recreational vs. edible bones

Choosing the right bones for your dog is essential for their health, as not all bones are suitable. Raw meaty bones (RMBs) and air-dried bones are ideal as they retain meat and connective tissues that aid digestion. In contrast, bones that have been cooked at temperatures above 160 °F undergo structural changes, losing moisture and essential nutrients, making them less digestible for dogs.

edible bones

Soft, easily chewed bones, known as edible bones, are ideal for consumption. These bones, typically from birds and small animals, are rich in calcium, phosphorus, and trace minerals, making them a vital part of a raw diet.

recommended raw meaty bones (RMBs)


The following RMBs offer balanced nutrition while generally being safe for dogs:

Feet:  Raw chicken and duck feet are rich in collagen, glucosamine, and chondroitin due to their high connective tissue content. Chicken feet, however, have lower calcium levels than denser bones like turkey necks or wings.
Pork Trotters:  Suited for larger breeds, pork trotters are high in fat and may not be ideal for dogs with fat sensitivity or pancreatitis.
Tails:  Pliable raw meaty bones like pig, lamb, ox, and goat tails can work well for dogs of various sizes when cut into appropriate portions.
Wings: Raw chicken and duck wings, segmented into parts, are a great choice for smaller dogs needing portioned bones.
Dogs with pancreatitis should avoid bones with marrow, as it is high in fat.

bones to avoid

Certain bones can pose risks and should be avoided or fed with caution:

Turkey Drums: Thick turkey leg bones can break into sharp pieces. Use them only for large dogs over 50 pounds, or strip the meat for smaller dogs and use the bone for broth.
Beef Bones: While ground beef bones are safe, whole beef bones are dense and could harm your dog’s teeth or digestive system.
Weight-Bearing Bones: These bones can fracture teeth in aggressive chewers. If fed with attached meat, supervise and remove the bone once the meat is gone.
Machine-Cut Bones: Sharp edges from machine-cut bones can injure the gastrointestinal tract. Remove meat for feeding and save the bone for broth.
Cooked Bones: Never feed cooked bones as they splinter easily, risking damage to the teeth, mouth, and GI tract.

choosing bones by dog size

Matching bone size to your dog’s size helps avoid choking hazards. Here are general recommendations:

Small-Breed Dogs:  Rabbit, Cornish hen, duck feet, and chicken necks.
Medium-Breed Dogs:  Rabbit, duck necks, duck wings, chicken feet, and pork tail.
Large-Breed Dogs:  Pork trotters, duck necks, turkey wings, and turkey necks.
Supervision is key
always supervise your dog while chewing bones, as accidents can happen.

dogs chew in different ways

Gummers:  Lick and nibble gently, taking time to soften the bone before eating.
Nibblers:  Take small bites, enjoying the bone at a slow pace.
Methodical Chewers:  Patiently grind bones into small pieces before swallowing.
Champion Chompers:  Chew more intensely but aren’t hasty to swallow.
Gulpers:  Swallow larger pieces quickly and may need closer supervision.
While gummers, nibblers, and methodical chewers are relatively low-risk, champion chompers and gulpers need extra monitoring to prevent choking or swallowing large, hard pieces.

Finally, dogs used to kibble may need time to adjust to raw bones as their digestive pH can differ, potentially causing nausea or diarrhea initially.

Transitioning your dog to a raw diet can be a rewarding shift toward improved health, but it’s important to approach it with the right techniques to ensure the process is as smooth as possible. Here’s a guide with practical tips and strategies for making the switch.

choose a transition method

There are two main ways to move your dog from kibble to raw:

Cold water Method: 
For dogs that adapt easily to change, the cold water method involves making the switch to raw food all at once. This method works best for younger, resilient dogs, but it may be tough on seniors or sensitive dogs. Be prepared for possible short-term digestive issues, like diarrhea, gas, or vomiting, as your dog’s system detoxes from kibble. If you’re unsure about this transition method, try going slower.
Gradual Transition Method:
 A gradual transition is gentler on your dog’s digestive system, allowing time to adjust to fresh food. Start by introducing small amounts of raw food as treats, then slowly increase the raw portion in their regular meals over time. This approach typically takes between one week to six months, depending on your dog’s health and sensitivity level.

tips for a successful transition

Start with Raw Treats: Introduce small amounts of raw food as treats to see how your dog responds. If their stools remain healthy after a few days, try replacing one kibble meal with raw food and monitor their stools for consistency.
Mix Kibble and Raw: Another method is to add raw food to your dog’s kibble gradually, increasing the raw portion daily. Be aware that kibble and raw food digest differently; if your dog struggles with mixed meals, feed raw in one meal and kibble in another (e.g., raw for breakfast, kibble for dinner).
Lightly Cook to Start: For dogs hesitant about raw textures, try lightly cooking the food and then gradually reduce the cooking time until the food is fully raw.

managing the detox process

During the transition, your dog’s body may detoxify from kibble, which can cause changes like:

Earwax and Eye Discharge: This is natural as toxins exit the body. Gently clean your dog’s ears and eyes.
Mucus in Stools: Mucus may appear as the gut adjusts. Don’t be alarmed; this should pass with time.
Less Thirst: Raw food has higher moisture content, so your dog may drink less water.
Shedding: Temporary excess shedding is common as the body adjusts to the new diet.

troubleshooting tips

If your dog hesitates to try raw food, be patient. Kibble often contains fats and sugars that create a strong taste preference. Set the raw bowl down, give them time, and try a little intermittent fasting—it can stimulate appetite and allow your dog’s body to rebalance. Eventually, most dogs adapt and begin enjoying their raw meals.

simple fresh foods to start

Incorporating fresh foods from your meals can help ease the transition:

Eggs provide complete proteins and essential fats.
Muscle Meat from sources like chicken, beef, or turkey is rich in amino acids and vitamins.
Small Oily Fish such as sardines or mackerel add Omega-3 fatty acids, promoting joint and skin health.
Plain Yogurt or Kefir supports gut health with probiotics.
When introducing new foods, add small amounts—10% of their meal or less—to allow your dog’s system to adjust gradually.

foods to avoid

Some human foods are dangerous for dogs, including chocolate, grapes, onions, xylitol, cooked bones, and caffeine. Always research any new food before offering it.
By taking a measured approach to the transition, you’ll give your dog the best chance to thrive on a raw diet. Just remember: patience and monitoring are key as your dog adjusts.

At nama pet nutrition, we believe in feeding dogs the way nature intended: with whole, human-grade raw foods that provide essential nutrients in the most natural, bioavailable forms. Dogs are biologically designed to thrive on raw meat, bones, and select plant matter, so we prioritize grass-fed, free-range, and organic ingredients. These nutrient-dense meats have a natural balance of omega fatty acids, unlike grain-fed meats, which are often higher in Omega-6 and require balancing with Omega-3-rich foods, like small oily fish, to support optimal health.

The benefits of raw feeding are profound:

Improved bone and joint health, a stronger immune system, shinier coats, and healthier skin. In addition, raw meaty bones in the diet support dental health, jaw strength, and mental stimulation. Raw-fed dogs often have enhanced energy levels, and their digestion reflects this natural diet with smaller, firmer , and less odorous stools.

At nama, we recommend a balanced raw feeding model that consists of:

Based on a dog’s age and weight, dog parents can use our nama food calculator  to customize a fresh, balanced diet for their dog.

variety = longevity

Because variety supports longevity, we encourage rotating a variety of nutrient-dense foods to help your dog live a long, healthy life.