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.

The Truth on Raw Meaty Bones - Chicken Feature

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: Chicken

Chicken is a great protein source and due to its availability, it is also more affordable than some of the other options, like beef and duck. Another benefit of chicken is the variation in meat cuts. Unlike other protein sources that may not offer small dog options, chicken can be fed to dogs and cats of all sizes. For a small dog or cat, chicken necks or feet provide a good chew, while large dogs may do well with a whole chicken or frame. Chicken tends to be a higher fat option as most grinds and raw, meaty bones include the skin. While it is an excellent food to offer in a healthy rotation of proteins, it may not be the best choice for dogs with inflammatory conditions or other fat related health concerns.

We are often asked about the dangers of chicken bones. Chicken bones, along with bones from other poultry, are safe to feed as long as they are raw. Any cooked bone is dangerous as it can chip and shard. Cooked bones are also indigestible which poses a risk to your pet's GI tract. Raw chicken bones are an excellent choice for most pets as they are small and easy to crunch. 

While food sensitivities are always increasing, it’s important to understand the cause of the intolerance. Studies are looking into how the diet of animals affects the meat itself. It is theorized that the causes of food sensitivities are more likely related to the diet of the animals you are feeding than to the protein source itself. For example, a pet with food sensitivities to grains may react to grain fed beef, but not to grass fed beef. Chickens are generally grain fed, which is one of the reasons so many pets are developing food sensitivities to chicken. If you have an itchy pet and you want to determine if they have food sensitivities, we recommend you either try an elimination diet or perform a Nutriscan food sensitivity test.

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

Chicken Necks and Backs

Chicken necks and backs are small raw meaty bones, each weighing about 1-1.5 ounces. The bones are small and soft, making them an ideal choice for cats and dogs of all sizes. They are a source of glucosamine and chondroitin and provide all of the benefits of chicken, including protein, iron, calcium, niacin, essential fatty acids, Vitamin A, and B Vitamins. Chicken backs have some skin attached, which means they contain more fat than the chicken necks. Fat is an important part of a balanced, but feeding too much fat can lead to nutrient imbalances.

Chicken Feet

Due to the number of joints in a chicken foot, they are a good source of glucosamine and chondroitin. The amount of muscle meat on a chicken foot in minimal, so they are best as an occasional treat. They average about an ounce each, making them an easy chew for cats and dogs of all sizes.

NEVER COOK A RAW BONE.

ALWAYS SUPERVISE YOUR PET WHILE THEY ARE EATING.

Don’t Starve The Cat!

Cats and dogs have been domesticated for thousands of years, but their anatomy is still virtually identical to their ancestors. They both have the anatomy of a carnivore, which are designed to gain nutrition through the consumption of animal protein. They have sharp, pointy teeth that interlock to tear apart their prey. Their short digestive tracts are designed to quickly process the nutrients from the food. Cats have been domesticated for over 10,000 years and kibble products are still less than 100 years old. Kibble was developed as a convenience item and not to meet the nutritional requirements of our pets. 

There are many benefits that result from feeding our pets a species appropriate diet. A healthy skin and coat with cleaner teeth and better breath are some of the most noticeable differences. For pets with food sensitivities, a raw diet can successfully isolate food intolerances and reduce chewing and scratching. The most common benefit from feeding a raw diet to cats is the small, firm stool with reduced odour. When you feed a diet that can be fully utilized by your pet, they get optimal nutrition from the food and only expel a small amount of waste. This results in an easier to clean litter box with much less odour. 

If you have ever transitioned a cat onto a different diet, you likely know how difficult it can be. Unlike dogs, cats imprint on their food at an early age. For this reason, introducing a cat to a new food with a different texture, taste, temperature, or smell is often met with resistance. Cats will starve themselves. There are many ways to transition cats onto a different food, but it is extremely important to ALWAYS provide food that your cat will eat. 

When we meet an owner whose cat is already eating raw, we ask them how the transition went. If the cat started as a kitten, the transition is typically very quick. We’ve had an 8-week-old kitten that tried to eat everything and anything she was offered. For cats that started later on in life, the transition ranges from easy to extremely difficult. We even have a few multi-cat households where one cat loves raw and the other refuses to eat it.

 Tommy

This blog post is inspired by some of the experiences we have heard about in our store. Several cat owners have said they simply did not offer anything until the cat finally ate raw. Not only can this be damaging to your relationship with your cat, but in extreme cases, it could also result in the death of your cat. Cats can quickly develop a disease called hepatic lipidosis, which can be fatal. It is important for all cat owners to be aware that abnormal eating behaviour can be dangerous.

