Healthy Homemade Treats with Benefits: Joint Health

Healthy Homemade Treats with Benefits: Joint Health

            We all love to give our dogs and cats a little treat now and then. Of course, everything needs to be used in moderation-too much of a good thing can pack on pounds and could lead to digestive issues.  But, while plenty of tasty and healthy commercial treats available, homemade treats can be a good option, too.  Let’s look at what ingredients make good treats for pets and provide benefits for joint health and share some recipes!

            Joint health: As dogs and cats age or if an injury to a joint occurs, the cartilage in their joints can wear down and joint fluid decreases.  Less cushioning in the joint can lead to bone-on-bone contact, inflammation, and pain due to osteoarthritis. There are a number of commercially available pet diets and treats to support healthy joints, many of which contain glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, and omega-3 fatty acids; however, homemade treats can be a good option, too.  Remember, weight management is crucial for dogs and cats with joint disease—stress on the joints is much greater in overweight pets than in those who are at an optimal weight—so, don’t overfeed! These ingredients can be helpful in reducing inflammation and slowing destruction of cartilage.

            1.  Flaxseed or chia seeds—flaxseed is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids which can reduce inflammation.  Ground flaxseed is best. If you buy whole flaxseeds, you will need to grind them into a powder. Chia seeds should be soaked before feeding to pets to enhance digestibility.

            2.  Fish Oil—another great source of omega-3 fatty acids, fish oil improves joint health by supporting joint lubrication and reducing inflammation.  Sardines, anchovies, salmon, and mackerel are great sources of omega-3s.  Choose fish packed in water, not oil or other sauces.

            3.  Turmeric—turmeric contains curcumin, a natural anti-inflammatory

            4.  Bone Broth—rich in collagen, glucosamine, and chondroitin which are important for maintaining healthy cartilage and joint function.  Use caution if your pet has food allergies.

This joint treat recipe for dogs comes from Australian veterinary site Lilydale Vet Centre:

Ingredients:

• 3 cups instant quick oats
• 1 tablespoon ground flaxseeds
• ½ teaspoon turmeric
• 2 tablespoons peanut butter
• ¾ cup water
• 1 large egg

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350F and line a baking tray with parchment paper.

Combine all dry ingredients in a bowl and mix together.

Add water, egg and peanut butter.

Mix ingredients together until thoroughly combined with a spoon. Then use your hands to knead dough. It will be very wet and sticky! Let it sit for 15 minutes, allowing the oats to soak up the water and egg.

Sandwich the ball of dough in between two pieces of parchment paper. With a rolling pin, roll dough to about 1/4″ thick. Stamp with cookie cutters and place biscuits on the baking sheet.

Bake at 350F for about 30 minutes, or until cooked through then transfer to a wire rack to cool

And, here is an easy one for our feline friends from Catster magazine just in time for summer and with some omega-3 benefits—sardine ice cream!

Ingredients:

• ½ cup of coconut cream (unsweetened)
• ½ tin (1.7 ounces) of sardines in water (boneless, less than 10% salt)

Drain and rinse the sardines. Then, using a fork, mash them into a consistent, flaky mixture. Combine with the coconut cream and until just mixed through. Pour mixture into a freezer safe container with a lid and place into the freezer. The ice cream will be quite hard from the freezer, so you can wait for it to soften before serving or cut it into lickable blocks. Another option: make it the night before so it’s not left in the freezer too long before serving.  Serving Size: 2 tablespoons, served once or twice per week

Remember, avoid any foods with artificial sweeteners, feed treats in moderation, and, check with your vet to ensure ingredients and treats are safe for your pet, especially if he or she has any underlying health conditions.  If your pet experiences vomiting or diarrhea, discontinue treats.  Also, homemade treats do not have as long a shelf life as commercial treats—store properly and inspect for mold or other changes before feeding.  Treats for joint health should never take the place of routine veterinary visits to evaluate your pet’s mobility and may not provide enough joint support to replace supplements or pain medications for cats and dog dealing with osteoarthritis.

This blog brought to you by the Patton Veterinary Hospital serving Red Lion, York and the surrounding communities.

https://www.morrisanimalfoundation.org/article/osteoarthritis-in-dogs-and-cats

https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/homemade-vet-approved-dog-treat-recipes/