The Truth on Raw Meaty Bones - Rabbit 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: Rabbit

Rabbit is an excellent high quality, lean protein option for dogs and cats. For most of our household pets, rabbit would be one of their primary sources of nutrition if they were allowed to hunt their own meals. Rabbit meat is a great source for vitamin B-12 and B-3. Rabbit is also high in selenium and will provide your pet with a good source of phosphorus.

Due to its limited availability and small size, rabbit is one of the more costly meats in a raw food diet. However, because of its cost, many pet food producers have not turned to rabbit, making it a great novel protein for pets suffering from allergies. While some owners choose rabbit to combat their pet’s food sensitivities, many choose it as a special treat and a way to add variety to their pet’s diet. Adding rabbit to your pet’s raw food diet will help ensure they get the most of their diet.

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

Whole Rabbit

Whole rabbits are a great option for pet owners looking to introduce variety. These rabbits are locally sourced from a family owned farm and provide a meaty chew for your pet. They weigh an average of 3.5lbs each, but they have been portioned into 5-7 individually frozen pieces. The bones are small and hollow, making whole rabbit suitable for dogs and cats of all sizes. Rabbit is full of joints, providing a great, natural source for glucosamine and chondroitin. They also include the liver, heart, kidneys, and lungs to make them a complete and balanced meal. 

Rabbit Feet (dehydrated)

Dehydrated rabbit feet are another inexpensive way to introduce variety into your pet’s diet. The fur puts some dogs off, but it does provide fibre that mimics our pet’s ancestral diet. The joints in a rabbit foot provide a good source of glucosamine and chondroitin. Cats enjoy playing with the dehydrated rabbit feet and they are a more natural alternative to fake mouse toys. Available individually, in sets of 3, your dog or cat is sure to enjoy these treats. 

Rabbit Ears (dehydrated)

Dehydrated rabbit ears are like potato chips to dogs. They crunch them and before you know it, they are begging for more. The fur does provide dietary fibre and they are a high value treat for most dogs. Rabbit ears are the treat of choice for many sport dogs. Rabbit ears are available individually or in sets of 4. 

Side note: Feeding rabbit does not alter natural prey drive. If your dog or cat gets along with your pet bunny, feeding rabbit meat will not change their relationship. At the same time, we are sensitive to owners who choose not to feed rabbit to their pets. There are plenty of other options to offer variety. 

NEVER COOK A RAW BONE.

ALWAYS SUPERVISE YOUR PET WHILE THEY ARE EATING.

The Truth on Raw Meaty Bones - Turkey 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: Turkey

Turkey is one of the most popular protein sources in a raw diet and there are good reasons for it. Turkey is an affordable option for protein rotation and it is a good option for many pets that suffer from food related allergies. Pets that have developed allergies from constant exposure to the same protein source often do well with turkey as it has yet to become popular in the kibble industry.

People feel the effects of Tryptophan after a turkey dinner and the same animo acid can help to relax our pets as well. Turkey is an excellent source of Niacin, which helps to lower cholesterol. Your dog’s health will also benefit from the excellent levels of B Vitamins, including B3, B6, and B12.

Unfortunately, due to the size of the bird, edible bone options are limited. Turkey necks are best suited for larger dogs, but smaller animals can still eat the meat and gnaw on the bone.

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

Turkey Necks

Turkey necks provide a great, lean meat meal with a soft bone for optimal teeth cleaning. They average 1-1.25lbs, so they are best suited for large and giant breed dogs. Their size won’t stop your cat or small dog from enjoying a nibble of this tasty meal. Turkey is high in protein and contain a good amount Vitamin B3 and B-6. This is also a meal that can be fed frozen to slow down gulpers.

Turkey Hearts

           

Hearts do not contain any bone, but they are an excellent meat option to compliment a raw food diet. This muscle meat can be fed as part of a meal or as a treat. Hearts are a rich meat source and should be fed in moderation to maintain normal stool. Dogs that eat too much heart may end up with loose, dark stool.

There are glandular therapies that support the idea of feeding certain glands in order to support related medical conditions. In other words, a dog with heart disease can gain essential nutrients by eating heart of another animal. 

Turkey Livers

Turkey liver is an excellent organ source for pets on a raw diet. Organ meat, especially the liver, is packed with essential nutrients for your dog's or cat’s diet. It is generally used to balance incomplete meals or to meet a specific pet’s organ requirement. While most dogs do well on about 10% organ in their diet, some dogs require less and some do better on a little more. The first sign that your pet is getting what they require will be a well-formed stool. Similar to turkey heart, turkey liver is rich and may cause loose, dark stools if your pet gets more than they require.

NEVER COOK A RAW BONE.

ALWAYS SUPERVISE YOUR PET WHILE THEY ARE EATING.