Frozen bones that are not messy?

[SheriS]

@Dr. Jeff and/or @Dr. Christina,
Any suggestions on the type of fresh, raw bone we can buy that won't end up being messy on Cooper's paws and on our floors?

 

[Dr. Jeff]

Frozen raw chicken necks work well.

I bet @GinnyW has other suggestions.

 

[GinnyW]

Well, actually any "raw, meaty bone" - our working definition in the raw feeding community - is going to be a bit messy; the idea, after all, is that they have enough meat on them to be totally consumeable. Rather than feed less-than-optimal, not so meaty bones, perhaps you can teach your dog to eat them in an area, say, way bigger than a placemat but smaller than a bathroom - We teach "On your mat" or "Place" or "Outside bone"....

And yes, on chicken necks, although these can be too small for many dogs. Sections of 4-6 vertebrae of turkey necks - or whole ones if your dog can handle them...We also get slabs of lamb ribs and slices of lamb neck from wholesalers. Chicken, duck and turkey feet are lovely, too. and there's a nice cut from a wholesaler called "duck frames": back, ribs, breastbone, most of the neck, all in one piece. Look for restaurant suppliers and make group orders.

 

[Dr. Christina]

Some do gs eat in the bathtub or shower stall when too cold out. Of course eating in the grass is the best!
Dr. Christina

 

[SheriS]

Well, actually any "raw, meaty bone" - our working definition in the raw feeding community - is going to be a bit messy; the idea, after all, is that they have enough meat on them to be totally consumeable. Rather than feed less-than-optimal, not so meaty bones, perhaps you can teach your dog to eat them in an area, say, way bigger than a placemat but smaller than a bathroom - We teach "On your mat" or "Place" or "Outside bone"....

And yes, on chicken necks, although these can be too small for many dogs. Sections of 4-6 vertebrae of turkey necks - or whole ones if your dog can handle them...We also get slabs of lamb ribs and slices of lamb neck from wholesalers. Chicken, duck and turkey feet are lovely, too. and there's a nice cut from a wholesaler called "duck frames": back, ribs, breastbone, most of the neck, all in one piece. Look for restaurant suppliers and make group orders.

@GinnyW Thank you for you insights. Wow, that's a lot of animal parts! I am wanting to give Cooper what he needs and at the same time, I'm having a little trouble reconciling bringing in all of these dead animal parts.

 

[GinnyW]

Yep, I know what you mean...About a hundred years ago, in another place and time, one of my friends who had lovely competition Danes said, "I used to think my hobby was dogs; now I know it's feeding dogs..."

 

[SheriS]

Yep, I know what you mean...About a hundred years ago, in another place and time, one of my friends who had lovely competition Danes said, "I used to think my hobby was dogs; now I know it's feeding dogs..."

@GinnyW Thank you!

 

[KellyM]

Question about raw meat bones, which types of bones are appropriate for cats and dogs to eat the whole thing, and which are just meant to let them chew a little, then push the marrow out then take the bone away?

@Dr. Jeff
@Dr. Christina
@Dr. Jean Hofve

 

[GinnyW]

I answered concerning possible edible bones previously: any chicken bones in pieces big enough they cannot swallow them whole, etc. Rabbit, duck, lamb, goat - any bone that does not get eaten, or that looks dangerously choke-able, can be taken away. Any large bone which cannot be consumed might be good exercise but should probably be taken up at some point: you'll just have to watch carefully and decide. This is a good place to re-emphasize that we MUST supervise, especially initially, to make sure that what is edible gets eaten, and what is NOT must not be left alone with them - until you have enough experience concerning your dog/cat's habits to make good calls. Myself, I would never leave a pet alone with a bone; I'm always watchful, from a distance, out of the corner of my eye. Every dog is different, and they are all our responsibility to feed properly and safely. I understand this does not answer your question, but just provides perspective on why I cannot do so - only you best know your pet.