Dog Food for Arthritis — Buyer’s Guide, Review, and Comparison

Whether you have an older dog with arthritis or have noticed that your pup is not as mobile as they once were, finding a dog food for arthritis can make a huge difference to their day-to-day life. Providing them with proper nutrition can be key to managing the symptoms of canine arthritis in your senior dog.

Top Hypoallergenic Dog Food for Arthritis

Dog Food for Arthritis Buying Guide

Dogs and Arthritis — The Basics

How to Prevent Arthritis in Dogs?

Who Benefits From an Arthritis in Dogs Diet?

Ingredients To Look For in Dog Food for Dogs With Arthritis

Best Dog Food for Arthritis — Our Picks

Conclusion

Best Dog Food for Dogs With Arthritis Frequently Asked Questions

TOP RECOMMENDED DOG FOOD FOR ARTHRITIS

Open Farm Grain Free Food

Open Farm dog food contains high-quality turkey and chicken as its first two ingredients, which not only provide protein but also glucosamine and chondroitin to support healthy joints.

What’s more, with no soy, wheat, gluten, preservatives, or flavors — it’s ideal for dogs with sensitivities. And, the inclusion of prebiotics offers additional digestive support.

• Grain-free and gluten-free.
• Joint-friendly ingredients.
• Ethically sourced/produced.

Product rating: 4.6/5

Dog Food for Arthritis Buying Guide

As our canine buddies get older, many of them suffer from similar conditions to ourselves — like arthritis. Choosing to feed them dog food for arthritis can often make a huge difference to the symptoms — such as stiffness and general mobility. But are there certain things that you should be looking for in these foods to ensure their effectiveness — our buyer’s guide will give you some key points to look out for.

Dogs and Arthritis — The Basics

Arthritis in dogs is when they suffer from inflammation in one or more of their joints. It’s a progressive disease, and so will get worse over time. There are a few things that you might notice in your dog that would indicate that they’re starting to suffer from this disease.

Symptoms of Dog Arthritis:

• Generally slowing down.
• Trouble getting up from a sitting or a lying position.
• Limping.
• Wary of jumping or climbing stairs.
• Licking the affected area.
• Overly tired.
• Generally irritable.

How to Prevent Arthritis in Dogs?

For some dogs, you may not be able to — the development of the condition can be down to various reasons, some of which, like genetics, are out of your hands. However, regardless of your dog’s circumstances, there are ways that you can help — by:

• Ensuring your dog is on a high-quality, nutritionally-balanced dog food good for dog’s joints-focused diet.
• Organizing regular check-ups, so that any problems can be picked up quickly.
• Making sure that your dog is getting the right exercise for their age and breed.
• Considering supplements, such as omega-3, that are beneficial for your dog’s joints.
• Avoiding overfeeding, and keeping your dog within their breed’s suggested weight levels.

This proactive care can help to delay the symptoms of this disease even if it cannot prevent it from rearing its ugly head in the end.

Who Benefits From an Arthritis in Dogs Diet? 

Arthritis in dogs is caused by wear and tear on joints and usually comes with old age, as it does in humans. 

However, certain dogs are more prone to arthritis, or the likelihood is greater, so would benefit from dog food specifically designed to support those — either with or at risk — of this condition. These include:

• Dogs already suffering from arthritis.
• If your dog’s bones or joints don’t develop as they should — such as with elbow or hip dysplasia. 
• Breeds prone to suffering from this type of condition — for example, the Labrador Retriever, German Shepherd, Rottweiler, and Golden Retriever.
• Those who have suffered an injury.
• Dogs that are middle-aged or seniors.

Ingredients To Look For in Dog Food for Dogs With Arthritis

The best foods for dogs with arthritis contain certain ingredients to promote healthier joints. And, while there are the obvious ones, such as glucosamine and chondroitin, other nutrients can be hugely beneficial when looking for food that helps dogs with arthritis. Let’s run through them all:

Glucosamine

A very clever naturally occurring compound — not only has it been proven safe for long-term use, but it can also help with inflammation, pain, and stiffness. Glucosamine can also slow down the damage to arthritic joints and even boost the repair of any damaged cartilage. 

The recommended daily dose of glucosamine for your dog is dependent on their weight.

• Small dogs (5 – 20 pounds) — 250 – 500 mg per day.
• Medium dogs (20 – 45 pounds) — 500 mg per day.
• Large dogs (45 – 90 pounds) — 1000 mg per day.
• Giant breeds (over 90 pounds) — 1500 mg per day (minimum).

Chondroitin

Chondroitin sulfate is a chemical originating from cartilage. It’s often combined with glucosamine, and it can stimulate the repair of connective tissue. It also reduces pain while slowing down the progression of this disease. 

