The best foods to keep dogs' joints healthy

Everyone knows that proper canine nutrition is essential for multiple health reasons. However, many owners are now asking more specific questions. One that vets often hear is ‘what food is good for a dog’s joints and bones?’.
 
So, we’ve decided to do a deep dive into the best food for a dog’s joint mobility, focusing on key ingredients and nutrients that your dog could benefit from. Read on to find out more about dog food for joint health and what you should be looking out for.

Why is dog joint health important?

An active dog is a happy dog, which is why maintaining your dog’s joint health is so important! Healthy joints and bones allow your pet to exercise freely and live comfortably.
 
The right diet plays an important part in your dog’s mobility, with some pets needing a little extra support. Advancing age, underlying joint issues (e.g., hip dysplasia), or previous joint trauma can cause problems.
 
These pets will benefit from an improved diet, with joint supplements for dogs often playing a big role in this.
 
Joint issues are painful and can cause –

• Stiffness and limping
• Reduced mobility
• Joint swelling
• Decreased activity levels or ‘slowing down’ on walks
• Difficulty jumping up
• Changes in mood, such as increased irritability or aggression
• Changes in sleep patterns 

It’s important that we recognise these problem signs and take steps to keep our dogs as comfortable as possible.

Are foods that important to joint health?

Nutrition impacts the overall health of dogs, supporting energy levels, muscle maintenance, and a well-functioning digestive system. However, if we are looking at dog food for joint health specifically, it must contain the right levels of certain ingredients. This may need tweaking depending on your individual pet’s needs. Young, growing dogs require the correct balance of calcium and phosphorus for healthy bone development. Large or active breeds, as well as older dogs, will benefit most from ingredients that have natural anti-inflammatory properties and promote cartilage health. So, food is crucial to good joint health in our pets.

Ingredients You Need To Look Out For

When looking for the best dog food for joints and hips, the following ingredients are key –

Omega-3

Omega-3 is the name given to a group of fatty acids, the main ones being ALA, DHA, and EPA.  They perform many essential roles in the body, including supporting cell membrane health and hormone production. The right concentration also has proven anti-inflammatory effects. This can be especially helpful with dogs suffering from painful, inflamed joints, as well as dogs suffering from cardiac problems or allergic skin disease. Omega-3 is most concentrated in food sources such as oily fish, shellfish, nuts, seeds, and plant oils. Dog supplements with omega-3 can be a great way to increase your pet’s intake.

Glucosamine

Glucosamine is a component of cartilage, the tissue found inside joints, providing a smooth gliding surface and acting as a buffer between the ends of the bones. In conditions like osteoarthritis, cartilage can become eroded, leading to pain and inflammation. By using glucosamine supplements for dogs, you can help support cartilage health in your pet. Glucosamine is a natural compound found in shellfish and the cartilage-rich parts of animals, as well as in lower amounts in eggshells and meats.

Collagen

Collagen is an important protein that supports the health of cartilage, tendons, ligaments, and skin. It can aid mobility, improve flexibility, and help maintain joint comfort. Collagen can be primarily found in animal sources such as bone broth, eggs, fish, chicken, and pork. Manganese is an essential mineral that can further aid collagen production in the body. It can be found in shellfish, nuts, brown rice, and leafy greens. Joint supplements for dogs can help boost levels of manganese.

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Which foods help keep dog joints healthy?

What food is good for a dog's joints and bones? The following foods are considered good for joint health in dogs -

Oily Fish

Rich in collagen and omega-3 fatty acids, oily fish have anti-inflammatory properties that can help dogs with joint issues.  This can reduce pain and stiffness.

Green Lipped Mussel

Green lipped mussel (GLM) is a New Zealand shellfish. As well as vitamins and minerals, GLM is a concentrated source of omega-3 fatty acids and glycosaminoglycans like chondroitin sulfate. Chondroitin can help maintain cartilage structure and help prevent breakdown. GLM therefore reduces inflammation and promotes healthy cartilage. View our joint supplements with Green Lipped Mussel.

Vegetables

Leafy green vegetables are rich in manganese, the mineral that helps with collagen formation in the body.

Bone Broth

Bone broth is rich in collagen, a protein that is essential for strong cartilage, tendons, and skin. It also contains glucosamine, which will further promote cartilage health in the body.

Eggs

While not usually the headline act in joint health, eggs do contain omega-3 fatty acids, and their shells can contribute to glucosamine levels if consumed. They are also a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals.
 
It is important that these food items are used as part of a carefully formulated diet to ensure your pet is getting the correct nutritional balance. It can be quite hard to get this right without a veterinary nutritionist, so joint supplements can be a hassle-free alternative.  Supplements can complement your pet’s existing good-quality complete diet with additional joint-boosting properties.
 
As well as specific ingredients, another important dietary consideration is feeding the correct amount to maintain a lean, healthy body condition. Excess weight can contribute to joint disease in dogs, making issues worse. So take care not to give too many treats or extras and stick to your chosen diet’s feeding guidelines.

Conclusion

The best food for a dog's joint mobility depends on certain key ingredients. Providing your pet with the right diet could help to improve cartilage health and reduce inflammation, improving mobility.
 
When used alongside good nutrition, dog joint supplements are a great alternative. YuMOVE ingredients have been carefully formulated to benefit dogs of all ages by aiding their movement and supporting healthy joints and hips. For more information on canine joint health, check out our understanding dog joints blog.