What Are the Best Freeze-Dried Dog Treats for Arthritis?

The best freeze-dried dog treats, especially those made from single organs, play a vital role in supporting pets with chronic conditions from an Eastern perspective.

Our founding veterinarians, Dr. Marc Smith and Dr. Casey Damron, recommend single organ treats as part of a holistic approach to managing chronic health issues in pets.

In Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, specific organs correspond to different elements and bodily functions. Using single-organ freeze-dried treats, such as liver or heart, we can target particular imbalances within the body, nourishing the corresponding organ systems and promoting overall wellness.  The treats provide concentrated nutrients that help strengthen the body’s natural healing processes, making them an excellent addition to a TCVM-based treatment plan for dog arthritis.

Several freeze-dried dog treats help with arthritis. However, our vets feel freeze-dried kidney treats are the most powerful.

Freeze-Dried Kidney Treats

In Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM), the kidneys are crucial in maintaining overall health, particularly with bones and joints. The kidneys are believed to store "Kidney Jing," or essence, which is responsible for the growth, development, and maintenance of bones. As pets age, the natural decline of Jing can lead to weakened bones and joints, making them more susceptible to arthritis. By nourishing the kidneys, we can help slow down the degenerative processes associated with aging and provide better support for joint health.

The kidneys also balance Yin and Yang within the body, where Yin represents cooling and nourishment, and Yang represents warmth and activity. An imbalance, such as Kidney Yang deficiency, can lead to cold and weak joints, worsening arthritis symptoms. Conversely, a deficiency in Kidney Yin may result in insufficient nourishment for the joints, leading to dryness, stiffness, and pain. Supporting kidney function through diet can help restore this balance, promote healthier joints, and reduce the discomfort associated with arthritis.

Freeze-dried kidney treats are particularly beneficial in this context. They are rich in essential nutrients, including high-quality proteins, vitamins, and minerals that support kidney function and, by extension, bone health. By incorporating kidney treats into your pet’s diet, you can help strengthen their bones and joints, improve circulation, and maintain joint flexibility, which is crucial for managing arthritis from a TCVM perspective.

From a Western veterinary perspective, freeze-dried kidney treats support dogs with arthritis by providing essential nutrients for bone health, inflammation reduction, and detoxification. Kidneys are rich in B vitamins, iron, and zinc, which play a key role in red blood cell production and tissue repair, helping joints heal and function optimally. Proper oxygenation and nutrient delivery reduce stiffness and support mobility.

Kidney is also a natural source of omega-3 fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory properties that help ease arthritis pain and swelling. Reducing inflammation in the joints can improve comfort and flexibility, making movement easier for arthritic dogs. Additionally, kidney contains selenium, an antioxidant that protects joint tissues from oxidative stress and degeneration.

By supporting bone strength, reducing inflammation, and promoting detoxification, kidney treats work well alongside liver (for anti-inflammatory support) and heart (for circulation and muscle function) to provide a well-rounded, natural approach to arthritis relief, keeping your dog active and comfortable.

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Freeze-Dried Liver Treats

In TCVM, the liver plays a key role in storing blood, nourishing tendons and ligaments, and ensuring smooth energy (Qi) flow throughout the body. When the liver is imbalanced or deficient, it can lead to joint stiffness, weak tendons, and reduced mobility, all of which worsen arthritis symptoms.

Freeze-dried liver treats support arthritic dogs by nourishing the blood and strengthening tendons and ligaments, helping to maintain joint flexibility. A well-nourished liver also ensures proper Qi flow, preventing stagnation and stiffness, which contribute to pain and limited movement. Additionally, the liver works closely with the kidneys, which govern bones and joints. Supporting both organs helps maintain a balanced and resilient musculoskeletal system.

From a Western veterinary perspective, freeze-dried liver treats help manage arthritis by providing essential nutrients that reduce inflammation, support joint health, and improve mobility. Rich in vitamin A, liver helps regulate immune function and lower inflammation, easing joint pain and stiffness. It’s also packed with B vitamins and iron, which enhance red blood cell production and oxygen delivery, promoting tissue repair and energy levels.

Liver naturally supports collagen production with amino acids like glycine, helping to maintain strong cartilage, tendons, and ligaments. It also contains small amounts of glucosamine and chondroitin, aiding joint lubrication and slow cartilage degeneration. By nourishing connective tissues and improving circulation, liver treats help keep joints mobile and resilient.

For maximum arthritis relief, liver treats pair well with kidney treats (for bone and joint health) and heart treats (for circulation and blood flow). This combination provides a holistic approach to mobility support, keeping your dog active and comfortable.

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Freeze-Dried Heart Treats

Freeze-dried heart treats also support arthritic dogs, benefiting more than just heart health. In TCVM, the heart is closely linked to blood circulation. Proper blood circulation is essential for maintaining healthy joints. It delivers nutrients and oxygen to vital tissues, including joint cartilage and synovial fluid.

In TCVM, the heart governs blood circulation, which is essential for joint health. Poor circulation can lead to blood stagnation, a common cause of stiffness and pain in arthritic dogs. Freeze-dried heart treats help improve blood flow, ensuring nutrients reach the joints for repair and flexibility.

Heart treats can alleviate discomfort and support mobility by reducing blood stasis. Additionally, the heart is linked to Shen (spirit and vitality) in TCVM. Strengthening the heart can boost energy levels, encouraging dogs to stay active, which is key for maintaining joint function.

From a Western veterinary perspective, freeze-dried heart treats support dogs with arthritis by promoting circulation, oxygenation, and muscle function, all essential for joint health. The heart is rich in Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), iron, and B vitamins, which enhance blood flow and oxygen delivery to tissues, helping to reduce inflammation and stiffness in arthritic joints. Improved circulation ensures that joints receive the necessary nutrients for repair and mobility.

Heart is also a natural source of taurine, an amino acid that supports muscle function and overall vitality. Stronger muscles help stabilize and protect weakened joints, reducing strain and discomfort. Additionally, heart meat provides collagen and elastin, essential proteins for maintaining cartilage integrity and joint flexibility.

For optimal arthritis support, heart treats work best when paired with kidney treats (for bone and joint strength) and liver treats (for tendon health and blood storage). This holistic approach enhances circulation, reduces stiffness, and promotes long-term mobility, keeping your dog comfortable and active.

LEARN MORE ABOUT PET | TAO FREEZE DRIED HEART TREATS

Incorporating freeze-dried single-organ treats into your dog’s diet offers a natural, TCVM-based way to manage arthritis and support overall wellness. Nutrient-dense organs like kidney, liver, and heart nourish key systems, strengthening bones, enhancing circulation, and improving mobility. This holistic approach helps ease arthritis symptoms and promotes long-term health, keeping your dog active and comfortable for years.