Read more about feline hepatic lipidosis here:

Mercola Healthy Pets - Feline Hepatic Lipidosis

How can we successfully and safely transition a cat onto a raw diet? 

There are many tips and tricks that have worked for numerous cats. In order to make the process as easy as possible, transition the cat onto wet food before making the switch to raw. Wet food is similar in texture to raw, so it can improve the success of a simple transition to a raw diet. If the cat is free-fed, switching to 2 meals per day will get him or her into the habit of eating when food is put down. Again, this needs to be done carefully to ensure the cat still eats.

When raw is introduced, squish it with a fork so it resembles the wet food. Balanced raw diets include bone so they should not be cooked or defrosted in a microwave or other cooking source. Some cats prefer the food a little warmer. Putting the food in a baggy and submerging it in room temperature water for 1-2 minutes can safely increase the temperature. The food should only be left down for 15 minutes. If the cat doesn’t eat in that time, return the raw food to the fridge and offer the cat’s regular diet. You can offer the raw again later, but if they continue to refuse it, it should be thrown out after the second try.

If the cat does not immediately take to raw, rub a small amount of food on their gums or on their paws. Cats will clean themselves and this can help them to adjust to the diet change. Adding a small amount of the raw to their wet food can also help. If they start to eat the entire amount, you can slowly increase the amount of raw and decrease the amount of wet food. The most important thing to monitor is that your cat is eating everyday. The benefits of a raw diet will speak for themselves, but the transition must be handled with care.

 Zeddie, a gorgeous Savannah, loves her raw diet. 

Here is a summary of the tips that have been successful for many cats:

1.   If your cat is free-fed, switch to 2 meals per day.

2.   Transition to wet food before making the switch to raw.

3.   Put the food into a baggy and submerge it in room temperature water for 1-2 minutes.

4.   Rub the raw food onto their paws or gums for them to lick off.

5.   Add a little bit of raw to their wet food.

6.   Increase the amount of raw and decrease the amount of wet food as they begin to eat   the raw.

For owners who are dedicated to making a healthy diet change for their cat, it is often met with great success. You don’t know until you try and every cat will be different in terms of how quickly they transition. When selecting a food, freshness and ingredients are very important. You want to select a format that will be consumed in a maximum of 4 days. The fresher the food is, the more likely the cat will be to eat it. Ingredients are also important. Taurine is an essential amino acid for cats so you must select a food with sufficient levels of taurine. Taurine is found in meat, but certain products, such as heart and liver, contain higher levels of taurine. We offer several raw diets that are balanced for both dogs and cats, along with cat specific foods. If your cat stops eating their food, monitor the situation closely and be prepared to take your cat to the veterinarian if they haven’t eaten for more than a day.

If you have any questions for transitioning a cat onto a new diet, please feel free to contact us. Domestic Carnivore strives to improve the overall health and wellbeing of your pets.

Email: info@domesticcarnivore.ca

Phone: 289-238-8000

Website: http://www.domesticcarnivore.ca

In Store: 244 Governors Road, Dundas, Ontario, L9H 3K2

Travelling With a Raw Food Diet

At Domestic Carnivore, we believe that travelling with a raw food diet can be simple and we will assist you to make it as easy as possible. We are always available to ensure your dogs and cats are happy, healthy, and well fed. If you are planning a vacation, this blog will make it easy for you to prepare for the trip. 

Tazz on vacation in Muskoka.

If you are bringing your dog or cat with you on vacation, first find out if you are going to have refrigeration. If you are travelling for less than 4 days, a mini-fridge or plug in cooler is all you will need. Simply bring your pet’s food with you and store it the same way you would at home. To make it easy, portion out the food into meal size containers or bags before you leave the house. Pre-made diets are perfect for travel as raw meaty bones can be messy.

If you are travelling for more than 4 days with your pet, make sure the destination has a freezer and that the food is kept frozen during the drive. Make sure to pack a couple extra days in case you get stuck or decide to extend your vacation.

Tazz gives the bear a hug. 

Air-dried, freeze-dried, and dehydrated foods are excellent alternatives to raw food if you don’t want the worry of refrigeration or food handling. Our top recommendation is ZiwiPeak air-dried food. This food is from New Zealand and is available for both dogs and cats. This food comes in a re-sealable bag and you just scoop and serve the appropriate portion. We also recommend NRG dehydrated food, which requires water to rehydrate before serving.

