Raw Animal Bones

ca323 · 08-02-2008, 08:23 AM

How young can a dog be to begin eating raw bones/knuckles? Mine is nearly 10 weeks and don't want him to get sick if its to early yet. There is a butcher near by who sells a large bag of them for like $2, I mean like 12 or so huge knuckles in a bag. Just wanted to hear some words on experiences with them, if I should wait longer, things to watch out for. He needs something to chew because nylabones don't cut it, he's bored by them. Thanks to all for replies!

**JenTN** · 08-02-2008, 08:27 AM

I'm curious to see the answers, my vet said no-no until Bo is a year. We had the same problems with nylabones- Bo gets bored. They sell some "puppy safe" pb flavored "bones" that takes a while for Bo to consume (days) at our local feed store. I went in and asked what was appropriate for puppies. Also the kong "Ziggies" last a little bit too

**voodoolizard** · 08-02-2008, 08:45 AM

well i dont know the official view, but zeus has had knuckle bones form about 10 weeks and loved them, we never had a prob but also he had them in the same room as us, we never left him alone with them !!

**reisende** · 08-02-2008, 11:11 AM

used to give knuckle bones, or just raw meaty bones for that matter, to Moonshine. he loves them, BUT he has horrible diarrhea on and off with it. when fed with only kibble (orijen), his poop is very good. because I don't have a yard, I don't want any more diarrhea in my apartment anymore (it has happened about 4-5 times, and while I don't blame Moony for those accidents, it is truly extremely smelly and difficult to clean), so I have stopped feeding bones.

I don't use nylabones, BUT I have found a good solution to clean his teeth and to let him have something to chew on: a large knotted rope (think the brand was JW). it's a good rope, not those cheapies you find. there are three large knots on the rope and it is still going strong after a month of DAILY chewing. he loves the rope toy too and it keeps him occupied.

otherwise, you could always use the tried and tested stuffed kong sealed with peanut butter.

hbwright · 08-02-2008, 11:19 AM

Too much peanut butter would cause diarrhea also. I would usually give one a day though. The meat bones might cause some upset belly while getting started but I would start by pulling as much of the marrow out when he was getting used to it. Now it causes no problems. It is the same with anything that he is getting use to. Start slowly. I wouldn't wait a year. No need. By then, he'll be well on the way to the first teeth cleaning and IMO they are much more healthy than anything fake or the other teeth cleaning bones out there. And wow, 2$ a bag, I'm jealous.

**voodoolizard** · 08-02-2008, 01:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hbwright

And wow, 2$ a bag, I'm jealous.

OPPSS LOL my butcher gives me raw meaty marrow bones for FREE when i buy my meat from him LOL

ca323 · 08-02-2008, 02:08 PM

one of the butchers near hear makes dog food as well from scraps, but I think it is mostly beef so I'm not so sure about supplementing it with his dry stuff. My brother might start selling bison meat along with his other free range/ organic foods so I might see about some of that. Any thoughts?
Any experiences with Elk or Deer bones? or meat for that matter?

diamond · 08-02-2008, 04:51 PM

I gave my puppy a raw bone and he had bad diarrhea from the marrow. What I have found that he really likes is Bully Sticks. They are 100% digestable and don't smell. I do recommend taking them away when they get small to prevent possible choking.

Murreydobe · 08-02-2008, 05:17 PM

I give my dogs raw knucklebones and marrow bones from the time I get them as little guys

tosca · 08-03-2008, 10:49 AM

My dogs get knuckle bones, raw bones of all sorts as soon as they can handle 'em - around 4-5 weeks of age; but I do feed a raw diet. I never let them have 'em unsupervised. For dogs fed kibble, the raw bones may be rich for them as their systems aren't used to that. Bully sticks are great, too, and again, not unsupervised.