best senior dog food for joint health

12 Best Dog Foods for Arthritis and Joint Health

Dog arthritis or joint pain is one of the leading causes of chronic pain in dogs. This condition can affect the ability of your dog to enjoy the fun activities they love and, as such, harms their quality of life. As our dogs live longer, the incidence of arthritis increases. Its heartbreaking to watch a dog struggle with mobility issues. Whether arthritis, hip dysplasia, or other health conditions. Joint problems and pain could deter them from running around as healthy pups do. Almost 25 percent of canines will develop arthritis at some point.

Many dog owners do not know that preventing joint problems and arthritis in older dogs starts with the diets they feed their puppies. Keeping your puppys weight under control is one of the most effective ways to lessen the effects of mobility problems. It relieves the unnecessary pressure of added pounds on your furry friends joints.

That fact gives you many options for improving your pets quality of life by modifying his diet. Any trip to the pet store or online shows you multiple choices. Choosing the best dog food to prevent or ease arthritis and joint problems is challenging.

Why is weight management important?

Dogs that are overweight or heavier breeds are more likely to develop joint problems and arthritis. It is essential to control your dogs weight, and weight management from an early age is an excellent preventive measure. Keep your dog lean and give them regular exercise. Even for dogs who have already developed the disease, light exercise regularly can help them manage pain and mobility. Keep these points in mind when shopping for dog food.

What are the typical causes of arthritis and joint problems?

Although some breeds are predisposed to hip and elbow dysplasia, most breeds can develop joint problems, arthritis, and other painful skeletal problems. Below are some of the causes of such issues.

• Age although arthritis is considered an old-age disease, it can happen in dogs of all life stages.
• Excessive exercise The damage can start in young puppies that are overactive. Too much running, jumping from beds or couches, and other forms of stress on joints while the bones are still forming could cause long-term problems.
• Obesity Over-feeding puppies could lead to obesity. Even while they are still young, their tiny bones are strained to carry excessive weight, causing early harm to bones and joints.
• Congenital abnormalities
• Hereditary
• Poor nutrition
• Injuries arthritis can develop in later life due to injuries or sprains during the dogs critical period of growth.
• Large and giant dog breeds are more prone to developing arthritis.

Which breeds are predisposed to joint issues?

Based on their build and genetic history, some breeds are more susceptible to joint issues than others. Some of those breeds are listed below.

• Bernese Mountain Dog
• Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
• Dachshund
• German shepherd
• Golden retriever
• Great Dane
• Labrador
• Mastiff
• Rottweiler
• St. Bernard

What are the tell-tale signs of joint problems in dogs?

Our canine companions cant tell us when they feel under the weather. Therefore it is up to dog owners to be alert to any signs of health problems. Below are some red flags to indicate your precious pooch has painful joints.

• Reluctance to walk or climb stairs
• Shifting weight from one leg to the other
• Holding paw off the floor
• Limping
• Stiffness in trying to walk

Knowing which dog food would be the best choice for your dog is tough. Below are five bests to help you choose the best dog food to control your canine companions arthritis and joint health.

What are the best dog food brands to consider?

Several matters must be considered when choosing the best dog food. Your dogs age, breed, life stage, and overall health matter, along with your budget. Sometimes, it is necessary to go for the best dog food at the most reasonable price. Below is a list of some bests for buying dog food.

Note: All the prices in this article are as of April 6, 2022.

What are the Best Dog Food Choices to Prevent Arthritis and Joint Health?

Below is a list of the best dog foods formulated to prevent or control arthritis and joint health in dogs.

Founded in 1968 in France, Royal Canin is engaged in producing and supplying nutritional food for dogs and cats.

• Formulated to support the joints of large breed dogs weighing up to 100lbs
• Calorie content helps maintain healthy weight
• Contains advanced nutrients and collagen

The company has a geographical presence on five continents with 12 production facilities. Headquartered in St. Charles in Missouri, Royal Canin USA owns and operates two pet food manufacturing plants, one in Missouri and the other in South Dakota.

