Bones Matter- part 2
HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT BONE?
In Bones matter part I explained why raw meaty bones (RMBs) should be included as an important part of dogs and cats diet and I also offered some tips for feeding them safely. If you haven't read it yet you can find it here:
In part two, I will explain how to select the right bones, and also address more specifically cats, kittens puppies and some special considerations to keep in mind when feeding RMBs.
Which is the best bone?
Following nature's way, the best way to meet the carnivore needs is to offer some variety. No carnivore in nature would eat exclusively ribs or necks. Also different bones will require teeth, jaws etc to work differently and therefore will represent more stimulation.
A common way to classify bones when talking about diet is in
Consumable and Non Consumable or Recreational
Consumable are the bones that are usually fully eaten.
They are softer and contain more cartilage tissue. Examples of these kind of bones are chicken, duck, turkey necks, feet and wings. They are a great source of glucosamine and chondroitin which supports the joints.
Depending on the size of the dog they will be a good choice also for keeping the teeth clean. Small dogs and cats usually do well with chicken necks, larger dogs will benefit more from larger bones such as turkey necks. For individuals who suffer sensitivity to chicken, pancreatitis or inflammatory bowel disease you should choose a different option because they are high in fat. So chicken necks can be a suitable source of energy for sport or very active dogs but not for an obese dog. Antlers are a good alternative for those that should stay away from necks for some of the reasons I have mentioned.
Non Consumables or Recreational bones are the bones that can be only partially eaten.
We can include in this group: ribs, elk and beef necks, marrow bones. Once again, choose accordingly to the size of the eater's mouth and feed preferably defrosted although RMBs can be fed frozen. For dogs suffering pancreatitis or Inflammatory Bowel Disease, if you are feeding marrow bones, remove most of the the marrow with a spoon.
It is also important that you know what “kind of chewer” your dog is . Is he very enthusiastic or does he have a soft mouth? If he is a very enthusiastic chewer, it is safer to feed bones with more meat and defrosted. Bones with more meat are also preferable in general because they are more enjoyable, they require more work, which is what cleans the teeth and they are safer. If the dog is a too enthusiastic chewer you may directly avoid recreational bones and offer him consumable bones under supervision holding one extreme of the bone so he can work on it instead of gulping it. Over time he might get more relaxed around bones and you might be able to introduce recreational bones.
It is also important to take into consideration that dogs with calcium and other minerals deficiencies have weaker teeth therefore harder bones should be avoided to start with in order to prevent teeth fractures.
Bones for puppies and kittens At what age can dogs and cats start eating RMBs?
After the third week and six weeks of age, the best way to feed bones for puppies and kittens is minced with meat, similar to the predigested substance that their mothers would give them, after regurgitating it.
Between the six and the eight weeks of age they can start chewing RMBs. Chicken necks and feet are usually a good option. Cornish hen and quail are also good options for cats and small dogs. Always keep in mind the sizes and choose accordingly. Initially the bones might be just a toy and this is perfect. If these bones are incorporated as environmental enrichment at early stages, they'll accept them as part of their diet gradually and naturally. Their jaws will get trained as well. A way to help them to start with is to smash the consumable RMBs, so part of the work is done and it's easier for them. This can also be specially helpful for adult cats who are not used to eating them. One of the many advantages of feeding bones as they grow up is that dogs especially won't get overexcited when getting a bone, they will certainly be used to them and more relaxed than dogs that rarely get a bone and therefore will require more supervision and caution.
There is scientific proof that cats and dogs tend to show preference for foods that have been fed to them early in their lives or even foods that their mothers were fed while pregnant. This is a reason why some commercial brands of kibble are very generous with breeders and rescue organizations. As in many cases it means that the animal will be on that food for life. But, does the fact that a cat and/or dog show preference for a certain food means that this is in their best nutritional interest? Most of the times the answer is NO, just as it happens with humans and junk food. So it is worth the patience and the effort to help them to develop a taste for healthier options.
Between four and six months of age kittens and puppies have their permanent teeth and it's the stage at which they grow the most. At this stage of their development, they'll need more nutritional support therefore plenty of RMBs.
Seniors dogs and cats
RMBs can significantly contribute to keep a healthy mouth and add years to your dog and cat's lives. As long as they keep their teeth they'll be able to enjoy them. If you have an elder dog or cat who are missing some of their teeth, they may not be able to chew RMBs. In these cases they can eat bones minced with meat, just as we would do for them at a very early age, not for cleaning their teeth but for the nutritional value that bones can still offer. Keep in mind that they can play a key role to support their joints and mobility.
Summarizing
RMBs are an essential part of a carnivore diet. They can certainly add years to the lives of our companions, contributing significantly to their health and happiness. We only need to bring some details into consideration according to their age, anatomy, character and individual needs.
Huge Thanks to Tail Blazers Gateway for its commitment to dogs and cats' health care and for supporting this blog!
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References
Raw Meaty Bones Promote Health by Dr. Tom Longsdale
Feeding dogs by Dr. Conor Brady
Raw bones for your dog, by Dr. Jodie Gruensen
A guide of chicken necks for dogs,by Dr. Jo de Klerk
Chunks and Bones For Your Cat’s Teeth, by Dr. Guillermo Diaz
Raw Food for Cats, What About Eating Bones? by Dr. Guillermo Diaz