Monday, September 1, 2014

The Truth on Raw Meaty Bones - Duck Feature

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: Duck

Duck is a great protein source with many nutritional benefits for your pet. Being a protein source that is higher in fat, it is great for dogs that participate in sports or dogs trying to gain weight. If your dog or cat is overweight, duck should be fed in moderation. Duck is a good protein alternative to add variety into any pet’s diet.

When it comes to vitamins and minerals, duck is an excellent source for selenium, zinc, vitamin B-3, vitamin B-5, and vitamin B-12. Both zinc and selenium are antioxidants that help to boost the immune system. Selenium also helps to maintain normal thyroid function. Another nutritional benefit to duck is its content of omega-3 fatty acids, which help to provide your pet with healthy skin and coat.

Duck has several options when it comes to raw, meaty bones for dogs and cats of all sizes.

A breakdown of each raw, meaty bone and its benefits:

Duck Necks

Necks are the leanest option for duck raw, meaty bones, as they do not have the skin attached. They are a medium size bone, making them great for small or medium sized pets. Duck necks can be too small for large dogs that don’t chew their food. Each neck is approximately 4 oz. making them a great whole meal option.



Duck Frames
           
Whole duck frames offer raw feeders a great meaty chew for their dog. Frames do still have the skin on, which increases the overall fat content. They are best for dogs that are active or as an occasional meal for your average dog. While most small dogs and cats would happily chew on duck frames, the 1.5lb size makes them better suited to large dogs.



Duck Feet

Duck Feet provide a healthy treat for dogs and cats. Some pets prefer them frozen as they have a rubbery texture once thawed. Duck feet average about an ounce each so they can be fed as an occasional treat or you can account for them within your pet’s meal. Many owners feed duck feet daily, as they are rich in glucosamine and chondroitin. They are a fantastic option to provide your pet with natural joint support.




NEVER COOK A RAW BONE.
ALWAYS SUPERVISE YOUR PET WHILE THEY ARE EATING