Why Raw Meaty Bones Are Essential For Good Pet Health

At Raw Essentials, we believe that raw meaty bones are than Essential part of a species-appropriate, balanced diet for both cats and dogs. Not only do they provide a natural source of calcium and phosphorus, but they also support dental health, aid digestion, and contribute to joint and muscle strength.

In this blog, we’ll explore why bones are so important, how they contribute to your pet’s overall wellbeing, and why feeding them raw (never cooked!) is essential. Whether you're new to raw feeding or looking to deepen your understanding, read on to learn why raw meaty bones are one of the most powerful tools for keeping your pet healthy, active, and thriving.

The Importance of Calcium and Phosphorus Balance

One of the most important nutritional aspects of bones is the balance between calcium and phosphorus. Both minerals are essential for your pet’s overall health—especially bone health, muscle function, and the immune system. The correct calcium-to-phosphorus ratio is critical, and raw meaty bones naturally provide this balance.

An all-meat diet without bones can lead to an excess of phosphorus and a lack of calcium, resulting in imbalances that can harm your pet’s health. This is particularly concerning for growing puppies and kittens, as an improper calcium-to-phosphorus ratio can lead to conditions such as rickets, which causes pain, bowed limbs, and fractures. If there isn't enough calcium in the diet, the body may pull calcium from bones to meet its needs, weakening bones and increasing the risk of fractures.

Raw meaty bones, whether whole or minced, offer the ideal calcium-to-phosphorus ratio, ensuring your pet gets the right balance without needing supplements or complicated calculations.

Bone: A Natural Source of Calcium

Bones are not only a source of calcium, but they are also rich in other essential minerals, including magnesium and trace elements. Calcium is vital for strong bones and teeth, but it also plays a crucial role in many other bodily functions:

• Heart function: Calcium helps regulate the heart’s rhythm.
• Muscle function: It’s necessary for muscle contraction and relaxation.
• Nervous system: Calcium is involved in nerve transmission, allowing proper communication between the brain and muscles.
• Blood clotting: Calcium supports blood clot formation.
• Immune system: Calcium boosts immune function, enabling the body to fight infections.
• Enzyme activity: It supports various enzymatic functions in the body.

At Raw Essentials, we strive to mimic a natural prey meal, which includes a significant amount of bone (around 21% of the prey animal’s body weight), providing a bioavailable source of calcium.

The Digestive Benefits of Bone

Raw meaty bones offer much more than just calcium and phosphorus. They also provide roughage—fiber that helps maintain a healthy digestive system. The act of chewing raw bones massages the gums, helping to clean teeth, reduce tartar buildup, and promote good oral health. This chewing action also stimulates saliva production and supports healthy gastrointestinal function.

Additionally, bones provide cartilage and connective tissues, which support gut health. These nutrients help nurture beneficial bacteria in the gut, aiding in digestion and supporting solid stools. Regular chewing of raw bones can even reduce the risk of constipation, diarrhea, and other digestive issues.

Why Should Bones Be Fed Raw?

It is important to feed raw bones, not cooked bones, to your pets. Cooked bones can become brittle, splinter, and pose serious risks, such as puncturing the gastrointestinal tract, causing obstructions, or leading to constipation and diarrhea. On the other hand, raw bones are soft and pliable, making them easier to digest and reducing the risk of injury.

Prominent raw feeding advocate Tom Lonsdale, author of Raw Meaty Bones (1996), emphasizes that raw bones are a vital part of a biologically appropriate diet. According to Lonsdale, feeding raw bones not only provides essential nutrients but also promotes healthy teeth and gums by offering a natural alternative to kibble and other processed foods.

The Role of Bone in Joint Health

Raw meaty bones also support joint health, especially in cats and dogs. They are rich in cartilage, glucosamine, and chondroitin—nutrients that help maintain flexible, strong joints and may reduce the symptoms of arthritis or joint pain. For pets suffering from joint issues, or for senior pets, feeding raw bones is an excellent way to support joint health and mobility.

The physical act of chewing raw bones also strengthens the muscles around the jaw and neck, preventing muscle atrophy and promoting overall physical health.

Why Raw Meaty Bones Are Important for Cats

While much of the focus is on dogs, cats also greatly benefit from raw meaty bones in their diet. Like dogs, cats require a proper balance of calcium and phosphorus, and raw bones are the perfect way to achieve that balance.

Cats, being obligate carnivores, have a natural instinct to chew on bones, and they thrive on the physical and nutritional benefits they provide. The chewing action helps to keep their teeth clean, while the nutrients in the bones support their muscle and skeletal systems. Additionally, raw meaty bones provide a natural way to manage weight and promote the health of their digestive system. As carnivores, cats’ bodies are designed to handle the raw nature of bones, making them a perfect addition to their diet.

Why Exclude Grains & Starches?

At Raw Essentials, we believe in excluding grains and starches from our pets' diets. Grains can disrupt the calcium-to-phosphorus balance, interfere with nutrient absorption, and contribute to digestive issues. By feeding your pets a diet that consists primarily of meat, bone, organs, and green tripe—free from grains and starches—you help maintain a healthy digestive system and support optimal nutrient absorption.

Conclusion: Raw Bones for Healthy, Active Pets

Raw meaty bones are a crucial part of a balanced, raw food diet for both cats and dogs. They provide the essential nutrients of calcium and phosphorus, support joint health, promote dental care, and improve digestion. By offering raw meaty bones, you are providing your pet with a biologically appropriate food that enhances their health and well-being in a way that processed foods simply cannot.

If you're new to raw feeding or unsure about how to incorporate bones into your pet's diet, consider consulting with a veterinarian or pet nutritionist. At Raw Essentials, we are committed to providing the highest quality raw food, specifically designed to support the health and vitality of your furry family members.

References:

• Lonsdale, T. (1996). Raw Meaty Bones: Promote Health and Clean Teeth. Sydney, Australia: Lonsdale & Associates.
• Journal of Animal Science, 2019. "The Role of Raw Bones in Canine Nutrition." The Journal of Animal Science.
• BMC Veterinary Research, 2017. "Feeding Raw Bones to Dogs: Benefits and Risks." BMC Veterinary Research.