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This guy does not know what he is talking about.  Raw bones are soft and highly digestible.  Cooked bones become hard and brittle.  I guess you could say it is possible to choke on a raw bone but, it is possible to choke on dog kibble also, just not probable.  Just be sure to give large bones, like leg or knuckle bones. Kyla – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – >If you want to kill your dog from splinters in the esophagus, stomach or >intestines it does not matter whether bones are cooked or raw. >I would like to buy some bones from my butcher for my dog, and was >wondering >if I should cook them first or just give as is. >– >Thank You! >Eric marceau

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> I would like to buy some bones from my butcher for my dog, and was wondering > if I should cook them first or just give as is. > — > Thank You! > Eric marceau

Raw is better than cooked. Cooked bones definately splinter and break into smaller swallowable pieces. I once gave our airedale puppy the remains of a large t-bone steak that had been on the b.b.q…. well he devoured it in three bites. Next thing you know he’s got a chunk lodged in his bowel and was very ill for quite a few days and I suffered some serious guilt!  Since then I only give marrow or soup (large) bones raw as our vet advised. Donna — The Ryan’s http://www3.sympatico.ca/ryan7

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I would like to buy some bones from my butcher for my dog, and was wondering if I should cook them first or just give as is. — Thank You! Eric marceau

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Eric, Cooked bones are what you need to worry about- they splinter, while when raw bones do not. I feed raw chicken wings and turkey necks. The turkey necks are great- have softer bones in them, but work great for cleaning teeth. My 12 y.o. golden had lots of tartar build-up on his back teeth, but the turkey necks have really helped to clean it up. Theya re cheap too- I get mine for 18 cents a lb! I also give them beef marrow bones for recreational chewing. Thick ones so they can’t break any pieces off. They love to lick the marrow out and chew on them for days- outdoors, I prefer! I have had no problems at all with feeding them this way. They are doing very well. Good luck Kristen Kristen Bell-Sprouse, PIA-Certified Aromatherapist, Member National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy Featuring "Aromadog" natural products & remedies for canine ailments based on essential oils and Aromatherapy: http://www.divinedog.com My Goldens: http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Valley/9713/

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> I would like to buy some bones from my butcher for my dog, and was wondering > if I should cook them first or just give as is. > — > Thank You! > Eric marceau

Eric, nothing wrong with raw bones …. I give mine bones about 4 times a week which they chew to death …… they also get chicken carcasses and wings. The only time mine get cooked bones is when they are large solid bones that cannot splinter like leg bones …… these are good. I have never had a dog choke or get problems in the bowel with this.  They will if you give them small chop bones cooked etc …… If your dog is big try getting the larger leg bones ….. I have 6 maltese.

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> If you want to kill your dog from splinters in the esophagus, stomach or > intestines it does not matter whether bones are cooked or raw.

What a load of crap!!  Dogs have been eating raw bones for thousands of years with no problems then along comes us humans and domesticate them and then start filling them with rubbish canned food because the pet food companies convince us that our dogs wil now suddenly choke on what they have eaten for thousands of years with no problem!! I have fed my dogs – no matter what breed – raw bones from the time they first took an interest in meat …. I have never had a dog choke on them, get bound up by them etc yet.  Bones provide the calcium necessary for the dog to have a nice white stool that does not smell and disintergrates soon after defacation. Canned and processed food is what leaves piles of doggy-doo everywhere. Mate, you need to do a little more reading and thinking about this one!

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> I would like to buy some bones from my butcher for my dog, and was wondering > if I should cook them first or just give as is.

On the advice of others in this group, I now give my 1-yr-old, 35 lb terrier mix raw bones.  He gets one maybe once a week (usually given to occupy him if we’re going away for a few hours).  I buy him "soup bones" – shank bones – that are at least 2" long. Anything "shallower" than that, and I would fear splintering. Also, it would take him far less time to get the marrow out. As long as the walls of the bone seem thick, and as long as your dog doesn’t have the bone-crushing capacity of a Rotti, you should be fine. As for another poster’s comments about splinters in intestines, etc., killing your dog — yes, this will happen with the wrong kinds of bones. Thick walled shank bones shouldn’t splinter. Best bet, keep an eye on your dog and see what kind of damage it does to the bone I’ve tried a few cooked bones with my pup and these DO tend to "chip"…not really splinter.  I didn’t feel comfortable with that. I think the trick is – keep an eye on your dog, and do remember that moderation is the key. (also, my boy keeps his bones for a long time, and if I see that one is starting to chip a little – I’ve yet to see it from the raw bones) – I toss it out.) good luck, Eric. illona – and happy bone-eating Murph-monster

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Eric My Rhodesians were given bones every second day, and they love them, especially if they have marrow in.  I make sure that they get reasonably sized bones, no the small type or chicken bones.  Helps keep their teeth in good condition and helps with bad breath too!! Sharyn – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I would like to buy some bones from my butcher for my dog, and was wondering > if I should cook them first or just give as is. > — > Thank You! > Eric marceau

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If you want to kill your dog from splinters in the esophagus, stomach or intestines it does not matter whether bones are cooked or raw. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – >I would like to buy some bones from my butcher for my dog, and was wondering >if I should cook them first or just give as is. >– >Thank You! >Eric marceau

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