It's been my experience that beef knuckle bones can cause diarrhea in dogs who are not used to chewing raw meaty bones. I'd save those particular bones until your girl is used to some "easier" (and less fatty) beef bones first. I recommend you buy some beef rib racks -- not the expensive spare ribs, but the cheaper ones, about $1 to $1.50 per pound. Cut off one meaty rib and let Chelsea have at it. The harder femur bones can crack or break teeth, so it's always safest to stay with the softer, "edible" bones. Just make sure any and all bones you give her are RAW -- never cooked. Neck bones, and pork and lamb ribs are also excellent.
If you'd like more information on raw meaty bones, or feeding a raw diet, please feel join us at the NaturalBerners list at yahoogroups.com -- let me know if you have trouble signing up.
Happy chomping, Chelsea!
Vicky Whitney in Bozeman, Montana
ORIGINAL POST:
I would like to give Chelsea her first real meaty bone
(she is 5 1/2 months old). My problem is, I'm not sure what kind of bone to buy! I've heard people mention beef knuckle bones...but are there any others as well?
Do I need to go to a butcher to get this type of bone or other types? Or are there any that I can just buy that are pre-wrapped and in the meat department of my local grocery store? (i'm new to this area of town, and don't really know of a butcher...although I'm sure it wouldn't be too hard to find one...)
Also, is 5 1/2 mos too young to be feeding a pup this? If so, please let me know! As you can probably tell, this is my first berner, and I love learning all the wonderful things this email list has to offer!
Thanks! Alison & Chelsea (drool, drool, drool at the thought of the meaty bone!!)
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