best dog food for knuckling over in puppies

Got A Puppy With Knuckling Over Issues? Try This Dog Food (2024)

Knuckling over is a condition that can occur in puppies where their toes curl under, causing them to walk on the tops of their paws rather than the soles.

While it can happen in any breed of dog, its most commonly seen in large breed puppies like Great Danes.

Proper nutrition is critical for puppies to grow and develop properly, and choosing the best dog food for knuckling over can help prevent this condition from occurring.

If youve got a puppy thats exhibiting this condition, then weve got some dog food recommendations that can help with it.

Important Nutritional Factors to Consider

When selecting the best dog food for knuckling over in puppies, several nutritional factors should be considered.

High Protein Content

The food should be high in protein, with a minimum of 25% protein content.

Protein is essential for building strong muscles, bones, and connective tissues, all of which are critical for proper skeletal development.

Balanced Ratio of Calcium and Phosphorus

The food should contain a balanced ratio of calcium and phosphorus.

Calcium is necessary for bone development, but too much can lead to skeletal problems.

Phosphorus is essential for healthy bone growth, but excessive amounts can interfere with calcium absorption.

A ratio of 1:1 to 2:1 of calcium to phosphorus is recommended.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

The food should also contain adequate amounts of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for healthy joints and bones.

These fatty acids help reduce inflammation and promote healthy bone growth.

Look for ingredients such as fish oil or flaxseed, which are excellent sources of omega-3s.

High-Quality Protein Sources

The type of protein used in the food is also critical. High-quality, animal-based protein sources such as chicken, beef, and lamb are the best options.

These proteins are more easily digestible and provide a complete amino acid profile necessary for healthy growth and development.

Avoid Certain Ingredients

Its also essential to avoid certain ingredients that can contribute to skeletal problems.

These include excessive amounts of calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D, which can interfere with proper bone growth.

Additionally, grains such as wheat, corn, and soy can cause inflammation and contribute to joint problems.

Look for foods that are grain-free or have limited amounts of grains.

5 Best Dog Food Options for Knuckling Over in Puppies

Some of the best dog food options for knuckling over in puppies include:

This dog food is specifically formulated for large and giant breed puppies and contains high-quality, animal-based protein sources such as chicken and chicken meal.

It has a balanced calcium to phosphorus ratio and also contains added glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health.

This food is also free from corn, wheat, and soy, which can cause inflammation and contribute to joint problems.

The added probiotics and prebiotics in the formula also support healthy digestion.

Holistic Select Natural Dry Dog Food, Large & Giant Breed is a great option for puppies prone to knuckling over, providing them with the necessary nutrition for healthy growth and development.

Eukanuba Puppy Large Breed Dry Dog Food is a specially formulated dog food for large breed puppies.

It contains high-quality animal proteins, such as chicken and chicken by-product meal, which provide a complete amino acid profile for proper skeletal development.

The food also has a balanced calcium to phosphorus ratio for optimal bone growth and development.

The added glucosamine and chondroitin promote healthy joint development, while the added antioxidants support a strong immune system.

This food is also free from artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors.

Eukanuba Puppy Large Breed Dry Dog Food is a great option for puppies prone to knuckling over, providing them with the necessary nutrition for healthy growth and development.

This food is specifically formulated for large breed puppies and contains a high protein content, balanced calcium to phosphorus ratio, and a mix of animal-based proteins.

It also contains glucosamine and chondroitin, which help support joint health.

This premium dog food is specially crafted with 85% premium animal ingredients, including poultry and fish, providing a strong source of essential protein, vitamins, and minerals.

The first five ingredients are always fresh or raw animal protein, providing a high-quality source of essential amino acids to support healthy growth and development.

Packed with WholePrey nutrition, this dog food features nutrient-rich organs, ensuring that your puppy gets the nourishment they need to thrive.

ORIJEN Puppy Large Grain-Free Dry Puppy Food is made in the USA with the worlds finest ingredients, ensuring that your puppy gets only the best.

This dry puppy food is also freeze-dried coated, providing a burst of raw flavor that your puppy will love!

Large breed puppies often do best on a biologically appropriate diet thats packed with protein and fat from a variety of animal ingredients, and this scrumptious kibble delivers just that. It features fresh or raw free-run chicken and turkey, wild-caught or sustainably farmed fish, and cage-free eggs.

Crafted with the most nutrient-dense and succulent parts of the prey, this recipe is also made with WholePrey animal ingredients, including organs and bone, delivering 85% quality animal ingredients.

This food contains a balance of proteins, whole grains, and vegetables, with added glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health.

Made with real meat as the first ingredient, this dry dog food is perfect for large breed puppies looking to build and maintain healthy muscles.

Featuring high-quality protein from real chicken, it contains wholesome whole grains, garden veggies, and fruit to provide a complete and balanced meal.

The Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Large Breed Puppy Food is specially designed to support healthy muscle growth, cognitive function, and retinal health.

It contains DHA and ARA, which are important fatty acids found in mothers milk, to support healthy brain and eye development in growing puppies.

The food also features Blue Buffalos signature antioxidant-rich LifeSource Bits.

