Bones should only be fed raw to dogs; cooking them destroys the valuable nutrients offered in raw bones.  This process alters the molecular structure, making the bones less digestible. Additionally, cooking meat generates heterocyclic amines (HCAs), which are potentially carcinogenic.

Raw bones for dogs are essential because they support digestion, clean teeth, mentally stimulate, strengthen the jaw and mouth, ease anxiety, and supply essential nutrients like calcium.

It is normal to observe bones on a radiographic x-ray of a dog that is raw-fed. Completely raw bones are more likely to be broken down properly by the stomach acid and digestive tract.

Bones can be categorized  as either consumable or recreational. Consumable bones can be eaten and are the source of bone in the raw diet. Recreational bones are simply for chewing and gnawing and provide enrichment, not nourishment. All marrow bones are recreational.

Another distinction to make  is “traveling bones.” These are all recreational bones that are too dense to be consumed. Traveling bones are the bones attached to large, grazing animals such as cows, bison, deer, elk, moose, and so on. This distinction  can lead to confusion between duck or chicken feet and chicken drumsticks, even though ducks and chickens are not grazing animals.

For optimal dental care, a dog can safely consume one to two raw meaty bones per week. This allows for sufficient teeth cleaning while avoiding potential digestive issues from overfeeding bones.