Give a Dog a Bone: Myths, Truths and Benefits for Happy and Healthy Pups

Bone Appétit

Bones can get a bad rep. Concerns over feeding them safely and common misconceptions have some pet parents keeping them off the menu altogether. Sadly, this can mean pups miss out on this nutritious and enjoyable part of a raw, natural diet.

The truth is that raw, meaty bones are packed with health, nutrition, and behavioral benefits. They are rich in essential vitamins and minerals, support dental and gut health, offer mental stimulation and provide a healthy outlet for all that chewing energy. 

A raw diet is inspired by nature and mimics what dogs eat in the wild, and bones are biologically appropriate part of that. So, we thought it was time to bust those bone myths and share the benefits they can offer your pup when handled safely.

 Now, let's get to the bones of it…

Myth 1: Bones can damage teeth

First and foremost, there is a big difference between cooked and raw bones.  We never recommend feeding your pup cooked bones, the process of cooking changes the consistency making them harder and more likely to splinter and shatter, which can cause damage to a dog's mouth, throat, and intestines. Instead, opt for raw, meaty bones for your dog to eat off and chew, as these are much softer and more flexible. 

Canine gum disease and dental health are hot topics, with an estimated 90% of dogs experiencing some gum disease by age two. Gnawing large raw bones helps scrape away plaque, floss, and polish those pearly whites, supporting overall dental health. Chewing also helps stimulate saliva and blood flow to the gums, keeping them healthy and it also provides a great jaw workout too. 

Myth 2: Bones are bad for digestive health

Unlike cooked bones, which can be brittle and should be avoided, typically, when an appropriate-sized raw bone is gnawed down, softer pieces tend to break off, which are more pliable and easier to pass through your dog's digestive system. Choosing the suitable size bone for your dog ( always larger than the dog's mouth) is essential.

Raw-fed dogs also have a lower pH stomach acid level, which means they can digest small pieces of bone more easily but remember bones should make up no more than 10% of your dog's overall diet as too much can lead to constipation.

Finally, feeding raw bones can boost the digestive system, prevent diarrhea, and support the gut microbiome, essential for good gut health.

Myth 3: Bones are hazardous

While cooked bones are dangerous and should never be fed to dogs, it's important to remember that not all bones are hazardous. In fact, feeding suitable bones can be hugely beneficial to your pups' health and well-being.

A common fear is that bone can pose a choking risk or fragments can break off and cause internal damage. While it's wise to be cautious when feeding bones and always supervise your pup, raw bones are relatively soft and flexible and when fed safely, the benefits far outweigh the risks.

Now we've debunked some of the common myths around bones lets unpack some of their great benefits.

Nutritional benefits 

Bones complement a raw diet and are packed with protein and essential nutrients for top-to-tail health and well-being, including:

Collagen -  found in the marrow and is great for healthy skin, boosting elasticity, coat condition, and joint health.

Calcium -  essential for bone growth, teeth health and helps the skeletal system stay healthy. The mineral also plays a vital role in heart health, muscle function, and nerve function.

Phosphorus - a building block for strong bones and essential for cell structure and cell energy metabolism.

Vitamin D and Vitamin B12 - found in bone and bone marrow and are essential for supporting immune health and gut function.

Magnesium - supports muscle function and keeps the heart healthy.

Health benefits

• Boosts heathy digestion 
• Supports gut health and a healthy microbiome 
• Helps with dental and gum health
• Promotes mental and emotional wellbeing
• Aids bone health due to calcium content
• Provides a rich source of essential minerals for overall health

Behavioral benefits 

The benefits of bones go far beyond your pup's internal health and wellness. Think back to those puppy days; dogs are born bone-a-fide chewers! Raw recreational bones provide a natural and safe way to burn off that chewing energy and provide mental stimulation.

Bones can literally boost your dog's happiness levels as chewing has been shown to have a calming effect, reduce anxiety, and release feel-good endorphins.

Choosing the right bone

There are plenty of raw bones to choose from: poultry bones, such as our Chicken Legs are a safe choice for most dogs; marrow bones, like our Beef Marrow Bone are larger and great for recreational chewing; and knucklebones, such as our Beef Knuckle Bone, are non-weight bearing and similar to marrow bones in terms of density and are great for medium to larger size dogs.

Ground bones can also be added to your diet; this can be a great alternative if you are nervous about feeding bones, your dog is older, or has dental issues.

Top safety tips for feeding bones

As always, consider your dog's personal health and any existing medical conditions when picking the best bone for your pup. Get informed and make sure you are aware of the risks and know the signs to look out for if a problem arises.

• Always supervise your dog when feeding bones and watch them carefully, especially if you are introducing bone for the first time. 
• Pick the right bone according to your dog's size (it should be bigger than its mouth and ideally almost as large as their head), and consider how powerful their jaw is.
• Avoid large weight bearing bones such as large, long leg bones which tend to be thicker and more dense.
• Find bones from a trusted source.
• Once your dog has chewed down the bone to the point it fits in their mouth, it's time to throw it out.
• When handling bones, use good hygiene practices.

It's understandable to feel nervous if you are new to feeding bones, but we want you to feel confident and informed about this enriching aspect of a balanced, raw diet. If you need specialized guidance and advice on feeding your pup bones consult your veterinarian.