Both dogs and cats rely on bones as a major part of their diet for a variety of reasons including teeth cleaning and the myriad of benefits which flow from that together with the nutritional attributes of bones, their psychological benefits and so on.
Raw meaty bones supply the bulk of your pet's energy requirements, water, protein, fat, mineral and vitamin requirements, together with enzymes, antioxidants and other anti-aging nutrients. In other words raw meaty bones are the one single food item that could be considered an almost nutritionally adequate diet for our pets. Our pets may live on this one food item for most, if not all of their life and remain in excellent health.
Whole raw bones have benefits beyond nutrition. They play a major role in maintaining the health of your pet's immune system and also its mouth, teeth and gums. They also provide unique psychological and physical benefits not available from any other source.
One controversial aspect of the BARF dog diet is the use of whole, raw, meaty bones as food for our dogs. For most dogs, whole raw meaty bones do not constitute a danger. They simply and easily promote positive good health being a biologically appropriate food for our dogs. However, where there is a perceived danger, do not stop feeding bones. In these cases, simply use bones that have been finely ground.
IMORTANT NOTE: NEVER, NEVER FEED YOUR PET COOKED BONES!