100% natural, zero preservative, fresh dog food helps with joint health primarily in two ways: a highly-digestible, high-quality diet with zero sugar, fillers, and additives help dogs maintain a healthy weight. This reduces extra pressure on bones and joints, thus keeping them strong and pain-free. On the other hand, 100% natural dog food with anti-inflammatory ingredients, such as fatty fish, turmeric, blueberries, broccoli, etc., help keep inflammation in check, which is often the reason for a number of joint issues. Most importantly, a diet rich in glucosamine, chondroitin and collagen, helps in cartilage repair and joint fluid protection. Some good sources are chicken feed, chicken neck, bone broths, paya, green-lipped mussels, etc.
Why does this matter?
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A healthy, balanced diet can not only help repair damage to bones and joints, but also act as a preventive in daily life from when your dog is young. This can give them a better quality of life later.
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Food is also important in maintaining a healthy weight. Approximately 59% of US dogs have been classified as overweight or obese. And with excess weight comes excess pressure on the joints. A 100% natural diet that’s high in protein, has essential healthy fats and high-fibre carbs and contains no sugar or filler doesn’t accumulate unnecessary fat in the body. So, dogs’ weights remain in control.
What do vets generally agree on?
Studies have found that green-lipped mussel (GLM) is good for dogs with osteoarthritis (OA). It found that GLM-enriched diets significantly improved arthritis scores. In one such study, 75% pet parents and 85% vets agreed that it’s very effective in reducing arthritis pain. Mobility also improved in 94% of the dogs. So vets agree that food rich in omega-3 fatty acids and anti-inflammatory properties help dogs with joint and mobility issues.
Additionally, high-protein, high-fibre food helps dogs lose weight. High-fibre food makes dogs feel full for longer, reducing overeating. High-protein diets improve metabolism and energy utilisation. So, this kind of food is good for weight loss. Weight reduction lowers stress on the joints, and eases mobility as well.
When to be careful?
Weight reduction has to be gradual. Fasting, sudden reduction in food, sudden diet changes, etc., are not good for dogs’ health. Weight reduction also needs to be closely monitored. Sudden, intense weight loss may be due to underlying health issues. Similarly, moderation must be maintained when giving anti-inflammatory ingredients. Overfeeding can cause other health issues. For example, overfeeding fatty fish can lead to pancreatic issues. The key is giving dogs a balanced diet. This is why high-quality, balanced fresh dog food like BLEP dog food ensures that dogs get all the essential nutrients that they need in the ratios that are healthy for them. It has ingredients like fish oil, flaxseeds, cold-pressed sunflower oil, etc, but all of them in healthy, moderate quantities.
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