How to Feed Raw Bones to Dogs for Tooth Health

Dr. Ian Billinghurst recommends feeding raw bones to dogs to help prevent tartar, tooth decay, gum infections and mouth infections. Bones contain many essential nutrients and protein for dog health. According to Shane Somerville of All the Best Pet Care, studies reveal that 80 percent of dogs over the age of 3 have signs of dental disease. Giving your dog raw bones can help to ensure healthy teeth for a lifetime. The action of actually chewing on bones breaks down tartar and plaque, polishes enamel and exercises the jaw muscles. Naturally occurring enzymes create an acidic environment that protects against gingival disease.

Things You'll Need

  • Raw bones
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Instructions

    • 1

      Purchase raw knuckle bones from a butcher or a meat market. Many butchers provide bags of beef and pork bones for dogs, and the bones can be cut to the appropriate size for your dog. The bone should be longer than the dog's mouth is wide. Knuckle bones are ideal because they include tendons and meat for the dog. Other types of raw bones may be used, such as chicken bones, as long as they are the appropriate size for a particular dog.

    • 2

      Store the bones in the freezer until you are ready to use them. Thaw by setting out or running under warm water before giving the bone to the dog. If your dog wants a bone right away, there is no need to freeze it first.

    • 3

      Give the bone to the dog in an outdoor setting or in an area that can be easily washed. If there is a lot of meat and tendons, the chewing process can be quite messy. Allow your dogs to spend as much time as they want with bones. Some dogs will chew for less than an hour, while others may spend all afternoon on a bone. Feed bones to your dog as long as they are interested in them.

    • 4

      Inspect the bone after your dogs are finished. If plenty of meat remains, rinse the bone, place it in a bag and store in the refrigerator. A "meaty" bone if left out can attract flies and begin to smell. If the bone is relatively clean of all meat, you can simply leave it with the dog.