Introducing Puppies to Raw Bones: A Comprehensive Guide

18 Feb

Introducing your puppy to raw bones is a crucial step in their development, offering numerous physical and mental benefits. This comprehensive guide combines expert advice to ensure you do it safely and effectively.

Why Raw Bones?

Dogs evolved as scavenging carnivores, meaning their teeth, digestive systems, and behavior are built for tearing, chewing, and crunching bones. Unlike processed kibble or soft foods, raw bones provide a mechanical cleaning effect on teeth and promote stronger jaws and healthier gums.

Scientific Backing:

• Haberstroh et al. (1984) found captive Amur tigers fed raw beef bones twice a week had reduced plaque and improved gum health.

• Clarke & Cameron (1998) found feral cats had significantly cleaner teeth than domestic cats, proving that chewing raw foods reduces dental disease.

• Brown & Park (1968) fed oxtail to dogs and observed a 66% reduction in plaque within 24 hours—dropping to just 5% after two weeks!

• Marx et al. (2016) found that chewing raw beef bones led to 71-82% plaque reduction in just 12 days, with no reported tooth fractures or obstructions.

These findings confirm that raw bones are essential for oral health, far superior to commercial kibble or dental chews.

Benefits of Feeding Raw Bones to Puppies

1. Natural Teeth Cleaning & Gum Health

Raw bones act as nature’s toothbrush, scraping away plaque and preventing tartar buildup. Studies show wolves and wild dogs rarely develop dental disease, while 90% of domestic dogs do (Pavlovic et al., 2007). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18751659/

Did You Know?

• Gray (1923) observed that smaller breeds are more prone to dental disease due to a lack of proper chewing stimulation.

• Tom Lonsdale (1997) cited Dr. Coles, President of the Australian Veterinary Dental Society, stating that chewing bones twice a week significantly reduces dental disease.

2. Stronger Jaws & Proper Facial Muscle Development

Chewing is biomechanically necessary for puppies. It strengthens their jaw muscles and prevents weak bites and misalignments. Puppies deprived of bones may develop softer jaws, weaker teeth, and chewing-related behavioral issues.

3. Mental Stimulation & Anxiety Reduction

Chewing releases endorphins, reducing anxiety, boredom, and destructive chewing habits. Puppies that regularly chew raw bones are less likely to develop separation anxiety or destructive tendencies.

4. Nutrient Boost (Calcium, Phosphorus & Collagen)

Raw bones contain bioavailable calcium and phosphorus, vital for bone growth, joint health, and strong teeth. The bone marrow is packed with omega fatty acids and stem cells that support immune function and coat health.

When to Start

Puppies can start enjoying raw bones as soon as they have teeth, typically around 4-5 weeks of age. Don't wait for their adult teeth to come in; introducing bones early sets them up for a lifetime of healthy chewing habits.

Choosing the Right Bones

• Edible vs. Recreational: Edible bones, like poultry necks and wings, can be consumed entirely. Recreational bones, such as lamb necks or beef ribs, are larger and meant for chewing. Start with small, edible poultry bones.

• Size and Age Considerations: Select bones appropriate for your puppy's size and age. Very young puppies (8-12 weeks) benefit from softer bones, ground bones, or bone meal powder. As they grow, transition to larger, more rigid bones.

Bone Selection Guide

Here's a general guideline for bone selection based on breed size and age:

Puppy Size & Age

Recommended Bones

Small Breed Puppies (8 weeks – 6 Months)

Chicken Feet, Necks, Heads; Duck Feet; Ground Bones; Rabbit Ribs; Cornish Hen; Quail

Medium Breed Puppies

Chicken Feet, Necks, Heads; Chicken Backs or Frames; Chicken or Duck Wings; Duck Feet, Necks; Rabbit; Cornish Hen

Large & Giant Breed Puppies

Chicken Feet, Ribcages (Frames), Backs; Chicken Wings, Thighs or Leg Quarters; Duck Feet, Necks, Frames, Heads, Wings; Turkey Necks; Pork Ribs; Rabbit

The ideal amount of raw meaty bones needed to maintain firm, consistent stools can vary between puppies. The recommended 17% edible bone ratio serves as a general guideline, but some puppies may thrive on a bone content ranging from 15% to 20%. Always monitor your puppy’s digestion via their stools and adjust the ratio as needed to suit their individual requirements.

Safety Guidelines

• Always Supervise: Never leave a young puppy unattended with a bone.

• Raw Only: Only feed raw, meaty bones. Never give cooked bones, as they can splinter and cause internal injuries.

• Dense or Risky Bones: Some bones pose a higher risk of dental fractures or digestive issues and should be fed with caution. Turkey drumsticks and drumettes have thick bones that can snap apart and are best suited for dogs over 50lbs/23kg; for smaller dogs, the muscle meat can be removed, and the bone used for bone broth. Whole beef bones are extremely dense and can damage teeth, though ground beef bones are safe to feed. Weight-bearing bones, especially from large animals, can cause tooth fractures in aggressive chewers but may be given to gentle chewers with meat attached, provided they are supervised, and the bone is removed afterward for broth. Machine-cut bones should also be avoided due to sharp edges that can perforate the gastrointestinal tract, but the attached meat can be fed, and the bone repurposed for broth.

• Age-Appropriate: Choose bones suitable for your puppy's age and chewing strength.

• Start Small: Begin with small, edible bones and gradually increase size and hardness as your puppy grows.

• Individual Feeding: Never feed multiple dogs bones together to prevent fights.

• Limit Chewing Time: Start with 5-15 minutes and gradually increase to 30-60 minutes as your puppy matures. Remove any remaining bone after a couple of days.

• Frozen Bones: Frozen bones can be soothing for teething puppies.

Addressing Concerns

• Choking Hazard: Choose appropriate bone sizes and supervise your puppy closely. If your puppy tries to swallow large chunks, remove the bone immediately.

• Constipation: Too many bones can lead to constipation. Monitor your puppy's stools and adjust bone intake accordingly.

• Broken Teeth: Avoid extremely hard bones, especially for overzealous chewers.

• Intestinal Blockages: Raw bones are generally digestible, but cooked bones are a serious risk.

• Resource Guarding: If your puppy guards bones, consult a trainer or behaviorist. Giving bones frequently and in a designated location can help reduce guarding behavior.

Feeding Schedule

Puppies can have small edible bones daily. Start with 3 times a week while they're learning, then progress to daily feedings as they mature. Recreational bones can be offered 2-3 times a week. Always monitor stools and adjust bone quantity accordingly.

Photo credit: Feed Real Institute.

Additional Tips

• Designated Bone Area: Establish a designated area for bone chewing to keep things tidy.

• Prepare Bones: For very young puppies, lightly smash bones with a meat cleaver.

• Hold the Bone: While your puppy is learning, hold the bone to help them chew and prevent swallowing large pieces.

• Observe and Learn: Pay attention to your puppy's chewing habits and adjust bone choices accordingly. Every dog is different.

Conclusion

Introducing your puppy to raw bones is a safe and essential part of their development. By following these guidelines and choosing appropriate bones, you can provide your puppy with the dental, nutritional, and mental benefits they need to thrive. Remember to always supervise your puppy and consult with your veterinarian or a qualified canine nutritionist if you have any concerns.