The recommended dosage is a little easier than that of glucosamine, but is still dependent on their weight.

• Less than 80 pounds — 900 mg per day.
• Over 80 pounds — 1800 mg per day.

Antioxidants

Antioxidants are ingredients crucial to joint health. Vitamins E and C can play a part in reducing oxidative stress, which can occur on your dog’s joints. This type of stress can cause extensive damage to joints in arthritic dogs, going on to contribute to joint problems.

Providing your dog with foods that include antioxidants can help fight these types of stress and support better joint mobility. So keep an eye out for dog foods that contain these types of essential nutrients.

Omega 3

We all know that omega-3 is one ingredient that’s essential for healthy joints. This can come in the form of fish oil supplements, or a food that already contains a recommended amount of omega-3. This fatty acid helps to reduce inflammation in dogs’ joints that suffer from arthritis. It can help to lower your dog’s pain and improve their joint movements.

If you have a dog with arthritis, opting for dog food that contains omegas can help them hugely. 

Animal Protein 

You’re looking for not just any animal protein but a high-quality source of animal protein. These support healthy muscle growth and strength as well as joint function. 

Ensuring your dog is eating the correct amount of this essential macronutrient helps them to maintain their muscles, which in turn, supports their joint stability. 

Look for dog food for arthritis that has meat proteins listed at the top of their ingredients list.

Green-Lipped Mussel (GLM)

It’s actually an extract that’s made from green-lipped mussels native to New Zealand and has been proven to aid both humans and dogs with joint issues. The key is that GLM contains glucosamine, chondroitin, omega-3, amino acids, vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals that are all beneficial to protecting joints as well as anti-inflammatory properties.

Best Dog Food for Arthritis — Our Picks

Open Farm has a wide range of products to support your dog throughout their life. But this particular one is grain-free and soy-free food designed to support senior dogs of any breed. A large amount of the protein is ethically sourced from deboned turkey and chicken.

With a high protein content of 32 percent, it also contains sweet potato for vitamins A and C, and fiber for help with digestive health. And, green lipped mussels offer beneficial omega-3 fatty acids. What’s more, glucosamine (1300 mg per kg) and chondroitin (1550 mg per kg) will help to support your dog’s joints and mobility, especially in their later years.

Pros

• Ethically sourced ingredients.
• Free from steroids, antibiotics, and hormone-derived ingredients. 
• Included prebiotics — suitable for sensitive stomachs.

Cons

• Hard on the pocket.
• Not the best smelling dog food.

With natural sources of glucosamine (700 mg per kg) and chondroitin (550 mg per kg) — essential for healthy joints and movement — 26 percent protein, and fish oils containing omegas — Blue Buffalo is well suited to help dogs with arthritis.

Vitamins E and C are included, which boost immunity — handy for dogs who suffer from arthritis, as they typically have weakened defenses. This food also contains a proprietary mix of antioxidants to further help support your dog’s immune system and protect them from further health issues.

Pros

• Dog food for joint pain.
• Omega-3 fatty acids.
• High-quality ingredients.

Cons

• Some issues with causing loose stools.
• Not appealing to some dogs.

Wellness has a recipe that contains high-quality meat protein from deboned turkey to help your senior dog in their golden years. It also contains taurine for heart health, and pre and probiotics to ensure the gut is in full working order.

This food can support your dog’s joint and hip health with the added glucosamine (1300 mg per kg) and chondroitin (1300 mg per kg) as well as its meat protein. But it also helps your dog to maintain skin and coat condition. And, the antioxidants boost immunity.

Pros

• Nutrient-balanced complete meal for seniors.
• Contains no fillers or by-products.
• High protein dog food.

Cons

• Not budget-friendly.
• Kibble is difficult for some dogs to chew.

If you’re trying to feed your senior dog a whole prey diet, take a look at ORIJEN. A large amount of its 38 percent protein comes from chicken and turkey — organs included. Plus, the first five ingredients all derive from either fresh or raw. 

And, as it’s freeze-dried coated, it keeps the flavor fresh — ideal for picky eaters. ORIJEN also contains the essential vitamins and minerals that your dog’s body needs, including glucosamine (600 mg per kg) and chondroitin (1000 mg per kg).

All of these quality ingredients help to support your dog’s joints and immune system, helping them fight the symptoms of arthritis — pain, inflammation, and a lack of mobility.

Pros

• First five ingredients — fresh/raw — before processing.
• Contains naturally occurring joint support supplements.
• No fillers or grains used.

Cons

• On the higher price side.
• Some dogs may become gassy.

Nulo’s first ingredient is trout, which provides a good alternative source of protein (30 percent) that’s essential for dogs suffering from arthritis and with food sensitivities. It’s also lower in carbs to help ensure your dog stays lean, which is a key requirement for helping canines with this condition.

