What is the safest raw food for dogs

Best Raw Dog Foods

Best Raw Dog Foods

By Mike Sagman

Updated: April 16, 2024

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A raw dog food diet is designed to mimic a dogs natural ancestral menu. The whole concept of raw feeding is based upon a dogs instinctive carnivorous bias a built-in desire to capture (or find) and eat another animal.

As unsavory as it may seem, it is completely natural for a wolf to consume the entire animal.

Meat, bones, organs and all.

As direct descendants of wolves, dogs are simply not genetically optimized to consume the 50% carbohydrate content of todays commercial kibbles.

So, how do these diets compare?

The Ancestral Diet Compared to Dry Kibble

No one can argue the dry baked pellets we call dog food arent convenient. Yet the nutrient profile of a dry kibble is nowhere near the nutrient content of a dogs ancestral diet.

Notice the higher carbohydrate content of the kibble compared to the dogs natural ancestral diet. Or how about the dramatically lower protein and fat levels?

The Benefits of a Raw Diet

Feeding a raw dog food diet has many notable benefits

• Firmer stools
• Improved digestion
• Healthier skin and coat
• Reduced allergy symptoms
• Better weight management

There have been many reports of improved health when chronically ill pets were switched from a commercial product to a raw dog food.

The Downside of a Raw Dog Food Diet

A raw dog food diet cant touch the convenience of a kibble. Just measure and pour. It just doesnt get any easier.

Yet besides the lack of convenience, theres another critical issue. Bacterial contamination.

Salmonella and E. coli germs can always be a potential problem with raw meats. Yet the risk of food-borne disease is actually quite low.

That is, low risk for dogs. But not for humans.

Thats because a dogs digestive system is shorter and more acidic.

Which makes canine infections like these fairly rare.

The real risk of food-borne disease is actually greater for a dogs human caretakers not the dog.

Yet with proper care and handling, this risk can be dramatically reduced.

How to Use Our List

Below youll find a list of the Advisors suggested raw dog foods. Of course, this list should not be considered a complete catalog of all the raw dog foods on the market.

For there are others. Many others.

We only provide this small group as a starting point.

As a matter of fact, if you know of a specific dog food you believe we should have included on this list, please feel free to share your recommendations in the Comments section below.

Or if youre looking for some suggestions yourself, be sure to look through our readers Comments to find more good ideas.

Best Raw Dog Foods

A guide to safe and not-so-safe dog bones

What is the safest bone to give a dog?

Each dog is unique and has their individual needs. However, many agree that the safest bones are synthetic bones and certain types of natural bones. Be sure to steer clear of smaller, brittle bones like those from chicken, turkey, pork, or rib bones; as these can splinter and pose a choking hazard.

Do vets recommend bones for dogs?

Your dog might love gnawing on bones, but many vets say you need to choose chews carefully. There are potential risks, including choking, intestinal blockage, and even fractured teeth. Instead of raw bones, opt for edible synthetic bones or hard chews designed specifically for dogs.

What is the safest thing for a dog to chew on?

Edible synthetic bones and hard chew treats are some of the safest options for your dog to chew on. Some dogs also enjoy rawhide chews, made from the inner layer of cow or horse hides.

What do vets recommend dogs chew on?

Veterinarians typically lean towards recommending synthetic bones, hard chew dog treats, or bully sticks for your dogs chewing needs. These options dont just keep them occupied they can also support your dogs dental health. As always, keep a watchful eye on your dog while theyre enjoying their chew.

What are the best natural bones for dogs?

Options for natural dog bones can vary, but beef and ham bones are popular choices. Some pet parents also opt for edible raw bones like chicken wings and necks, or turkey necks. But vets say you should be cautious with these natural options, even if theyve been processed in a pet-safe way. Raw bones carry a risk for illness and small, cooked bones can splinter.

Are Benebones safe for dogs?

Benebones, a synthetic chew option, can indeed be a safe choice for many dogs. However, factors such as the dogs size, chewing habits, and the specific Benebone product can affect the safety of the chew for your dog. Its always a smart move to chat with your vet before introducing new foods and chewing items into your dogs routine.

