🦴 Stronger Teeth, Better Digestion, and a Calm Mind — The Case for Raw Bones
Why chewing on nature’s toothbrush still matters
When it comes to feeding our dogs and cats, raw meaty bones are one of nature’s most complete and instinctive foods. They’ve been a cornerstone of the carnivore diet for millennia—providing nutrition, dental health, and mental stimulation in one simple, primal package.
A Natural Source of Nutrition
Australian veterinarian Dr. Ian Billinghurst, author of Give Your Dog a Bone, describes raw meaty bones as a source of essential nutrition—rich in fat-soluble vitamins (A, D & E), essential fats, protein, and minerals like calcium, phosphorus, copper, and iron.
Bones are “beautifully balanced” in their bone-to-flesh ratio, especially raw chicken bones, which are soft, safe, and rich in marrow—the body’s source of blood-building nutrients and healthy fats. The calcium and phosphorus found in bones are in perfect balance, helping to build strong skeletal systems in growing animals and maintain bone strength throughout life.
Cartilage in raw bones also plays a vital role in joint health and mobility, providing compounds that support connective tissue and may even help prevent the growth of abnormal cells.
Whole-Body Benefits
The act of chewing, ripping, and tearing a meaty bone does more than satisfy your dog’s natural instincts—it works their entire body. As Dr. Billinghurst explains:
“Think of a dog with both feet planted firmly on a lump of meat still attached to its bone. Head down, taking hold of that meat, ripping and tearing away. What is that dog exercising? That dog is exercising its whole body—its jaws, neck, shoulders, front legs, back, and hind legs.”
It’s a primal, full-body workout that strengthens muscles, provides mental enrichment, and satisfies a deep ancestral need.
Nature’s Toothbrush
Raw meaty bones are also nature’s dental care system. The gnawing motion helps scrape away plaque, strengthens gums, and keeps teeth naturally clean. As holistic vet Dr. Peter Dobias says, “Without bones, I don’t think you can keep your dog’s teeth healthy.”
Even ground raw bone can provide benefits—acting like a gentle sandpaper that helps remove debris and polish teeth.
Supporting Digestive & Anal Gland Health
Certain types of bones—particularly raw meaty neck bones like duck necks, turkey necks, and chicken necks—offer a unique bonus: they can help keep your dog’s digestive system healthy and reduce anal gland issues.
The combination of meat, cartilage, and bone provides natural bulk and roughage, creating firm, well-formed stools that help naturally express the anal glands during bowel movements. This gentle, mechanical action can reduce buildup and inflammation over time—something many dogs on soft, processed diets struggle with.
Regularly including raw meaty neck bones in your pet’s diet can support smoother digestion, healthier gland function, and less scooting or irritation. Plus, they’re perfectly sized for small to medium dogs (and cats love them too).
Why Meaty Matters
The real nutritional power comes not from bare bones, but from meaty bones—those rich in muscle and fat. These bones deliver essential fats, protein, and amino acids alongside the minerals in the bone itself. They not only nourish but also engage your dog physically and mentally, offering satisfaction and enrichment no processed food can match.
🐾 The Fangs & Fur Takeaway
At Fangs & Fur, we believe raw meaty bones—fed safely and appropriately for your pet’s size—offer benefits far beyond what any dental chew or plastic bone could: cleaner teeth, stronger bodies, sharper minds, balanced digestion, and a deeper connection to the wild roots within our carnivorous companions.