A precise blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals carefully selected by holistic veterinarians and animal nutritionists, these bits support immune system health, life stage needs, and a healthy oxidative balance.

Made with real roasted meat and a blend of high-quality protein sources, including buffalo, bison, and roasted venison.

It is grain-free and contains a balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for healthy joints and skin.

Taste of the Wild Grain Free High Protein Real Meat Recipe High Prairie Puppy Premium Dry Dog Food is a delicious and nutritious food that provides digestible energy and excellent nutrition for your growing puppy.

The Taste of the Wild High Prairie Puppy Formula features bison and roasted venison as the primary protein sources, providing your puppy with the optimal amino acids necessary for healthy growth and development.

The food also contains prebiotic fiber, which supports healthy digestion and nutrient absorption, as well as a blend of omega fatty acids for healthy skin and coat.

This premium dry dog food is also packed with antioxidants from a variety of sources, including a berry blend, tomatoes, and tomato pomace.

These natural antioxidants help support a healthy immune system, and overall health and wellbeing.

At Taste of the Wild, they believe in using only the finest natural ingredients, and this grain-free formula is no exception.

Its free from grains, corn, wheat, soy, and artificial preservatives, ensuring that your puppy gets only the best.

With real roasted meat, optimal amino acids, prebiotic fiber, antioxidants, and a blend of omega fatty acids, this food is designed to support your puppys overall health and wellbeing.

Breeds Prone to Knuckling Over

While knuckling over can occur in any breed of dog, it is most commonly seen in large breed puppies.

Some breeds are more prone to developing this condition than others. These include:

Great Danes

Great Danes are one of the most common breeds that are prone to knuckling over.

They grow quickly and have a large frame, which puts pressure on their joints and can lead to developmental issues.

Mastiffs

Mastiffs are another large breed that is prone to knuckling over.

Like Great Danes, they grow quickly and have a large frame, which can put a strain on their joints.

Saint Bernards

Saint Bernards are a large breed with a lot of weight to carry, which can put a strain on their joints and lead to developmental issues.

Newfoundlands

Newfoundlands are a large breed that grows quickly, which can lead to developmental issues if they dont receive proper nutrition and exercise.

Bernese Mountain Dogs

Bernese Mountain Dogs are a large breed with a lot of weight to carry, which can put a strain on their joints and lead to developmental issues.

While these breeds are more prone to knuckling over, its important to note that any breed of dog can develop this condition.

Proper nutrition and exercise can help prevent knuckling over from occurring, regardless of the breed.

Final Word

Proper nutrition is critical for puppies to grow and develop properly.

When selecting the best dog food for knuckling over in puppies, its essential to look for high-quality, animal-based protein sources, a balanced calcium to phosphorus ratio, and adequate amounts of omega-3 fatty acids.

By choosing the right food, pet parents can help prevent skeletal problems and promote healthy growth and development in their furry friends.

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Best Supplements and Dog Foods for Knuckling in Dogs

There is no doubt that dogs who suffer from Knuckling have significantly reduced quality of life. Dogs are are playful and fun loving creatures and knuckling can prevent your dog from enjoying the best parts of life. Thankfully, there are products on the market that can make your dogs life a bit easier and In this article we will be talking about a few, specifically supplements and dog foods that can help your dog overcome Knuckling.

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• What is Carpal Laxity Syndrome (Knuckling)?
• How I fed my pup and what supplements were needed to correct this problem.
• Here are some safe dietary options for variety.
• Conclusion

Introduction

When I just got my pup, Star, I noticed about two weeks later that his front legs looked crooked.

This was awkward but surprisingly, it didnt seem painful to him. However, it looked like his legs were struggling to support his body weight. He stumbled over occasionally, and it was very obvious whenever he stood straight on all fours.

I contacted my vet who said; Yes Ive seen that in puppies, the kind of food you are feeding him may be too high in protein which is making his bones outgrow his joints/ligaments or vice versa. Please bring him to the clinic for a proper check and possible treatment.

On my visit to the vet, my pup was diagnosed with carpal laxity syndrome which was making his front legs look bow-legged. I was made to understand that this isnt uncommon especially for the fact that Star is of a large breed hes a Dobermannand since hes growing so fast, things like this can happen.

From all indications, my poochs problem came from his diet. According to the vets advice, I changed his diet, and his condition took just a few weeks to resolve.

But before diving into the kind of diet I employed, lets get a little more education about Stars condition.

What is Carpal Laxity Syndrome?

This is a condition also called knuckling over in puppiesand a general term used to describe hyperextension or hyperflexion in dogs.

This condition is often in pups below 4 months old (but sometimes, it can be seen in 7 month-old pups).

It can happen when malnourished puppies suddenly start getting quality nutrition, leading to rapid growth.

It can also happen with over-nutrition in healthy pups which causes rapid growth.

Breeds such as Shar Peis and Dobermanns appear to be predisposed to the condition.

And male puppies are often more affected due to their very rapid growth.

This condition may affect just one of a pups front legs or both of them in Stars case, both legs were affected.

And finally, carpal laxity syndrome may be a result of hyperextension or hyperflexion.