Royal Canin Large Joint Care Dry Dog Food is tailored dog nutrition to support your Rottweiler or other large dogs joint health. This bone and joint formula is designed with advanced nutrients like collagen to support joint and bone health. Adapted calorie content promotes an ideal weight.

• Formulated for large adult dogs 15 months and older weighing 56-100 lb to support healthy joints.
• Joint support diet promotes bone and joint health with advanced nutrients like collagen.
• Supports healthy weight management with adapted calorie content.
• To please picky eaters, mix with Royal Canin Joint Care Wet Dog Food.
• This formula, combined with regular low-impact exercise, provides joint and bone support for large breeds.

Mix this dry food with Royal Canin Joint Care Wet Dog Food for various textures to please picky eaters. And to keep your large dog moving comfortably, combine this joint support diet with a regular low-impact exercise as recommended by your veterinarian.

First 5 Ingredients:

1. Corn
2. Chicken By-Product Meal
3. Wheat
4. Corn Gluten Meal
5. Chicken Fat

Royal Canin Joint Care Wet Dog Food is available in 30-lb bags.

Introduced in 2007, VICTOR offers super premium pet food in a variety of recipes to appeal to both dogs and cats while helping to meet special dietary needs through grain inclusive and grain-free formulas, a variety of protein offerings, and more.

• Enhanced with chondroitin and glucosamine to support joint health
• Contains 81% premium protein
• Probiotics promote healthy digestion

VICTOR is sold primarily in farm & feed and independent pet stores across the country, as well as through select online retailers. With a commitment to offering high-quality nutrition at a common-sense value, the company manufactures all kibble in-house at its Mt. Pleasant, Texas facility.

Keep your Great Dane or other sporty pup going with VICTOR Purpose Performance Dry Dog Food. This nutrient-dense formula has glucosamine and chondroitin for long-term joint health in adult and large breed dogs. It also promotes stamina and endurance with sustained energy. Made with gluten-free grains, VICTOR Purpose Performance Formula Dry Dog Food is an excellent choice for sporting canine companions and those with high physical demands.

• Sourced and Made in the USA. Composed of 81% meat protein with premium-quality beef, chicken, and pork meals.
• Ideal for sporting pups and those with high physical demands.
• Nutrient-dense recipe with glucosamine and chondroitin for long-term joint health.
• Fortified with vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids, protein, and amino acids.
• Unique VPRO Blend promotes superior digestibility and immune system function.

More meat protein makes VICTOR Purpose Performance an excellent option for dogs struggling to stay lean. That includes large breeds, but some smaller ones can benefit from a protein-rich diet especially when you see signs of joint problems and mobility issues. Aside from protein, the formula is also rich in glucosamine and chondroitin and is gluten-free.

First 5 Ingredients:

1. Beef Meal
2. Grain Sorghum
3. Whole Grain Millet
4. Chicken Fat (preserved with mixed Tocopherols)
5. Blood Meal Conventionally Dried

VICTOR Purpose Performance Formula Dry Dog Food is available in 5-lb and 40-lb bags.

In 1948, Hill Packing Company in Topeka, Kansas, became the licensed producer of Canine k/d. In 1968, the food line was made available through veterinarians and pet professionals as Hills Science Diet.

• Great source of omega fatty acids
• Fruits and vegetables provide essential fibers
• Precise blend of ingredients designed to work for your dog's metabolism

In 1976, the Colgate-Palmolive Company purchased Hills Pet Nutrition, and today, Hills pet food products are available in 86 countries worldwide.

Nutritionists & veterinarians developed Prescription Diet Metabolic + Mobility Canine clinical nutrition specially to help manage your Labrador or other large dogs weight and joint health. In fact, Metabolic + Mobility Canine has clinically proven nutrition to improve mobility in as little as 21 days and reduce body weight by 13% in 60 days.

(This item needs authorization from your veterinarian.)

