Homecooking for our pets – the debate about bones

I refer to my post http://animalcare.my/2012/03/02/restarting-on-the-home-cooked-food-again/

There will always be an ongoing debate about feeding bones to your animals.

Here’s what I have gathered, though I strongly urge you to seek expert advice before feeding bones to your animals.

The below is only a sharing and is by no means, nutritional advice.

1. Raw bone is good for our animals because it contains calcium and bone marrow. Bone marrow has a wonderful quality that is very good for the health of the animal. This is why animals in the wild chew on the bones of the herbivorous animals that they prey upon.

About bone marrow: http://www.marksdailyapple.com/bone-marrow-recipe/#axzz1olq1FYeh

2. Cooked bones still contain calcium but the nutritional value of the bone marrow is no longer there. Do NOT feed cooked bones because it can cause splintering due to the sharp fragments. Even ground bones may have fragments.

3. Bones (from the neck, wing, ribs) can be fed to our animals PROVIDED there is sufficient fibre in the diet. Bones may calcify in the intestines and may cause health problems. This can be prevented by providing enough fibre in the diet.

4. It is advisable NOT to feed long bones as it may cause splintering.

5. Finely crushed eggshells can be used as a calcium supplement for our homecooked meals. Cook the chicken parts WITH the bone, then debone before feeding. The calcium will leach into the cooked food.

6. Expose the animals to natural sunshine for Vitamin D. Vit D aids in the absorption of calcium. So, some fun in the sun is good!

This much is what I’ve gathered from friends who have homecooked for their animals for decades and done research on their own. Please consult your veterinarian or nutritionist for professional advice.

Please see this: http://www.ehow.com/decision_7228649_should-dog-cooked-raw-bones_.html