Let’s talk about joints! There are many supplements that are great for joint health, right now we’re going to focus on mussels and how they help joints. Our crew has a mussel supplement added to their dinner each day (along with black mussels being added to their dinner stew). The Primal Omega Mussel Melange is our go to, and you can find it in the freezer section of smaller pet stores
You can find a store here - https://primalpetfoods.com/pages/store-locator
I like this supplement because it is frozen and feeding whole foods is part of our crew’s philosophy! There are also other supplements that are freeze dried if you would like to not worry about cold storage.
Dry Mussel Powder-
Super Snouts Joint Powder
Mostly Egg Membrane Powder- (there is still some shellfish in here)
Joint Support
For the Primal Edible Elixir it comes frozen in a plastic tub. I thaw it out over a couple of days in the fridge and then freeze it into smaller molds to it is easier to serve at meal time. Since we have four smaller floofs it makes the product last longer (out of the freezer you should use the carton within 7 days of thawing and we wouldn’t be able to use that amount in that time). You can buy small silicone molds at stores and online that make freezing and removing it from the molds super easy!
Easy pop out silicone molds
Libby loves anything fish flavored!
Added to the crew’s daily dinner
Mussels are low in calories and high in minerals that are great for joints and flexibility (Omega-3’s, glucosamine, & chondroitin). Also other minerals are iron, manganese and Zinc, which are great for sporting dogs to keep in top shape! With the girls both competing in agility I try to do everything I can to make sure that their joints are protected and to help avoid injury.
Other options you can include in your pets diet to help joints are
Glycoflex 3 (specifically for small dogs)
Egg shell membrane - never throw it away! It also needs to be raw to keep it’s nutritional benefits
According to Dr. Karen Becker (one of our People We Love)
https://drbeckersbites.com/pages/eggshell-membrane
It contains a number of naturally derived substances including:
Collagen – A fibrous protein that supports cartilage and connective tissue strength and elasticity
Elastin – A protein that supports skin, cardiovascular, cartilage, and spinal health. Elastin gives tissue its elastic tension and ability to resume its shape after stretching
Desmosine and isodesmosine – Two little-known amino acids responsible for elastin’s elastic or “rubbery” properties
Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) – Includes glucosamine, chondroitin, and hyaluronic acid - vital polysaccharides that are structural components of connective tissue, interstitial fluids, and skeletal structure
Transforming growth factor-b – A protein that plays a crucial role in cellular differentiation and immune function
Crack an egg and peel the membrane from the shell (I find this easier on free range eggs because the shell is thicker and allows it to peel away better. Also if you get some shell in there, it is just calcium and will not hurt your dogs mouth, the ENTIRE EGG is EDIBLE for your pooch!)
If you have a dog with luxating patella’s, old age or joint issues try some of these on your crew and see how it helps them. Every dog is different and certain supplements will work better for yours than others. I am not a vet, just a dog mom who loves to research nutrition and food to help our dogs thrive. Do what you think is best for your crew, and/or contact a canine nutritionist or holistic veterinarian to help you on your whole food wellness journey!
https://www.ahvma.org/find-a-holistic-veterinarian/