• Clinical nutrition specially to help manage your dogs weight and joint health with a synergistic blend of ingredients
• Clinically proven nutrition to improve mobility in as little as 21 days and reduce body weight by 13% in 60 days
• Naturally works with your pets unique metabolism with a unique fiber blend from fruits and vegetables
• Improves your dogs ability to run, walk and jump and contains high levels of omega 3 fatty acids
• Helps your pet feel full and satisfied between meals to keep your dog at a healthy weight

Pets can be sensitive to sudden changes in their diets. For this reason, it is extremely important to follow a gradual transition plan to best support your pets health and product effectiveness. Ask your veterinarian about the best way to transition your pet to a new food.

First 5 Ingredients:

1. Chicken Meal
2. Brewers Rice
3. Pea Fiber
4. Whole Grain Corn
5. Corn Gluten Meal

Hills Prescription Weight & Joint Care Dry Dog Food is available in 8.5.-lb and 27.5-lb bags.

In 1948, Hill Packing Company in Topeka, Kansas, became the licensed producer of Canine k/d.

• Fish oil is a rich source of EPA to promote mobility and joint health
• Mineral blend promotes strong and healthy bones
• Recommended by veterinarians

In 1968, the food line was made available through veterinarians and pet professionals as Hills Science Diet. In 1976, the Colgate-Palmolive Company purchased Hills Pet Nutrition, and today, Hills pet food products are available in 86 countries worldwide.

Help your Yorkie or other small-breed canine companion prevent joint and mobility issues. Feed her the advanced nutrition of Hills Science Diet Adult Healthy Mobility Small Bites Chicken Meal, Brown Rice & Barley Recipe Dry Dog Food. This kibble supports hip and joint health from day one, using natural sources of glucosamine and chondroitin, which are the building blocks of healthy cartilage.

• A small kibble food that supports hip and joint health from day 1.
• EPA from fish oil promotes mobility and joint health in small-breed dogs.
• Natural sources of glucosamine and chondroitin support your adult dogs joint health.
• Uses a balanced set of minerals to promote strong bones in little canines.
• Made in the USA with natural, global ingredients you can trust, plus added vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.

It also contains a balanced set of minerals to promote strong bones and high-quality protein and natural fibers to keep your tiny sidekick satisfied between meals. This dog food is crafted with natural ingredients. It contains omega-6 fatty acids and vitamin E to promote healthy skin and a shiny coat.

First 5 Ingredients:

1. Chicken Meal
2. Brewers Rice
3. Whole Grain Sorghum
4. Brown Rice
5. Whole Grain Wheat

Hills Science Diet Adult Healthy Mobility Small Bites Chicken Meal, Brown Rice & Barley Recipe Dry Dog Food is available in 4-lb, 15.5-lb, and 30-lb bags.

AvoDerm brand dry foods are made in our own plant in Irwindale, California, using ingredients sourced globally from trusted suppliers.

• Guaranteed levels of DHA supports joints and brain function
• Omega fatty acids from avocados promote healthy skin and coat
• Does not contain artificial colors or preservatives

In 1947, Harold Taylor started Breeders Choice Pet Food company with a simple goal: the uncompromising pursuit of the healthiest nourishment for the pets we love. That commitment endures today in the high-quality formulas we make in our state-of-the-art facility in California. We provide our customers with flexible manufacturing, superior natural ingredients like fresh meat purees, and a range of packaging options.

This dry food was developed to help your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or another aging canine companion. Focused on joints, this Avoderm product is formulated with chicken meal and avocado to support healthy skin and coat. It is also grain-free, making it easy for your senior dog to digest.

• This lamb and chicken meal dog food is made with high-quality protein as the first ingredients. Specially formulated to support the nutritional needs and health of your senior dog.
• Includes natural chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine sources to protect your buddys knees and joints.
• DHA from natural fish sources helps promote healthy eye and brain function as your pup gets older.
• Omega-rich avocados and avocado oil promote a healthy coat and skin.
• 100% free from corn, wheat, soy, by-product meals, and artificial colors and flavors.

Theres nothing sweeter than cuddling with an older dog. Take good care of your dogs changing nutritional needs with AvoDerm Advanced Senior Health Lamb and Chicken Meals Formula. These specially-formulated food wraps offer essential nutrition for senior dogs of all breeds and sizes. They will enjoy the delicious taste of lamb and chicken meals. Ingredients like naturally-sourced chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine help protect your older buddys joints and knees, which can weaken as he gets older.

