Feeding raw meat bones to dogs

[Azalea]

I am curious as to what bones other people give their dogs. The last time I got a bone from the butcher, my dog crunched it into pieces, swallowed them and was sick later. It was some kind of beef bone. Haven't dared try it again. This hadn't happened previously, but I don't often give my dog any bones, and especially not cooked ones.

[aquarius moon]

Marrow bones are usually the safest but I don't feed any bones to my dogs because they are so greedy they might end up choking.

[maxxi]

chicken wings (raw)

[KidKruger]

Sometimes they have a big of blood with their poo as they emit the crunched-up bones.

Probably more do-able with bigger dogs.

[Azalea]

Have tried the raw chicken wings and received a disdainful look. Cooked chicken without bones is well received.

[aquarius moon]

You should never give chicken bones to dogs.

Tut tut maxxi!

[maxxi]

Not true AqM - you should never give COOKED chicken bones as they will splinter but lots of dogs gobble down raw chicken wings.

[DulwichFox]

I have never kept dogs.. but was curious... So googled.

It is important to point out that there are some misconceptions where chicken bones are concerned.

First let us start by saying that cooked chicken bones are an absolute no-no for dogs as they will splinter and could cause injuries.

However, raw chicken bones are soft and therefore quite safe for dogs.

Consider dogs in the wild and how likely they might be to hunt for, kill and eat an entire bird.

Do you think these dogs are eating something that they really should not?

More than likely they know more about what is good for them than we do.

Full article.. http://www.healthguidance.org/entry/15230/1/Raw-Chicken-for-Dogs.html

I would not give them to dogs.. But stick with commercial pet food.. and the occasional left overs treat.

DulwichFox

[aquarius moon]

Sorry maxxi.

I googled it too & times seem to have changed.

Years ago giving any chicken bones to dogs was bad due to the risk of choking and/ or the chance of bacteria problems.

Since the raw food diet came into fashion, it appears to be an ok thing to do.

Proves I'm still living in the dark ages!

[maxxi]

Cooked chicken spine/neck bones are okay too as they crumble rather than splinter - lot of dogs get tooth/gum problems because they eat nothing but tinned pap.

[Azalea]

No tinned dog food here.

[SearchDog]

Azalea,

We follow the BARF diet (biologically appropriate raw food, sometimes know as bones and raw food) (lots of info available for research) although I like to think of giving my dog a non processed diet. So she has meat, bones and offal (80%, 10%, 10%). I don't give weight bearing bones (apart from the occasional marrow bone) but mainly chicken/ turkey bones, lamb ribs and these really help to keep her teeth clean. The husband says the dog has a better diet than us and he's probably right. I like to think it keeps her in tip top condition and this is really important to me as she's a trainee search and rescue dog.

I can also recommend a raw feeding support group on Facebook who are balancing and not too 'preachy' to help you if you have any questions.