Bones

For most dogs, unless there's a specific health reason not to, including a variety of raw, meaty bones is safe and generally recommended. They add texture, help remove plaque from teeth and gums, and provide mental stimulation and a natural outlet for chewing.

But not all bones are equal, and there are three rules worth following.

Never feed cooked bones. Cooking makes bone brittle, and it can splinter inside your dog and cause internal injuries. Raw only, always.

Get the size right. The bone should be large enough that it can't fit entirely inside your dog's mouth, and can't be swallowed whole.

Don't overdo the frequency. Too many bones in quick succession can cause constipation. One or two a week with a couple of days in between is a reasonable rule of thumb — start with one a week and see how your dog responds.

It's also safest to give bones only under supervision.

Two of the main minerals dogs need are calcium and phosphorus, and both come from digesting raw bone — chicken, lamb, beef and turkey among others. Calcium phosphate supports growth, and helps the skeletal system regenerate and adapt.

Bones also add fibre, which helps clean out the digestive tract and supports healthy, regular toilet habits. That in turn naturally stimulates the emptying of the anal glands.

They're one of the better defences against tartar, plaque, gum disease and bad breath, particularly when enjoyed after a meal, because chewing stimulates saliva enzymes.

And there's the mental side. A dog with access to a safe bone is a dog less likely to chew something inappropriate or dangerous instead.

Alongside protein, fat and plenty of water, raw meaty bones play a real role in your dog's wider health.

Necks, wings and ribs in particular act almost like dental floss, cleaning teeth and gums more effectively than any manufactured chew.

Raw bones also carry vital vitamins and minerals including calcium and phosphorus, while chicken cartilage — feet, wingtips, carcasses — provides glucosamine, which supports joints.

As always: raw only, and large enough that your dog has to chew rather than swallow.

Bone should make up around 12–15% of a raw diet. That's the level that supplies enough calcium for healthy growth and for bone and tooth development, without pushing phosphorus too high — meat itself already contains a good deal of phosphorus, so there's a balance to strike.

In practice, most bones you'll source still have meat attached, so the total meaty bone mass usually works out closer to a third of the overall diet by weight.

On frequency, once or twice a week suits most dogs, though it varies by breed and by individual. Leave a few days between servings. Depending on size and shape a single bone can provide hours or even days of chewing — femurs, marrow bones and knuckles especially — so watch how quickly your dog gets through them rather than working to a fixed schedule.

Yes, and it's worth doing. Feeding a variety keeps the diet interesting and stimulating.

Beef marrow bones suit larger dogs well, as do the necks of lamb and goat. Chicken wings and other poultry can be included too. As with everything here, raw only.

It's useful to know roughly how bony different cuts are, because it helps you keep to the 12–15% figure. A whole chicken is around 25% bone, whereas a wing is closer to 45%. Ribs of beef or pork can be up to 50%, and a typical tail bone joint around 65%.

An alternative approach is to feed a whole animal, such as a fish or a rabbit, which a larger dog can consume entirely. That brings a natural amount of bone along with fur, fat and other nutrients.

Some dogs are sensitive to bone, which surprises a lot of owners. If yours is, the aim is to replace what bone was providing — the minerals, and the dental and mental benefits — rather than simply leave a gap.

Green tripe is a good starting point. It's an excellent source of omega-3 and also supplies calcium and phosphate, the minerals your dog would normally get from bone. High-quality seaweed calcium is another good source, and ground eggshell is a further option.

There are also supplements that can help make sure your dog still gets everything they need, and a complete raw meal from a trusted manufacturer may solve the problem on its own.

Don't forget the rest of what bones do. You'll want other ways to keep teeth clean and give your dog something to work at — bone-free edible chews and rope toys both help.