joint food

We've had great luck with Science Diet Advanced Protection for Seniors. I switched Kirby and Hoover several months ago to Solid Gold, but honestly....they did better on this Science Diet. It really puts a spring in their step! Kirby is 12 and Hoover is 8. It's great food for them.

Probably just about anything with supplemental Glucosamine/chondrotin sulfate complex. Wellness Lamb or Chicken, Canidae Senior, Eagle Pac, and many other brands have that. Alf eats food with that in it too--we understand completely!

Omega-3 fish oil works for humans and pets, really every person and pet should have it in their diet. It's very safe and Google around and you'll find tons of products. Also cut back on the Omega-6 fatty acids by switching to a lower or no grain pet food. Talk with your vet, but you may be able to buy the fish oil (usually cod liver oil) and just add it to her food or treats. http://www.omega-3-fish-oil-wonders.com/fish-oil-for-dogs.html

Zoe: Talk to Rex he says that he is taking something that is helping him and it taste good too.

Hannah is right about the fish oil. One thing to keep in mind that people often overlook. That is that fish oils break down as soon as they are exposed to air. So if you get the fish oil in bottles it pretty much is worthless after the first few days. Better to get it in capsules and just poke the capsule with a pin and squeeze a bit on the food. That way it stays effective. Also chicken feet have tons of chondroitin and glucosamine so very good for joints. They make a great treat because dogs love em and they are so healthy. You do not want the pale grey ones you would find at the asian markets, but nice bright golden colored ones. Grey ones are from factory farmed animals that have never seen daylight or walked on grass.

I eat Eagle Pack Fish Formula. Momma says it is nearly number one. It has all the extra goodness and lots of vitamins and minerals. I get salmon oil too. Fish oil is different because you aren't getting the best part. I would go with the Eagle and then Salmon oil. You might also try Daysequin. It is like glucosamine but a lot better!

Just a side note on the fish oils -- get the fish BODY oil, not cod liver oils... the capsules look the same, but they're not. The fish body oils are much better. You can even get them in a 'deodorized' formula (GNC carries it) if you don't like the fishy smell.

One further note. The main differences in cod liver oil and fish oil are: fish oil typically has more omega-3 and cod liver oil has a bit less omega-3 plus vitamins a&d. As this is a public forum and we're speaking as pet owners, this is something you need to ask your vet about for your dog. Too many vitamins can lead to vitamin toxicity, which just means you need to know the right amount to give your pet so you don't overdose. Your vet should be able to determine that for your dog.

As crazy as it sounds accupuncture can work miracles for dogs. My Mom is a vet tech and has seen golden ret. who could not stand on their own, run and catch a ball after only a few treatments. Ask your vet.