Arthritis is a common condition in dogs, especially in their senior years. It can cause your furry friend pain, stiffness and decreased mobility, making it difficult for them to enjoy their daily activities. 

As a pet owner, it can be useful to consider feeding your dog an anti-inflammatory diet along with joint supplements, to help alleviate their symptoms.

Inflammation in a dog with arthritis 

Inflammation is the body’s response to injury or illnesses. It’s the body’s way of protecting and healing itself by dilating blood vessels and sending white blood cells to the affected area.

In a dog with arthritis, the cartilage within the joints becomes worn away and the synovial fluid which lubricates the joints becomes thin and inflamed. The loss of this protective cushion results in pain, inflammation and swelling and decreased range of motion. 

How can diet help with arthritis in dogs?

It’s not possible for specific foods or supplements to cure arthritis but certain diets may improve symptoms.

Some foods are known to have anti-inflammatory capabilities which may help reduce arthritis symptoms. 

Diet can also help maintain a healthy weight which is important in a dog with arthritis. Being overweight can put extra pressure on the joints. Maintaining a healthy weight can lessen the symptoms of arthritis. 

Anti-Inflammatory diet for dogs with arthritis

The best anti-inflammatory diet for dogs is one that consists of high-quality proteins, good fats, vegetables that are high in fiber and nutrients with low levels of sugar and carbohydrates.

Mostly wet food diets tend to have a higher protein to carb ratio. Studies have shown that dogs fed a raw or whole food diet have lower levels of pro-inflammatory markers in the body and higher levels of anti-inflammatory markers, as compared to dogs fed a standard commercial kibble diet.

However, both dry dog food and wet dog food can provide nutritionally balanced diets. 

Inflammatory foods to avoid

Foods high in omega-6 fatty acids like corn, soy and sunflower oil, as well as processed foods, can cause inflammation. Additionally, foods with added sugars, salt, and preservatives should be avoided.

Avoid fillers

Many dry dog foods available on the market contain fillers such as corn bran, grain by-products, soybean, peanut, cottonseed, rice hulls and modified corn starch.   

Not only are these foods nutritionally deplete, but they may also negatively impact joint health by increasing the body’s inflammatory response.  

Look for foods that contain whole ingredients, and always avoid words such as “bran” “hulls” “meal” or “by-product.”

When choosing any type of dog food, it is always helpful to have your pet’s needs in mind, and to learn how to effectively read a pet food label.

Once you know what to look for in regards to the quality of food, we suggest including dog foods that contain one or more of the following nutrients, minerals or ingredients that contribute to an anti-inflammatory diet.

Anti-Inflammatory foods sources for dogs

There are also several foods known for their anti-inflammatory properties that can be helpful to a dog with arthritis. 

Omega-3 fats

Oily fish such as salmon, sardines and mackerel provide a great source of the omega-3 fats eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) for our dogs, which are known to have potent anti-inflammatory effects in the body. These fatty acids can help reduce inflammation in dogs with arthritis.

Tip: An easy way to add Omega 3’s into your dog’s diet is to drizzle a tablespoon of oil that is high in Omega 3’s onto their food. We recommend this product. 

Turmeric

Turmeric is a spice commonly used in Indian cuisine and has potent anti-inflammatory properties. It contains curcumin, which helps reduce inflammation in the body. Adding a sprinkle of turmeric  to your dog’s food or adding a turmeric supplement, may help alleviate arthritis symptoms.

Green vegetables

Green vegetables like broccoli, spinach and kale are rich in antioxidants that help fight inflammation. These vegetables are also high in fiber, which can help your dog maintain a healthy weight too. 

Blueberries

Blueberries are a great source of antioxidants that help reduce inflammation. They’re also low in calories and high in fiber, making them an excellent snack for dogs with arthritis. You can add blueberries to your dog’s food or offer them as a healthy treat.

Bone broth

Bone broth is made by simmering animal bones and connective tissue in water. The resulting broth is rich in collagen, which can help support your dog’s joints. Additionally, bone broth is high in glucosamine and chondroitin, which are supplements commonly used to treat arthritis in dogs.

Homemade recipe

You may want to consider making your dog’s food at home to replace traditional dry food or be used as a supplement.

A common formulation for dogs with arthritis includes celery, carrots, zucchini, sweet potatoes, kale, spinach, quinoa, lentils, parsley, and apples.  The exact amounts of each ingredient are not important, except that the overall product should contain 2 parts quinoa/lentils to 8 parts fruits/vegetables.  

Combine all ingredients together in a large pot and add enough water to cover all ingredients.  Bring to a boil and let simmer on low for 1 hour or until quinoa and lentils are cooked.  For additional protein, cooked chicken can be added as well.  

Pet owners can also blend fruits and vegetables together to make a juice or smoothie and add them to the dog’s daily diet.

Summing up

Feeding your dog a balanced healthy diet is essential for their overall health, especially if they have arthritis. 

Unfortunately, we can’t control everything that contributes to inflammation in our dogs, but we can control what they eat. 

Avoiding foods that cause inflammation and incorporating anti-inflammatory foods, may  give your dog the best chance at a long, happy and active life. 

Remember to consult with your veterinarian before making any significant changes to your dog’s diet.

——–

Some dogs who are suffering from arthritis may require additional treatments that provide a more significant and noticeable result. We recommend exploring stem cell therapy which has been proven to treat arthritis in dogs. Please visit the Stem Cell Vet website to learn more.