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When I started feeding raw, I was nervous about adding bone and thought bone meal would be a better alternative. Now, years later, I no longer add bone meal and this post explains why and shares alternatives to both raw bones and bone meal that will meat a dog's nutritional needs.

When feeding DIY raw, what do you do if you can't find a source for bone? I've been fortunate because I have several sources (raw food co-op, restaurant supply store, ethnic markets, local farms), so I haven't had to find a bone substitute – but not everyone is that lucky. I've seen many raw feeders recommend dairy products, green tripe, and bone meal as an alternative. In this article, I will share what I do when I don't have bone for a meal (or meal prep), and why I don't feed bone meal (and the other alternatives) in place of bone.

Why Bones are Important for Raw Fed Dogs

When formulating a dog's raw diet, I start with an 80/10/10 blend – 80% muscle meat, 10% bone, and 10% organ meat. It's important to have bone in the diet for several reasons…

Essential Nutrients – bones are an excellent source of calcium and phosphorous, which are vital for teeth and bone strength, support organ and tissue functions, and are ideal for growing puppies (so don't skimp on the bones).

Gut Health – bone tissue and fibers aid digestion and prevent loose stools by binding to food in the digestive tract. I often add additional bone to the meal when a dog has loose stool.

Satisfies the Chew Drive – carnivores naturally desire to chew, providing essential mental stimulation. Ripping and tearing are enjoyable challenges, similar to solving a puzzle. This stimulation releases endorphins and prevents them from chewing on unwanted objects when bored.

A Jaw Workout – your dog can strengthen their mouth, jaw, neck, and shoulders by chewing on edible or recreational bones.

Teeth Cleaning – bones help clean dogs' teeth and prevent gum disease by removing plaque and tartar buildup.

However, it's important to note that not all bones are safe for dogs to consume. Cooked bones, especially those from poultry, can splinter and pose a choking hazard or cause internal injuries. Always provide raw bones that are appropriate in size for your dog's breed and supervise them while they're chewing.

What's Bone Meal?

Food-grade bone meal is a product made from finely ground bones that are typically sourced from animals such as cattle or fish. It is processed and treated to ensure it meets specific safety standards for food and animal feed use.

Food-grade bone meal is produced by grinding and processing bones from animals. The bones undergo a series of steps to remove impurities, sterilize the material, and ensure it meets food safety standards. The resulting finely ground powder is rich in minerals like calcium and phosphorus, making it a common nutritional supplement for pets, livestock, and plants.

When shopping for food-grade bone meal, here are a few factors to consider:

Source and Quality: Look for products that clearly state the source of the bones and ensure they are from reliable and reputable sources. High-quality bone meal should be free from contaminants like heavy metals or additives.

Safety and Regulatory Compliance: Check if the product complies with relevant food safety regulations and standards, such as those set by the FDA or other local regulatory bodies. Look for products that are tested for contaminants and meet the necessary quality control standards.

Nutrient Content: Consider the nutrient profile of the bone meal. It should contain a balanced amount of minerals, especially calcium and phosphorus, which are essential for bone health. Ensure the product's nutrient content aligns with your dog's nutritional requirements.

Processing Method: The processing method can impact the bone meal's quality and nutrient availability. Look for products that use gentle processing techniques to preserve the integrity of the nutrients and ensure they are bioavailable for absorption.

Packaging and Storage: Proper packaging is essential to maintain the quality and freshness of the bone meal. Choose products that are securely packaged to prevent moisture or air exposure. Additionally, check if the product has a reasonably long shelf life and follow the storage instructions provided.

Why I Don't Use Bone Meal in Raw Feeding

I don't use bone meal for two reasons – (1) I can source bones and I have a meat grinder, and (2) I never found a source of bone meal that I could trust.

  • Many food grade bone meal manufacturers use heat to process their meal, which makes it difficult for dogs to digest, preventing them from gaining the calcium/phosphorus benefits.
  • The calcium in food grain bone meal is less bio-available and our dogs may be getting less than 50% of the calcium.
  • Many manufacturers source their bone meal from other countries, increasing the risk of contaminants.
  • The calcium-phosphorous ratio in bone meal may not be ideal for dogs.

Recently, I've begun to notice bone meal options, but these aren't for meal formulation. I would use one of the following if I needed to add more calcium to the diet of a growing puppy and bones weren't always available:

  • Four Leaf Rover – this natural supplement contains calcium, phosphorus, and Vitamin D to support joint health, teeth, and bones. It's sourced from grass-fed australian beef bone, formulated by a holistic veterinarian, and made in the US. I like that this product includes Vitamin D to facilitate calcium absorption.
  • Buck Bone Organics Ground Wild Elk and Deer Antler Powder for Dogs – this all natural supplement is made from naturally shed elk and deer antlers. It's high in calcium and other minerals to support bones, teeth, and joints. My only issue with this product is that I'll have to balance the phosphorus in the meal and I may need more Vitamin D to help with the calcium absorption.

An Alternative to Bone Meal

If raw bones aren't an option and you can't find a quality source of bone meal, you can try seaweed calcium.

Seaweed calcium is a dietary supplement derived from various types of seaweed, such as red algae or lithothamnion. It is known for its high calcium content and is often used as an alternative to traditional calcium supplements derived from sources like limestone or coral.

Benefits of Seaweed Calcium

Calcium Source: Seaweed calcium provides a bioavailable form of calcium that is easily absorbed by the body, making it an excellent option for raw feeders who don't have a source for raw bones or a meat grinder.

Minerals and Trace Elements: Seaweed calcium is also a great source of magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, boron, and zinc. These nutrients are important for maintaining overall health.

Bone Health: Calcium is essential for maintaining healthy bones and teeth. Adequate calcium intake is essential for bone development, strength, and health; especially when Vitamin D is also added to the diet.

Sustainability: Seaweed is a sustainable resource that can be harvested without depleting natural habitats. It requires no additional land, fertilizers, or freshwater to grow, making it an environmentally-friendly source of calcium.

The Downside of Seaweed Calcium

The reason I stopped using seaweed calcium is because it's important to (1) balance calcium and phosphorus, and (2) the diet needs Vitamin D to aid absorption of the calcium. While this can be figured out with the assistance of Animal Diet Formulator software, it's much easier to feed raw bone and use a base mix.

What About Eggshells?

About 95% of the eggshell contains calcium carbonate; but it only has 0.3% phosphorus. Using eggshells requires an adjustment to the diet to balance the calcium:phosphorus ratio. If ground eggshells is the best option for calcium, then the amount used (along with supporting nutrients) can be calcuated with the help of Animal Diet Formulator software .

It's important to buy from a quality source. I source pasture-raised eggs from friends who raise chickens, so I don't have to worry about what was used to rinse the eggs that are so shiny and clean at our grocery stores.

I don't use ground eggshells for my dogs' diet. Instead, I sprinkle them in my flower garden to deter slugs and enrich the soil.

What About Dairy Products?

While milk is a great source of calcium for humans, it's not the best option for dogs. Cow's milk contains more lactose and feeding it may lead to digestive upset. Raw goat's milk is easier for dogs to digest and it contains more calcium. However, this doesn't make milk an appropriate substitute for raw bones.

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