Those of us who love our pets want to keep them around as long as possible. I’m convinced that one way to do this is not to feed them junk. (My own Cocker Spaniel is pushing now 15, and going strong.)
As with humans, dogs are what they eat. An unhealthy diet is likely to lead to problems, sooner or later.
So, it goes without saying that you shouldn’t feed your dog certain treats that aren’t good for him. Some of the packaged treats may contain chemicals you can barely pronounce, as well as genetically modified ingredients.
Dog Treats Good For Your Dog
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However, you can also find treats made with potential health benefits. Some of them are designed to reduce dental plaque and tartar, or to possibly help reduce the pain and increase mobility. There are also treats designed for digestive support, and to freshen the breath.
Older Dogs Health Problems
Arthritis among older dogs is very common. As a general rule, the larger the breed, the more prone he or she is to developing this problem. According to WebMD, which has special sections for pet health, some types of pure bred dogs are especially prone to developing this painful and debilitating condition.
Signs of canine arthritis include:
- You may notice your dog less willing to engage in activities he or she used to enjoy. He may no longer want to chase a stick because it hurts. Or, your pet may have difficulty climbing onto your bed, or another piece of furniture.
- Later, as the condition progresses, you may notice difficulty walking, or a reluctance to use a certain limb.
There’s no known cure for canine arthritis. But there are some things you can do to better manage the problem. This includes not allowing your dog to become obese, and, once other conditions are ruled out, gently increasing his or her physical activities.
Please understand that I’m not an animal healthcare expert. So I can’t give medical advice or promise that any particular product or remedy will help your dog. All I can do is share information on what I feed my own pet, as well as any published resources on holistic dog care.
Anyone who reads this site on a regular basis knows that I advocate using healthy treats only. Another option is simply not using treats, and just feeding your dog the healthiest diet possible. However, I know a lot of dog owners like to indulge their pets with an occasional treat. So I want my readers to know about healthy options.
Dog Treats With Glucosamine
Some research has shown that a substance called glucosamine can help dogs with arthritis. This compound is naturally produced in the body. But it diminishes with age. A couple of years ago, my own dog stopped jumping on the couch, where he likes to rest. However, he’s once again enjoying his favorite piece of furniture again, after we began adding glucosamine to his diet. Sometimes, he even lies on the highest point of the couch, which requires additional climbing.
Glucosamine, along with chondroitin, are two of the active ingredients in Juke’s Hip Action treats, shown below. Although it won’t make the arthritis go away, chondroitin can potentially help reduce inflammation and make your dog more comfortable. These treats also contain cherries, blueberries, sesame seeds, alfalfa and other ingredients. Zuke’s Hip action treats are made in America.
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Reducing a Dog’s Plaque and Tartar Buildup
Plaque and tartar are problems for dogs, because they can reduce your pet’s overall good health. This is why veterinarians recommend you pay close attention to your dog’s teeth.
Bone-A-Mints dog treats are designed to reduce the plague and tartar buildup, as well as support your dog’s overall digestion and improve his or her breath. These treats contain chlorophyll, parsley, dill and fennel.
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For More Reading
Glucosamine and Dog Arthritis Study
