The Domestic Carnivore Difference – Grooming Feature

When we started our raw pet food store nearly 2 years ago, we wanted to add a grooming salon that catered to caring pet owners. Our goal was to create the perfect environment where pet owners felt comfortable leaving their pets. We thought about every detail from the layout of the room to the way services were offered. 

Having worked at a large corporate grooming salon, I did not like the facility or the way it was run. I will say that the facility was well maintained and the employees, along with management, took the safety of each pet very seriously.

Apollo, a 13 year old Shepherd mix, enjoys the one-on-one grooming.
It allows him to get back to his couch as soon as possible. 

We refer to this type of grooming facility as a factory because multiple dogs arrive for the same groomer at one time. One dog is bathed, semi-dried, and left in the cage while another dog starts the same process. Once all of the dogs are bathed, the groomer then goes back to the first dog and starts the haircut. The facility has walls of cages with barking dogs and loud dryers. It is far from a low stress environment and it is not a facility I would choose for my pets.

Many pet owners have had negative experiences when it comes to pet care (grooming, veterinary care, boarding, etc). We strive to provide a safe and positive grooming experience for both the owner and the pet.

The Service

Coco after her groom. She loves all of the
attention and never wants to leave.

Our groomer will greet you and your pet and discuss service options. Grooming is an unregulated industry in Canada, meaning that anyone can pick up some scissors and call themselves groomers. It is important that you ask about your groomer’s credentials and experience. Our groomer has over 10 years of experience grooming both dogs and cats. She was professionally trained and has worked in 4 different salons prior to joining Domestic Carnivore.

All grooms include a bath with shampoo and conditioner. If you or your pet has sensitivities, please inform the groomer so a fragrance-free shampoo can be used. Every pet is washed by hand with clean, warm water. We do not use a re-circulating bathing system as we feel they are ineffective. Think of a touch less car wash vs. a hand car wash. These systems also have to be well cleaned, as they are a breeding ground for bacteria.

After the bath, each pet is thoroughly dried, brushed, and given a haircut (if requested). Once they are looking their best, their ears are cleaned and toenails are trimmed. We call you when your pet is almost done so you can arrive to greet your dog after their appointment.

Domestic Carnivore is pleased to provide one-on-one grooming services for every pet. We have chosen to offer this service so that your dog receives the attention they deserve. If you have a pet that is stressed with the grooming experience, they will not be faced with a bunch of anxious, barking dogs. The one-on-one service also allows the groomer to focus on your pet and pay attention to the details of the groom. To reduce the stress of grooming, your pet will be groomed straight through so they can return home as soon as their spa session is complete.

Our services are customized to suit your needs. We offer full grooming (complete haircut) for all size dogs (as long as they fit in the tub) or you can visit us for a bath and tidy (light trimming), bath and brush (no trimming), nail trim, face trim, etc. 

Crash stopped by for his first nail trim. It's always best to start grooming
your puppy at a young age so they are comfortable with the process.

Has your dog had a negative grooming experience? Domestic Carnivore specializes in nervous and shy dogs. Our groomer has a gentle touch that allows your dog to have a positive grooming experience. We have a few dogs that need a friend to comfort them during their groom. We are always willing to help out in order to make the experience as positive as possible. If something cannot be done safely, we will not put the pet through unnecessary stress. Your pet’s comfort and safety always comes first.

The Facility

Domestic Carnivore’s grooming room may look simple, but we put a lot of thought into the design. Our large, elevated windows allow you to see dogs being groomed, but they also provide some privacy for the dog. Some dogs are not comfortable being watched while others get too excited when they see people.

Abigail enjoying a customized groom. She didn't want to stand up so
we allowed her to lie down and she had a positive grooming experience

A well cared for facility should be clean. Hair should be swept between grooms and there should not be any urine or feces on the floor or in crates. If a facility has a chemical smell, ask the groomer what products are creating that odour. Flea sprays are toxic and should not be sprayed with animals in the room.

Grooming salons should maintain a comfortable temperature for your pet. The bathing and drying process adds a lot of heat and humidity to the room, which can cause sensitive pets to overheat. Domestic Carnivore’s salon features independent climate control to ensure the comfort and wellbeing of your pets.

Loud music causes unnecessary stress for most pets and should not be part of the grooming experience. We have created a sound deadened room and our groomer typically listens to talk radio at a low volume.

Believe it or not, some groomers will re-use towels on multiple dogs. This means they could potentially transfer harmful bacteria and parasites from one dog to another. At Domestic Carnivore, your pet will be gently dried with a fresh, clean towel.

Professional grooming tools and equipment make grooming safe for your pet. Tools should be cleaned between pets and professionally maintained on a regular basis. Equipment should also be clean and in working order. We take pride in our grooming service and we believe this is reflected in our facility.

