Feeding Pups and Kittens
We are often asked about the special dietary requirements of puppies and kittens. Raw meaty bones provide a natural and highly digestible source of calcium. The calcium in raw bones can be up to four times more digestible than any calcium supplement, the reason being is that the high levels of phosphorous in fresh meat need to be balanced by plenty of calcium - and as always - nature has perfected the diet of pups and kittens. Ideally your pup or kitten should be weaned on to a diet of raw meaty bones and there are breeders out there who do just that. We suggest that as soon as your pup or kitten arrives it should be introduced to a raw meaty bones diet. Get those little critters gnawing and chewing as soon as possible, it is so much easier than trying to transition them later, especially the cats.
Raw meaty bones supply calcium and phosphorous in the perfect combination, no need for guess work and formulations, and certainly no need for supplementation. The young puppy or kitten when supplied with an adequate amount of raw meaty bones will use exactly what it needs for growth and development and excrete any excess. Raw bones will also supply small amounts of cartilage, bone marrow and minerals, essential for healthy development. Raw meaty bones also supply plenty of roughage, having a good cleansing effect on the gastrointestinal tract and keeping anal glands regularly emptied.
Raw meaty bones are integral to the development of healthy teeth and gums. Macerating the meat and bones massages the teeth and gums, clearing away food residue and preventing tartar formation. This massaging action is vital during the teething process. Many pups and kittens fed a kibble based diet have a terrible time at four to fives months with sore inflammed gums as their new teeth break through. They become manic chewers of anything available. The chewing and tearing on raw meaty bones will help dislodge the baby teeth and allow normal progression of the adult teeth. And all they need is a good source of raw meaty bones to get them through comfortably.
Pups and kittens develop their milk teeth (baby teeth) at around four to five weeks old. At this age they can tackle soft macerated meat and bone pieces and minced meat and bone products. Pups and kittens should be tackling raw meaty bones in a big piece every day. Kittens will prefer rabbit bones, especially the rabbit shoulders, chicken necks and chicken wings. Pups can start on chicken necks, chicken wings and chicken frames as well as the rabbit shoulders and rabbit legs. Remember that it is important to provide bones that are full of meat and eaten quickly and easily and are nutritionally full of goodness. Bones that are large and relatively meat free will entertain but not provide any nutrition. And remember, avoid cooked bones altogether, they will splinter and cause distress in the gastrointestinal tract.