The Truth on Raw Meaty Bones
Raw, meaty bones are a recommended part of a balanced, species appropriate diet. Raw, meaty bones are our dog and cat’s natural toothbrushes. The action of tearing, crunching, and ripping off the meat cleans their teeth and provides mental stimulation.
The type of bones and how they are fed depends on the size of the animal and their chewing style. For example, a 5lb dog or cat would do great with a chicken neck or back, but a turkey neck would be more than 10 days worth of food. At the same time, an 80lb dog may try to swallow small food, such as chicken backs and necks, whole. This would eliminate the chewing benefit and could create a choking hazard.
Each month, we will feature a different protein source on our blog. Protein rotation is an important part of a raw diet and we will provide an overview of the benefits and drawbacks of each protein source.
Protein Feature: Turkey
Turkey is one of the most popular protein sources in a raw diet and there are good reasons for it. Turkey is an affordable option for protein rotation and it is a good option for many pets that suffer from food related allergies. Pets that have developed allergies from constant exposure to the same protein source often do well with turkey as it has yet to become popular in the kibble industry.
People feel the effects of Tryptophan after a turkey dinner and the same animo acid can help to relax our pets as well. Turkey is an excellent source of Niacin, which helps to lower cholesterol. Your dog’s health will also benefit from the excellent levels of B Vitamins, including B3, B6, and B12.
Unfortunately, due to the size of the bird, edible bone options are limited. Turkey necks are best suited for larger dogs, but smaller animals can still eat the meat and gnaw on the bone.
A breakdown of each raw, meaty bone and its benefits:
Turkey Necks
Turkey necks provide a great, lean meat meal with a soft bone for optimal teeth cleaning. They average 1-1.25lbs, so they are best suited for large and giant breed dogs. Their size won’t stop your cat or small dog from enjoying a nibble of this tasty meal. Turkey is high in protein and contain a good amount Vitamin B3 and B-6. This is also a meal that can be fed frozen to slow down gulpers.
NEVER COOK A RAW BONE.
ALWAYS SUPERVISE YOUR PET WHILE THEY ARE EATING.