Best bones for dogs: Complete vet-approved guide for pet parents

EXPLORE THE BENEFITS, RISKS & BEST PRACTICES OF BONE FEEDING FOR YOUR DOG'S DIET AND DENTAL HEALTH

Article Index:

1. WHERE I STAND ON GIVING BONES TO DOGS AS A VET
2. WHAT ARE THE RIGHT BONES FOR YOUR DOG?
3. RAW BONE FEEDING IS INSPIRED BY NATURE
4. WHAT ARE THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF BONES?
5. WHY DO MANY VETERINARIANS STILL OBJECT TO BONE FEEDING?
6. WHAT BONES TO GIVE YOUR DOG AND WHY
7. TYPES OF BONES AND THEIR SAFETY [EASY-TO-USE CHART]
8. HOW STRONG IS YOUR DOG'S BITE
9. HOW TO AVOID DENTAL FRACTURES WHEN FEEDING YOUR DOG BONES
10. HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU GIVE BONES TO YOUR DOG?
11. WHAT IS THE IDEAL DENTAL BONE FOR DOGS?
12. WHAT IF YOUR DOG WON'T EAT BONES?
13. ARE CHICKEN BONES SAFE FOR DOGS?
14. ARE BONE SPLINTERS DANGEROUS AND WILL THEY PUNCTURE YOUR DOG'S INTESTINE?
15. ARE BONES GOOD FOR ALL DOGS?
16. HOW TO SUPPLEMENT CALCIUM AND OTHER MINERALS WHEN YOUR DOG CAN'T EAT BONES
17. WHAT IS THE RIGHT RATIO OF CALCIUM AND PHOSPHORUS IN A DOG'S DIET?
18. CAN YOU LEAVE YOUR DOG ALONE WHILE CHEWING A BONE?
19. CAN YOUR DOG CHOKE ON BONES?
20. CAN YOU SUBSTITUTE RAW BONES WITH BONE MEAL?
21. CAUTION: WHY YOU SHOULD NEVER FEED COOKED BONES TO YOUR DOG
22. CAN CHEW TOYS REPLACE RAW BONES?
23. CAN DENTAL TREATS REPLACE RAW BONES?
24. WHAT ARE THE NUTRITIONAL BENEFITS AND SHORTCOMINGS OF BONE FEEDING
25. HOW TO CHECK IF YOUR DOG GETS ALL THE MINERALS THEY NEED

WHERE I STAND ON GIVING BONES TO DOGS AS A VET

Not sure what the best bones for dogs are or even if its safe to feed them to your pup?

Over the past 25 years, I've discovered the immense benefits of feeding raw bones to dogs through personal experience and careful observation in my veterinary practice.

My goal in this comprehensive guide is to share with you solid, practice-proven insights and results that have transformed dental health in dogs through mindful bone feeding. This approach dramatically reduces or even eliminates the need for anesthesia for dog dental hygiene, and the effect can be nothing short of life-transforming.

WHAT ARE THE RIGHT BONES FOR YOUR DOG?

When selecting the right bones for your dog, considering factors like size, shape, and hardness to ensure safety and well-being is crucial. Your dog will benefit greatly if you make informed choices and follow best practices.

But before we dive into my recommendations, let's touch on why raw bone feeding makes sense and why I do not hesitate to give bones to my dog and recommend them to my canine patients.

RAW BONE FEEDING IS INSPIRED BY NATURE

When considering the best diet for our beloved dogs, it's always a good idea to look at what nature offers. For example, plenty of evidence shows wild canines, like wolves, foxes, and wild dogs, naturally munch on bones as part of their diet.

This evidence comes from observing these animals in their natural habitats, studying the stomach contents of deceased wild canines, and analyzing their feces (scat).

Out in the wild, bones provide essential nutrients such as calcium and phosphorus, which are vital for maintaining strong bones and teeth. Plus, chewing on bones helps keep their teeth clean and free from periodontal disease and gingivitis.

Canine teeth are built perfectly for a dogs specific dietary needs. Unlike the teeth of humans and herbivores, your dogs canine teeth have sharp, pointy premolars that are great for shearing meat and crunching bones.

In other words, our canine companions are well-equipped to handle bones as part of their diet.

All of this shows that bones play a vital role in the natural diet of wild canines contributing to their overall health and happiness. By learning from nature, we can make better choices when feeding our canine friends.

Note:There is virtually no functional difference between the digestive tract of wild and domesticated canines. If presented to a histologist or anatomy expert, they would not be able to recognize one from the other. The only difference is in size, which should be considered when offering your dog the right type of bone.

WHAT ARE THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF BONES?

1. Bone feeding keeps your dogs teeth healthy and improves overall health and longevity.

Safe raw bone feeding has a dramatically positive effect on dental health and is directly tied to protecting the internal organs and building a solid foundation of longevity. In this article, we'll discuss the advantages of raw bones, address common concerns, and guide you to safe bone-feeding practices.

