Following the recent announcement from the FDA regarding the safety of processed bone treats, the UK and Europe’s leading experts in raw and natural pet food Natures Menu, wants to highlight the safety of raw bones and chews, when fed appropriately.

Bones are safe to be fed raw and if selected appropriately for the age and experience of the animal. Raw bones are moisture rich, softer and more flexible compared to cooked bones. Once a bone is cooked they become very dry and brittle which is when they can easily splinter and potentially cause problems.

Melanie Sainsbury, Natures Menu’s Veterinary Nurse, said: “All our bones are raw and natural with no additives, and no processing. They are simply chopped and bagged for retail, as a butcher would do.

“The FDA defines a ‘bone treat’ as “real bones that have been processed, sometimes flavoured, and packaged for dogs.

"These are unlike butcher bones and the bones that we produce here at Natures Menu, which are uncooked and have no added flavour. We would never recommend bones to be cooked before feeding as the drying that occurs through cooking means the bone is susceptible to splintering, which can be dangerous for the dog.

“Natures Menu bones and chews are the safest way to feed your dog a bone treat and there have been numerous benefits associated with feeding them including improved skin health, joint health and firmer stools. In addition to this, chewing can be an immensely satisfying and relaxing experience for dogs as well as improve dental health.  A softer, uncooked, raw bone will clean a dog’s teeth without the worry of it splintering.”

Natures Menu produces raw bones, chewing meats and offal which are the perfect addition to a raw or natural diet for dogs, adding texture and variety as well as a host of nutritional benefits to its complete and balanced meals. The range is produced to be safe, easy to serve and totally scrumptious for four legged friends.

For more information on feeding raw bones and chews please visit https://www.naturesmenu.co.uk/advice-centre/feeding-raw-bones

FDA’s warning that processed bone treats for pets could be potentially deadly after an estimated 15 dogs have died, was reported by the Huffington Post. Read the report here http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/fda-warning-dog-bone-treats-death_us_5a1db88ce4b003f9c7fb0dbb