At Red Dog Blue Kat, we understand that pet parenting comes with its unique set of challenges and questions, especially when it comes to incorporating raw bones into your pet's diet. In this blog, we'll address the most commonly asked questions by you, pet parents, about feeding raw bones, ensuring that you're well-equipped to make informed decisions for your beloved pets.
Mastering Raw Bone Feeding: Your FAQs answered with added Tips Tricks for a Happy and Healthy Pet
Health and Safety Concerns Feeding Raw Bones:
Health and Safety Concerns Feeding Raw Bones
Navigating the safety of feeding raw bones requires a thoughtful approach tailored to your pet's unique characteristics. From considerations about bone types and dental health to addressing potential concerns, below we provide answers that foster a safe and enjoyable raw bone-feeding experience.
Is feeding raw bones safe?
Feeding raw bones can be safe, but it requires careful consideration of your pet's size, bone type, and chewing style. Awareness of potential risks and close supervision during chewing sessions is crucial to ensure your pet's safety.
Can every pet have raw bones?
While bones offer health benefits, not every pet is suitable. Pets with sensitive GI tracts, dental issues, or specific health conditions may need alternative options. Tailor choices to your pet's individual needs.
Will sharp shards of bone puncture my dog’s stomach?
Raw bones are designed for safe digestion, but introducing them slowly is important, especially for pets not adapted to a raw diet.
Can my pet break their teeth on bones?
Proper bone selection based on size and chewing style can mitigate the risk of dental injuries. Regular inspection of your pet's teeth is advisable.
Will bones cause gastric upset in my pet?
Introduce bones gradually, considering your pet's gut health. The right bone type and size are crucial to preventing GI upset.
Will feeding raw bones make my dog aggressive?
If your dog growls when given a raw bone, it's likely due to resource guarding, not aggression from raw food. Dogs can view high-value items like raw bones as precious, leading to possessiveness. Combat this with the trade game: offer a familiar item, make the second enticing, and introduce a trade cue. Gradually apply this to bones, ensuring safety and comfort. If uneasy, consult a certified reward-based trainer/behaviourist for guidance. This builds trust and addresses resource guarding effectively. Ultimately, fostering this understanding enhances your pet's health, allowing you to confidently incorporate raw bones and food into their diet. Optimal pet-parent communication and professional guidance create a harmonious bond with your furry companion.
Do raw bones expose my pet to harmful bacteria such as pathogenic strains of Salmonella or E. coli?
If you get bones from a reliable source that handles them properly, the risk is minimal, especially if the company sources inspected meats. The chance of harmful bacteria is low because bones undergo minimal processing and often have chunks of meat. It's important to note that not all bacteria are harmful; exposure to various bacteria can actually strengthen the microbiome and contribute to a healthy immune system. Want to learn more about feeding raw bones? Click here for 8 simple rules to follow.
Raw Bone Preparation and Best Feeding Practices for Your Pet:
Uncovering everything from the risks of cooking bones to adapting frequencies for various life stages, learn how to provide a safe and nourishing experience for your pet with the best practices for feeding raw bones.
Can I cook the bones before feeding them?
NO! Raw bones retain their natural properties, making them safer to eat. Cooking alters bone properties, increasing the risk of brittleness.
How often can I give my pet a bone?
Tailor bone frequency to your pet's needs. Generally, 1-2 times per week for adults and 3-4 times for puppies and kittens.
Can puppies be fed raw bones?
Yes! Start puppies early, consider bone size and ensure safe chewing techniques.
My pet is a senior and/or has few teeth left, can I still give them recreational bones?
Yes! Adjust bone size, and offer recreational bones to maintain mental and physical health in seniors.
Can I feed raw bones to my kibble-fed pet?
Many kibble-fed pets can enjoy raw bones with potential positive changes in digestion. Consult your vet for individual considerations.
Where should I feed raw bones to my pet?
The ideal setting to offer your dog a bone is outdoors on the grass or in the backyard. This environment mimics their natural instincts, allowing them to engage in playful behaviour, move the bone around, and even bury it. If outdoor feeding isn't feasible, choose a quiet indoor location with a large, washable mat (consider urinary pads as an excellent option) to provide an undisturbed space for your pet to enjoy their bone.
My dog is new to raw bones - how do I teach them to chew?
For consumable bones, encourage a safe chewing technique involving the use of the whole mouth, including back molars, and chewing side to side before consumption. To prevent gulping, consider hand-feeding by holding the raw bone and guiding your pet to chew with the side of their mouth before swallowing. For recreational bones, the ideal technique involves removing meat, cartilage, and sinews without fully consuming the bone. Avoid forceful chewing that could lead to bone cracking, increasing the risk of choking and potential tooth fractures. Discard the bone once the bare bone is visible.
Need guidance on picking the right bone for your pet? Take our bone quiz here!
Nutritional and Digestive Considerations for Raw Bone Consumption
Understanding the nuances of raw bone consumption for your pet involves addressing various health indicators and potential concerns. From the colour of marrow to digestive reactions, here we answer your questions -ensuring a balanced and positive feeding experience.
Some raw bones I buy have a pale pink/red marrow while other times it is more yellow. Are both safe?
Marrow colour indicates the animal's maturity. Both red and yellow marrow are safe and contribute healthy fats to your pet's diet.
My pet vomited after eating raw bones, does this mean that my pet cannot tolerate bones?
For some pets, this might be true, especially if they have medical or digestive tract issues that lead to intolerance. However, generally, addressing the type and size of bones, considering your pet's chewing style, and moderating the speed at which you introduce bones can often resolve this problem.
My pet gets dry, hard stool after consuming raw bones, does this mean they are constipated?
No, the occasional firm stool is normal. Consult your vet if there are signs of prolonged constipation or discomfort. Navigating the world of raw bones for your pets involves balancing the safety considerations with the incredible health benefits they offer. By understanding the specific needs of your furry friend and making informed choices, you can provide them with a rewarding and enriching dietary experience. Always observe, adapt, and seek professional advice when needed.