10 Best Dog Foods for Arthritic Dogs: For Healthier Hip & Joint Health

When you look into your dog’s adorable face, you probably see him as the young, energetic dog you brought home from the shelter or as the cute and cuddly puppy you brought home. You will always see the best in your dog but, unfortunately, time is not always kind.

Just like you, your dog cannot escape the effects of time and age can wreak havoc on your dog’s body. Most dogs develop some degree of bone or joint degeneration as they get older, simply from everyday wear and tear.

For some dogs, however, bone and joint problems go much deeper and may require pharmaceutical or even surgical treatment.

In this article, we’ll explore the subject of hip and joint health for dogs in greater depth. We’ll cover the most common hip and joint problems seen in dogs as well as their treatment options.

You’ll also learn what to look for in a dog food for hip and joint health and see our top picks for the best dog foods for arthritic dogs.

 

Best Dog Foods for Arthritic Dogs

The best dog food for joints and bones will feature a premium source of animal protein as the first ingredient, providing a bare minimum of 18% crude protein but ideally somewhere between 22% and 25%.

Your dog’s food should also contain digestible carbohydrates like whole grains with no fillers or artificial additives. You should also look for joint-supporting supplements like omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine, and chondroitin.

1. Nom Nom Beef Mash

Whether your dog is getting up in years or simply struggling with some bone and joint issues, it pays to feed him the highest quality dog food you can afford. Many pet nutrition experts agree that organic pet food is best and Nom Nom has your back!

Nom Nom is a pet food delivery service that customizes one of their four recipes to your dog’s individual needs for protein, fat, and calories. Every recipe is made with premium-quality ingredients to maximize bio-availability and to ensure the quality of every bite.

Simply sign up on the website and choose your delivery plan then have gently-cooked, premium-quality dog food delivered right to your door as often as you like.

We like how each meal is tailored and prepacked for your dog’s exact needs so there’s no more guesswork on the quantity or volume of food your pet needs each mealtime to achieve a healthy body weight. This is especially important for canines who are on a weight management diet.

And since the food is customized, it is suitable for pups of all life stages and dog breed. Allergies and food sensitivities are also much easier to keep track of since you know precisely what goes into your pup’s food.

Now, Nom Nom is coming out with a new offering in the form of the Sampler Pack. It’s a complete assortment of all of the company’s pet cuisines — 200g each of the Beef Mash, Chicken Cuisine, Turkey Fare, and Pork Potluck — so that it would be easier for you to find out which recipe your pup prefers without having to subscribe to a meal plan first.

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2. American Journey Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe

On top of being designed for affordability, the American Journey brand is very high in quality. We recommend this American Journey Chicken & Brown Rice Protein First Formula for your dog’s joint health for many reasons.

This large and giant breed dog food recipe starts off strong with chicken (fresh and meal). These ingredients support your dog’s need for premium protein and also act as natural sources for joint-supporting glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate.

There are digestible whole grains like brown rice and barley, which also provide plenty of fiber for healthy digestion. You’ll find rich sources of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids such as chicken fat and fish oil as well to support your dog’s healthy skin and coat. Overall, this recipe provides 25% protein and 15% fat with 365 calories per cup.

It’s full of natural foods and no artificial ingredients. And since there is only a single animal protein source, pups who might be sensitive to meats other than chicken will definitely be able to keep their sensitivities in check.

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3. Hill’s Prescription Diet Joint Care

There are so many dog foods out there that it can be tough to make a choice. When you’re not sure what to do, a prescription food courtesy of your vet is best.

Hill’s Prescription Diet comes from the same manufacturer of Hill’s Science Diet, which is known for its extremely functional and purposeful range of pet foods.

This particular dry dog food recipe is focused on improving a dog’s joint health and mobility by combining a carefully selected blend of nutrients, like omega 3 to nourish cartilages; L-carnitine for weight management; and glucosamine and chondroitin for alleviating pain and supporting joint health. 

The therapeutic food is clinically proven to improve a dog’s ability to run, walk, and jump in as little as 21 days, turning back time and helping canines become the highly active dogs they once were.

Since weight is one critical factor in joint pains, this food helps keep the calories down to bring your dog’s weight to a more manageable level.

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4. Blue Buffalo Basics LID Turkey & Potato Formula

If your dog has food allergies or a sensitive stomach, you might need to think twice about his diet. One of the best things you can do is switch to a limited ingredient diet (LID) because it contains fewer ingredients that have the potential to trigger a reaction.

You would also do well to choose for your dog’s diet a grain-free food that contains a single source of animal protein – one your dog hasn’t had before. One such recipe we recommend is this one.

This kibble features fresh turkey as the first ingredient. It also contains turkey meal which, in addition to being a concentrated source of protein, is also a natural source of glucosamine.

It is grain-free to reduce the risk of triggering food allergies. It’s highly digestible ( prebiotic fibers and probiotic supplements), and it contains the brand’s proprietary LifeSource Bits, a unique and precise blend of antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins to support your dog’s life stage needs, oxidative balance, and immune system.

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5. Avoderm Joint Health Chicken Meal Formula

If you’re looking for a recipe that is uniquely formulated for joint health for small to large breed dogs, this Avoderm Joint Health Formula is worth a try.

This kibble features chicken meal as the first ingredient which, in addition to being a concentrated source of animal protein, is also a natural source of glucosamine and chondroitin.

It also contains chicken cartilage to boost the level of nutrients that support joint health for maximum benefit. This formula is free from grains, featuring digestible carbohydrates like peas, pea flour, and garbanzo beans.

It also has plenty of healthy fats from chicken fat, avocado, and flaxseed – this combination delivers a rich blend of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids to reduce inflammation and support a healthy skin and coat for your pal.

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6. Merrick Backcountry Freeze-Dried Raw Pacific Catch Recipe

Merrick is another brand that’s known among many pet owners for making quality dog food. Among its top products is its freeze-dried offerings that provide dogs of all life stages with all the nutrition of raw but without the inconvenience.

Perfect for dogs with joint and mobility issues who are also sensitive to poultry or other meat, this grain-free dog food recipe uses fish instead. It starts off with fresh salmon as the main animal protein, but is also supported by whitefish and trout for a much higher protein content.

It takes its fiber from potatoes and sweet potatoes. The fiber here keeps your furry pal’s digestive system functioning properly and helps his body absorb nutrients better. 

There’s a nice ratio of animal protein to carbohydrates, which can help keep your arthritic dog at a healthy weight. And since it is packed with glucosamine and chondroitin, there’s enough supplementation to support joint health. 

Dogs tend to gravitate toward meaty food and the freeze-dried formulation and raw coating of the kibble can attract even the pickiest eaters. 

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7. VICTOR Performance Formula