What Is My Pet’s Poop Telling Me?

As a dog owner, I look at my dog's stool daily to know exactly what's going on with her body. Your dog's poop provides you with clues that will help you to determine how they are digesting their food. Is the dog healthy? Did the dog eat something they shouldn't have? Will the diamond from the wedding ring ever be recovered? (Spoiler Alert: It was never found)

Every animal is an individual and they have specific dietary requirements. Understanding what your dog’s poop is telling you will help you adjust the diet to suit their needs. We can work with you and your dog to achieve an ideal diet that produces a healthy stool.

If your pet's stool is abnormal, it is crucial to monitor them closely and bring them to the vet if required.

Small, firm stool (light brown or whitish in colour)

This is a normal, ideal poop for your dog. The odour of this stool is not offensive and it is very easy to pick up. If you step on this stool in the yard, it will dissolve into the ground. If your dog poops on a hill, you might have to put the chase on this stool.

This stool is indicative of the small amount of waste produced by a dog or cat that is using much of the nutrients they take in. All that is left is a small amount of waste.

The colour can vary depending on what your dog is eating, but the size and firmness is key when classifying a healthy poop. 

Tazz, 50lb. Bull Terrier with his stool. 

Tazz's stool. Penny for size reference.  

Tazz's stool after crushing it between 2 plates. 

A poop from a 35lb dog. Well formed and leaves no residue.  

Large, soft stool (chocolate brown in colour)

We often refer to this stool as “kibble poop”. This stool has a very offensive scent and leaves a residue when it is picked up. You’ll know when you step on one of these, as it will follow you everywhere.

The large size of this stool indicates a pet that is not fully digesting their food. The waste is full of nutrients that the body wasn’t able to absorb. This is also why your dog enjoys the kitty litter buffet. They are enjoying all of the undigested material that your cat has left for them. 

Kibble fed dog poop. 

 Kibble fed dog poop. Some formed, some loose. 

White, chalky stool

This stool is normal for a few dogs, but for most, it indicates that the dog is getting to much bone in their diet. This stool breaks apart as the pet is defecating. Every animal is an individual so it is important to determine what the cause is for each pet.

If your pet is experiencing this type of stool on a raw food diet, try reducing the amount of raw bone you are feeding. Most dogs do best on 10% digestible bone in their diet.

Dark brown, loose stool (tar-like)

This is a common stool and it definitely is not normal. Feeding too much organ meat causes this stool. This is very stinky and the tar-like appearance is hard to mistake. The best way to avoid this is to prevent it by feeding a balanced, species appropriate diet.

Organ meat should not make up any more than 10% of your pet’s diet. Ensure that liver treats are limited as they can be too rich in large amounts. If you are looking for a training treat, Domestic Carnivore can recommend something that won’t cause undesirable stool. If you are making your own raw or buying a brand not offered at Domestic Carnivore, make sure you know what the organ percentage is.

Make sure you keep track of what you are feeding your dog. It will make it easier to determine if an abnormal stool was caused by a dietary imbalance or if the pet is truly unwell. 

Blood in stool

It is important to note the colour of the blood. If your pet has blood in their stool, it is not coming from the raw meat. Bright red typically indicates that the blood is coming from the lower intestines, while darker blood means the blood is coming from further up in the GI tract. While bloody stool can be a minor issue, it can also be a symptom of a serious problem. It is best to have your dog checked out by your veterinarian, especially if bleeding continues for more than 24 hours or if it is combined with vomiting or diarrhea. 

If the blood is caused by IBS or a common upset, slippery elm bark powder can help to soothe and coat the GI tract. This is not a long-term fix and dietary changes along with digestive support supplements may be required.

Mucous in stool

Mucous is the body’s way of protecting itself from irritation. It can be caused by a diet change or upset in the GI tract due to stress, bacteria, inflammation, etc. Dogs that are detoxing from a poor diet can have large amounts of mucous pass.

Digestive enzymes and slippery elm bark powder can help to soothe the GI tract during a difficult dietary transition.

Layla was fed cooked and seasoned brisket by someone who should have known better. :) 

  

 Diarrhea vs. Loose Stool

It is important to distinguish between diarrhea and loose stool when assessing the health of your pet. Dogs and cats that are experiencing diarrhea often don't have the ability to control their bowel movements. This stool has no form and can sometimes be explosive. Your pet is likely to be dehydrated and lethargic and you should be prepared to seek veterinary advice. 

