Knick knack, paddywhack, give your dog a bone. Yes, advice from the distant past, but it makes more sense today than ever.
One of the biggest expenses we can have with our pets is dental. A simple cleaning can cost hundreds of dollars, and many pets need them annually. Many times we can’t afford to do it, and the dental issues worsen, until they end up losing most or all of their teeth. Bad oral health can also cause infections that can lead to other health issues as well.
Brushing can help, especially if done after they eat, and using enzyme based toothpastes, or homemade ones utilizing probiotics. This can reduce the issue, but in many cases, the pet still needs a cleaning. Same with dental foods and dental stick, most contain a lot of carbohydrates, which are the primary issue with plaque and tartar buildup.
If your pet can chew a bone, and if they don’t try to gulp them down, or consume large pieces as they break them down, there is nothing better than a meaty bone for dental health. Meaty bones do not contain carbs, so they can actually work to flush the carbs out of the mouth. This also goes for things like pigs ears, pizzles, beef collagen and similar meat only chews. Regardless what you choose for chews, make sure you supervise your pet when they are consuming any bone or treat.
What is a “meaty bone”? Basically, just about any bone can be used, but make sure the size and composition are appropriate for your pet. Everything from chicken necks, feet or backs, through beef knuckle bones or femurs can be used. We prefer offering them raw, and even frozen, but some dehydrated options can also work.
When a pet picks at the bone to get meat off it using its front teeth and canines, it’s like flossing. Knuckles and ribs are probably the favourite for this, and depending on the pet, you may have to take the bone away once they have “cleaned” it off.
When a pet crunches on a bone with its molars, the cleaning action is amazing. Smaller items like chicken necks are great for small dogs and cats, and dehydrated necks make awesome treats for cats without the worry of them wandering the house with raw chicken. For small dogs, frozen chicken necks or feet can be great treats, just make sure they are supervised, and don’t try to swallow too big a piece as they work them down.
Larger dogs can be fed whole chicken backs, or even whole chicken quarters, again supervised to ensure they don’t get overexcited and try to swallow too big a piece. They figure out pretty quick how to handle them.
One great trick I’ve found is to designate a spot for the pet to chew its bone. I like using a bathmat or a boot tray that can be laundered/cleaned. Even an old towel can work, depending on what the pet finds comfortable to lay on as they chew. If they take the bone off the mat, take it away and put it back on the mat. They learn pretty quick, and when they see the mat come out, the know they are getting a treat.
There are dozens of options depending on your pet’s preferences. Frozen whole sardines, pig tails, rabbit feet/ears, duck/chicken necks, wings, feet, heads, beef knuckles, femurs, ribs, shanks, lamb feet/femurs… the list goes on.
Finding what works for you and your pet might take a little searching, but its well worth it, both for their enjoyment and for their health. And, possibly, your pocketbook as well.