20/10/2026
🦴🐾 IT’S EDUCATIONAL TUESDAY! 🐾🦴
TODAY WE’RE TALKING JOINT HEALTH! 🙌🏻
Now, when we think about joint support, most of us automatically think about our older doggos, BUT did you know that supporting your dog’s joints is important at ANY age? 👀
Especially for our larger breeds and those crazy active doggos! 🤣
And here’s something I think more dog owners should know…
There are some FANTASTIC natural foods and treats that contain nutrients which help maintain healthy joints, cartilage, tendons and ligaments! 😍
So let’s get into it! 👇
🦪 GREEN LIPPED MUSSELS
These little beauties are one of my absolute FAVOURITES when it comes to natural joint support!
They’re naturally packed with omega-3 fatty acids and contain compounds called glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), which are important components of healthy cartilage.
💚 NOW HERE’S SOMETHING WORTH KNOWING!
Green-lipped mussel OIL is one of the best ways to provide a concentrated source of their beneficial fatty acids!
The oil contains omega-3s that can help support a healthy inflammatory response, making it a fantastic option for joint support.
BUT don’t worry if you’re not using the oil!
Whole green-lipped mussels, freeze-dried mussels and powders can all provide beneficial nutrients too! 🙌🏻
The important thing is choosing a good-quality source, as the amount of beneficial nutrients varies between products.
🦆 DUCK FEET
Now these aren’t just a tasty crunchy treat!
Duck feet naturally contain cartilage, collagen and connective tissue!
But why is this important?
✔️ COLLAGEN – A structural protein that helps give strength to cartilage, tendons and ligaments.
✔️ GLUCOSAMINE – A naturally occurring compound involved in maintaining healthy cartilage.
✔️ CHONDROITIN – Helps cartilage retain moisture and maintain its cushioning properties.
Now, this doesn’t mean feeding duck feet will magically repair damaged joints, BUT they do provide a natural source of these compounds!
🐟 OILY FISH – SALMON, SARDINES & MACKEREL
If there’s one thing I love recommending for joint support, it’s oily fish! 🙌🏻
These are naturally rich in two important omega-3 fatty acids called EPA and DHA.
And why are these so important?
Because they help regulate inflammation within the body!
Research has shown that marine omega-3 fatty acids can help improve comfort and mobility in some dogs suffering from osteoarthritis.
And as an added bonus, they’re fantastic for supporting healthy skin and coats too! 😍
🐄 BEEF TRACHEA
Another fantastic natural chew!
Beef trachea is made up of cartilage and connective tissue, which naturally contain collagen, glucosamine and chondroitin.
These compounds are all involved in the structure and function of healthy joints.
Although the amounts found in natural chews vary, they’re a lovely addition to your dog’s treat selection.
And let’s be fair, most doggos absolutely LOVE a beef trachea! 🤣
🐔 CHICKEN FEET
Very similar to duck feet!
Chicken feet naturally contain:
✔️ Collagen
✔️ Cartilage
✔️ Connective tissue
✔️ Naturally occurring glucosamine and chondroitin
Again, these are nutrients associated with healthy cartilage and connective tissues.
They’re a great occasional natural chew for suitable dogs!
🥩 BONE BROTH
Now this is a lovely addition to your dog’s meals!
Bone broth can contain gelatin and collagen-derived proteins, depending on how it’s prepared.
It’s also a fantastic way to add extra hydration and flavour to meals, especially for those fussy doggos!
Just remember, bone broth isn’t a replacement for a joint supplement, and it should always be free from onions, garlic and excessive salt.
💚 NOW LET’S TALK SUPPLEMENTS!
We also stock PROFLAX JOINT MOBILITY here at The Raw Empawrium, and it’s one we HIGHLY recommend! 🙌🏻
It’s specifically formulated to support healthy joints, mobility and flexibility.
A fantastic option for owners wanting to provide their doggos with additional nutritional support!
Whether you’ve got an older dog starting to slow down, a larger breed or a super active doggo, it’s definitely worth looking into! 🐾
🦴 SO WHAT ACTUALLY MAKES THESE NATURAL NUTRIENTS SO IMPORTANT?
Here’s a little breakdown because I think it’s important to understand WHY we recommend certain foods rather than just telling you to feed them! 🙌🏻
💚 COLLAGEN – One of the main structural proteins found in cartilage, tendons and ligaments. It helps provide strength and structure to these tissues.
💚 GLUCOSAMINE – Naturally found within the body and involved in the formation and maintenance of cartilage.
💚 CHONDROITIN – Helps cartilage retain water, allowing it to act as a cushion between bones.
💚 OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS – Particularly EPA and DHA, which help regulate inflammation and have some of the strongest nutritional evidence for supporting dogs with arthritis.
Now here’s the important part!
Just because a natural chew contains collagen, glucosamine or chondroitin doesn’t mean it provides enough to treat an existing joint condition.
The amounts can vary massively, and research into the benefits of glucosamine and chondroitin supplements for dogs is mixed.
But these natural foods can still make lovely additions to a varied, balanced diet! 💚
❗ AND HERE’S SOMETHING REALLY IMPORTANT!
One of the BEST things you can do for your dog’s joints is keep them at a healthy weight!
Extra weight = extra pressure on those joints!
And this is particularly important for our larger breeds.
A balanced diet, appropriate exercise and maintaining a healthy weight all play a HUGE part in supporting joint health.
Remember, natural foods and supplements can help SUPPORT healthy joints,
Always supervise natural chews and make sure they’re suitable for your dog’s size and chewing habits. 🐾
💚 SO COME ON THEN, LET’S HEAR FROM YOU! 👀
How old are your doggos?
Do you currently give them anything to support their joints? Or is this something you’ve never really thought about?
I’d LOVE to know what you guys use! 👇👇
And if you’re enjoying these educational posts, let me know because there’s SO much more I’d love to share with you all about natural nutrition and how different foods can benefit our pets! 🤣🙌🏻
After all, it’s not just about feeding raw, it’s about understanding what we’re feeding and WHY! 💚
Also we are open today whilst 7pm 🕖
33 orchard head lane
WF8 2LY
01977278670 ☎️
Don’t forget we offer a delivery service every FRIDAY at the moment so please phone to secure your delivery slot 🚚
