What is the best diet for a dog with arthritis?

Achieving ideal body weight is a ‘no brainer’ when it comes to managing arthritis. Excess body weight increases the mechanical forces that joints are subjected to which will exacerbate pain and the degenerative disease. Fat, also known as adipose tissue, contains inflammatory mediators that also aggravate arthritic pain, as well as having a significant impact on the rest of the body. If your dog is overweight, weight loss will have a significant positive impact on the pain of arthritis and will slow the progression of the disease. Studies have shown that losing 6% of excess body weight will significantly reduce an arthritic dog’s lameness. A targeted assessment of actual body weight with consideration of a dog’s frame can be obtained through body condition scoring. They will be able to tailor their advice to your dog and your lifestyle.

Factor in food – the amount you feed is important to help manage a lean body condition, but also consider the use of diets formulated to include ingredients that may support joint health such as omega -3 fatty acids or ingredients such as glucosamine and chondroitin. You could even explore the use of specific supplements such as Joint Aid for joint support which is included in Field & Trial Maintenance Plus and Turkey & Rice. Our foods that contain Joint Aid for Dogs: Maintenance Plus Formulated to support healthy joints. Turkey & Rice Specially formulated for joint support. Watch their weight! – keeping your dog in a fit, lean condition is one of the easiest things you can do to limit and manage the symptoms and progression of arthritis. Regular, gentle exercise is important, even for dogs with diagnosed arthritis, as it can help maintain a fit, lean body condition and help overall mobility. Embrace exercise – regular, gentle exercise is important, even for dogs with diagnosed arthritis, as it can help maintain a fit, lean body condition and help overall mobility. Exercise is also good for mental and physical stimulation for your dog and look at alternative forms of exercise – non-weight bearing exercise such as hydrotherapy with a qualified hydrotherapist can be hugely beneficial to arthritic dogs, so chat to your vet about a referral to a suitable centre.