Alice White
Every fifth dog in the USA will suffer from osteoarthritis or other joint diseases in the course of its life. In addition to pain therapy and physiotherapy, diet is particularly important when treating joint pain. We provide an overview of the role dog food plays in the dog’s joints and how dogs with joint problems benefit from joint food and nutritional supplements.
What are Joint Problems in Dogs?
Joint problems are among the most common diseases in dogs. Joint diseases are painful for the animals concerned and have a massive impact on the quality of life. Symptoms such as joint pain and restrictions in the movement are mostly caused by inflammatory diseases such as osteoarthritis and joint dysplasia.
Which Dogs are Affected by Joint Diseases?
Large and heavy dog breeds are most commonly affected by joint problems because their bones and joints are exposed to heavy loads from the heavyweight. Hereditary factors are also a cause of osteoarthritis in dogs. The breeds most commonly affected include:
- Labrador
- Shepherd dog
- Golden retriever
- Bernese Mountain Dog
- Great Dane
- Rottweiler
Strengthening Joints in Dogs: What Helps?
If your dog shows signs of disease in the joints as it ages, the first thing you should do is see the veterinarian. In the case of osteoarthritis or other joint problems, pain therapy is often necessary because the affected four-legged friend has pain when walking and their freedom of movement is restricted. But not only medical treatment therapies are important, but also proper nutrition.
With dog food that strengthens the joints, you can relieve your dog’s symptoms and improve his quality of life.
Puppy and Dog: Additional Food for Joints
At first glance, the joint and lining do not have much in common. But the impression is deceptive: what the dog eats affects the entire organism. A healthy diet that supplies the sick pet with important minerals, nutrients, and vitamins can strengthen the joints in the long term. At the same time, avoiding inflammation-promoting ingredients in the feed and giving targeted dietary supplements help.
Being Overweight is Bad for Your Joints
The heavier the dog, the more stress on its joints. Therefore, dogs with joint pain should pay attention to their figure. To prevent obesity, make sure you have the right amount of food and give your dog grain-free food. Choose types of food that provide the young dog with all the important nutrients and make sure that the combination of healthy muscle meat and vitamin-rich vegetables is the best.
Supplementary Food for Dog Joints
Natural food supplements can be very effective in treating joint problems in dogs. The active ingredients are available for young and older dogs as tablets, capsules, powder, or joint paste and can easily be mixed with the usual dog food. Herbal mixtures and Bach flowers also alleviate the symptoms of painful joint diseases in dogs.
Consult with your veterinarian to find the right nutritional supplement for your dog.
Active Ingredients and Means for Joints in Dogs
If you want to improve your dog’s well-being through diet and relieve symptoms of inflamed, sore joints, give your pet dog food or food supplements that contain these ingredients:
- Ginger strengthens the immune system and reduces inflammation.
- Linseed oil contains valuable omega-3 fatty acids.
- Vitamin C and vitamin E have an antioxidant effect and are used for the natural treatment of osteoarthritis.
- Hyaluronic acid binds moisture and thus preserves the elasticity of the protective cartilage in the joints.
- MSM and collagen give the articular cartilage stability and strength.
- Chondroitin and glucosamine are natural joint building blocks that can relieve pain and slow the progression of joint disease.
- Natural plant extracts from horsetail support the dog’s musculoskeletal system.
- Green-lipped mussel extract is a proven remedy for osteoarthritis.
- Devil’s Claw has proven itself in naturopathy for the relief of joint pain.
- Medicinal herbs and spices such as willow bark, nettle, and turmeric help reduce inflammation in the dog’s joints.
- The trace element selenium protects against osteoarthritis and slows down the inflammatory process in the joint.
- Bach flower therapy can provide targeted relief and improve the dog’s well-being.
Remember that home remedies and medicinal extracts cannot replace a visit to the vet. Diet is just one of many important building blocks in treating dogs with joint problems.
