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, it’s 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 you’ve got a puppy that’s exhibiting this condition, then we’ve got some dog food recommendations that can help with it.
- Top Pick: Holistic Select Natural Dry Dog Food, Large & Giant Breed Adult Recipe, 30-Pound Bag
- Runner-Up: Eukanuba Puppy Large Breed Dry Dog Food, 30 lb
- Runner-Up: ORIJEN Dog Puppy Recipe, 25lb, High-Protein Grain-Free Dry Puppy Food
- Budget Pick: Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Puppy Large Breed Dry Dog Food, Chicken and Brown Rice 30-lb
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
It’s 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:
Holistic Select Natural Dry Dog Food, Large & Giant Breed
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
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.
Orijen Puppy Large Breed
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 world’s 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 that’s 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.
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Puppy Large Breed Chicken and Brown Rice Recipe
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 mother’s milk, to support healthy brain and eye development in growing puppies.
The food also features Blue Buffalo’s 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.
Taste of the Wild High Prairie Puppy Formula
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.
It’s 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 puppy’s 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 don’t 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, it’s 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, it’s 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.