Dog owners know that play time is one of the most important bonding activities your pet can have with you. Walking, running, and travelling with you are also up there in your pup’s fun list of things to do.
But imagine what it would be like for him without any of those things. That’s the reality for dogs with canine hip dysplasia.
Without proper treatment and nutrition, canine hip dysplasia can develop into osteoarthritis. And your dog may suffer from severe pain and lameness with every movement. However, there are several ways you can help your dog live comfortably well into old age. And one of these is food.
Food is a big factor when it comes to a dog’s health. To help you manage your pup’s condition better, we’ve put together a list of the best dog food for hip dysplasia as judged and tested by other pet parents like you.
This kibble designed to help pups lose weight, support and sustain hip and joint health. It’s packed with high-quality protein led by chicken and further boosted by the inclusion of chicken meal. Antioxidant-rich vegetables and fruits combine to create a nutritious yet delectable meal.
It features glucosamine and chondroitin, and the minerals in this recipe are chelated for better nutrient absorption. There are artificial flavors, colors or preservatives in these, so it’s safe to give to sensitive pups too.
It has 250 reviewers who gave it an average rating of 4.8 stars out of 5, one of the highest ratings we’ve seen for a dog food made specifically for joint health.
According to several testimonies, dogs who’ve been placed on this diet are walking better, have more energy, and found relief from limping and pain.
There are only two negative reviews for this formulation. Two pet owners have said that the food did not sit well with their dogs’ digestive system.
We chose this dog food over others because it has one of the best ingredients we’ve seen. No low-quality ingredients, fillers, or anything artificial.
The food is also low in calories, which is something that breeds prone to arthritis and hip dysplasia need to maintain a healthy weight and reduce symptoms.
The rating given by consumers also highly affected our decision. It’s an effective option for owners who are looking for relief from arthritis and hip dysplasia symptoms for their pets.
Pros
High-quality animal protein ingredients
Low calorie diet
Contains glucosamine and chondroitin
Smells like people food
Cons
Costs a bit more than other brands
Protein is a little low
2. Blue Buffalo Large Breed Puppy Formula
First 5 ingredients:
Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Oatmeal, Peas
Large breed puppies are prone to rapid growth, which can lead to skeletal disorders like hip dysplasia if not given the right nutrition specific to their breed size.
This dry dog food features ingredients that support a healthy development and growth in your biggie puppies.
The L-carnitine in this mixture is for turning fat into usable energy that puppies are always in need of. The omegas support heart health and reduce inflammation (not only for the joints but for your dog’s skin too if he also has sensitivities).
There’s also a precise blend of other vitamins and minerals in the food courtesy of the brand’s exclusive LifeSource Bits.
1025 reviewers gave this dog food a combined average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars. Consumers say the kibble may be a little more expensive than other brands but it does give value for money.
There are no “garbage fillers” because Blue only uses quality ingredients. Pups are growing big and strong on this food, coats are shiny, and the little big doggies love the flavor.
Some purchasers did say that their dogs experienced loose stools or gas with this product. One also mentioned that he would love for the brand to add glucosamine for the hip joints, because that’s all the product needs to be perfect.
Pros
Contains DHA, L-carnitine, and omega fatty acids
Uses chicken fat, fish meal, and flaxseed as natural sources of omegas
This dry dog food recipe helps adult large breeds maintain a healthy weight that won’t put further stress on their joints. The food features a high percentage of protein but only a low percentage of fat to keep an ideal body condition.
Overweight or less than active dogs will get an optimal protein-to-fat ratio to help them maintain muscle mass even through weight loss. There’s natural prebiotic present (live) to support digestive and immune health too.
683 customers gave this dog food for weight management an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars. The food, although lower in fat and calories, seem to satisfy a lot of dogs.
They do not seem hungry or seek other food in-between meals. According to many, it is a terrific meal to give dogs if you want them to lose weight yet maintain a high level of energy.
Several purchasers have complained about the amount of crushed food and residue inside the packages. A few were also disappointed that the food is in kibble form, unlike the recipe’s small and regular-sized counterparts for adult dogs, which feature a shredded chicken blend.
Large breed dogs are known for their powerful working abilities, but even these incredible canines need a lot of nutritional help as they age and mature.
