If you’ve ever had a dog with digestion issues, you know how frustrating it can be. Loose stool, gas that can clear a room, and an upset stomach can make life uncomfortable for both you and your pup. For our Bulldog, Pork Wonton, we struggled to find a solution that truly made a difference—until we started giving him raw bones twice a week. Since making this simple change, his digestion has improved tremendously, and the difference has been noticeable in more ways than one!
How Raw Bones Support Digestion
Raw bones aren’t just great for dental health; they play a crucial role in gut health and digestion too! Here’s how:
Encourages Natural Chewing Behavior – The act of chewing stimulates saliva production, which contains digestive enzymes that help break down food more efficiently. This reduces bloating and gas by promoting proper digestion.
Balances Gut Bacteria – Raw bones contain naturally occurring probiotics and enzymes that support a healthy balance of gut flora. When your dog’s gut bacteria are balanced, digestion improves, and gas becomes less frequent (and less smelly!).
Regulates Stomach Acids – Chewing on raw bones triggers the stomach to produce more digestive acids, which help break down food properly and prevent undigested food from fermenting in the gut—one of the leading causes of bad gas.
Firms Up Stool – If your dog suffers from soft stool or diarrhea, raw bones can help firm things up naturally. The calcium and minerals found in bones help add bulk to stool, making for healthier, more regular bowel movements.
Reduces Food Residue in the Gut – When food isn’t fully digested, it can sit in the intestines and ferment, leading to excessive gas and discomfort. The mechanical act of chewing combined with the natural enzymes in raw bones helps prevent this buildup, reducing gassiness and bloating.
What Kind of Raw Bones Are Best?
Not all bones are created equal, and cooked bones should never be given to dogs as they can splinter and cause serious health risks. Instead, stick to safe, raw meaty bones, such as:
Raw beef marrow bones
Raw bison or lamb bones
Raw duck or turkey necks
Raw knuckle bones
These options are soft enough to chew but still firm enough to provide all the digestive benefits. Also make sure you are picking the appropriate size for your dog. Selecting the right size bone is crucial to ensure your dog gets all the benefits while staying safe. A good rule of thumb is to choose a bone larger than your dog’s mouth to prevent choking or swallowing large pieces whole. Always supervise your dog when giving raw bones and remove any small, sharp, or worn-down pieces to prevent choking or ingestion issues.
How Often Should You Give Raw Bones?
For Pork Wonton, we found that giving raw bones twice a week works best for his digestion. This schedule keeps his stomach happy, his gas levels low, and his poop firm. However, every dog is different, so start slow and monitor how your pup reacts.
If your dog struggles with digestive issues, raw bones might be the missing piece of the puzzle! Stop by Dog Krazy and check out our selection of safe, high-quality raw bones to see how they can improve your dog’s gut health—and save your nose from those room-clearing farts!