Raw Marrow Bones

[mamamia1]

My girl absolutely loves marrow bones and I try to give her one or two every week. [We're actually working on bone guarding/aggression but that's a whole other thread] My question is this... If the animal from which these bones come from has any form of blood/bone cancer, can this be absorbed/transmitted through the marrow being eaten? Also, whatever steroids etc that are given to these animals??? I get my bones from the best butcher in town, but that is now guarantee as it is not organic beef. Are these animals tested before they are butchered?

Just a paranoid thought.

[brunie's mom]

I would imagine unless the beef was raised organically, you will not know.
Is the meat that you are eating tested? I doubt it. Meat has to be butchered properly...animals cannot be sick or down, or dead before being butchered. I highly doubt that they test for any chemicals,lead,etc. Cows don't seem to get cancer all that often either.

I don't think steroids are allowed in meat animals anymore? (at least in Canada).

Honestly I would worry more about the chemicals you give in the flea and heartworm products, and repeated vaccinations, more then the occasional marrow bone given.

Gina

[mamamia1]

I agree Gina, I doubt the meat that we eat is tested for these things either, but I don't eat marrow, or organ parts. I guess hypathetically what I'm wondering is, if one consumed cancer cells, would one get cancer. Dog or human.

[brunie's mom]

I don't have an answer to that. But I do think it's highly doubtful. But I do know that if you live long enough...you will die of something...both humans and dogs.

Gina

[mamamia1]

Sad but true...! Back to realty, enjoy life.

[Sheenagirl]

I have a friend that is a butcher in one of the most popular grocery stores here on the west coast of Florida.
He said some of the beef that comes in has tumor spots and they just cut the tumor out and process the rest as usual.
And, unfortunately sick and down animals have gotten into our food supply. I am sure it would be shocking to hear what goes on behind the inspectors backs!

[Nishasmom]

A recent under-cover video the Humane Society took shows sick and injured cows being abused and later slaughtered. The biggest beef recall in US history followed . I try to buy local, or from Whole Foods; all the meat there is hormone and steroid free. I often buy a big bag of bones (marrow?) there for like $5.00.

The Raw Story | Hidden video shows sick cows being abused at plant that reportedly supplies meat to US schools