There are many treats available on the market that are being advertised as supporting joint health or as specifically formulated for joint care. Unfortunately some of these products, in addition to Glucosamine & Chondroitin, are filled with artificial ingredients, by-products and grains; on top of that they can be high in caloric content contributing to weight gain, which in turn is the biggest enemy of healthy joints.
When choosing treats I have a strong preference for single ingredient products. Luckily there are some healthy options that will give your dog all the benefits of joint care treats, without the unnecessary additives that go in them.
One of Rocco’s favourites are duck feet. They are a natural
source of chondroitin which is one of the building blocks of cartilage in the joints. Some studies suggest that supplementing your dog’s diet with chondroitin will slow down joint cartridge breakdown and ease joint pain. Dog’s without allergies can also enjoy chicken feet.
Bison Trachea is a healthy, long-lasting dog chew (Beef trachea works just as well, but again we opt for Bison because of Rocco’s allergies). It is high in protein and low in fat, and the cartilage that lines the outside of the trachea is a source of naturally occurring glucosamine and chondroitin. They are available individually wrapped as whole or cut into smaller pieces and packaged.
Our newest discovery are dried calf tails. They are a low calorie treat, which is great since a larger dog will crunch them within couple of seconds! The cartilage in the tail is also a great source glucosamine and chondroitin. Judging by the pictures they are Rocco’s new favourite treat.
Oh they look good! I need to look out for some of those 🙂
I have given both dehydrated and raw duck and chicken feet to my dogs, along with raw beef and goat trachea. You can actually stuff beef trachea (raw or dehydrated) with canned food, ground meat, cottage cheese, etc and freeze for a completely edible Kong type treat.
That is such a great tip! Thank you, Rebekah, I will definitely try it out 🙂
We love those trachea treats – make mom get them every time she goes to the store.
Great post, I have never tried either but need to add them to mom’s shopping list!
Duck feet and calf tails…who’da thunk it? Looks like they’re yummy, too.
The Goldens love trachea treats! They are love anything duck, so I am definitely going to look into duck feet! Thanks for sharing!
Sure looks like someone doesn’t even know they’re being “healthy” 🙂
Thanks for the info, I give Layla beef bones from the butcher but will look into these too for a change, a healthy baby is a happy Mom, Happy Valentines everyone <3
I haven’t heard of calf tails but will have to check out. I also love Rebekah’s stuffed trachea idea. I need to do something different from stuffed Kongs.
Beef trachea is Mr. N’s favorite. He hasn’t had tails before but I’m sure he’d like them.
That was interesting. I never thought about getting help for joint pain from natural food sources.
Where do you get the turkey and chicken feet? I think Bentley and Pierre would LOVE those.
We get them at any pet food store, the brands I get are Canadian, but I think in the States Bravo carries duck feet.
I haven’t tried any of these. I agree with your philosophy that single ingredients are probably a healthier option.
This sounds like a great product. I need to check this out for Olive.
Don’t think I’ve ever seen these types of treats, but they definitely sound like a more natural, healthy type of treat source. Thanks for sharing!
Love & Biscuits,
Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them
I never thought about these being a good source of glucosamine. Makes me happy!