If you want to feed bones when BARFing, this is initially harmless for your dog, because bones are naturally also part of prey in the wild. Regularly adding bones to your animal's food is an important source of calcium and a supplement to the nutrient balance that cannot otherwise be obtained naturally. Read on to find out how best to feed bones when BARFing.
When BARFing, use bones with meat content
The first important tip for BARFing with bones is that there should still be meat on the bone. Cleaned bones without any meat content are harder for the dog to digest during digestion. The meat stimulates the production of stomach acid and ensures that the pieces of bone are also processed correctly. Feeding bones to young dogs is also closely linked to digestion. When BARFing, they should initially be given bones that are more cartilaginous and less hard in structure. For example, the bones of young chickens or a veal breastbone are suitable for getting used to feeding bones. Marrow bones should also be avoided if possible when feeding older animals, as they are very hard and can get caught in the lower jaw.
It is also very important that you only give your dog raw bones to eat. If the bone is heated, for example when steaming, cooking or frying, the structure of the bone material changes. This then tends to splinter, which can lead to injuries in the mouth and throat.
How much bone your dog ultimately receives depends mainly on its weight. Basically, 10 to 15 percent of the animal feed should be bones, for example mixed into the food. Minced bones can also be used for this.
BARF with whole bones
BARFing with whole bones is also possible and is gladly accepted by most dogs. However, you should not leave your animal alone while doing this, because even experienced bone eaters can get a splinter caught in their mouth or swallow a piece that is too big. Balance is also important when feeding whole bones - as already mentioned, there should be enough meat on the bone. If the bone content is too high, it may not be digested properly and your dog may suffer from painful digestive problems or constipation due to very hard, so-called bone droppings.
BARF with bones: Are there other advantages?
BARFing with bones can also help your dog with oral hygiene: gnawing on the bone helps to remove plaque and can prevent annoying tartar build-up. Bones can also help your pet's teeth stay sparkling white when fed BARF . A longer period of time with the bone can also keep your dog occupied and calm.
In our Bones & Cartilage category you will find a wide variety of items containing bones from beef , chicken ,rabbit , horse , game and many other types of prey.
