Question about feeding RMBs as treats

[PWCorgi]

I've had Frodo on raw before, but unfortunately I am not going to be able to afford to do that again for a while.

I do want to feed RMBs though to help with dental cleaning since he is morally opposed to teeth brushing
But I was wondering how often it is safe to give him RMBs as treats? I don't want him to end up getting too much calcium or anything.

Also any suggestions for good corgi sized RMBs would be great. I am planning on a bunch of turkey necks, but I am way out of practice on the whole raw bit and what he can have that is going to best clean his teeth.

TIA

 

[RawFedDogs]

Chicken drumsticks would probably be good treats and so would pork ribs. Both are pretty inexpensive. Bones in both are very editable. You could probably give one of either a day. I wouldn't give them close to a kibble meal and don't forget to make the kibble meals smaller to compensate for the treats. I would also keep an eye on her in the beginning to make sure she doesn't try to swallow them whole.

 

[PWCorgi]

Thanks RFD, I think a chicken drumstick would defeat the purpose of cleaning teeth as it tends to be a *crunch-crunch-swallow* type deal. I am more looking for things he is going to have to work at. He's never been a gulper.

OT, but I found this picture of him with his first pork shoulder...

:lol-sign:

 

[Dekka]

That cut is soo much more meat than bone. I feed more bone per meat than that. So if that is the sort of thing you are feeding then you wouldn't have to worry about not enough calcium.

For teeth cleaning turkey necks are good (big ones) Or right now the really popular item are pigs legs. They are large, and take the dogs a few days of working on them to get them gone. (fresh from butcher seems to be less rubbery than those you find in grocery stores and much preferred)

 

[PWCorgi]

That cut is soo much more meat than bone. I feed more bone per meat than that. So if that is the sort of thing you are feeding then you wouldn't have to worry about not enough calcium.

Dekka, that picture was from when he was on 100% raw, so it was evened out with lots of RMBs, etc. That picture is about a year old. I just posted it because I ran across it the other day and thought it was funny

He is now eating kibble, I want to use RMBs though it aid in cleaning teeth. I am trying to get a handle on how often i can feed them without him getting too much bone in his diet to where it would be unhealthy.

 

[Dekka]

my guys pretty much live on raw meaty bones (and some organs) I do prey model, and well if you have ever seen wild game with out its skin on its not a lot of 'meat' compared to bone. (on some thread I did the percentages somewhere, might not have been chaz)

Chicken and cows have been breed for thousands of years to carry more 'meat' than is needed and WAY more fat.

IMO you can't go wrong feeding rmb as treats. My guys look great and that is their primary diet.

 

[xpaeanx]

Pw, if you just cut the kibble down a little bit and then give 1 neck or drumstick a day I think you'd be fine & get the teeth cleaning you want.

 

[AllieMackie]

Finn is a huge fan of turkey necks, and I find they do a good job of cleaning teeth and they're a nice, elongated shape so it takes him some time and he really works at them.

 

[Crowsfeet]

I really like this idea! I think I'm going to start doing that as well

Would it matter if you just fed one or two necks a day every day? Is the lack of variety moot due to the kibble?

 

[CharlieDog]

I really like this idea! I think I'm going to start doing that as well

Would it matter if you just fed one or two necks a day every day? Is the lack of variety moot due to the kibble?

I'd like to know the answer too, as this is something I'm also considering doing for Ozzy and Enzos benefit, especially their back teeth. I've noticed they're not as white as they used to be.

 

[OutlineACDs]

I think pork neck bones do the best for cleaning. They last much longer than turkey necks around here. The dogs really have to gnaw to break down the bones.

Just check around. Some places sell pork neck bones that are lacking in meat. The ones I have seen at walmart usually have very little meat on them and have often been cut in such a way that they have very sharp ends. A couple other smaller grocery stores and one local chain do a much better job.

 

[Crowsfeet]

Definitely - I just had Hap's teeth cleaned, and it would be really, really nice to either save or put off that $400 for a while

 

[Back40]

Chicken drumsticks would probably be good treats and so would pork ribs. Both are pretty inexpensive. Bones in both are very editable. You could probably give one of either a day. I wouldn't give them close to a kibble meal and don't forget to make the kibble meals smaller to compensate for the treats. I would also keep an eye on her in the beginning to make sure she doesn't try to swallow them whole.

I am surprised that chicken leg and wing bones are considered safe for dogs. It has been my understanding that these bones are prone to splintering and could cause intestinal problems. Was I just misinformed?

 

[puppydog]

I must say, my guys live on a very high bone content diet. Any less and it's the hershy squirts! They seem to be doing ok on it though.

 

[RawFedDogs]

I am surprised that chicken leg and wing bones are considered safe for dogs. It has been my understanding that these bones are prone to splintering and could cause intestinal problems. Was I just misinformed?

Yes and no. Cooked bones are exactly as you say. Raw bones are safe for a dog to eat. Chicken legs and wings are only for very small dogs. Larger dogs should eat leg quarters, backs, breasts, half chickens, or whole chickens.

 

[Back40]

Yes and no. Cooked bones are exactly as you say. Raw bones are safe for a dog to eat. Chicken legs and wings are only for very small dogs. Larger dogs should eat leg quarters, backs, breasts, half chickens, or whole chickens.

Apologize for my lack of knowledge on the subject of raw feeding, but I assume you are referring to meat and bones regarding your statement about large dogs. Thanks for clarifying. I am starting to seriously consider switching my 3 to raw but still need to perform lots of research.

 

[RawFedDogs]

Yes, I am talking about meat, bones and organs. Everything that is in an animal is ok to eat. To begin your research, check out my web page at Skylar, Zack, and Abby on the WEB - It will get you started on the right foot.