters.
Most raw bone brands come frozen when purchased, so thawing them out can help your pup get used to chewing on it and make the bone more presentable for them.
They Stay Cool
Raw bones are not only delicious, but they’re also an effective way to keep your dog cool. Not only do they provide a calorie-free energy boost, but the freezing process keeps them hard and chewable for added chewability.
Raw bones have also been known to benefit dental health, with a study published in The Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association showing that dogs who chewed on raw bones experienced an impressive 57% reduction in their dental calculus after three days.
But remember, it’s essential that your bones remain frozen from harvest to feeding. Furthermore, don’t let them bury in your yard where bacteria could start growing hours or days later.
They Satisfy
Dogs have an instinctive urge to chew, so it’s no surprise that they enjoy biting into raw bones. Not only does this satisfy their curiosity, but it also helps keep their teeth healthy and strong.
When selecting a bone for your pet to chew on, ensure it’s large enough to keep them occupied throughout an enjoyable session. Additionally, supervise them while they enjoy their treat!
If you’re not sure where to begin with feeding your pup bones, start slowly by offering one in your kitchen or even in a bath tub. Feeding raw bones in the evening is beneficial for dogs – particularly puppies – as it helps them wind down at night and they can use that extra energy for other things.
They Clean the Stomach
Raw bones provide beneficial roughage for the digestive tract. Furthermore, they offer a cleansing and scouring action, stimulating healthy faecal motions that stimulate anal glands.
Bones also help maintain the stomach lining, which can prevent bloat. This is especially beneficial for dogs that tend to experience this issue.
Feeding your pet different types of bones makes a difference; smaller bones tend to be easier for pets to ingest than larger ones.
Turkey wing tips, chicken necks, or other bones with meat attached are all safe for most dogs and cats to consume.
Marrow-filled bones, however, contain high levels of fat and may cause diarrhea in some pets. To address this problem, thaw out the bone and spoon out most of its marrow (leaving some for future feedings), or limit their time with it.
Raw, meaty bones are an ideal addition to your dog’s diet and can be consumed both whole and ground. Not only are they filled with calcium and phosphorus, but they also provide essential minerals like zinc that may help balance out other mineral intake.