First 5 Ingredients:

1. Lamb Meal
2. Peas
3. Tapioca Flour
4. Pea Flour
5. Chicken Meal

AvoDerm Advanced Senior Health Lamb and Chicken Meals Formula is available in 24-lb bags.

A healthy blend of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants boosts your graying canines immune system. The protein-rich formula helps maintain the dogs quality of life. DHA from natural fish sources also helps promote healthy eye and brain function as he gets older and wiser. Free from preservatives, artificial colors, flavors, and by-products, its an all-natural, tasty meal for your best senior buddy.

Bill Bishop and his sons Billy and Chris founded Blue Buffalo in 2003 in Wilton, Connecticut, to honor their beloved family dog, Blue.

The Bishop family became increasingly concerned with the quality of Blues food when Blue had a bout with cancer at a young age. On April 24, 2018, General Mills, Inc. Minneapolis announced its acquisition of Blue Buffalo Pet Products, Inc.

Give your older amigo the nutrition he needs with Blue Buffalo Freedom Grain Free Natural Senior Wet Dog Food. Perfect for your senior German Shepherd, this irresistibly tasty wet food uses only the finest naturally grain-free and wheat-free ingredients.

• 12-pack of 12.5-ounce cans.
• Starts with tender chunks of high-quality chicken.
• Serve as a special treat, mixed in with other food, or as an entree.
• Formulated with complex carbohydrates to promote an active lifestyle.
• Does not contain any wheat, grain, by-product meals, corn, soy, artificial flavors, or preservatives.

It starts with tender chunks of high-quality chicken, packed with fruits and veggies, then enhanced with vitamins and minerals. Formulated with complex carbohydrates to promote an active lifestyle, this mouthwatering dog food is made with wholesome ingredients that do not contain any wheat, grain, by-product meals, corn, soy, artificial flavors, or preservatives.

First 5 Ingredients:

1. Chicken
2. Chicken Broth
3. Chicken Liver
4. Carrots
5. Peas

Blue Buffalos Freedom Senior Chicken Recipe Grain-Free Canned Dog Food is available in cases of 12 x 12.5-oz cans.

In Blue Buffalos Freedom Senior canned dog food, every ingredient has a purpose, which is especially important when your precious German Shepherd has problems with arthritis and joint health.

Bill Bishop and his sons Billy and Chris founded Blue Buffalo in 2003 in Wilton, Connecticut, to honor their beloved family dog, Blue.

The Bishop family became increasingly concerned with the quality of Blues food when Blue had a bout with cancer at a young age. On April 24, 2018, General Mills, Inc. Minneapolis announced its acquisition of Blue Buffalo Pet Products, Inc.

Help your Mastiff or another large breed canine companion get around with Blue Buffalo True Solutions Jolly Joints Natural Mobility Support. This scrumptious adult dry dog food is formulated by Blue Buffalos team of veterinarians and animal nutritionists. Its crafted with real chicken first for the high-quality protein your dog deserves and features other natural ingredients, too.

• Glucosamine and chondroitin support healthy hips and joints, EPA from fish oil encourages healthy mobility, and minerals promote strong bones.
• Crafted with natural ingredients and enhanced with vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients, plus LifeSource Bits, rich in antioxidants.
• Made with real chicken as the first ingredient, followed by fruits and veggies to naturally support mobility.
• A science-based kibble made without chicken (or poultry) by-product meals or other common food allergens like corn, wheat, or soy.
• 100% free from artificial flavors and preservatives.

Packed with vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients, this recipe is rich in glucosamine and chondroitin to help support your doggy partners hip and joint health. Plus, theres fish oil to support her overall mobility.

First 5 Ingredients:

1. Deboned Chicken
2. Chicken Meal
3. Oatmeal
4. Brown Rice
5. Barley

Blue Buffalo True Solutions Jolly Joints Natural Mobility Support is available in 4-lb, 11-lb, and 24-lb bags.

