Raw meaty bones are a critical part of a balanced raw food diet for dogs and cats and their true benefits cannot be supplemented synthetically. They are living tissue and offer a complex source of a variety of nutrients. This includes calcium, phosphorus, fatty acids, and other required minerals, all in their natural form.
A variety of bone types in the diet will ensure your animal is receiving all the necessary nutrients required to thrive and will provide dental health benefits that cannot be matched. Skeletal health, emotional balance, exercise, and a strong immune system are also benefits of eating raw bones.
Raw poultry bones such as chicken necks, chicken wings, Cornish game hen, turkey necks, and duck necks are all favorites of both raw feeders and their dogs. These bones are fully consumed and should be fed several times a week as one component of a balanced, raw diet. Larger bones such as marrow bones and beef ribs are also healthy and will provide your dog with hours of enjoyment. These are typically not fully consumed and these do require supervision, as some aggressive chewers have been known to wear down or even break a tooth when enjoying these larger, harder bones.
Puppies should be taught early how to properly eat bones and chicken necks are the best starting bones for them. As the puppy gets older, start adding chicken wings and others into the rotation and watch how happy your dog will be.
Cats do well with chicken necks, chicken wings, backs and other small bone. They also love to hunt for themselves and when given the opportunity they will hunt and eat small prey.
Feed a balanced, raw diet and make good lifestyle decisions and your dogs and cats will thrive!