How Diet Helps Dogs with Arthritis

Kristina Voltin
May 12
7 min read

Did you know 20% of dogs in the U.S. will face arthritis in their lifetime? While there's no cure, the right diet can ease symptoms, reduce pain, and improve mobility. Here's how you can help your dog feel better through nutrition:

Key Nutrients: Omega-3s (reduce inflammation), glucosamine & chondroitin (support cartilage), antioxidants (protect joints), and high-quality protein (maintain muscle strength).
Weight Management: Keeping your dog at a healthy weight reduces pressure on joints - just 1 extra pound adds 4 pounds of stress per step.
Best Foods: Lean proteins (chicken, turkey, salmon), antioxidant-rich veggies (broccoli, spinach), and fruits like blueberries.
Supplements: Fish oil, turmeric, and glucosamine can provide extra joint support.

Switch your dog’s diet gradually and consult your vet for personalized advice. A balanced diet tailored to joint health can make a big difference in your dog’s comfort and quality of life.

What to Feed a Dog With Arthritis (Supplementation and Diet)

Best Nutrients for Joint Health

Understanding which nutrients support joint health can help you fine-tune your dog's diet. Certain nutrients are especially beneficial for managing arthritis symptoms and promoting overall joint wellness.

Benefits of Omega-3s

Research shows that increasing omega-3 intake while reducing omega-6 levels can ease arthritis symptoms and even lower the need for anti-inflammatory medications [5].

Here are some of the best omega-3 sources for dogs:

Food Source	Benefits
Wild-Caught Salmon	Packed with natural EPA and DHA
Fish Oil	A concentrated source of omega-3s
Flaxseed	A plant-based omega-3 option

Incorporating these into your dog's diet can be a game-changer for joint health. But omega-3s aren’t the only nutrients that help.

Joint Support Compounds

Glucosamine and chondroitin are essential for maintaining cartilage health and slowing joint degeneration [4]. Together, they:

Help repair cartilage
Slow down joint wear and tear
Improve overall joint function

Another standout nutrient is curcumin, the active compound in turmeric. Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, curcumin can naturally relieve arthritis symptoms in dogs [3]. You can mix turmeric into their meals or opt for supplements for convenience.

Protein for Joint Support

While omega-3s and joint compounds target inflammation and cartilage health, muscle strength is just as critical for joint stability. High-quality protein helps maintain strong muscles that protect and support arthritic joints. Lean proteins like chicken, turkey, and grass-fed meats are excellent choices. For an added boost, freeze-dried raw food options like those from Loyal Saints provide human-grade protein without artificial additives or fillers.

Pair these proteins with antioxidant-rich foods such as green vegetables (broccoli, spinach, kale) and blueberries [3]. These ingredients not only fight inflammation but also provide a wealth of other health benefits. By combining these nutrients into your dog’s daily meals, you can create a well-rounded plan for joint care.

Creating a Joint-Health Meal Plan

Let’s take the nutrients we’ve already discussed and turn them into a meal plan that promotes healthy joints.

Picking the Right Foods for Joint Health

The goal is to choose ingredients that naturally fight inflammation and help keep joints functioning well. Here’s a breakdown of foods that can be part of a balanced diet for dogs with arthritis:

Food Category	Options	How They Help
Proteins	Wild-caught salmon, lean chicken, turkey	Provide essential omega-3s and help maintain muscle strength
Vegetables	Broccoli, spinach, kale	Packed with antioxidants and dietary fiber
Fruits	Blueberries	Serve as a natural anti-inflammatory
Complex Carbs	Brown rice, quinoa	Offer steady energy and help manage weight

Look for AAFCO-approved dog foods that prioritize high-quality proteins and natural ingredients. For example, Loyal Saints' freeze-dried raw food includes human-grade protein and ingredients specifically designed to support joint health.

Adding Supplements for Extra Support

To take joint care to the next level, consider incorporating these supplements into your dog’s diet:

Fish oil: A great source of omega-3 fatty acids for reducing inflammation.
Glucosamine and chondroitin: Often paired together, these support cartilage health and joint function.
Turmeric: Known for its natural anti-inflammatory properties.

Before adding any supplements, consult your vet to figure out the right options and dosages for your dog’s size and condition. When introducing supplements, do it gradually to allow your dog’s system to adjust.

Transitioning to New Foods

Switching your dog to a new diet should be done slowly to avoid digestive upset. Here’s a simple 10-day plan:

Days	Old Food	New Food
1–3	75%	25%
4–6	50%	50%
7–8	25%	75%
9–10	0%	100%

Keep an eye on your dog during the transition. Watch for signs like changes in stool, appetite loss, or vomiting. If anything seems off, slow down the process. Stick to regular feeding times and always provide fresh water - hydration is key for both joint health and overall well-being.

Weight Control for Joint Care

Keeping your dog at a healthy weight does more than enhance overall health - it plays a key role in protecting their joints. Extra pounds mean extra pressure. Research shows that for every pound of excess weight, about four pounds of pressure are added to your dog’s joints with each step [2].

