Raw dog food for joint health: In general, raw dog food is a great option for dogs with arthritis and joint pain. That’s because it CAN BE low in grains which cause inflammation.
However, it’s important to understand that if you feed animals that are fed grains rather than plants, your raw dog food will still cause inflammation. That’s why it’s a good idea to feed wild animals (rabbit, deer, ducks, pheasant) or those that are pasture-raised.
Besides grains, too many carbs and too much weight also contributes to joint pain. So it’s important to keep our pups at a healthy weight in the first place!
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Raw Dog Food for Joint Health: What To Be Aware Of In Homemade Raw Dog Food
Feed veggies that are low in carbs
If you add vegetables to your pup’s raw dog food, go for those that are low in carbs because carbs cause inflammation. For example, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower, and shiitake mushrooms.
Balance Your Omega-3 and Omega-6 Fatty Acids
Also, balance your omega-3 and omega- 6 fatty acids. Omega-6 fatty acids increase inflammation within the body, while omega-3 fatty acids decrease it.
Foods that are rich in omega-6s are poultry and ruminants like beef, lamb, and goat. Also, domestically-raised animals will always be richer in omega-6s than their wild or pasture-raised counterparts. That’s because domestically-raised animals are fed corn, soy, and grains, all of which are rich in omega-6 fatty acids.
Foods that are rich in omega-3s are fatty fish, phytoplankton, and fish oil.
The one food that has the perfect balance of omega-3s and 6s is green tripe!
Feed Parts That Are Rich in Glucosamine And Chondroitin
Next, feed parts of the animal that are naturally rich in glucosamine and chondroitin. That’s because glucosamine and chondroitin are the building blocks of cartilage. For example, necks, feet, and trachea.
Green lipped mussels are also naturally rich in glucosamine and chondroitin.
Raw Feeding Miami carries both dehydrated and raw green lipped mussels.
Tip: You can save 15% off your Raw Feeding Miami order with my referral discount link.
Supplements: Turmeric paste and bone broth
Turmeric paste is made of curcumin which has anti-inflammatory benefits. You can easily make some yourself. Dogs can have 1/4 teaspoon of turmeric paste per 10 lbs of body weight per day.
Bone broth is rich in chondroitin and glucosamine because it’s made of joint bones. You can either make your own or buy some pre-made from the store.
I’m adding links to my turmeric paste and bone broth recipes at the end of this blog post in the Related Reading section.
Raw Dog Food For Joint Health: Pre-Made Raw Dog Food
Of course you can also go ahead and buy pre-made raw dog food that contributes to joint health.
You’ll want to choose foods that are made from pasture-raised animals and those that include animal parts and supplements that are naturally rich in glucosamine and chondroitin.
Darwin’s Joint and Mobility Support Diet
Darwin’s Intelligent Design Canine Joint and Mobility Support (JMS) diet is “high in protein to support your dog’s musculoskeletal structure. The special formula is designed to better maintain cartilage, decrease inflammation, and provide vital antioxidants. The prescription meals feature ingredients specifically chosen to ease symptoms: for example, turkey necks to nourish joints; bovine trachea and green-lipped mussels to provide natural glucosamine and chondroitin sulfates; and high-quality sardine oil for an Omega-3 boost.”
Raw Paws Pet Food
Signature Blend Complete Beef & Mackerel.
Raw Paws’ signature blend complete beef “is sourced from free-range cows, raised on a family farm in the great state of Indiana! The Mackerel, which is an oily fish, is rich in healthy fats and wild-caught from the cold, fresh waters of the Atlantic ocean. The blend is 85% complete beef and 15% mackerel. With a complete beef ratio of 80% meat, 10% organ and 10% bone, your dog or cat will receive a well-rounded, complete meal.”
This signature blend has the right ratio of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids. That’s because the beef is sourced from free-range, grass-fed cows and mixed with mackerel, which is an oily fish from the Atlantic.
Tip: You can save 15% off your Raw Paws Pet Food order with my affiliate discount code K9Savings at checkout.
Related Reading:
Turmeric paste for dogs: 5 key benefits and how to DIY
Bone broth for dogs: Recipe and how to feed
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