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Post by Aussienot on Mar 16, 2004 21:24:34 GMT -5
On another board, I saw a discussion on feeding bones, and one poster raised the topic of the dog's teeth wearing out because of feeding hard beef bones over a long time. I've never thought about this before.
I give Finn 4 beef leg bones a week as recreational chewing, and just wondered if he's going to be toothless before he's five.
Or is the quote that follows completely unfounded speculation?
" . . .The brisket bones are softer than the leg bones of the cow, etc, but they are still tough enough that your dog's teeth will wear out eventually. You would be much better sticking to chicken, rabbit and lamb, as these are hard enough to clean the teeth but soft enough that they won't wear out as fast."
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Post by amyjo on Mar 17, 2004 8:18:32 GMT -5
I have heard this too...but I think like everything else you have to make your own decision based on your situation...
Finn is so high energy - if he isn't wearing out his teeth on these bones - is he going to be wearing YOU out? Or working them out on your house or furniture, or take up hunting kitties again?
I think the bones provide much more than a food source - it is mental and physical stimuation - especially in Finn's case. Those softer bones mentioned prolly wouldn't last five minutes with him.
Can you get him knuckes? I think they are a bit softer than the long part of the bone?
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Post by Willow on Mar 17, 2004 11:49:23 GMT -5
Most raw feeder's don't give *recreational* bones. All bones should have a sufficent amount of meat to constitute a *meal*, and the bones should be such that they can be consumed. They feed beef bones, but don't recommend the harder leg bones that cannot be consumed, just the softer neck/rib bones.
In Dr. Lonsdales book he addresses this issue and here's what he says:
Broken and worn teeth:
"It is possible but highly unusual for teeth to break when eating raw meaty bones. In general the bones which create problems are large ox bones, especially when sawn lengthwise to extract the marrow. Brittle cooked bones and cow hooves are also a potent source of trouble and should never be fed.
Carnivore teeth last a lifetime without appreciable wear if pets consume a natural diet--minerals in saliva constantly replenish surface enamel. Worn teeth are often found in dogs which chew balls or bricks, or most commonly, nibble at their own skin. It may surprise you, but dog hair has a more abrasive effect on teeth than a diet of raw meaty bones. (Italics mine).
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Post by Aussienot on Mar 17, 2004 16:21:23 GMT -5
Bugger. Finn does a lot of foot knawing, as well, as well. Of course I stop him when I see him, and it's not medical - I think it's just a self-comforting habit he developed as a puppy.
Ok, I'll mix up his recreational bone selection more. Kongs only last a few minutes, and food release toys don't engage him. As Amyjo noted, if he didn't have the bones to keep him occupied during the long hours I work, I shudder to think what might happen. Chaos would ensue.
On the other hand, don't want to be buying him dentures. ;D
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Post by Willow on Mar 20, 2004 15:15:41 GMT -5
I keep checking my dogs teeth too, to see if they are wearing down, because they are older dogs, but they look great...esp. with all the *crap* gone from them and all that looks back at me are pearly whites. ;D
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Post by Aussienot on Mar 20, 2004 21:49:57 GMT -5
I entered Finn in an Obedience trial today, and in the vetting, the vet commented on what a healthy looking fit dog Finn is, and he took one look at the teeth, and asked, Do you feed Raw? ;D
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