7 Natural Chondroitin Sources for Dogs
This article shows you 7 Natural Chondroitin Sources for Dogs.
Keeping your dog healthy doesn’t have to include supplements! Many natural foods are rich in chondroitin, and they can support your dog’s joint health.
Chondroitin is essential for keeping your dog’s cartilage healthy, cushioning the joints, and supporting mobility.
In this article, we’ll show you 7 natural sources of chondroitin for dogs and how to easily fit them into your dog’s diet.
1 Bone broth
Bone broth is one of the easiest ways to give your dog natural chondroitin. It’s simple to make (although it takes about 24 hours!), and it’s easy to share.
Bone broth is rich in chondroitin, but it also contains glucosamine and collagen! All these nutrients help protect cartilage and keep your dog’s joints strong.
It’s best to start including chondroitin-rich foods in your dog’s diet early on so you can start giving them bone broth as soon as they’re out of the puppy stage.
The best option is to make bone broth at home. I explained how to make it here. But if you’re busy and don’t have the time, you can buy a really good one online.
What’s great about homemade bone broth is that you can add vegetables like carrots, green beans, and celery, as well as spices like ginger and turmeric, which have anti-inflammatory properties and contribute to healthy joints!
2 Beef trachea
If you’re making bone broth at home, you can use beef trachea as one of the ingredients (along with chicken feet, bone marrow, and tails).
Beef trachea is one of the best natural chondroitin sources for dogs, and it’s very easy to share!
You can buy dehydrated beef trachea at your local pet store and use it as a chewing or training treat! My dog sees them as rewards after long walks and playtime.
Dehydrated beef trachea has a chewy texture and is really fun for dogs. It also cleans their teeth and keeps them occupied for hours!
3 Green-lipped mussels
One of the best natural chondroitin sources for dogs is green-lipped mussels! Unfortunately, it’s almost impossible to find fresh ones. But don’t worry—these mussels are meant to be taken as a powdered supplement, which is super convenient!
Green-lipped mussels contain chondroitin, glucosamine, and omega-3 fatty acids! Together, these nutrients not only help with joint health but also reduce inflammation.
Some brands also offer freeze-dried green-lipped mussel treats, which can be a convenient option too.
4 Chicken feet
Just like beef trachea, chicken feet can be used to make bone broth, but you can also buy dehydrated chicken feet and use them as a chewing treat.
Since they are basically pure cartilage, chicken feet are one of the simplest natural chondroitin sources for dogs, and they come with a bonus benefit—cleaning your dog’s teeth.
If you use them to make bone broth, make sure to strain the broth before serving, as cooked chicken feet can be dangerous for dogs. Cooked bones can break and cause choking and internal injuries.
You can also try giving your dog raw chicken feet, but only if you buy them from a trusted source, as they come with a risk of bacterial infection.
I prefer dehydrated chicken feet because they are easy to get, store, and share!
5 Pig ears
Another great natural chondroitin source for dogs is pig ears! They are a fun treat that may be more suitable for larger breeds, but I’m sure little ones can handle them just fine (over the course of a few days!).
Dehydrated pig ears make a fun chewing treat and a natural source of chondroitin. They support joint health and keep dogs entertained for hours!
What’s great about pig ears is that you can store them in your pantry, and they last for months!
I just don’t recommend giving pig ears to dogs too often because they are high in fat. If your dog is sensitive to fatty foods, they might get temporary diarrhea, so try them once and see how it goes.
Also, when buying dehydrated pig ears, make sure you’re getting treats without added salt, flavors, or other unnecessary ingredients.
6 Tails (oxtails, pig, beef)
Tails might not be the most popular option, but they are excellent natural sources of chondroitin for dogs. Oxtails, pig tails, and beef tails contain cartilage and connective tissue, which support joint health and mobility.
You can serve tails raw if you feed a raw diet, or you can use them to make a nutrient-rich bone broth that extracts even more chondroitin and minerals.
Tails are amazing for bone broths because they contain lots of connective tissue, and they can be really cheap to buy! Talk to your local butcher and explain what you’re making. They’ll help you find the best tails for bone broth!
7 Duck feet
Like chicken feet, duck feet are packed with chondroitin and glucosamine, making them a great option for dogs with joint issues. They are crunchy, tasty, and loaded with nutrients that support cartilage repair and flexibility.
Dehydrated duck feet are a convenient snack that most dogs enjoy. If your dog is new to chewing on feet, start with a small piece and always supervise to ensure safe chewing.
Signs your dog might need chondroitin
Talk to your vet if you notice these signs to see if your dog needs an extra boost in the form of a chondroitin supplement.
Adding natural chondroitin sources like bone broth, chicken feet, or green-lipped mussels to your dog’s diet can support joint health and improve mobility.
Start with one or two of these foods today and check with your vet for personalized advice on your dog’s joint health.
Have you tried any of these natural chondroitin sources for your dog? Share your experience in the comments!
Don’t forget to pin this post so you’ll always have these food ideas handy!
Love, life, and fur forever!
This post showed you 7 Natural Chondroitin Sources for Dogs
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