>
> Feed them both a variety of raw meat. Supposedly it's dangerous to feed
> dogs chicken bones, as the bones splinter and the dog can perforate their
> oesophagus (sp?) or choke on it if they swallow without chewing properly.



As explained in the Billinghurst and Schultze books, **raw** bones are what
should be fed in a BARF (bones and raw food) diet.    Cooked bones, of any
kind, are indeed dangerous.  Cooking changes their composition, making them
more brittle, easier to break into sharp pieces and more difficult to
digest.  They can act like fish hooks in the intestines, tearing at
internal tissues, and can also cause impaction.

Raw, meaty bones, are best.  Beef marrow bones usually don't have much meat
on them, but are good for "recreational" chewing. Raw turkey necks, chicken
necks are good because the ridges of the neck bones exercise the gums and
act as an efficient "toothbrush."  They also provide a good meat to bone
ratio (as do chicken wings).  

Bone appetit to your critters (sorry, couldn't resist).



Lynda Bryson
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