Checking Your Dog's Weight

One of the best ways to check if your dog is at a healthy weight is by using the Body Condition Score (BCS). This system helps you assess your dog’s weight by examining specific areas of their body:

Body Area	What to Check	Ideal Condition
Ribs	Run your hands along their sides	You should feel the ribs without pressing hard
Waist	Look from above	A visible tuck should appear behind the ribs
Abdomen	View from the side	The body should slope upward from the ribcage to the hindquarters
Hip Bones	Gently touch the area	Hip bones should be felt but not protruding

A score of 4 to 5 on the 9-point BCS scale is generally considered healthy. To track your dog’s weight, weigh them monthly using a home scale. Simply weigh yourself first, then weigh yourself while holding your dog, and subtract your weight from the total.

Healthy Foods for Weight Control

Managing your dog’s weight while supporting their joint health starts with a diet that’s low in unnecessary calories but rich in essential nutrients. Here are some excellent food choices:

Lean Proteins:

Skinless chicken or turkey breast
White fish like cod or tilapia
Egg whites for a light protein boost

Vegetables:

Broccoli and spinach, packed with antioxidants
Green beans, offering fiber without adding many calories
Carrots, which work well as low-calorie treats

Studies indicate that shedding just 6–8% of body weight can significantly improve mobility and reduce pain in dogs with arthritis. In some cases, the benefits are comparable to mild to moderate arthritis medications [4].

When choosing packaged dog food, look for options with 25–30% protein, 8–10% fiber, named meat proteins listed first, and no fillers. Brands like Loyal Saints offer freeze-dried raw food with high-quality protein and natural ingredients, ideal for weight management and joint support.

To help maintain a healthy weight, measure your dog’s food portions with a digital scale and divide their daily food into at least two meals. This approach helps stabilize blood sugar levels and cuts down on begging.

Hydration Tips:

Provide 1 oz of water per pound of body weight daily.
Add water to dry food to increase fullness.
Use bone broth ice cubes as a hydrating and joint-friendly treat.

Summary

Feeding your arthritic dog a diet designed to reduce inflammation, support joint health, and manage weight can make a big difference in their mobility and comfort levels [1][3].

Key Nutritional Elements:

Proteins: Help maintain muscle strength and aid in joint repair.
Omega-3 fatty acids: Known to reduce inflammation.
Antioxidants: Provide joint protection by combating oxidative stress.
Glucosamine and chondroitin: Help slow cartilage breakdown.

These nutrients aren't just recommendations - they're supported by clinical research. For instance, studies reveal that increasing omega-3 intake can reduce the need for anti-inflammatory medications [5]. Additionally, keeping your dog at a healthy weight can improve their mobility as effectively as some arthritis treatments [4].

To give your dog the best, focus on whole, natural foods. Freeze-dried raw options, like those from Loyal Saints, offer high-quality proteins and natural ingredients that promote joint health and help maintain an ideal weight.

FAQs

How can I tell if my dog's diet might be worsening their arthritis symptoms?

How Diet Impacts Arthritis in Dogs

What your dog eats can make a big difference when it comes to managing arthritis. If your furry friend is showing signs like stiffness, trouble moving around, or clear discomfort, their diet might not be giving them the right nutrients to support healthy joints. Foods packed with fillers, additives, or low-quality ingredients can actually make inflammation worse - and inflammation is a major culprit behind arthritis.

Keep an eye out for warning signs such as weight gain, low energy levels, or symptoms that seem to be getting worse even with treatment. Switching to a diet that's packed with high-quality, natural ingredients and anti-inflammatory nutrients can help ease their discomfort and boost their overall health. But before making any big changes to their meals, always check in with your veterinarian to ensure you're making the best choice for your pet.

How can I safely transition my dog to a diet that helps manage arthritis?

Transitioning your dog to a new diet aimed at managing arthritis needs to be done slowly to avoid upsetting their stomach and to help them adapt smoothly. Begin by mixing a small portion of the new food with their current meals. Gradually increase the amount of the new food over a period of 7–10 days until it completely replaces the old diet. This gradual approach ensures your dog adjusts comfortably.

When choosing a diet, prioritize nutrient-packed options that include anti-inflammatory ingredients such as omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine, and chondroitin. These nutrients are known to support joint health and may help ease arthritis symptoms. For instance, freeze-dried raw dog food made with human-grade, natural ingredients can offer balanced nutrition while boosting mobility and overall well-being.

Before making any major dietary changes, especially for a dog with arthritis or other medical concerns, it’s essential to consult your veterinarian. They can provide guidance and help you select the best diet tailored to your dog’s specific needs.

Are there any risks or side effects of adding supplements like fish oil or turmeric to my dog's diet?

Adding supplements like fish oil or turmeric to your dog's diet can help with things like reducing inflammation and promoting joint health. But it’s important to go about it with care. Giving too much can cause problems like upset stomachs, weight gain, or even disrupt their overall diet balance.

Before making any changes, always check with your veterinarian. They can guide you on whether these supplements are suitable for your dog's specific needs, size, and health. This ensures your pup gets all the benefits without any unnecessary risks.