Homemade bone meal can be a nutritious addition to a dog’s diet when prepared properly. Bone meal provides calcium and phosphorus which supports strong bones and teeth. However, there are some risks with homemade bone meal that dog owners should consider before feeding it to their pets.
What is bone meal?
Bone meal is a powder made from ground animal bones that have been steamed and dried. It is a source of calcium and phosphorous. Bone meal can be purchased commercially, but some dog owners opt to make their own homemade versions.
Homemade bone meal is usually made by obtaining raw bones, typically from cows or chickens. The bones are then boiled to remove most of the fat and tissue. After boiling, the bones are baked at a high temperature until completely dried and brittle. The dried bones are then ground into a fine powder.
Benefits of bone meal for dogs
There are several potential benefits of bone meal for dogs:
- High in calcium – Bone meal is rich in calcium which is essential for healthy bones and teeth. The calcium in bone meal is well absorbed.
- Source of phosphorus – Phosphorus works with calcium to strengthen the skeletal system. Bone meal contains phosphorus in a natural, bioavailable form.
- Supports bone health – The calcium and phosphorus in bone meal supports bone mineralization and can help prevent disorders like rickets and osteoporosis.
- May improve dental health – Calcium strengthens tooth enamel, while phosphorus maintains healthy teeth.
- Cost effective – Homemade bone meal can be a cheaper alternative to commercial calcium supplements.
For dogs that need more calcium and phosphorus in their diet, bone meal can be a healthy supplement. Homemade bone meal may contain more nutrients than commercial versions if made from quality bones.
Nutritional content of bone meal
The exact nutritional content of bone meal can vary based on the specific bones used. However, typical bone meal is around:
- 35-40% calcium
- 15-20% phosphorus
- Less than 1% magnesium and sodium
- Trace amounts of other minerals like zinc, iron, copper, manganese
Nutritionally, bone meal from different animals tends to be quite similar, though bovine bone meal often has the highest calcium levels.
Risks of homemade bone meal
While bone meal can be beneficial, there are some potential risks with homemade preparations that dog owners should be aware of:
- Bacterial contamination – Bones that have not been sterilized properly can harbor pathogenic bacteria like salmonella and E. coli.
- Heavy metal accumulation – Bones can accumulate toxic heavy metals over the lifetime of an animal. These include lead, arsenic, mercury, and cadmium.
- Unbalanced calcium and phosphorus – If bones are not cleaned thoroughly, bone meal may have too much phosphorus relative to calcium.
- Gastrointestinal irritation – Bone fragments in bone meal can irritate the digestive tract or get lodged in the gastrointestinal tract.
To avoid these risks, extreme care must be taken when preparing homemade bone meal for dogs. Bones should always be sterilized by boiling before baking and proper gloves and equipment should be used to prevent bacterial contamination during processing.
How to make bone meal safely
If you want to make your own bone meal for dogs, here are some tips for proper preparation:
- Choose raw beef or lamb bones, avoiding weight bearing bones which are denser.
- Wash bones thoroughly before boiling.
- Boil bones for at least 10 minutes to kill bacteria and viruses.
- Change the water 2-3 times during boiling.
- Roast bones at 350°F until completely dry and brittle, about 20 minutes.
- Let bones cool completely before grinding to prevent bone meal from heating up.
- Use a dedicated coffee grinder or high power blender to create a fine powder.
- Sift bone meal through a mesh strainer to remove larger chunks.
- Store bone meal in an airtight container in the freezer.
Always monitor your dog closely when first introducing bone meal supplements. Start with small amounts to gauge tolerance.
Recommended serving sizes
The appropriate amount of bone meal to feed dogs depends on the size and health of your pet. Guidelines per day:
- Small dogs under 20 lbs – 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon
- Medium dogs 20-50 lbs – 1/2 to 1 teaspoon
- Large dogs 50-90 lbs – 1 to 2 teaspoons
- Giant dogs over 90 lbs – 2 to 4 teaspoons
Pregnant and lactating female dogs have increased calcium needs and can be fed slightly higher amounts. Growing puppies also require more calcium for skeletal development. Consult your veterinarian for personalized serving recommendations.
Risks by dog size
Larger dogs can safely tolerate more bone meal than smaller dogs. Potential risks associated with too much bone meal include:
| Dog size | Risks |
|---|---|
| Small dogs | Constipation, bone spurs, excess mineral deposits in soft tissues |
| Medium dogs | Difficulty passing stools, gastrointestinal blockage |
| Large dogs | Excessive bone growth, mineral imbalances with other nutrients |
Small dogs are at greatest risk since they cannot safely consume large amounts of bone meal. Give very small servings and monitor stools in petite dogs.
Alternatives to bone meal
Instead of homemade bone meal, consider these healthier alternatives to supplement your dog’s diet with calcium and phosphorus:
- Ground eggshells – Sterilized, dried, and ground eggshells are a natural calcium source.
- Canned sardines – Sardines with bones are a digestible calcium source.
- Yogurt – Plain yogurt provides calcium and probiotics.
- Cheese – Hard cheeses are high in bioavailable calcium.
- Green vegetables – Leafy greens like spinach and kale provide some calcium.
Talk to your vet before giving any new supplement or significantly altering your dog’s diet.
Signs of bone meal toxicity
Feeding too much bone meal can result in calcium toxicity. Watch for these signs of excess calcium:
- Constipation
- Loss of appetite
- Increased thirst and urination
- Lethargy
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain and distension
Hypercalcemia from bone meal overdose can potentially lead to serious health complications including kidney stones, bone spurs, and organ damage. Seek veterinary help immediately if your dog shows any symptoms of toxicity.
Special considerations
- Growing puppies – Give measured servings based on weight to avoid developmental issues from excess calcium.
- Pregnant/nursing dogs – Monitor calcium intake and adjust as needed to support maternal health and developing puppies.
- Older dogs – Calcium absorption decreases so bone meal may be less beneficial for senior dogs.
- Kidney disease – Dogs with renal disease cannot excrete excess calcium efficiently.
Bone meal may not be appropriate in dogs with certain health conditions. Have your vet evaluate your dog before feeding bone meal.
Conclusion
Homemade bone meal can provide calcium and phosphorus for dogs, but carries risks of bacterial contamination and mineral toxicity. Use caution when preparing bone meal at home – always sterilize bones by boiling and bake at high heat. Monitor your dog’s health closely when first introducing bone meal to watch for any digestive upset. For most dogs, small daily servings of quality bone meal is safe when prepared properly.