Arthritis in Dogs: Diet Tips to Reduce Inflammation

Kristina Voltin
Apr 2
4 min read

Omega-3 fatty acids (found in fish oil, salmon, flaxseeds) reduce joint inflammation.
Lean proteins (like chicken, turkey, and beef) maintain muscle strength and ease joint stress.
Antioxidants (from blueberries, carrots, and sweet potatoes) help repair tissues and reduce swelling.
Complex carbs (like brown rice, quinoa, and pumpkin) provide energy without promoting inflammation.
Glucosamine and chondroitin (from bone broth, shellfish, or freeze-dried raw foods) support joint health and cartilage repair.

Avoid harmful foods like white flour, sugar, and processed items high in omega-6 or artificial additives, as these can worsen inflammation. Maintaining a healthy weight through portion control is also critical to easing joint stress.

Tip: Consult your vet before making dietary changes to ensure the best plan for your dog's arthritis.

6 natural anti- inflammatory foods for Arthritis and joint pain ...

Anti-Inflammatory Nutrients for Dogs

Certain nutrients can work together to help ease arthritis symptoms and improve your dog's overall energy and mobility.

Omega-3 for Joint Support

Omega-3 fatty acids are known to help with joint inflammation and may improve movement in dogs with arthritis. You can find these in cold-water fish like salmon and mackerel, fish oil supplements (always check with your vet first), and ground flaxseeds.

Protein for Muscle Maintenance

Lean protein is essential for keeping muscles strong and reducing stress on joints. Good options include grass-fed beef, free-range chicken, wild-caught fish, and turkey.

Antioxidant-Rich Foods

Foods packed with antioxidants can help reduce inflammation and aid in tissue repair. Consider adding blueberries, sweet potatoes, carrots, and green beans to your dog's diet.

Complex Carbohydrates for Energy

Complex carbs provide long-lasting energy without causing inflammation. Choose whole grains and vegetables like brown rice, quinoa, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, and green peas. Freeze-dried options are a great choice for preserving nutrients and flavor without unnecessary additives.

Glucosamine and Chondroitin Effects

Glucosamine and chondroitin are compounds found naturally in the body that help maintain joint health and manage arthritis symptoms in dogs. They play a key role in keeping cartilage intact and easing inflammation.

Natural Sources of GlucosamineWhile dogs naturally produce glucosamine, their levels tend to drop as they age. You can add more glucosamine to their diet by including:

Bone broth made from chicken or beef bones
Shellfish shells, like shrimp or crab
Animal cartilage and connective tissues
Green-lipped mussels

How Chondroitin HelpsChondroitin complements glucosamine by blocking enzymes that damage cartilage, helping joints retain water for better cushioning, encouraging new cartilage growth, and reducing joint discomfort. You can find chondroitin in natural sources like trachea cartilage, bone marrow, and animal joints.

Incorporating high-quality freeze-dried raw food is another way to provide glucosamine and chondroitin naturally. This approach keeps nutrients intact and supports joint health, as seen in Loyal Saints' USA-made, human-grade formulas. Begin with small amounts to ease digestion, and adjust the diet to avoid foods that might increase inflammation.

Harmful Foods to Skip

When managing arthritis in dogs through diet, it’s crucial to steer clear of foods that can worsen inflammation and negatively affect joint health.

White Flour and Sugar

Foods made with white flour and sugar provide little nutritional value. They can cause blood sugar spikes, lead to weight gain, and increase inflammation - all of which can aggravate arthritis symptoms.

Too Much Omega-6

Omega-6 fatty acids are necessary in small amounts, but consuming too much - often found in processed foods made with corn and soybean oils - can upset the balance with omega-3s. This imbalance may prolong inflammation and discomfort.

Artificial Additives

Chemical additives like preservatives, artificial colors, and flavor enhancers can cause sensitivities and contribute to chronic inflammation. Opt for options like premium freeze-dried raw dog foods, such as those from Loyal Saints, which are made with natural, whole-food ingredients and free of fillers or additives. These diets are packed with nutrients that can help support your dog’s joint health.

Next, find out how to create an anti-inflammatory diet for your dog.

Steps to Start an Anti-Inflammatory Diet

Help manage your dog's arthritis by transitioning them to an anti-inflammatory diet.

Step 1: Switch to Freeze-Dried Raw Food

Freeze-dried raw food retains essential nutrients from whole-food ingredients. Brands like Loyal Saints use high-quality proteins and nutrient-rich ingredients without artificial additives that may contribute to inflammation.

"We gradually made the transition from raw food to this freeze-dried, and our dog goes crazy, spins in circles, as we are grabbing for the bag. He's always had a picky stomach, but the gradual transition had no problems." - Colin J

"Finally, a nutrition-packed food for Toby without all the added gunk! He loves it, and it shows in his coat. The small bags of freeze-dried food are so much more convenient to store, too. Thank you, Loyal Saints!" - Wanda W

Step 2: Consult Your Veterinarian

Before making dietary changes, talk to your vet. They can:

Assess your dog's arthritis condition
Review medications and supplements
Identify any food sensitivities
Develop a tailored transition plan
Monitor progress and adjust as needed

Following your vet's advice ensures the dietary changes support your dog's joint health effectively.

Step 3: Control Food Portions

Maintaining a healthy weight is key to reducing stress on your dog's joints. Excess weight can aggravate arthritis symptoms, so portion control is critical.

When introducing a new diet:

Start by mixing a small amount of the new food with the old
Gradually increase the ratio of new food over 7–10 days
Keep an eye on your dog's digestion and overall comfort

"I'd rather spend $200 a month on my picky eater and have them happy for years than a couple thousand on vet bills. This food rocks!" - Tony Eiguesse

Conclusion

Managing your dog's arthritis through diet involves focusing on specific nutrients and high-quality ingredients. A well-balanced diet that includes omega-3s, antioxidants, and joint-supporting compounds can improve mobility and reduce discomfort.

Freeze-dried raw food options, such as those from Loyal Saints, can promote joint health without including harmful additives. As pet owner Tony Eiguesse put it:

"I'd rather spend $200 a month on my picky eater and have them happy for years than a couple thousand on vet bills. This food rocks!" [1]

Work with your veterinarian to create a personalized transition plan and monitor your dog's progress. Proper portion control is also key to maintaining a healthy weight and minimizing stress on their joints.