Hills J/D Question

[dwLab]

Hi Everyone,
My Yellow Lab Charlie was diagnosed with elbow displasia when he was 10-11 months old. Under recommendation from a specialist our vet referred us, he had surgery to remove the calcium build-up between his joints. It was causing a loud clicking noise when he walked and you could see he was definitely uncomfortable. After the surgery, he's a lot better. The specialist and our vet both suggested Hills J/D for his joints and Sasha treats as well. I've read a couple of the other threads on J/D and the majority of concerns are what's it made of and the high calories.

I'd like some help in deciding the best food for Charlie and any supplements that would help with his joints. Could people throw some suggestions my way or point me to similar cases. I think the high calories are causing my dog to be lethargic. A friend of ours is suggesting a raw food made by Tollden Farms (http://tolldenfarms.ca) but I've never heard of them. Plus, what suppliments would be helpful to keep Charlies joints in good shape as he gets older.

Any help is appreciated!

[rainbow]

Hi dwLab and welcome to pets.ca

A raw diet would be great for Charlie but if you do not want to go that route then definitely a grain free kibble would be best. There are several brands to choose from like Orijen, Acana Provincial, Innova EVO, Horizon Legacy, Go! Grain Free, and others I just can't think of right now.

Orijen and Acana Provincial are both made by the same manufacturer at their own manufacturing plant (www.championpetfoods.com) and both are my favourites. Many other members here feed these brands and would recommend them also.

For supplements, you should have Charlie on a reputable brand of glucosamine/chondroitin and you can add MSM (natural anti-inflammatory) if he needs it. Also, salmon oil and if the brand you buy doesn't include vitamin e then add it a few times a week as well.

A good website to check out is www.dogaware.com and click on "Arthritis". She also has great information on "Feeding" and other topics. If you click on any of the words highlighted in blue you will also get further information.

Good luck and if you have any more questions there are lots of members here than can help. And, btw, we would love to see pics of Charlie.