Food for dogs with joint problems

It is common for dogs to suffer from diseases that negatively affect their joints. Well-known examples are osteoarthritis, arthritis or hip and/or elbow dysplasia. Although we tend to associate these conditions with advanced age, the truth is that joint problems are diagnosed in dogs at any time in their livespuppy stage included.

A inadequate diet may have as a consequence growing problems, joint overload due to excess weight or increased wear, if we do not provide the nutrients they need for their proper functioning. For this reason, if we feed our dog with a high-quality food suitable for its needs and in the right quantities, we are helping to take care of its joints, with which we can prevent its deterioration or alleviate the discomfort that has already occurred, together with to the treatment prescribed by the veterinarian.

In this sense, NatureWild offers a diet made with high quality natural ingredients. He prepares all his recipes thinking about the maintenance of the dog’s health and the prevention of future pathologies. That is why it includes ingredients considered beneficial for the proper functioning of the body. In the case of joints, for example, we will find in their products, especially in the Mountain Recipe variety:

• High levels of glucosamine and chondroitinboth substances known for their beneficial effect on the joints. Specifically, they prevent the decomposition of the cartilage that forms them, protecting them and achieving, in this way, that, although the degeneration cannot be stopped, its progress is slower and inflammation decreases. The practical consequence is that the dog improves its mobility. As we said, the Mountain Recipe variety is the one made with the highest levels of glucosamine hydrochloride and chondroitin sulfate.
• Optimal amounts of omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acidswhich play an important role in joint health by fighting inflammation, as long as they are consumed in the right balance.
• MSM or methylsulfonylmethane, which is within the chondroprotective complex that includes the recipe. Its name may not tell us much, but it is a sulfur-derived compound that is naturally present in the body of dogs, specifically, in the muscles, bones, and skin. Among other functions, participates in the synthesis of collagenHence its importance for the joints. Its anti-inflammatory effect also helps reduce pain associated with joint pathologies.
• Green Lipped Mussel Extract (perna canaliculus), which reduces inflammation and pain, thus facilitating mobility. This mussel stands out for its chondroprotective nutrients, such as omega 3, glucosamine and chondroitin, which we have already discussed.
• Antioxidants, which are substances that help prevent cell damage. They are, for example, vitamin A or E. Likewise, minerals such as copper, iron, zinc, manganese or selenium also have an antioxidant effect, fighting free radicals that are released during cartilage inflammation.
• Lastly, the animal protein It must be of quality and the main ingredient. In the case of Mountain Recipe, this comes from lamb and chicken. Protein helps maintain good muscle tone, which also favors joint function.

Given the effect that food can have on the joints, basically reducing inflammation, preserving cartilage and keeping weight under control, if our dog has discomfort in them, it is recommended that his menu help to strengthen them.

Therefore, it is convenient that the food we choose has the right amount of substances that are known to promote proper joint function. For example, the glucosaminethe chondroitinhe green mussel extractthe omega 3 and 6 fatty acids or the MSM that we have already mentioned. It is true that these ingredients can be given as supplements, but it is much more logical that we look for a food that already includes them in its composition. Therefore, always choose food or feed for dogs with joint problems by reading the list of ingredients and assessing the percentages in which they are found, always keeping in mind that the highest percentage must be that of the animal protein, as we explained in this other article on What do dogs eat. Check with your vet before changing your dog’s diet.

Quantity of food

In addition to the food we choose, it is important to follow the administration instructions given by the manufacturer to ensure that we offer the dog the amount you need. An excess can lead to problems of overweight or obesity, always counterproductive and more in these cases, since the extra kilos suppose an overload for already battered joints.

Remember that food it’s just part of the treatment that the vet has to prescribe. The rest may consist of drugs, supplements, physiotherapy, mild daily exercise, etc., depending on the characteristics of each case. Besides, it is convenient that you adapt the home to the conditions of the dog, for example, providing help to climb furniture or stairs, installing ramps, etc.

It is possible to feed a dog with joint problems a homemade diet that includes ingredients such as those we have mentioned to protect the joints. The biggest problem with this option is that you need the supervision of a nutrition expert canine to help us prepare a balanced menu. Otherwise, we could end up causing nutritional deficits that lead, among other drawbacks, to worsening joint pain.

Of course, not only the recipes must be supervised, but they must be administered in certain quantities, according to the characteristics of the dog, and the treatment and measures prescribed by the veterinarian must also be followed.

If you want to read more articles similar to Food for dogs with joint problemswe recommend that you enter our section on balanced diets.