Dental disease is a concern for many dog lovers not only because of bad breath, but It's also considered a leading cause of premature death in dogs. The conventional approach to canine dentistry is also costly, time-consuming, and unpleasant for dogs.

2. Raw bones will keep your dog entertained and fit.

Aside from the health benefits, raw bones also offer exercise and entertainment for your dog.

For example, when given the right type and size of bone, your dog will have a great time chewing and gnawing which not only strengthens their jaw muscles and cleans their teeth, but also provides mental stimulation and entertainment.

Thus, feeding raw bones can help prevent boredom and behavioural issues in puppies and adult dogs, leading to a happier and more content pooch.

3. Feeding your dog raw bones helps prevent stomach bloating.

Dogs that regularly consume bones tend to have more muscular stomach walls and a lower risk of experiencing bloat. However, it's crucial to remember that engaging your dog in vigorous exercise, jumping, or leaping after any meal, especially when it includes bones, should be avoided.

The reason is that exercising a dog after feeding can increase the danger of a stomach twist and bloat, also known as gastric dilation-volvulus.

IMPORTANT!Allow your dog to rest and digest for four but preferably six hours after eating bones.

WHY DO MANY VETERINARIANS STILL OBJECT TO BONE FEEDING?

I understand that veterinarians who oppose feeding bones to dogs may have the best intentions at heart. However, these concerns often arise due to a need for more education in natural canine nutrition that the conventional pet food industry still needs to support.

In the following section, I will address some of the most common concerns raised by my fellow veterinarians and provide my counterarguments:

Concern no. 1:Dogs may break their teeth on hard bones, leading to painful dental issues and potential veterinary treatments.

Answer:Dental fractures can be eliminated when you feed bones recommended for your dog's size. Large and strong dogs should not be given marrow bones or thick-walled bones.

Concern no. 2:Bones can cause blockages in a dog's gastrointestinal tract, potentially leading to complications and even surgery.

Answer:In my 25 years of experience, I haven't seen a gastrointestinal obstruction in a dog eating raw bones. Although obstructions may occur, they are likely to have other underlying causes.

Concern no. 3:Sharp bone fragments can puncture a dog's stomach or intestines, causing life-threatening internal injuries and infections.

Answer:Although people often worry about bone splintering, canines have evolved to eat bones. A dog's stomach acid has a pH between 1 - 2, which dissolves bones before they reach the intestinal tract. Therefore, splintered bones don't pose any more threat than eating other foods.

Concern no. 4:Raw bones can carry harmful bacteria like Salmonella or E. coli, posing a risk to dogs and their human companions.

Answer:The concern about bacteria is unfounded because dogs have evolved to deal with such pathogens. With proper preparation of raw bones and meat, I haven't seen any salmonella infections in dogs or their owners. Minor exposure to pathogens may even help train a dog's immune system.

Concern no. 5: Feeding bones can cause gastrointestinal issues in some dogs, such as constipation from excessive bone consumption or diarrhea from the high-fat content of marrow bones.

Answer:Constipation from eating bones would be rare in dogs with proper digestion. It's essential to distinguish between hard stool from digested bone and constipation. Hard stool helps express and maintain the proper anal gland function

Concern no. 6:Some veterinarians are concerned that feeding bones might lead to an imbalanced diet

Answer:Based on more than 30 years in veterinary practice and 25 years of feeding raw meat, bone, and a plant-based diet and witnessing the results in thousands of my patients and my dogs, I'm confident that such a diet is superior to feeding processed kibble and canned food that sits on the shelves for months before feeding.

No physician would recommend processed food to their human patients, and it neither makes sense for our dogs.

WHAT BONES TO GIVE YOUR DOG AND WHY

In the following segment, I'm presenting you with a helpful chart I created to make bone feeding easier and safer for all dog parents.

This chart divides dogs into three size categories: small, medium, and large, with corresponding recommendations for suitable bones and their purpose for each group.

The chart also highlights four primary objectives of feeding bones to dogs:

1. Play and entertainment:Bones can provide an enjoyable and engaging activity for dogs, keeping them occupied and entertained.

2. Exercise:Chewing on bones exercises the jaw muscles and involves using their paws to hold the bones, providing a physical workout.

3. Nutrition:Bones are rich in essential nutrients and contribute to a dog's health and well-being.

4. Dental hygiene:Selecting the appropriate bone size for a particular dog ensures proper dental hygiene, as crunching on bones helps clean teeth and prevents dental issues.