Loose stool, on the other hand, is soft and sometimes unformed, but it is usually not a medical concern. Loose stool is often controllable and while it may still warrant an urgent 3 am poop, your dog is likely to make it outside. These stools have a number of causes including stress and eating something that didn't agree with them. Diet related causes include too much fat, above ground vegetables, fruit, or poor water quality. Medications and toxins in the environment can also loosen stool. It is important to determine the cause in order to responsibly monitor the situation. 

Constipation

If your pet is straining and struggling, you may need to adjust their meals to better suit their dietary requirements. Some food items that can cause pooping difficulty include too much bone and below ground vegetables. Stress and lack of exercise can also contribute to firm stool. Dehydration is also a common cause of constipation. Dogs need moisture in order to pass waste effectively through the GI tract. 

Owners should ensure the dog is properly hydrated if a pet is having difficulty passing stool. You can also try adding a small amount of leafy, green vegetables into their diet to increase dietary fiber. Omega 3 fish oil can help to lubricate the GI tract in order to improve comfort for your dog. If the problem doesn't resolve within 24 hours, seek veterinary attention to determine the cause of the constipation.

It is important to monitor your pet’s overall health to ensure that you don’t miss a serious condition. While most owners will experience several of these examples throughout the life of their pet, veterinary care is recommended if an unhealthy poop is coupled with other symptoms or if the problem persists for longer than 24 hours. Other symptoms may include vomiting, lethargy, abnormal gum colour (pale or blue/purplish), dehydration, not drinking/eating, restlessness, increased respiratory or heart rate, etc. It’s always better to err on the side of caution than to miss a serious condition and not get to the vet on time.


Please remember to pick up your dog’s poop. Earth Rated PoopBags are available with a handy dispenser and refill rolls. Ask us about unscented and compostable options as well.

Domestic Carnivore 

244 Governors Road

Dundas, Ontario

L9H 3K2

Email: info@domesticcarnivore.ca

Phone: 289-238-8000

Website: http://www.domesticcarnivore.ca

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/domesticcarnivore

The Domestic Carnivore Difference – Food Feature

Domestic Carnivore started with a passion for the health and wellbeing of our pets. Gord and I partnered to share our passion with other pet owners. In June 2013, our dream became a reality and we opened our store in Dundas, Ontario. Domestic Carnivore is not your typical pet store as we focus on education, not sales. We provide pet owners with information about raw diets so they can make the decision that is best for them and their pet.  

Gord and I have over 20 years of combined experience feeding a raw diet to our dogs. My first dog, Mike, had severe skin irritations and was on a prescription for long-term prednisone. After spending thousands of dollars on veterinary testing and visits to specialists, it was recommended that we try raw. We immediately saw an improvement and Mike was a healthy, prednisone-free dog in less than 6 months. The red, irritated skin was gone and his coat was growing back. Best of all, he loved his diet and we saw his playful personality return.

Mike when he was suffering from food allergies (left)
Mike at age 11 with his beautiful coat (right)

We believe our commitment to the diet and passion for pet nutrition make Domestic Carnivore your best source for a raw pet food diet. This commitment means you will only find high quality, raw diets in our store. We proudly carry Canadian sourced raw food and we hold our suppliers to the highest standards. We live by the principle that “If we will not feed it to our own dogs, we will not feed it to yours”.

Our suppliers source quality ingredients within Canada from federally or provincially registered meat plants. Fruits and vegetables are brought in fresh from farmers that are local to each brand. We also require each supplier to have a complete nutritional analysis for each product line. This allows us to examine each diet more closely and make recommendations for each individual dog or cat. 

We ask potential suppliers questions to determine why they got into the industry, how long have they been in the industry, what safety measures they take, etc. We also discuss their knowledge of canine and feline nutrition and find out how their diets are formulated. These conversations allow us to understand if the company is committed to the health and wellbeing of our pets.

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Domestic Carnivore - 244 Governors Road (Dundas, Ontario)

Once we are comfortable with the people behind the product, we want to make sure that the product itself meets our standards. We look at things like the ingredients, the consistency of the grind, and the overall appearance of the food. The Domestic Carnivore dogs are always the first ones to try out a new food. We examine how they respond to the food and we look at how it is digested.

