Raw bones for dogs

[barb1314]

Just wondered what your opinion is on giving your dogs raw bones. And if you give them what age would you do it?lI have access to them as we have a butchery where I work but I'm really not sure. My border collie couldn't have them as they made her very sick. Not sure with my lab. Forgot to ask the vet today and I value your opinions. Thanks.

[wiggal]

I dont give my dogs bones or anything apart from ones from the pet shop.

My fella and his mum however think I am mad, as they used to give the dogs everything!! Would boil up all leftovers in a pot at the end of the week and it would be the dogs weekly treat! (this was 20 years ago in S.A mind you!)

[jules77]

Personally, I would never give my dogs a bone of any description. Two friends have nearly lost their dogs from feeding raw chicken carcasses and chicken wings, both dogs were fed bones regularly and didnt gulp their food. One was lucky to have lived through invasive surgery to remove a piece of bone from the chest cavity. In addition to the intestinal dangers, dogs can crack and break teeth.

Some owners think the risks are overstated, and dogs are natural carnivores who should be fed a natural raw diet including bones. I disagree.

If you choose to feed your dog bones, you have to ensure they chew them, and this may involve you holding the bones so they do not try and swallow any large pieces whole.

[kita1]

I agree with Jules.

Dogs are natural carnivors and can eat raw food BUT how many people who feed raw actually give their dogs the whole carcass?

Chicken bones would naturally pass through a dog because the dog eats the feathers etc. and these wrap around any sharp pieces.

The same with rabbits - they eat the fur and skin and this wraps round any sharp bones.

To give a dog a plucked chicken wing or a rib bone of a large animal like a sheep is very artificial.

If you feed large marrow bones then you risk the dog breaking teeth and with vet bills as high as they are it is not worth the risk!

PS You have to make sure that you freeze any bones/raw meat first as this kills off a parasite that can be fatal to dogs.

[obNOXious]

I let my dogs have very large bones to chew on (beef leg bones etc) but I tend to agree it's best to avoid chicken bones etc due to the known dangers.

[King Normie]

I learned at a young age to not give bird bones to dogs as they are hollow and form sharp splinters as the dog chews. I also avoid small bones or bones thin enough to be chewed to a small size, as they can become lodged in the dog's throat and choke it. Beyond that, I have always given my dog bones, primarily beef. he is now 12 years old and cripped up but he still enjoys a good gnaw 2-3 times a week.

[woofgang]

in the past I have given raw beef marrow bones to my dogs. They are messy and smelly in the house and attract flies and maggots outdoors so i packed it in and the dogs don't seem to miss it

[LoftyLottie]

Hi Barb,

Kita's reply is very sensible. My pup (before we aquired her) was fed whole rabbits - skin and all and thrived on it. However, this was a diet we couldn't follow on with unless we went rabbit hunting regularly!

Never, ever feed COOKED bones under any circumstances. Cooking makes them brittle and prone to splinter and dangerous to dogs.

There's a lot on the net about the benefit of feeding raw bones to dogs and lots of vets actually advise it. I would give your own vet a ring and ask them though, as they are the ones you should trust for Lottie's future health.

I have just had another peek at her pictures - she is just so lovely. My son's girlfriend has a four year old black lab who visits us often. She's lovely (but thinks my Yorkie is a cushion and sat on him"!!)

xxx

[thugulike]

All my dogs have had raw beef marrow bones without any ll effects. BUT, I can guarantee that the cattle are less than 30 months old (so no chance of them getting BSE) and I never allow them to have knuckles which can splinter. Ask your butcher to saw the marrow bones so that the dogs have to concentrate on getting all the marrow out. All my dogs have had sparkling white teeth and strong head and neck muscles as a result of the gnawing.

I would never give cooked bones of any kind and certainly never any poultry bones.

I agree with Woofgang (it's me, apricot) about having to be careful about flies but it is worth it to see the pleasure the dog gets from the bones.

George is an English Mastiff with a very strong jaw and he's never managed to splinter a bone so I think all breeds should be safe. He has a standing order for 2 marrow bones each week.

[barb1314]

Wow what a lot of informed answers. I knew about the dangers of chicken bones.Our butcher uses a very reliable source for our beef bones and the marrow ones were the ones I was thinking of when Lottie is older,But,yes they stink after a while so it would be a garden treat I think.Will talk to my vet aswell and see what he advises.What she doesn't know she won't miss so I may decide not to try them.She seems to enjoy her Nylabone at the moment.She doesn't seem to be anexcessive chewer yet just loves to lick! Only time and teething will tell. Thanks for all advice.Lottie,glad you think your namesake is so cute...yes she really has a lovely temperament.