Safe raw bones for dental health

Hi everyone. I am looking for specific advice on raw bones. I know there are many opinions, but I need to know which specific bones are safe to feed and how to avoid dental issues? Bella is 6 and asthmatic, so I am worried about any choking or respiratory complications from chewing? Has anyone had success with a particular type of bone?

I have read the thread on raw bones and dental health but it was mostly about fractures. I need to know about the daily impact on teeth. Does anyone have a list of safe options that do not require grinding?

Hey Paul! Sparrow is a 5-year-old Siamese and she is super vocal, so if she had a problem with a bone, I would know immediately. She mostly ignores bones actually, which is funny because Willow the ragdoll would tear into them. I stick to soft meaty parts for her. I think the hard bones are too risky for dental health in the long run.

You might want to check the list of safe raw bones for some ideas on softer options that might be easier on the teeth?

Short answer: chicken necks and backs. They are cheap and durable enough not to splinter easily but soft enough to chew. My Bengals are 6 years old and food motivated. They get one neck a day. No dental issues so far. I ignore the fancy stuff.

Just don't give them weight-bearing bones. That is the rule. If you want more details, look at the pinned raw diet safety guidelines which the moderator posted recently.

I have been feeding cats for decades, including my 14-year-old arthritic DSH named Bella. I am cautious with bones. I prefer to avoid hard bones entirely for dental reasons. Chewing on hard objects can cause micro-fractures in the enamel that lead to issues later.

I recommend looking at dental care tips for raw fed cats instead of relying on bones for cleaning. Soft raw meat is better for oral health in my experience. I calculate the calcium intake separately to ensure balance without the risk of bone shards.

Thanks for the replies. The chicken necks sound like a good start, but I am still worried about Bella's asthma. I found the thread on feeding bones to cats with respiratory issues but it was old. Does anyone know if the act of chewing triggers wheezing in asthmatic cats?

I need to be sure the texture is safe. Is there a specific size or type of chicken neck that is too hard for a cat with lung issues? I do not want to cause a panic attack in her.

Duke is 3 and black and he is energetic. He eats raw rabbit. No bones, just meat. I think bones are a hassle. I just buy the meat and add some supplements. It is cheaper in the long run if you do the math.

Check the thread on managing calories with raw diet to see how to balance things without adding extra treats or bones. It might be simpler than you think. No need to overcomplicate it.

I am new to this. Leo is a 1-year-old tabby kitten. I am so nervous about feeding him bones. Is it even safe for a kitten to chew on chicken necks? I read the list of safe raw bones but it did not specify age limits. I don't want to hurt his baby teeth. Can someone confirm if it is okay for young cats?

Kittens? No. Too risky. Their teeth are different. Wait until they are fully grown. My Tigers are 6 so I am not worried about baby teeth. For a kitten, just stick to pureed meat or soft chunks. Do not give hard bones. It is not worth the risk of a broken tooth or splinter.