Mature dogs who are aged eight years old and above often suffer from joint pains, cardiac issues, and digestive sensitivities. This recipe addresses all those issues.
This dry dog food recipe contains all the nutrients to support healthy joints in a senior dog to keep him moving and active even in his twilight years.
It also has the necessary amount of fiber to maintain stool quality and prevent digestion problems, and keep your senior dog’s weight at a healthy level.
87% of consumers on Chewy highly recommend this recipe to other pet parents of large breed dogs. It has garnered an average score of 4.5 stars out of 5 from 207 reviewers who were happy that the dry dog food is specialized towards a specific age and size. It’s effective in keeping a healthy weight and healthy joints and turning coats from dull to beautiful.
Among the negative reviews, one is a complaint about the hole in the middle of the kibble. The hole has been reported to cause the kibble to slide down and get stuck on the teeth.
There are also some complaints about the kibble being too hard and having to be watered down to soften them up.
Pros
Made specifically for dogs 56 to 99 lbs and aged 8+
This is Go!'s new premium, holistic formula specifically crafted for joint health.
Real deboned salmon is the first ingredient provides a good and natural source of glucosamine and chondroitin to promote healthy joints and keep your pet mobile and highly active.
This kibble recipe is grain and gluten-free, packed with lots of meat to keep your pup’s energy high. It features all the nutrients dogs need to manage arthritis and hip dysplasia, especially in older canines and larger breeds.
It also includes fiber-rich ingredients to promote healthy digestion and manage weight effectively, making it a great choice for dogs needing both weight management and joint care.
It’s a hit with picky eaters, smells delicious, and is effective in helping dogs with mobility problems to walk without the usual stiffness.
Pros
Packed with meat
No gluten, soy, corn, or wheat
Made specifically to support joint health
Cons
Pricey
6. Blue Buffalo True Solutions Jolly Joints
First 5 ingredients:
Chicken (source of Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate), Chicken Broth, Whitefish, Potatoes, Chicken Liver
This Jolly Joints recipe is a grain-free and protein-rich diet that not only focuses on the joints but targets your dog’s overall health as well.
It features superfoods, like flaxseeds, which contain anti-inflammatory properties for joint support and healthy, itch-free skin. There are also barley to promote waste elimination.
There are no corn, grains, soy, carrageenan, or anything artificial so you are confident that you are feeding only the best. The ingredients list is short and limited so you can easily track each product in case your dog is also food sensitive.
There are 70 reviews on Chewy so far with high recommendation rating. Dogs love the flavor and are often found licking their bowls clean.
It has a good consistency and the ingredients are all what you’d call quality. However, it goes out of stock easily, possibly because of the demand.
Although it’s not listed as geared for joint support or giant breed dogs, the formulation can easily provide your ailing pet with all of the glucosamine, chondroitin, and fatty acids they require.
While turkey is the leading animal protein here, special mention goes to the inclusion of New Zealand green lipped mussels for providing the necessary nutrients needed to keep your dog perfectly mobile.
And because it’s meant to support overall health, it also contains dandelion greens for a properly working liver and digestive system.
213 reviewers gave this formulation 4.6 out of 5 stars. Many of them were pleased with the nutritional info, quality ingredients, and the reasonable price of the product.
And since it has anti-inflammatory properties, it’s also good for maintaining a healthy skin in dogs suffering from joint issues, skin sensitivities, and allergies.
Among the few negative reviews are complaints about the dry texture of the food. Some customers also mentioned that the ingredients seem to be good but their dogs would not eat their meals.
Pros
Made up of 90% turkey
Contains only quality ingredients
High protein content
Cons
High in calories
Dry texture
Bonus: Treats
Zuke's Natural Hip & Joint Action Chicken Recipe
First 5 ingredients:
Chicken, Rice, Oats, Malted Barley Extract, Maple Flavored Syrup
These are tasty, soft chews that support your dog's mobility and joint health.
It is crafted to support your dog’s mobility and joint health with a tasty, all-natural formula. These soft, chewy treats feature real chicken as the primary ingredient, alongside added glucosamine, chondroitin, and wholefood antioxidants to promote healthy joints and overall wellness.