The following chart lets you quickly identify the most suitable bones for your dog based on their size and intended purpose. Approximating the size and texture should be relatively easy if a particular kind of bone is not listed.

Picking the perfect bones for your pup ensures they are safe and happy.

HOW STRONG IS YOUR DOG'S BITE?

The bite strength of a dog can vary greatly depending on factors such as breed, size, and individual characteristics.

Measured in pounds per square inch (PSI), large dogs like Rottweilers, German Shepherds, or Mastiffs typically have a bite force ranging from 200 to 700 PSI, while smaller breeds like Shih Tzus, Chihuahuas, or Pugs may only have a bite force between 50 and 150 PSI.

Large dogs should not be given strong marrow bones because they can easily fracture their teeth on a too-thick bone. On the other hand, a dental fracture is much less likely to happen in small dogs.

HOW TO AVOID DENTAL FRACTURES WHEN FEEDING YOUR DOG BONES

Avoid beef bones, buffalo bones, or bison shank bones, especially for medium and large dogs, as they can be too hard for your dog's teeth. In addition, when big dogs chew on these rigid bones, they might end up cracking their teeth turning an inexpensive marrow bone into a painful and pricey ordeal.

Little dogs may not have a problem with large marrow bones since they can't crunch through them. But, these bones don't do much for cleaning their teeth.

Sure, your dog may love getting to the bone marrow but remember that dogs in the wild would mainly hunt smaller prey like birds, rodents, rabbits, goats, and sometimes deer. They wouldn't eat big animals like buffaloes or cows all that often.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU GIVE BONES TO YOUR DOG?

To keep your dog's teeth in tip-top shape and save money on dental bills, try feeding the right dental bones (see the chart above) twice to three times a week.

I don't recommend feeding bones daily as it may strain the digestive tract. Moderation is key when it comes to adding raw bones to your dog's diet.

WHAT IS THE IDEAL DENTAL BONE FOR DOGS?

The ideal bone should be hard and crunchy but not too thick, giving your dog's teeth a good 'scale' without the risk of dental fractures. In addition, by choosing the right-sized bones for your dog, you can keep them entertained and healthy at the same time.

Don't forget to check out our complete guide to natural dental care for dogs and learn how you can avoid most anesthesia when taking your pup to the vet for a dental cleaning.

WHAT IF YOUR DOG WON'T EAT BONES?

If your dog isn't a fan of bones or doesn't digest them well, give them a balanced diet with these fouressential nutrients minerals, vitamins, probiotics, and omega oils.

The only challenge is dental care. Without bones, you'll need to pay extra attention to your dog's teeth to keep them clean and healthy.

ARE CHICKEN BONES SAFE FOR DOGS?

In my experience, raw chicken bones are fine for dogs. Their powerful stomach acids with pH between 1-2 will break the bones into smaller, more manageable pieces before they hit the intestines. As soon as the bones are digested, the pH becomes less acidic to protect the stomach lining.

Note:Chicken and turkey bones are generally heating and may cause digestive upset in dogs that tend to be hot.

ARE BONE SPLINTERS DANGEROUS AND WILL THEY PUNCTURE YOUR DOG'S INTESTINE?

Dogs have evolved to have super strong stomachs and intestinal walls that will contract and bounce off the partially digested bones.

If your dog swallows a piece it can't digest easily, my experience is that they will throw it back up. In 25 years, I haven't had any intestinal perforations in dogs, and I confidently feed my dog crunchy bones.

ARE BONES GOOD FOR ALL DOGS?

A small percentage of dogs may not do well eating raw bones. If your dog struggles with eating raw bones, try introducing them slowly through small portions and gradually increase the amount.

Keep a close eye on your pup's response to bone feeding, and if they still don't do well with bones, stop offering them altogether.

Remember, every dog is unique, and what works for one might not be suitable for another.

HOW TO SUPPLEMENT CALCIUM AND OTHER MINERALS WHEN YOUR DOG CAN'T EAT BONES

When dogs cannot consume bones, it not only affects their oral health but also reduces their nutrient intake. Finding alternative sources to support their nutritional needs is essential in such cases.

One recommendation is GreenMin, a plant-based calcium and mineral supplement and green superfood. This supplement is designed to provide dogs with the essential nutrients they may miss out on without consuming bones.

WHAT IS THE RIGHT RATIO OF CALCIUM AND PHOSPHORUS IN A DOG'S DIET?

The recommended calcium-phosphorus ratio is 1.2:1 for puppies and 1.3:1 for adult dogs.

