Ten Great Reasons to Feed Raw Meaty Bones to Your Dog and Cat

Why Raw Meaty Bones Belong in Your Pet’s Bowl

Feeding your pet raw meaty bones (RMBs) isn’t just about keeping them busy - it’s about nourishing them in the way nature intended. At Raw Essentials, we focus on species-appropriate nutrition, because pets thrive when their diet matches their biology. Here’s what the science (and our experience) tells us about why RMBs are so valuable.

Support Healthy Body Weight & Muscle

RMBs are naturally high in protein and low in carbohydrates. This aligns with the evolutionary diet of cats and dogs, supporting lean muscle mass and helping prevent obesity (Butowski et al., 2022). Protein also drives satiety, making pets feel fuller for longer and reducing the risk of overeating.

Improve Digestive Function

The bioavailable proteins, amino acids, and enzymes in RMBs support a stable gut microbiome and healthy digestion (Castañeda et al., 2023). Studies have shown that non-processed meat-based diets in puppies reduce the risk of gastrointestinal issues later in life (Hielm-Björkman et al., 2023).

Naturally Cleaner Teeth

Chewing on raw bones is like natures toothbrush helping to scrape away plaque and tartar — a mechanical action proven to improve oral health in dogs (Raw Beef Bones Study, Australian Veterinary Journal, 2016). Cleaner teeth mean fresher breath, less risk of periodontal disease, and better long-term health.

Joint & Anti-Inflammatory Benefits

Raw bones naturally contain glucosamine, chondroitin, and collagen - nutrients that support joint cartilage and mobility. Combined with a protein-rich diet that helps maintain a healthy body weight, RMBs can reduce stress on joints and improve mobility.

Skin & Coat Health

Essential fatty acids found in RMBs support a shiny coat and healthy skin barrier. For pets with allergies or chronic itching, natural enzymes and antioxidants in raw bones may help reduce inflammation and support healing.

Mental & Emotional Wellbeing

The act of chewing is deeply satisfying for cats and dogs - it relieves stress, supports mental stimulation, and can even reduce anxiety. A fulfilled pet is a calmer, happier companion.

Feeding RMBs Safely

• Supervise chewing at all times.

• Choose the right size bone for your pet.

• Never cook bones (they can splinter).

• Work with an expert — especially if your pet is new to raw feeding.

The Takeaway

Raw meaty bones deliver more than one benefit - they provide whole-body nutrition that supports gut health, dental hygiene, joints, skin, and emotional wellbeing. At Raw Essentials, we supply only NZ-grown, traceable, unprocessed raw food - so you know your pet is getting safe, species-appropriate nutrition.

Because raw isn’t just food - it’s the foundation of lifelong health.

References

• Butowski, C. F., Moon, C. D., Thomas, D. G., Young, W., & Bermingham, E. N. (2022). The effects of raw-meat diets on the gastrointestinal microbiota of the cat and dog: a review. New Zealand Veterinary Journal, 70(1), 1-9. https://doi.org/10.1080/00480169.2021.1975586

• Castañeda, S., et al. (2023). The fecal microbiome and metabolome differs between dogs fed Bones and Raw Food (BARF) diets and dogs fed commercial diets. Companion Animal Immunology and Infectious Diseases, 98, 102007. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cimid.2023.102007

• Hielm-Björkman, A., et al. (2023). Non-processed meat-based early diet reduces risk of dog digestive issues later in life. Scientific Reports. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-27866-z

• Raw beef bones as chewing items to reduce dental calculus in Beagle dogs. (2016). Australian Veterinary Journal, 94(4), 125-130. https://doi.org/10.1111/avj.12404