Free from corn, wheat, and soy, they offer a wholesome, grain-free option for dogs of all sizes, making them an ideal snack for active dogs or those needing extra joint support. With a flavor dogs love, they combine health benefits with deliciousness.
Pros
Made from real chicken
Made in USA
Enriched with antioxidants
Cons
Too dry for some
Change in glucosamine content
Selecting The Best Dog Food
The right dog foods will be able to help your dog manage his condition and pain better. That’s why it is so important to look carefully at the label. Keep the following in mind when you go shopping for the best dog foods for your pet:
1. Look for low calorie dog foods.
It’s important to keep your dog’s weight to a manageable one. More weight means more stress on his hip joints, which can worsen his symptoms and pain.
The best dog foods for this disease are ones that provide all the protein and other essential nutrients your pup needs while keeping him at a healthy weight.
2. No to additives, sugar, and salt.
Sugar can help your dog put on more weight. It, along with salt and additives, can also exacerbate inflammation. Some of the best dog foods for maintenance of hip dysplasia have as many natural ingredients as possible.
3. Watch out for too high levels of vitamin D and calcium!
This may sound confusing and strange. Both vitamin D and calcium promote healthy hips and healthy joints and are extremely helpful for dogs with hip dysplasia.
So why should you take care that you don’t exceed? Well, it has been found that excessive levels of these two can harm your dog just as much as a deficiency of the two would.
4. Chondroitin and glucosamine are helpful.
Some of the best dog foods for joint health usually add these two supplements to their formulation. These two are excellent in supporting all types of joint problems and are effective in reducing pain.
5. Omega fatty acids are also important.
Omegas are great for supporting heart health and for making coats shinier. But they also reduce inflammation, especially in a dog’s hips and joints.
What Is Canine Hip Dysplasia And What Causes It?
Hip dysplasia is a common condition in large and giant breeds, although sometimes it can occur in small breeds too.
In dogs with hip dysplasia, the ball and socket in the joints do not fit properly so they rub and grind against each other instead of sliding smoothly. Over time, this results in hip joint damage that leads to pain, irritation, and inflammation.
The development of hip dysplasia is due to several factors, but most often, it has to do with genetics. The disease is hereditary and is commonly seen in large breeds like German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, Great Danes, and Saint Bernards as well as giant breeds like Saint Bernards.
A dog’s age can also play a part as most dogs do not develop signs until they are older.
If not treated, dogs with hip dysplasia may also develop arthritis (osteoarthritis), a degenerative joint disease that can cause the breakdown of cartilage.
Signs Your Dog May Have Hip Joint Disease
Dogs can begin to show signs of hip dysplasia as young as four months. The symptoms may vary depending on the severity of the disease. If you see any of the following symptoms in your dog, have him checked by a vet immediately:
Your dog may suddenly become inactive or show decreased mobility
He may have a hard time rising, walking, or climbing up stairs
He exhibits a swaying gait
Noticeable loss of thigh muscle mass
Lameness in the hind end
Enlargement of shoulder muscles (compensating for lameness in the hind end)
Limping
Stiffness
Prevention And Management
A nutritious high quality pet food with the right nutrition profile is able to lower levels of pain related to arthritis and hip dysplasia. Your vet may also suggest the following:
Weight management to reduce the stress on your pup’s hips
Physical therapy
Joint supplements
Appropriate exercise
Anti-inflammatory drugs
Surgery as a last option
Not all cases of hip dysplasia and joint problems can be prevented, but you can minimize the risk by feeding your puppy with an appropriate diet to curb rapid and excessive growth that will lead to the disease.
Appropriate levels of exercise can also stave off obesity, which is another factor in the development of hip dysplasia. Without weight management, puppies to adult dogs can put on a lot of pounds, which will, in turn, put a lot of stress on their hip joints.
Your Dog Can Still Live A Full Life
Hip dysplasia may make life a little more difficult to live for your dog, but with proper nutrition, treatment, and lifestyle changes, your pet can still live a happy, comfortable, and healthy life.
In fact, as long as your dog is well taken care of, he should live as long as other dogs of his breed do. Maybe even longer.
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Noreen possesses a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science degree from Informatics International College. While this credential might not elucidate her passion for pets, it does demonstrate her technical expertise and diverse character.
