A question about RMBs for puppies

Hello,

We have a 4 month old lab. We got him when he was 9 weeks old. He's been on a kibble diet so far but I'm keen to get him on raw foods. I'm not sure when we'll switch over to raw fulltime but I do want to provide him with raw bones as soon as possible. I got some beef marrow bones and some soup bones from over the grocery. Apart from any conceivable risks from chewing on bones at such an early age, could you also provide insight on how I should store unfinished bones? I'm pretty sure I won't let him eat the whole thing at the first setting so would it be ok if I stowed away the half-chewed stuff into the freezer?

Sorry if these have been answered before. And thanks in advance!

[Luc-Luca-Lucas]

First off, marrow bones are not RMB's, they are recreational bones. They aren't used for any part of the diet except a treat because the dog doesn't actually eat the bone, only the marrow. Puppies can have a tough time with marrow bones because they are very rich so if you want to start giving it to him by scooping out the majority of the marrow that would be a good idea. A lot of people don't like to give puppies "extras" until they are at least 6 months old and able to excrete things they don't needs as not to build up excess.

As far as storage, I've always just thrown them back into the freezer and handed them out later. Marrow doesn't freeze so there is no need to thaw.

[curiouslearn]

Originally Posted by CharlesWard

Hello,

We have a 4 month old lab. We got him when he was 9 weeks old. He's been on a kibble diet so far but I'm keen to get him on raw foods. I'm not sure when we'll switch over to raw fulltime but I do want to provide him with raw bones as soon as possible. I got some beef marrow bones and some soup bones from over the grocery. Apart from any conceivable risks from chewing on bones at such an early age, could you also provide insight on how I should store unfinished bones?

There is a Yahoo group called rawfeeding that has a lot of information on feeding raw. The most frequent contributors there believe quite unanimously that marrow bones are bad for your dogs teeth. They will eventually cause your dog's teeth to break. But many people here seem to have had no problems with it. So you should decide, but I thought I should bring that to your attention.

[angus&teddy]

Originally Posted by CharlesWard

Hello,

We have a 4 month old lab. We got him when he was 9 weeks old. He's been on a kibble diet so far but I'm keen to get him on raw foods. I'm not sure when we'll switch over to raw fulltime but I do want to provide him with raw bones as soon as possible. I got some beef marrow bones and some soup bones from over the grocery. Apart from any conceivable risks from chewing on bones at such an early age, could you also provide insight on how I should store unfinished bones? I'm pretty sure I won't let him eat the whole thing at the first setting so would it be ok if I stowed away the half-chewed stuff into the freezer?

Sorry if these have been answered before. And thanks in advance!

What are the soup bones that you got like? Are they just slices of marrow bones or are they knuckle bones? Knuckle bones are a big no-no to me.

Here is a very heart wrenching thread about Chad, another members dog after he ate a knuckle bone.

[Asquared]

As far as feeding raw, don't let his age stop you. If done correctly, puppies have no problems with raw diets. I have had my youngest raw fed since he came home from the breeder, and he's great.

I personally do not give marrow bones unless they're really meaty. Gnawing on a cleaned off bone just kind of makes me nervous. I prefer really big knuckle (bison) bones that are really meaty, and when they are whittled down I take them away. Not the cheapest route, but it sure keeps their teeth nice