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Anco

Anco Ostrich Whole Metatarsus Bones – Natural Chew with Tendon

Anco Ostrich Whole Metatarsus Bones – Natural Chew with Tendon

£8.00 GBP
£8.00 GBP
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The Anco ostrich whole metatarsus bone is a large-format natural chew designed for dogs that work through softer treats too quickly. The metatarsus is a dense, weight-bearing bone from the ostrich's lower leg — the "whole" designation means it includes the extra knuckle joint at one end, making it significantly larger and more complex than a standard metatarsus section. The tendon is still attached, which adds to the chew interest and extends the session considerably. At 1% fat, ostrich bone is one of the leanest naturally available chews.

  • Whole bone with extra knuckle: The knuckle joint at the end of the bone gives strong chewers more to work on and extends the overall life of the chew compared to a plain shaft section. The irregular shape and texture at the joint end also keeps dogs engaged for longer.
  • Tendon still attached: The natural tendon adds a softer chew element alongside the dense bone, extending the session and providing additional flavour interest. Dogs typically work on both parts progressively during a chew.
  • 100% ostrich — low fat, hypoallergenic: Ostrich is a single novel protein with virtually no fat (1%). It is naturally hypoallergenic and grain free, making it a useful chew option for dogs on restricted diets or those with sensitivities to common proteins such as chicken or beef.
  • Supports dental hygiene: The natural abrasive action of chewing on dense bone helps reduce plaque and tartar build-up on the teeth over time. Not a substitute for brushing, but a practical and enjoyable complement to a dental hygiene routine.
  • For strong, enthusiastic chewers: The dense structure of ostrich metatarsus bone is appropriate for large breeds and dogs that tend to destroy softer chews quickly. Not recommended as a first chew for small or toy breeds.

Composition (per 100g)

Component Value
Protein 30%
Ash 64%
Fat 1%

Ingredients: 100% Ostrich

Feeding and safety

Always supervise your dog when giving any bone chew. Natural bones can splinter during chewing — remove the bone if it becomes small enough to swallow whole, if sharp edges develop, or if your dog shows signs of gulping rather than chewing. Ensure fresh water is always available. Feed as a treat or reward alongside a complete, balanced diet — not as a meal replacement. Suitable from 12 weeks.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place. Once opened, keep sealed and use within four to six weeks.

Anco is a UK-based natural treats brand focused on single-ingredient, minimally processed chews. Hairy Dogs stocks the Anco Naturals range as part of our curated selection of natural chews for dogs.

Common questions

What is a metatarsus bone?
The metatarsus is the group of bones in the lower leg between the ankle and the toes — the equivalent of the arch and upper foot in humans. In an ostrich, this is a single large, very dense bone. As a dog chew, it offers significantly more resistance than softer alternatives like ears or hide, making it appropriate for dogs that need a longer-lasting, more challenging chew.
What does "whole" mean — how is this different from a standard metatarsus bone?
A standard metatarsus bone is typically the shaft section only. The "whole" designation means this bone also includes the knuckle joint at one end — the wider, more complex joint end of the bone. This makes it physically larger, adds a different texture for the dog to work on, and typically extends the overall chew duration compared to a shaft-only section.
Is there a risk of splintering?
Yes — as with all natural bone chews, there is a risk of splintering, particularly as the bone becomes smaller or if your dog chews aggressively at a single point. Always supervise your dog during a chew session. Remove the bone immediately if sharp fragments develop, if it becomes small enough to swallow whole, or if your dog begins to gulp rather than chew. Natural bone chews are not appropriate for dogs that are unsupervised.
How long does the chew typically last?
Chew duration varies significantly depending on your dog's size, chewing style, and intensity. For a large breed with a strong chew drive, expect anywhere from 20 minutes to several sessions over multiple days — the dense ostrich bone is considerably tougher than cartilage-based chews. A dog that tends to gulp or chew aggressively at a single point will get through it faster than one that chews methodically across the surface.
Is this suitable for puppies?
Suitable from 12 weeks, but size and supervision matter. For a young puppy, the hardness and size of this bone may not be appropriate — a dense large-breed bone is better matched to a dog with developed adult teeth and sufficient jaw strength to chew it safely rather than gulp it. Always supervise and assess whether the size of the bone is appropriate for your puppy's current stage of development.
My dog has a chicken or beef sensitivity — is this suitable?
Yes — ostrich is a novel protein that is unrelated to chicken, beef, pork, or lamb. The only ingredient is 100% ostrich, with no additives, preservatives, or grain-based binders. This makes it a practical chew option for dogs on elimination diets or those with diagnosed sensitivities to more common protein sources. As always, introduce any new food gradually.
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