Holiday Pet Safety: Why Raw Bones Are the Only Bones Your Dog Should Enjoy This Season

The holidays are a time for family, celebration and let’s be honest - a lot of delicious food. While you’re carving the turkey or roasting a holiday ham, it can be tempting to share some festive leftovers with your dog, especially bones. But before you hand over that drumstick, it’s important to know that cooked bones - especially turkey and ham bones - are extremely dangerous for dogs.

At Raw Performance Dog Food, we want every pet to enjoy the holidays safely. Here’s what you need to know about bone safety this season, and which raw alternatives are healthy, natural, and completely dog-approved.

Why Cooked Bones Are a Holiday Hazard

When bones are cooked - whether boiled, baked, roasted or smoked - they become brittle. This brittleness makes them prone to splintering into sharp fragments that can lead to serious injuries, such as:

• Choking or blockage
• Punctures in the stomach or intestines
• Cracked teeth
• Internal bleeding
• Emergency surgery

Turkey, chicken and ham bones are some of the most dangerous because of their size and shape. Even large dogs can’t safely handle the risks.

Bottom line:No cooked bones, ever.

What to Feed Instead: Safe, Nutritious Raw Bones

Raw bones are completely different from cooked bones. They’re softer, more flexible and packed with nutritional benefits. They help clean teeth, strengthen jaw muscles, and satisfy your dog’s natural chewing instincts.

Here are our top holiday-friendly choices from Raw Performance:

1. Raw Beef Marrow Bones

A holiday favourite!

• Great for all size breeds
• Long-lasting and mentally stimulating
• Rich in healthy fats and minerals

Perfect for keeping your dog occupied while guests arrive.

2. Raw Beef Knuckle Bones

A heavy-duty chew for powerful chewers.

• Extremely durable
• Helps scrape plaque and tartar
• Ideal for large and giant breeds

3. Raw Chicken or Duck Feet

An excellent snack for all sizes - yes, even small dogs!

• Naturally rich in glucosamine
• Supports joint health
• Crunchy, safe, easily digestible

4. Raw Turkey Necks

If you’re craving something “holiday themed,” this is the safe option.

• Meaty and satisfying
• Break down safely when chewed
• Great for cleaning teeth

Note: Always feed neck bones raw - never cooked.

5. Raw Meaty Bones (RMBs)

For experienced raw feeders:

• Provide balanced chewing and nutrition
• Mimic a natural canine diet
• Keep your dog calm and content during the busy season

If you’re unsure which RMB is right for your dog, our team is always happy to help.

Holiday Tips for Bone Feeding Safety

• Always supervise your dog when chewing bones
• Choose the correct size - too small can be a choking hazard
• Store bones frozen to maintain freshness
• Limit chewing to 15–20 minutes to protect teeth
• Only feed approved RAW bones (never weight-bearing beef bones for aggressive chewers unless recommended)

Give Them a Treat That’s Safe - Not Stressful

This holiday season, skip the dangerous leftovers and treat your dog to something nutritious, safe, and designed for them. Raw bones support dental health, mental enrichment and overall wellness - without the risks that come with cooked turkey or ham bones.

Your dog is family, and they deserve the best.Choose Raw Performance - naturally better for your pet.