This dog food is also grain-free, meaning it’s a great choice for those dogs that not only have arthritis but also suffer from a grain allergy. Added glucosamine (350 to 400 mg per kg) and chondroitin (350 to 400 mg per kg) will help joints, cartilage, and movement.

Pros

• Probiotics, vitamins C & E, and omegas included.
• Alternative animal-based protein.
• Chicken and egg-free

Cons

• Strong smell.
• High price.

If your dog has arthritis and needs to drop a few pounds, VICTOR Purpose weight management dog food could be the solution. It’s geared to either prevent less active dogs from gaining weight or help them lose weight as part of a calorie-controlled diet. 

The inclusion of pro and prebiotics aids healthy digestion, and omega-3 also improves skin and coat condition. Plus, the all-important glucosamine (800 mg per kg) and chondroitin (300 mg per kg) also promote healthy joints. 

A decent protein content of 27% helps your dog to maintain muscle mass, and l-carnitine helps with fat burning, which in turn, helps to support your dog’s joints. VICTOR is made from high-quality multiple protein sources that are carefully sourced to ensure quality.

Pros

• deal for slow-paced or overweight dogs.
• Made in the USA.
• Supports more than just healthy joints.

Cons

• Can cause excessive gas.
• Kibble size is not the best for smaller breeds.

Now Fresh Large Breed Senior is exactly what it says it is — a dog food geared for big ol’ bow-wows. The kibble size is large to ensure they eat slowly — preventing digestive issues — and it comes in a large 25-pound bag too.

It contains three novel proteins (25 percent) — turkey, salmon, and duck, plus NZ green mussels contribute toward the chondroitin (280 mg per kg) element. And, with more than 20 superfoods like blueberries, sweet potato, and broccoli, it covers all nutritional needs.

This dog food is grain-free for those with allergies or sensitivities. Now Fresh also includes l-carnitine that helps your dog’s metabolism, omegas — from flaxseed — and glucosamine (1000 mg per kg), which support your senior dog’s joints and cartilage. 

Pros

• Zero grains.
• Contains probiotics and prebiotic fiber.
• Includes 20+ superfoods.

Cons

• Some issues with skin irritation.
• Pricey.

Not only does American Journey Senior help to support your dog’s arthritis condition, but it contains triglycerides — from coconut oil — that help with your dog’s brain and cognitive health — which, like joints, can deteriorate with age.

With 30 percent protein content from deboned chicken, it provides your pup with the amino acids to maintain lean muscle — that help to aid in joint mobility. 

Added to this recipe are fruit and vegetables as well as vitamins and minerals. Plus, fiber-rich pumpkin and sweet potato, and friendly bacteria, aka probiotics, take care of your dog’s digestive system. 

Pros

• No filler ingredients — soy, corn, and wheat-free.
• Includes glucosamine (600 mg/kg) and chondroitin (500 mg/kg).
• Small pieces are easier for senior dogs to eat.

Cons

• May cause some skin issues.
• Not suitable for dogs with chicken allergies.

Conclusion

No matter whether you have a dog who’s a retiree or just a mature dog that’s showing signs of slowing down — feeding a dog food specifically designed for arthritis can help to manage the symptoms so your furry friend can continue to enjoy their life.

Dog food for arthritis makes sure they’re getting all the nutrients needed to support their aging joints, plus their skin, and coat. And, it keeps them as active as possible.

Best Dog Food for Dogs With Arthritis FAQs

What Food is Good for Arthritis in Dogs?

A diet rich in glucosamine, omega-3, and chondroitin is beneficial for arthritis in dogs. For example, foods such as: 

• Salmon or other fatty fish.
• Broccoli, spinach, or leafy green veggies.
• Poultry or other protein-dense foods.
• Plant-based proteins — lentils, flaxseed, chia, etc.

What Foods Should Dogs With Arthritis Avoid?

Your dog should avoid foods containing high levels of the following:

• Carbohydrates.
• Fatty proteins.
• Unhealthy fats and oils.

What’s more, steer clear of added sugar, salt or man-made preservatives/additives.

Are Scrambled Eggs Good for Arthritis in Dogs?

Eggs are a great addition to your dog’s diet as they are high in amino acids, which provide the building blocks for healthy bones, muscles, and joints.

What Foods Are Good for Dog’s Joints?

There is a wide range of people food that you can add to your dog’s diet to help with their joints, such as:

• Blueberries.
• Turmeric.
• Fatty fish.
• Sweet potatoes.
• Pumpkin.

What Can You Give a Dog for Arthritis?

There are supplements you can give to your dog that will have anti-inflammatory benefits, as well as some that can slow down the progression of the disease. And, your vet may prescribe painkillers to help alleviate pain and discomfort.

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