Carpal Hyperextension

If your dogs knuckling is caused by Carpal Hyperextension, you will notice that your pup walks with the palm or plant of his paws touching the ground instead of with the tip of his toes (known respectively as a palmigrade or plantigrade stance).

In puppies, the hyperextension is mainly due to the looseness of the carpal flexor tendons associated with poor muscle tone.

Affected puppies walk with the excessive extension of the carpus (with a gait more like a bear than a dog).

Carpal Hyperflexion

If however the pup has Carpal Hyperflexion, the growth plate of its front leg, either in the wrist or carpal area, occurring when the part of your dogs body that bears weight is not able to support its entire body as a result of the muscle, tendon, and ligaments being poorly developed.

So, the affected leg(s) will bulge at the sides, making the pup look bow-legged. This is exactly what Star was experiencing.

Please note that dogs who suffer carpal hyperextension/hyperflexion do not present signs of being infected by a disease or other pathology.

Dog Food and Supplements I fed my Pup to Correct His Knuckling Problem

First, to correct this problem, I switched Stars food to a Large/Giant breed formula which is 23% protein and 12% fat food. Feeding Star with this meant a slower more even growth, especially when given in the proper amounts.

According to my Vets advice, I also included some probiotics in his diet when I switched to avoid loose stools.

As to feeding, heres a guide I found which I feel will be helpful for anyone when feeding their pup who has carpal laxity syndrome;

• 2 months; 2 4 cups per day (divided into 3 meals daily)

• 3 months; 3 5 cups per day (divided into 2 meals daily)

• 4 months; 4 6 cups per day (divided into 2 meals daily)

• 5 months; 5 7 cups per day (divided into 2 meals daily

• 6 months; 6 8 cups per day (divided into 2 meals daily)

As for the Supplements

My vet recommended the following supplements for my pup, and Im starting with the most important so if you can only find one, its completely okay, to begin with, it.

MSM Powder

This supplement supports connective tissues such as collagen, ligaments, and tendons.

And below is the dosage for MSM to be given according to your pups weight. This should be given with food.

• 1 10 kilos of body weight: 1/4 teaspoon.
• 10 20 kilos of body weight: 1/2 teaspoon.
• 20 40 kilos of body weight: 3/4 teaspoon.
• Over 40 kilos: 1 teaspoon and then 1/4 teaspoon for every 10 kilos over this.

These doses are made to cater to a wide range of doggie weights because this supplement is also used for dogs with joint problems. Also, the doses can be doubled in cases of joint disease/challenges.

Its advisable to add Vitamin C to increase absorption of MSM. Use a ratio of four parts MSM to one part Vitamin C.

Zinc

When administering this supplement to your pup, it is very important to speak to your Vet about how much to give.

Anitone

This comes as a liquid, organic, nutritional supplement which provides over 60 minerals and traces elements in a highly bioavailable, chelated form.

The dosages are often inscribed on the packaging.

Antinol Rapid

This is a full spectrum omega-3 supplement that not only is used in dogs with the active joint disease but also used to support the growth of puppies and helps to prevent joint disease.

Surprisingly, it also enhances trainability in puppies and improves their coat and skin.

• Never administer calcium supplements unless this is prescribed by your vet.

If you are ever concerned about your pups knuckling, please consult your vet and do not hesitate to get a second opinion if you feel it necessary.

Here are some safe dietary options for variety.

Like I did for Star, you can make a gravy with canned meats, or homemade vegetable soups.

Simply use a little canned meat and mix it with water for gravy.

Another option you can use is dehydrated raw dog food, it is what I use to provide a 10% raw component to Stars kibble. It is balanced in calcium and phosphorus ratios which are very important for growing pups.

If you also want to do your fruits and veggies here are some suggestions.

Please use these recommended foods in moderation:

Yogurt, buttermilk, cauliflower, berries, melons, apples, mangoes, banana, tomatoes, carrots, broccoli, oranges, squash, sweet potato, green beans, and zucchinithese can be minced or diced and given in a cooked or raw form.

Its critical to avoid raw onions, garlic, grapes or raisins, and macadamia nuts.

Drinking Water

WATER ON KIBBLE for puppies you want to use about 1/8 cup and older puppies 1/4 cup water with about 3 4 tablespoons of canned meat.

The food should be moist, not floating, and sloppy (reduce amount for smaller breeds accordingly).

Do not microwave, soak or use hot or very warm water on the kibble as it will destroy the integrity of the friendly yogurt type cultures, the fragile vitamins/minerals, and amino acids in the food.

You should never withhold water from your dog. As this can cause bladder infections.

Conclusion

In many cases, the dogs wrists will straighten out on their own within a few weeks and will not require treatment. However, seeing a veterinarian would be wise as your dog could develop a lifelong deformity.

Also, some vets do not understand this issue due to minimal or no training in small animal nutrition and little experience in large/giant breed growth patterns.

If theres no improvement within 2-3 days of being on this total nutritional program, or if your pups condition worsens, then you need to consider wrapping your dogs joints for support.

There are several commercially made braces you can get for your pup. Simply check pet stores for the most effective and most comfortable ones you can find.