Greyhounds and raw bones

[PetraStrorm]

My rescue greyhound is nearly 5, and as far as I know may never have chewed a bone in her life before (I've had her for 18 months). Her teeth are in good condition for a greyhound and her everyday food is kibble with water added (she eats it while it's still crunchy).

I think she'd love the odd raw bone to chew on as a treat - as something to do and as a teeth-cleaner. I'm after some advice as to how best to start off. She's a big dog, therefore would need a big bone, but I'm worried about her chomping off massive chunks before I can intervene and ending up at the vet (already had an emergency visit when she ate my leather wallet but that's another story).

Am I being PFG (Precious First Greyhound)? Should I just chuck a nice big knucklebone at her and watch her let rip?

[humptymince]

Hi there's some good info here dogsdinner2.webs.com/giveadogabone.htm

I have a lurcher (half greyhound) and have been feeding her frozen chicken wings since she was about 8 months, they last longer frozen so doesn't gulp them down. Freezing also kills bacteria. Don't feed any weight baring bones are they too hard and might break your dogs teeth.

[Myredrose]

I give frozen bones to my rescue dog too.

[PetraStrorm]

Thanks for the replies. It's the weight bearing bones I'm wondering about. I might start with a few chicken wings and see how she gets on.

[curryandrice]

My rescue greyhound loves ribs, chicken wings and marrow bones. His teeth are quite good for greyhound according to the vet.

[PetraStrorm]

I've found a local pet shop that stocks frozen raw food including chicken wings/necks etc, so I'll try her with those first.

[Clg199]

I know it's not exactly what you asked, but my greyhound loves the reindeer antler chews that you can buy. They're not cheap (£12 or so) but they survive extended chewing over months because they don't break like bones do, they can only scrape a tiny bit off at a time. This seems to spur him on for more, and is really good for his teeth. He also has a water buffalo horn but he's not as keen on that, I think because it's all curled in on itself and he can't work out how to hold it.

[PetraStrorm]

I've considered the antlers but I was worried again about how tough they might be on her teeth. I'm going to the vet soon so I'll get his advice on what her teeth will be ok with, and whether I need to work up to the tougher stuff.

[TrionicLettuce]

If you're worried about things like antlers being too hard have a loot at Anco Roots/Chewroots. They've got a sort of woody texture and aren't as quite as hard on the teeth.

One of my whippets sheared off most of a large molar (the remains of which then had to be removed) on an antler so I give them the roots instead now.

[PetraStrorm]

Hadn't heard of those Trionic, I'll have a look, thanks