Domestic Carnivore is proud to provide an excellent selection of balanced raw diets from quality suppliers. Brands like Tollden Farms, Healthy Paws, Carnivora, Mega Dog, and Bold Raw are committed to providing healthy, affordable, and convenient raw diets for your pet. Domestic Carnivore is honoured to be your trusted source for raw pet food, nutritional information, and overall pet health. 

National Dental Health Month…The Raw Truth

The American Veterinary Medical Association states that over 80% of dogs and 70% of cats over 3 years of age have some form of periodontal disease. Periodontal disease has become the number one health issue for our pets. As a result, marketing teams are using this information and pet owners are being bombarded with dental chews, tablets, sprays, etc.

Responsible pet owners are continually looking for a way to keep their pet’s teeth and gums healthy, but they are also concerned with their pet’s cleanliness and odour. Owners will try anything to tackle stinky dog breath.

Why wait for a problem to exist? Prevent dental disease in your pet today. Preventative pet care is less expensive and much more pleasant for both the dog and the owner. In order to prevent a disease, we need to understand what causes it. Two of the main causes of periodontal disease are genetics and diet. While genetics can be chosen to a degree, we are generally dealing with pets that are already in a home.

Tazz showing off his pearly whites

For pets with plaque build up, the food is sticking to their teeth. The following are options that owners have to prevent and treat periodontal disease in their pets.  

Traditional Tooth Brushing

Daily teeth brushing may help to reduce the amount of plaque build up, but occasional brushing is completely ineffective. In order to yield positive results, the pet owner must brush all of the pet’s teeth to the gum line. Remember that human toothpaste can be toxic to pets and many types of toothpaste for pets are full of synthetic ingredients and chemicals. If your pet suffers from food sensitivities and/or allergies, these products might not be the best option for them.

It also takes some training to familiarize your pet with teeth brushing. A standard toothbrush can be abrasive on the pet’s gums, causing pain and discomfort. Rubber finger brushes are a softer option. Pet toothpaste is said to contain enzymes that break down the plaque, but their effectiveness is questionable. Some owners have great success with daily tooth brushing, while others see little to no benefit.

Dental Scaling at Home

This is an option that we are not permitted to recommend. The Ontario Veterinary Act specifies that any dental care, beyond the use of a toothbrush, is considered veterinary medicine. Unfortunately, that means that scaling your pet’s teeth or hiring an anesthesia free dental hygienist is illegal in Ontario.

Professional Dental Scaling

Having your pet’s teeth scaled by a veterinarian is an extremely effective way to maintain excellent oral hygiene. This method of treatment is not without risk as it involves putting your pet under anesthetic. While the risk of complications is relatively low, I only put my dog under anesthetic for mandatory treatments. Putting an otherwise healthy dog under anesthetic for routine dental cleanings is not a risk I am willing to take. Professional dental cleaning is required if your pet is having difficulty eating because of periodontal disease or if your pet requires tooth extractions. 

Rawhide and Dental Chews

These products are relatively new to the industry and their marketing has worked on millions of trusting pet owners. Domestic Carnivore would never carry these products, nor would we recommend them. I personally believe they are dangerous and ineffective. Rawhide is a by-product of the leather industry. Yes, that means your leather boots, couch, and jackets are made from a higher quality hide than what marketers are trying to feed your dog.

Chemical agents can be used during the production of rawhide. Additionally, most rawhide products are sourced outside of North America and take weeks to fully process. This leaves time for the hide to rot and many companies then bleach the finished product to make it more appealing to pet owners.

Dental chews are also formulated with a focus on human appeal. They come in a cute shape, but are ineffective in cleaning your dog’s teeth. The texture is wax-like and the idea behind them is that the pet sinks their teeth into the chew and scrapes away the plaque. In the past, I gave these chews to my dogs and they simply crunched them. The chew lasted less than a minute and there was never an opportunity for the chew to reach the top of their teeth where the plaque builds.

These chews are typically full of synthetic extracts. Synthetic vitamins and minerals aren’t recognized by the dog’s digestive system as real food, which makes it more difficult to digest. The added stress on your pet’s digestive system and organs as they try to break down these ingredients can be detrimental to their health.

Dental Sprays and Water Additives

I have had success with one dental spray, but I am very particular with the ingredients. The product I used was called Leba III and I used it for an older dog that was new to a raw diet and wasn’t using his entire mouth to chew bones. I used it twice/day for a month and I had great results. Leba III uses two types of herbs (mints and roses) that work to stimulate the enzymes present in your dog’s saliva.

