Morning, am new here so bear with me. 

I have a 5 month old GSD called Lily. 

She's on Nutro Large Puppy at the moment (was originally on Waggs but we changed that as it didn't seem to be that good...  but each to their own) and she's doing fine on the Nutro - always enthusiastic for brekkie and dinner

Yesterday, whilst in my village buying sausages from the local butcher, I thought about asking whether or not they did bones for dogs (or bones for humans if that's their ilk :) ).  they did, and Lily had her first bone yesterday afternoon - a marrow bone.  I let her have it for about half an hour or so (most quietest half hour I've had without her shadowing me or alseep) just to see how she was and whether or not the marrow would have a detrimental effect on the ole poo department (which it didn't)..  my question is how long should she be allowed the bone for before I bin it? 

Thanks - am sure to be here with lots of other questions too.. 

Welcome!  with my pups I take out all the marrow the first time I give them a bone. then each time I give them another bone I eave a wee bit more in the bone. that way if the marrow is going to affect the poo it wont do it big style!  I let my dogs/pups have the bone as long as they want it.  If it is a middle cut ( not the knuckle) then they keep knawing and clean it well so it isnt a problem laying about the house.  sometimes a bone has been around a while and suddenly they become interested in it again. It is great for there teath. I dont believe in brushing my dogs teeth, they do it themselfs with the bone! I have an 11 +10 yr old and they have fab teeth.

Thanks.. 

I did have a look at the marrow bit when I bought it and did dig out some (gave it to the cats who thought I was the bee's knees - and their poo isn't really my problem as they go outside and seem ok this morning so doubt if anything nasty's happened there).  It's not the knuckle end..  was quite amusing really, asked the butcher for a bone and this bone came flying through the air from the 'choppping up' bit at the back of the shop.

The butcher did say that there are a couple of kennels in this area that have the majority of his chicken carcusses and bones from him - he said he was pleased to get rid of them then at least he didn't have to pay for their disposal but he always keeps a few back for customers coming it - so maybe it's a weekly treat for Lil... 

Hi Lynd2008
like you i gave my Border Collie a marrow bone at a young age (4 months)

i also give as a treat a calcuim meat filled bone (from pet stores)

he is now 2 1/2 yrs and has great white teeth

the knuckle bone i keep up to 5 days but in a plastic bag and fridge when not in use, then chuck it as it will start to smell!!!

i tend to keep away from raw hide as the knots get stuck in his throat, on the odd occasion he'll have a long cigar type raw hide & most importantly I NEVER EVER LEAVE HIM ALONE WITH BONES/CHEWS/TOYS

Tell u what your GSD puppy will love
A Kong! (large size  rubber bee hive shape toy- claim to be almost indestructable) i also bought some liver paste to put inside, u can also put a few dog biscuits, peanut butter smeared inside also works a treat - without food in i also freeze it - what a treat for any pup teething!

The first 6 months my dog was fed scrambled eggs, weetabix, porrige for breakfast and chicken/lamb or beef with rice and vegetables!!!
this is what the breeder (from the southern Border Collie association) recommended and i continued it.

Good luck with ur pup
Helen

Helen

"The first 6 months my dog was fed scrambled eggs, weetabix, porrige for breakfast and chicken/lamb or beef with rice and vegetables!!!
this is what the breeder (from the southern Border Collie association) recommended and i continued it"

The above (unless supplemented) is way too low in calcium; especially for a puppy.   Meat (with no bone) and eggs (with no shell) are low in calcium and high in phosphorous .

The above (unless supplemented) is way too low in calcium;]

sorry to mention

Weetabix & porridge was made with milk as well as the occassional  1/2 yoghurt or fromage frais, his homemade chicken/beef or lamb was supplemented with puppy bakers dried food mixed in

He also (from 4 months) had a good chew on marrow bones

Helen