Canine arthritis can be a challenging condition for our furry companions, impacting their mobility and overall quality of life. But did you know that diet plays a crucial role when dealing with canine arthritis? Find out what to do ad what not to do when it comes to foods for arthritis in dogs!

​Dietary changes can help soothe the pain in his joints, and more importantly, a well-structured arthritis diet for dogs ensures proper weight management which is key to alleviating the symptoms.

Arthritis is a common condition in dogs characterized by inflammation and deterioration of the joints. It typically occurs as a result of the gradual wear and tear of the cartilage that cushions the bones in the joints.

Imagine your dog's joints are like a rusty hinge on a door that needs some oil to move smoothly. Arthritis can make it harder for your dog to walk, run, or play like they used to.

Arthritis in dogs can develop due to various factors, including aging, genetics, obesity, previous joint injuries, developmental disorders, and certain diseases. Large dog breeds and overweight dogs are more prone to developing arthritis.

The primary symptom of dog arthritis, is joint pain, which can cause stiffness, limping, lameness, and difficulty moving. Dogs with arthritis may also exhibit decreased activity levels, reluctance to jump or climb stairs, muscle atrophy, and behavioral changes. In some cases, the affected joints may appear swollen or warm to the touch.

The symptoms of hip dysplasia in dogs do overlap with other degenerative joint diseases. If you notice even the slightest of these signs, hop along to the vet, they will conduct a physical exam and a few other tests if needed to confirm the condition.

1. Osteoarthritis (OA):
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease resulting from the breakdown of cartilage, leading to bone-on-bone contact, inflammation, pain, and limb dysfunction. It commonly affects dogs with other orthopedic diseases or can occur without a clear primary cause.

Think your pup has Osteoarthritis? Find out where they lie and how to treat OA based on the stages of progression.

2. Rheumatoid Arthritis:
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease causing chronic joint inflammation when the immune system attacks the body's own tissues, resulting in pain, inflammation, and lameness.

3. Infectious Arthritis:
Caused by bacterial, viral, or fungal infections, infectious arthritis occurs when microorganisms enter the joint, leading to inflammation and joint damage. It can be a primary infection or a secondary complication.

4. Immune-Mediated Arthritis:
This form of arthritis involves an abnormal immune response targeting the joints, leading to inflammation and damage. It may have a genetic component and is not well understood.

5. Traumatic Arthritis:
Traumatic arthritis develops after joint injuries such as fractures, ligament tears, or dislocations, disrupting joint structure and function, and resulting in arthritis.

6. Hypertrophic Arthritis:
Hypertrophic arthritis is characterized by abnormal bone growth in the joint, causing pain, reduced joint mobility, and joint deformities. It is commonly seen in large and giant breeds.

While there is no cure for arthritis, treatment focuses on managing the pain and improving the dog’s quality of life. One of the ways you can alleviate your dog’s arthritis symptoms is through a supportive diet.

How a Diet Affects Joint Health?
A good healthy diet helps provide your dog with everything they need to keep themselves healthy.
There are a few reasons why you would want to consider a dietary change if your pooch has arthritis.

If your dog is overweight, a dietary change to help them shed the extra pounds can greatly relieve the stress placed on your dog’s joints. Research shows that by reducing your dogs weight by 10-20% can greatly affect their mobility.

If your dog happens to be fit and fab- you might want to consider a dietary change- there are a few ingredients that can exacerbate your arthritic symptoms directly by increasing inflammation, or indirectly by having your dog gain weight as their activity level drops with arthritis.

Let’s start with the basics, Foods to Avoid for Dogs with Arthritis:

If your dog has arthritis, it is advisable to consider a grain-free diet. Many commercial dog foods often contain filler grains like wheat, rice, soy, and spelt, which can cause fluctuations in your dog’s blood sugar levels and increase painful swelling. A grain-free diet can help reduce inflammation but do consult your vet as some dogs do well with some amount of grain in their diet.

Corn is a controversial ingredient found in many dog foods. It has a high carbohydrate content and can lead to inflammation in some dogs. While immediate adverse reactions may not be visible, long-term consumption of corn can cause chronic inflammation over time.

Most commercial diets for dogs are rich in omega-6 fatty acids, which are found in cheaper oils like corn, soybean, safflower, sunflower, and canola oils. Excess omega-6s can contribute to inflammation. Providing a high-quality omega-3 fatty acids supplement can help maintain a balance and reduce inflammation, lubricate joints and improve joint range of motion.

Maintaining a healthy weight is detrimental when dealing with an arthritic dog, so it’s important to choose lean proteins like chicken, turkey, or grass-fed meat. Fatty proteins can contribute to weight gain, and even a slight excess weight can worsen arthritis pain and decrease the dog’s quality of life. But it is not just about the increased pressure on your dogs joints, fat also causes increased inflammation of the joints as they produce hormones – like leptin – that cause and increase inflammation.

Highly processed foods with added salts, sugars, and artificial additives are more likely to contribute to inflammation. Dog foods without these ingredients not only help improve your dogs joints but overall health!

Not all human food is dog food. Be mindful when giving your pup a treat or two- I know puppy eyes are hard to escape!

Processed treats often contain high amounts of salt, fat, and sugar, which can contribute to inflammation. Opt for natural alternatives like baby carrots, fruit pieces, or dehydrated veggies, and choose treats with natural ingredients and break them into smaller portions to control calorie intake.

When selecting food for an arthritic dog, carefully read labels and avoid the mentioned foods as much as possible. It’s crucial to provide a diet that acts as medicine for their body, rather than a source of toxins.

How can diet help with arthritis in dogs?
Certain diets can help relieve symptoms of arthritic joints and can cause a decrease in pain. Some foods contain anti-inflammatory qualities that can help relieve the symptoms making it a useful tool when it comes to maintaining a proper weight for dogs with arthritis.

Kibble is a popular choice due to its convenience and affordability. It is easy to store, has a longer shelf life, and provides a balanced diet when formulated with quality ingredients. Some kibbles also offer specific formulations for joint health, containing added nutrients like glucosamine and chondroitin.

However, not all kibbles are created equal. Many commercial brands contain fillers, artificial additives, and low-quality ingredients that may contribute to inflammation and poor joint health. It’s essential to carefully read the labels and choose high-quality kibbles without grains, excessive carbohydrates, and additives.

Canned food is known for its higher moisture content, palatability, and potentially better ingredient quality compared to some kibbles. The increased moisture can support hydration, which is important for joint health. Canned food may also provide better taste and texture for dogs with decreased appetite due to arthritis pain.

On the downside, canned food can be more expensive and has a shorter shelf life once opened. It’s important to choose options that are low in sodium and don’t contain excessive fillers or artificial additives. Additionally, some canned foods may not provide the necessary balance of nutrients, so it’s important to ensure a complete and balanced diet.

When choosing the best diet for a dog with arthritis, it’s important to prioritize high-quality ingredients, joint-supporting nutrients, and balanced nutrition. While kibble offers convenience, select options without grains and additives. Canned food provides higher moisture content and palatability, but be cautious of sodium levels. Homemade meals allow complete control but require careful planning and consultation.

Remember, every dog is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. It’s always advisable to consult with a veterinarian or a veterinary nutritionist to determine the most suitable diet for your dog’s specific needs. Regular monitoring, along with a healthy diet, can significantly contribute to managing canine arthritis and improving your furry friend’s quality of life.