Although I have not tried other sprays or water additives, I have yet to find one with ingredients that I would be comfortable with. I’m not confident that the synthetic ingredients and chemicals are safe for my pets. In fact, many of these products have warnings such as “keep out of reach of children” and “not intended for human use”. I question what would make these products “safe” for pets, but harmful for humans.

Natural Chews (Dehydrated Treats + Antlers)

Natural chews are a good option for many dogs, but their effectiveness as a dental chew will depend on the dog. Antler chews are a dense option and while a basic antler can be a long lasting chew, it can lead to broken teeth for an aggressive chewer. Split antlers are a much safer option as the dog can scrape out the marrow without trying to break the antler.

Tazz enjoys his splits elk antlers

Dehydrated chews are safe for all dogs and will help to reduce plaque in small dogs or delicate chewers. Duck feet, chicken feet, and oxtail tips are the most popular dehydrated chews, but due to their size, they are a quick snack for medium and large sized dogs.

Treats like pizzles and pig snouts are healthy options, but they will not scrape your pet’s teeth. They still offer great variety in their diet and your pet will love them.

Natural Tooth Brushing

Those of us who feed a balanced raw diet have likely noticed the dental benefits. A pre-made or ground raw diet doesn’t stick to the teeth the way processed kibble does and raw meaty bones help to eliminate the little bit of plaque that does build. How does Mother Nature take care of your dog’s oral health? First, the dog tears the meat off of the bone using their canine teeth and incisors. As they bite down and gnaw, their teeth scrape against the bone and remove any plaque build up. Dogs then use their molars and pre-molars to crunch the bones, providing a cleaning for their entire dentition. 

Choosing the Right Bones

Large Dogs

Larger dogs require larger bones. I would consider any dog over 50lbs to be a large dog. Beef neck bones, turkey necks, duck frames, and whole rabbit are excellent, fully consumable options for large dogs. Due to their density, recreational bones, like beef marrow bones should only be given to light chewers. Aggressive chewers can break their teeth on weight bearing bones of large herbivores. 

Medium Dogs

Medium sized dogs can enjoy any of the bones mentioned above as well as duck necks, lamb shanks, and goat necks.

Cats/Small Dogs

Small dogs and cats are the perfect size to enjoy just about any raw meaty bone you can find. Chicken backs, chicken necks, duck feet, chicken feet, elk ribs, and duck wings are all great options for a small carnivore. However, a larger meal like a beef neck bone or whole rabbit will give them a better dental workout.

It’s important for dogs and cats to have variety in their diet, so don’t limit them to only one type of raw meaty bone. Depending on the dog’s eating habits, a larger dog may be able to safely eat smaller bones. Many large and giant breed dogs do well with chicken backs and necks. The determining factor will be if they chew the food or if they try to inhale it.

Important Notes for Feeding Bones:

• Dogs can choke on anything (including kibble), so please monitor your pet while they enjoy bones and chews.
• Bones should never be cooked as this makes them brittle and indigestible.
• It is best to freeze any raw meat for a minimum of 3 days. Meat can contain parasites that are killed by freezing the meat for 48-72 hours. Bones are best served thawed, but they should go through a period of freezing prior to defrosting.

Conclusion

Properly caring for your pet’s teeth and gums will help to reduce the risk of diseases associated with poor oral hygiene. Along with periodontal disease, there are also studies showing a correlation between gum disease and heart disease.

As loving pet owners, we want our pets to have the best quality of life and that means keeping them happy and healthy. Visit your vet if you notice anything abnormal such as a growth, discoloured gums, loose or chipped teeth, or if your pet appears to have dental pain.

In our experience as pet owners, the most effective choice in preventing dental disease is a raw diet. Raw meaty bones are a safe and effective way to maintain healthy teeth and gums.

Domestic Carnivore will take the time to understand your pet’s needs so we can recommend an appropriate option for them. Keeping your pets happy and healthy is our passion.

Never compromise the health of your pet by falling for cleaver marketing plans. Research everything and expose yourself to differing opinions. Once you are armed with as much knowledge as possible, develop your own opinion, and be your pet’s advocate.