It's essential to consider the digestibility and bioavailability of these nutrients, as the actual amount of available calcium and phosphorus in a dog's diet can vary. For example, cellulose in kibble contains calcium and phosphorus that aren't as bioavailable as in a raw meat, bone, and veggie-based diet.

Therefore, the most optimal meal for your pup should be as close to a natural, species-appropriate diet as possible.

CAN YOU LEAVE YOUR DOG ALONE WHILE CHEWING A BONE?

The answer is simple always be nearby and supervise your dog when they're eating bones to ensure their safety. In rare instances, a bone can get lodged between your dog's teeth and you may need to be there to assist.

CAN YOUR DOG CHOKE ON BONES?

If you have a dog that likes to gobble food down, give them chunks of bone larger than they can swallow, so they need to chew those pieces off.

CAN YOU SUBSTITUTE RAW BONES WITH BONE MEAL?

While it might seem ok to feed bone meal, I don't recommend it. Bone meal usually undergoes heat sterilization and processing, making it difficult to digest and absorb.

Moreover, bone meal products are often imported from China and other countries, raising concerns about their quality in light of tainted pet food scandals.

There is only one type of bone meal I feel comfortable feeding- frozen, locally sourced bone shavings. They are perfect for dogs that can't eat or digest bones.

CAUTION: WHY YOU SHOULD NEVER FEED COOKED BONES TO YOUR DOG

Feeding cooked bones to dogs can be dangerous due to their indigestibility, leading to gastrointestinal obstructions. The myth of not being able to feed bones to dogs stems from the confusion between raw and cooked bones.

When bones are cooked, collagen fibres break down and minerals become more concentrated. This makes bones hard and indigestible.

NEVER EVER FEED YOUR DOG COOKED BONES!

First Aid Note:If your dog accidentally eats cooked bones, I suggest you follow my foreign body ingestion protocol, which has saved many dogs from emergency surgery.

CAN CHEW TOYS REPLACE RAW BONES?

Logically, while convenient, chew toys can't replace the nutritional benefits of natural bones for dogs. Furthermore, some toys and synthetic dog bones contain hormone-disrupting chemicals like BPA and phthalates, leading to health and reproductive issues in dogs.

They also have a significant environmental impact, as materials like PVC and microplastics are non-biodegradable and contribute to plastic pollution.

If you want to buy your dog a chew toy, get one made of natural materials or child-safe non-BPA plastic. I don't buy synthetic furry toys for my dog Pax.

CAN DENTAL TREATS REPLACE BONES?

While dental treats can benefit your dog's oral hygiene, they generally aren't sufficient to replace the scaling and cleaning effects of natural bones.

Chewing on raw bones helps remove plaque and tartar buildup more effectively than most dental chews and treats, as bones have a naturally abrasive texture that cleans teeth down to the gumline.

Additionally, many dental treats contain unhealthy or harmful ingredients, so checking the label before giving them to your dog is crucial.

Relying solely on dental treats might offer a different level of dental health support, so incorporating bones into your dog's diet can significantly contribute to maintaining their overall oral hygiene.

WHAT ARE THE NUTRITIONAL BENEFITS AND SHORTCOMINGS OF BONE FEEDING?

It's important to consider the nutritional value of bones when feeding them to your dog. The quality of raw bones and their nutrients are directly related to the quality of the feed given to the animals from which those bones are sourced.

Due to intensive agriculture and soil degradation, nutrient depletion is a genuine concern in processed and raw dog food.

Therefore, I recommend providing essential supplements alongside your dogs diet to ensure that they receive all the necessary nutrients for optimal health.

A balanced diet with nutritional supplements will help fill nutritional gaps and increase your dog's chances for robust health and a longer life.These supplements should include the following:

Discover ourFab4 natural supplements for dogs and learn how they helped hundreds of dog parents boost their pups health and immunity.

HOW TO CHECK IF YOUR DOG GETS ALL THE MINERALS THEY NEED?

Numerousmineral results fromour HairQ testing show that dogs receiving bones without supplements still suffer from trace mineral deficiencies. As I mentioned above, this is mainly due to soil depletion and the lack of essential minerals in our food sources.

If you want more information on your dog's mineral and heavy metal status,check out the HairQ test.

If your dog's results are normal, it will give you peace of mind that you're on the right track; if they are abnormal, at least you will know about it and be able to take the proper steps. You have nothing to lose!

I wish you good luck and your dog many happy bone-crunching years ahead!