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Adding bones

Discussion in 'BARF, Raw & Natural Diets' started by Junebug, Feb 14, 2014.

  1. Junebug

    Junebug Forums Regular

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    If I want to add bones to my puppy's diet, what is the best way to go? Beef rib? something else? I've got kids in the house, so I'm not keen on raw chicken, but maybe that's just my irrational fears, and all raw is just as likely to be contaminated.

    I assumed I'd just pick up whatever is recommended from the butcher. Is that the way to go?
     
  2. Mom2Melli

    Mom2Melli Forums Enthusiast

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    I went with Merrick bones, the larger the better since they get a real scraping knawing around on them that way. They aren't raw but they are supposedly prepared rather naturally. Amazon has them in bulk for not that much. The dogs really love them.
     
  3. ClantyreSheltie

    ClantyreSheltie Forums Sage

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    What are you trying to do? What else do you feed?

    If these are bones for recreational chewing, stay away from weight bearing bones of large animals. They will wreck their teeth (called "wreck bones" for a reason!). Use bully sticks or tendons for recreational chewing.

    If you are looking to add fiber to the diet, then chicken bones are the way to go.

    But we need more info!
     
  4. Mom2Melli

    Mom2Melli Forums Enthusiast

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    Good point -- how often are you intending? I was thinking supervised limited time teeth scraping. I give mine the bones about 1/2 hour every two weeks and I am literally watching them the whole time.

    Were you thinking daily chewing opportunities? That would be totally different.
     
  5. JessicaR

    JessicaR Forums Enthusiast

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    I mostly use chicken for meals, but for teeth cleaning I like to give pork necks
     
  6. Caro

    Caro Moderator

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    For a pup chicken necks would probably be the best place to start, they are fairly soft and you can give them as a complete meal. Avoid beef bones, they are too hard for sheltie mouths and teeth. Lamb necks are another option.
     
  7. Junebug

    Junebug Forums Regular

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    I was definitely thinking of recreational chewing or helping to keep teeth clean chewing. I feed a rotation of orijin, taste of the wild, and merrick. I would supervise, at least be in the same room, while he chewed.
     
  8. Bradt9881

    Bradt9881 Forums Enthusiast

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    Fletcher is teething, so I gave him a bully stick last night. He thoroughly enjoyed it, but he does have a sensitive tummy so it gave him runny stools today lol!
     
  9. 2GoodDogs

    2GoodDogs Forums Enthusiast

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    I like raw beef or bison knuckle bones, but more often than not it's marrow bones that my local, independent, pet store has. I feed them about once a week, instead of a meal.bought chicken backs and just waiting for yhe right day when I can give it to him.


    Does not replace brushing teeth, but does help keep them sparkling and gums exercised.
     

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