rtaliaferro

In the past I have given our dogs beef marrow bones from the butcher I would first boil them for about 15 minutes to take away all the blood and extra gristle/fat.

Does anyone else give these to their dogs and if so, do you think it is ok to give to a puppy? (9 weeks of age?)

PatchworkRobot

I don't know about a puppy but I give both my dogs marrow bones from time to time. I don't boil them, however, I just give them to the dogs as-is (and frozen). For a dog that isn't used to them the marrow can sometimes be to rich so start with a little bit at a time. Also, while this hasn't been my experience, I've heard of dogs chipping teeth on the bones so just use with caution.

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rtaliaferro

Maybe I will hold off - I didn't think about his little puppy teeth. Thanks.

PatchworkRobot

They'll freeze for a good while so if you have some just keep them in the back of the freezer. Also, you could scrape some marrow out of the bones (if there is any) and start getting him used to it.

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My4BadDogs

I give them to my dogs, both as adults and as a puppy. I don't boil them either, just let them have them. In their crates so everyone gets their own.

After all the tasty stuff is gone they are allowed to share the left over bones. But I keep a careful eye on the structure of the of the bone because my mallie likes to chew off splinters and my lab likes to try to break them into pieces by throwing them on the tile floor.

I've known some k-9s as well as some labs that have worn their teeth down by continually chewing on them (and rocks and other hard objects). By continually I mean over a life time using them as pacifiers/chew toys instead of softer things like Kongs.

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zorianak

I wouldn't recommend boiling them. Raw bones are fine, but the heat from cooking or boiling them can makes them brittle and then they splinter more easily. That's why people advise against giving bones to dogs in the first place. They should be fine frozen and otherwise raw. Just my two cents, take it how you will.

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Suzanne7000

I agree that you shouldn't boil them because it does make them brittle. I gave them to Brody until I noticed he had really worn his teeth down. I learned the hard way to give him only the center cuts of bison bones (they are stronger) and stay away from end cuts where he could really grind on the bones. I now repack the bison bones with high quality canned dog food and freeze them. Both of my dobies love there evening treat. They spend most of their time licking the food out of the bones. (saves me $$$ too!)

Beaumont67

I would never boil marrow bones, unthaw and give them out, the way they came.
- cooked bones, cause splinters

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NOX

I give my dog raw frozen marrow bones from the butcher from time to time. The only thing I've noticed is that he gets zits on his chin from trying to dig out the marrow. Otherwise he loves them and it keeps him busy for an hour.

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rtaliaferro

Thanks everyone!!! I will keep them in my freezer until he gets a bit older and then give him only raw.

NINKOjIN

We've given them a couple of times (they call them soup bones here) and they do keep 'em busy for hours.

I was not sure how long it is safe to let them have them though... as far as "going bad" and stuff. We kept them frozen, then gave one to Riley still frozen, and after a few hours I'd throw it out if he wasn't interested anymore. How long are they really "good" for, and/or could you re-freeze them when the dog is bored, for later? I know it's way different than a smoked bone that can last days and not worry about rot.

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zorianak

According to what I've read, they're safe for dogs for around 3-5 days. Freezing them ought to extend their life, but don't take my word for it. I typically let Jaina keep her stuffed femurs for around a week - they don't have actual marrow in them, but I know the stuffing can go bad. Plus, there's something about giving her a new bone that I just love.

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Your ex girlfriend's cat

wolfgirl1987

Bentley usually gets 1 raw marrow bone a week to knaw on. He loves it and keeps him busy for at least an hour