Remember to smile and enjoy the time you have with your pet

Holiday Dangers

The holidays come with a number of concerns for pet owners. The chaos of entertaining guests can give your dog or cat the perfect opportunity to put themselves in dangerous situations. If you can’t keep an eye on your dog, a crate is a good solution to keep them out of harm’s way. Hiring a pet sitter or bringing your dog to a boarding facility can also alleviate some of your holiday stress. We have several recommendations for both of those options.

Campbell is all set for Christmas with her festive scarf

Potential dangers for your pet*:

• Alcohol
• Medications
• Chocolate
• Macadamia nuts and walnuts
• Grapes, raisins, avocados, and onions
• Artificial sweeteners (often found in sugarless gum and treats)
• Leftovers from your feast (seasoning, added sodium, and fat trimmings can cause vomiting and diarrhea)
• Cooked bones
• Holiday plants (holly, mistletoe, and poinsettias)
• Electrical cord
• Candles
• Decorations

Remember that the holidays can be a stressful time of year for your pet as well. They may exhibit behaviour that you haven’t seen before or past behaviours may resurface. It is important to understand why these behaviours have occurred so they can be dealt with responsibly. Keep in mind that overwhelming your pet will set them up to fail. If they aren’t able to handle the excitement and stress, please ensure their needs are tended to. 

Your friends at Domestic Carnivore hope you have a safe, healthy, and happy holiday season. We are always available for advice and professional recommendations. 

Lauren and Gordy

Domestic Carnivore 

244 Governors Road

Dundas, Ontario

DomesticCarnivore.ca

Like us on Facebook

289-238-8000

*For more information on how these items are dangerous to your pet, please visit ASPCA Poison Control

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

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.

The Truth on Raw Meaty Bones - Beef 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: Beef

Beef is an excellent, nutrient dense protein source to include in your pet’s diet. This meat provides a good source for protein, zinc, iron, phosphorus, and B-complex vitamins. Beef is a rich meat option so it is best to introduce beef once the dog or cat is already transitioned onto raw chicken or turkey. Beef bones are typically too big for cats or small dogs, but they are a great chew for medium to large size dogs. The size of your dog will determine the best size and cut of beef bones to offer them. It is also important to understand the chewing behaviour of your pet. Weight bearing bones of large animals, such as cows, may not be the best option for aggressive chewers.

Many raw feeders are familiar with beef tripe, not only for its smell, but also for its nutritional benefit. Green beef tripe is loaded with probiotics and digestive enzymes making it a healthy addition to any raw diet. Tripe is also low in phosphorus, high in fiber, and a good source of omega fatty acids. The smell of green tripe can clear a room, but your dog will love it! When shopping for tripe, don’t be confused with the white tripe you find in grocery stores. This form of tripe is bleached and lacks the nutritional benefits of green tripe.

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

Tripesicles (Beef tripe stuffed trachea)

Trachea is a great source of glucosamine and chondriotin and provides a great chew for dogs and cats. Green tripe is rich in probiotics and great tasting (for dogs), making tripesicles one of the most nutritious and enjoyable treats for pets. Due to the smell of green tripe, this meal is best served frozen and outside.

Beef Marrow Bones

Weight-bearing bones of large animals can be very dangerous and are not a good choice for most dogs. Weight-bearing bones are typically called marrow bones, soup bones, femur bones, and dino bones. They can also be found attached to knuckle bones or knee caps. The density of these bones is what makes them a poor choice for most aggressive chewers. Weight-bearing bones of large herbivores, such as cows, are designed to hold up 1,000lbs+ of weight for prolonged periods of time. The concern with these bones is that the bone is stronger than your dog’s teeth. These bones are known to break teeth and the large amount of marrow can cause diarrhea. Weight bearing bones are not something that we personally recommend, but we do suggest that you monitor a dog with any bone. If your dog is gnawing on the bone, it may not be the best chew for them.

Beef Neck Bones

Beef neck bones are a great recreational chew or meal for dogs of all sizes. We proudly carry Tollden Farms beef neck bones, which offer very meaty bones and a variety of sizes. The small size are suitable for most dogs, while the medium and large sizes are better suited to larger dogs. The bones are much softer than weight bearing bones, making them fully consumable. If you have a dog that will try to swallow a large chunk, it is best to feed larger pieces and take them away before your dog eats the last piece.

NEVER COOK A RAW BONE.

ALWAYS SUPERVISE YOUR PET WHILE THEY ARE EATING.