ZiwiPeak Air-Dried Dog and Cat Food is a great raw travel alternative 

Not travelling with your pet? No problem!

Domestic Carnivore makes it easy to travel worry-free. Whether your pet is staying with family, friends, a dog sitter, or at a kennel, we will provide the same support that we do with you. We recommend that you provide their caretaker with our business card and they can contact us any time with questions. Our feeding guidelines brochure can be given to your pet care provider to make sure the food is fed correctly.

The above food options are also great for pets that are staying with care providers. Complete raw patties are recommended to make feeding accurate and simple. If your pet’s caretaker isn’t comfortable with raw, ZiwiPeak is a great alternative for your pet to maintain optimal nutrition.

Tollden Farms offers a variety of complete raw diet patties.              

Available in 4oz. and 8oz. patties or 5lb blocks.  

If your pet runs out of food while you are away, we can use our records to recommend the right food for your pet. We also have several pet sitters and boarding facilities that we can recommend. For boarding, we work with Holly’s Pride to ensure your pet is properly cared for while you are away.

Holly's Pride of Ancaster: http://www.hollys-pride.com/ancaster/

If you are taking care of a pet on a raw diet and you have a question or need advice, please feel free to contact us.

Email: info@domesticcarnivore.ca

Phone: 289-238-8000

Website: http://www.domesticcarnivore.ca

In Store: 244 Governors Road, Dundas, Ontario, L9H 3K2

Can Kelp Complete an Unbalanced Raw Diet?

Kelp is a common vitamin and mineral supplement in a raw pet food diet. It is a natural seaweed that replaces the synthetic supplements used in kibble. If you look at a bag of kibble, you are likely to see ingredients such as “vitamin A supplement, vitamin B supplement, iron proteinate, etc”. These supplements are required because the cooking process depletes the natural nutrients found in the meat. Kelp is also a source of iodine, which helps to promote healthy thyroid function. When feeding a raw diet, these nutrients are maintained for your pet’s benefit. Kelp is an inexpensive way to boost the vitamins, minerals, and amino acids in the diet. When paired with a complete diet, it ensures your pet gets everything they require. 

Adding kelp provides great benefits for dogs who are only able to eat 2 or 3 protein sources due to food sensitivities. Each protein source provides different benefits, but much of the vitamins and minerals come from organ meat. If you aren’t including organ meat in your pet’s diet, you could be compromising their health. Kelp is NOT a substitute for organ meat. 

The Canadian Nutrient File (CNF) provides nutritional data for many foods. The following chart shows a comparison of minerals and vitamins found in a 100g serving of raw beef liver, kelp, and raw chicken liver.

Through the study of a canine’s ancestral diet, we can identify that they consume the majority of a carcass. This includes the nutrient dense organ meat, most of the bone content, and nearly all of the muscle meat. While some may argue that fruits and vegetables are not appropriate for dogs, it is important to look at their natural diet. Dogs typically eat the stomach contents of small prey, which would include pre-digested fruits, vegetables, seeds, etc. They would also consume the fur of small prey. Adding pureed fruits and vegetables to our dog’s diet provides fibre to help regulate digestion.

Our dog’s diet would naturally consist of approximately 10% organ meat. For a 55lb. dog eating 2% of their ideal body weight, they would be consuming 500g per day. The recommended amount of organ would be 50g per day. We follow Mountain Dog Food’s recommended daily feeding guidelines for kelp. 1/8tsp for dogs under 25lbs, 1/4tsp for dogs between 25lbs. and 50lbs. and 1/2tsp for dogs over 50lbs. For our 55lb. dog, that 1/2tsp translates into approximately 3g per day. Now, let’s look at that chart again with the data updated to reflect our 55lb dog’s daily intake.

Now we can better understand the role kelp plays in supplementing a raw diet. For our dogs, a diet will not be complete without the addition of organ meat. Meat and bone alone cannot provide the required nutrients and kelp cannot replace the role of organ meat. 

The bottom line is, feeding a wide variety of protein sources will help to provide your dog with everything they need. However, formulating a balanced diet is not easy. It requires a lot of knowledge and it should have a complete nutritional analysis to ensure it contains appropriate nutrient levels. Kelp is a good supplement to boost the nutrients in your dog’s overall diet, but should not be relied on to complete an unbalanced diet. 

Lauren Egier

Co-owner - Domestic Carnivore

244 Governors Road

Dundas, Ontario

info@domesticcarnivore.ca

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