The Business

A registered grooming business should have a plan in case of emergency and they should also carry liability insurance. Accidents can happen during grooming and the groomer should be prepared to properly care for your pet. Ask your groomer about their emergency plan.

Maya visited for a bath and brush to maintain her beautiful coat

It is not just one thing that sets Domestic Carnivore grooming apart from other salons. It is all of the little things that add up to create a great grooming experience for your pet.

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.

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

Winter Safety Tips

Living in Canada, we get to experience all that winter has to offer. While the snow can provide from some great fun, we do have to make sure our pets are protected during extreme weather. We’ve already had some great windstorms that downed trees and fences. The following tips will prepare you and your pets as winter approaches and the cold sets in.

Keep Paws Protected

           

Salt and cold can damage your pet’s paws, causing pain and discomfort. There are a couple of options to protect their paws so you can continue to enjoy winter walks.

           

            Boots (recommended brands: Ruffwear or Muttluks)

Pros

• Protects your dog's paws from the elements

Cons

• It’s difficult to get a proper fit, resulting in the loss of boots
• Most dogs don’t like them so there is some training involved in the introduction of boots

A tip from Canada’s Dog Trainer on how to condition your dog to wear boots

(http://timeandpatiencedogtraining.com)

Paw Wax (Invisible Boot) *Available at Domestic Carnivore*

         

            Pros

• Protects your dog's paws from the elements
• Dogs don't mind walking with the wax on
• Safe for dogs to lick
• Lasts for the entire walk

  Cons

• Does not protect against sharp ice or objects
• Takes some time to apply for full coverage of the paw pads and in between the toes

Keep Your Pets Warm

           

While some dogs have a built-in winter coat, others may benefit from a fabric coat to keep them warm. In extreme temperatures, you may need to adjust your walks to ensure your pet doesn’t suffer from cold-related illnesses.

I recommend Chilly Dog coats for warmth and durability. They are made in Ottawa, Ontario and they provide excellent cold weather protection. Chilly Dogs, like many pet coats add reflective piping for better visibility at night.  (http://www.chillydogs.ca)

            

Bodhi is a Hungarian Vizsla with thin skin and short fur. Her snowsuit keeps her cozy in the cold.

Make Yourself and Your Pet Visible

           

With the days becoming shorter, make sure drivers can see you and your pet by wearing reflective clothing and lights. Cross streets and even driveways with caution, making sure the drivers see you. For people, flashing bicycle lights or headlamps provide that extra bit of visibility. Headlamps also double as a locating device for your pet’s stool. For your dog, lit collars and leashes are a fantastic addition to their wardrobe.

Layla proudly wears her GLOWDOGGIE collar on walks. It’s also 100% waterproof so you can stay safe all year round. We’ve received several thanks over the past few years from pedestrians and drivers for making her visible. (http://www.glowdoggie.ca)

Watch the Ice!

Ice is fun for winter sports, but it can also be dangerous while walking with our pets. A simple slip can result in a serious injury for both parties. Having a dog that is trained to walk in heel is a huge step towards winter safety. Shoe spikes are also a great investment for your own safety. These simple to use accessories wrap around your boot and provide great traction while you walk. 

For your dog, a slip on the ice can cause an injury, but they can also cut their paws on jagged pieces of ice. Boots can help to provide traction and prevent cuts. When the ice is bad, I would recommend staying indoors and mentally stimulating your dog to tire them out. 

Do Not Leave Your Dog Outside or Locked in a Car During Extreme Temperatures

Even if your dog has a naturally thick winter coat that makes you jealous, they are not suited for prolonged exposure to extreme weather. Even double-coated breeds have sensitive paws, ears, and noses that can be frostbitten in the cold. Monitor your dog outside to ensure they are safe and happy.

Amelia loves the winter and she’s able to enjoy the snow while her mommy keeps an eye on her. In this photo, she was eating a turkey neck when a mini snowstorm came around. I imagine this is right up there on Amelia's favourite day's list. 

Keep Your Dog on Leash

Never allow your dog off-leash in the front yard during snowstorms, even if they have reliable recall. Dogs have difficulty with understanding their boundaries when the ground is covered with snow. They become disoriented with strange scents and impaired vision and can easily wander into harm's way. Remember that drivers can’t see over the snow banks and their braking ability is compromised on slippery roads.

If you do allow your dog off-leash, make sure you are in a dedicated leash free area. There are many areas with secure fencing to allow your dog to run freely.

Our dogs rely on us to keep them safe all year round. Follow these tips to ensure you and your dog gets the most out of the winter season. If you have a favourite winter activity, share it with us so we can let others know.  

Domestic Carnivore 

244 Governors Road

Dundas, Ontario

L9H 3K2

Phone: 289-238-8000
Website: http://www.domesticcarnivore.ca
Facebook:http://www.facebook.com/domesticcarnivore

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.