Best Natural Sources of Glucosamine for Dogs & Veterinary Supplements

In this article, we are going to take a look at some of the most convenient and natural ways to get your dog the glucosamine that it needs.

What is Glucosamine?

Glucosamine is the combination of glucose and glutamine. Glucose is simple sugar, whereas glutamine is a simple amino acid. It helps build cartilage and tissue in the dog’s joint. Dogs produce natural glucosamine and it helps create cartilage of the dog’s joints. With age, the amount of glucosamine produced by the dog’s body decreases.

For this reason, senior dogs need glucosamine enhanced products so that they don’t get too stiff or achy joints.

So, if your dog starts to get achy with arthritis, your vet may recommend glucosamine. There are various Glucosamine supplements available which can help maintain the cartilage in the dog’s joints.

Natural Glucosamine Supplements

Glucosamine is a natural supplement and is also found in foods. Some of the foods containing Glucosamine are.

Chicken Feet

Chicken feet are an excellent source of Glucosamine. They contain about 30% cartilage which is about 5% glucosamine. Moreover, chicken feet are easily available and are a great snack for your dog. This can ease the discomfort of arthritis with its benefits. Though chicken feet are a common choice, duck, goose, guinea fowl, and turkey feet can also be fed. Each one of these is a great choice and an addiction to your dog’s dinner.

Chicken feet are also great for your dog’s teeth. It naturally brushes the dog’s teeth. So chicken feet aren’t only great for your dog’s joints but also their teeth.

Beef Trachea

Beef Trachea is another great source of Glucosamine for dogs. Glucosamine repairs the cartilage and makes sure there is new cartilage for painless movement. The beef trachea is great for a dog’s diet. Chewing beef trachea has benefits for your dog. Consuming beef trachea has reported a reduction of joint pains. It is high in protein and has low fat. It has additional benefits and is sure to keep your dog healthy.

Pork Tail

These are an amazing snack for your dogs consisting of cartilage and a bit of meat around it. The dog will find the meat tasty and the cartilage will, in turn, benefit him. Pork tails contain chondroitin and glucosamine.

Glucosamine in these tails makes sure that the pain in your dog’s joints goes away. However, pigtails are a little difficult to include in your dog’s diet. It is also important to check your dog for an upset stomach while he is feeding on pork tails.

Bone Broths

Bone broth another great way to add glucosamine to your dog’s diet. It is easy to prepare and very healthy.

A bone broth typically needs a day to be fully ready. This can be added to the dog’s dry food. Bone broths can also be stored for later use.

Shellfish Shells

Shellfish shells are also a source of glucosamine. Wild shrimps with shells on can be fed to your dog. These shells can be directly fed or made into a nutritious broth.

Other Natural Joint Support Food for Dogs

There are other foods as well which can be added to your dog’s meals to help him with his joints.

Turmeric

Turmeric is a spice which is known to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. These help in reducing joint pain. Moreover, turmeric contains curcumin which acts as effective ibuprofen and reduces discomfort and pain in the knees.

Organic turmeric works the best as it is free of any pesticides. You can also add a little black pepper to help with absorption.

Turmeric can be added o your dog’s food according to his weight.  It is always a better idea to consult your vet before using it, especially if your dog is on other medications.

Ginger

It is already known that ginger has many benefits for the digestive system. However, it is a lesser known fact that ginger can ease arthritis pain too. It also increases circulation for older dogs to help them with mobility. Raw ginger can be mixed with your dog’s meals to see results.

Ginger has blood thinning properties and can also lower blood sugar and blood pressure, so consult your vet before adding ginger to your dog’s meal.

Why Natural Supplements Are Always a Better Option

Most Veterinary Glucosamine Supplements are synthetically produced and are expensive. However, the cells in the dog’s body sometimes do not recognize and absorb synthetic supplements. These are not naturally produced.

So, the natural supplements are always a great option over the veterinary Glucosamine supplements for dogs.