When feeding your dog, you want to choose food like Blue Buffalos Jolly Joints, made with only delicious natural ingredients enhanced with vitamins and minerals. With wholesome ingredients recommended by veterinarians and lots of healthy options, youre sure to find the formula that perfectly fits your pups needs.

Bill Bishop and his sons Billy and Chris founded Blue Buffalo in 2003 in Wilton, Connecticut, to honor their beloved family dog, Blue.

The Bishop family became increasingly concerned with the quality of Blues food when Blue had a bout with cancer at a young age. On April 24, 2018, General Mills, Inc. Minneapolis announced its acquisition of Blue Buffalo Pet Products, Inc.

Feed your Golden Retriever or another large breed with joint problems with the finest natural ingredients featured in Blue Buffalos Weight Management + Mobility Support Dog Food. This veterinary diet is crafted with ideal levels of fat and calories to help your dog lose weight and ease joints to improve mobility. The fiber content will help your pal feel fuller for longer.

(This item needs authorization from your veterinarian)

• Weight management and joint care dry dog food are formulated with the ideal levels of fat and calories to assist your furry friend with weight loss.
• Veterinary diet formula contains an increased fiber level to help your pal feel fuller.
• Formulated with EPA omega 3 fatty acids to support skin and coat health, plus glucosamine and chondroitin to help support joint health and mobility.
• Prescription-only food made without grains for dogs with specific food sensitivities.
• A wholesome and natural diet made with the beneficial nutrition your dog needs and the taste she loves.

Its also 100% grain-free and formulated with omega-3 fatty acids to promote healthy skin and lustrous coat. The glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate support your Golden Retrievers joint health and mobility. So, serve up a bowl of canine kibble thats nutritious, delicious, and tailored to keep large dogs mobile.

(This item needs authorization from your veterinarian)

First 5 Ingredients:

1. Deboned Salmon
2. Chicken Meal
3. Pea Protein
4. Powdered Cellulose
5. Peas

Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet W+M Weight Management + Mobility Support Grain-Free Dry Dog Food is available in 6-lb and 22-lb bags.

Dogs like Golden Retrievers and any other breed can be sensitive to sudden changes in their diets. For this reason, it is critical to follow a gradual transition plan to best support your pets health and product effectiveness. Ask your veterinarian about the best way to transition your pet to a new food.

Orijen is a premium brand of dog food and cat food manufactured in Alberta, Canada, and Kentucky in the U.S. by Champion Petfoods.

Founded in 1985 by Reinhard Muhlenfeld, Orijen pet foods are currently sold in 70 countries.

Provide your aging Dachshund with peak nourishment from ORIJEN Senior Grain-Free Dry Dog Food. Your dog is an ancestral carnivore, which means he thrives on a biologically appropriate diet packed with different types of whole animal ingredients. This tasty kibble is specially formulated to support lean muscle mass and weight maintenance in senior dogs to manage arthritis or other joint issues.

• Crafted with 85% premium animal ingredients, including poultry and fish, for a vital source of essential protein, vitamins, and minerals.
• The first 5 ingredients are always fresh or raw animal protein.
• Packed with WholePrey nutrition featuring nutrient-rich organs.
• Made in the USA with the worlds finest ingredients.
• Freeze-dried coated for a burst of raw flavor.

ORIJEN Senior Grain-Free Dry Dog Food is crafted with the most nutrient-dense and succulent parts of the prey. This recipe is also made with WholePrey animal ingredients, including organs and bone, delivering 85% quality animal ingredients. And this dog food is freeze-dried coated for the wag-worthy raw flavor dogs love.

First 5 Ingredients:

1. Chicken
2. Turkey
3. Flounder
4. Whole Mackerel
5. Turkey Giblets (Liver, Heart, Gizzard)

ORIJEN Senior Grain-Free Dry Dog Food is available in 4.5-lb, 13-lb, and 25-lb

With at least 15 fresh or raw ingredients in every recipe, ORIJEN kibble is the closest thing to feeding a raw diet.

Nutro Natural Pet Food, founded in 1926, was acquired by Mars in 2007. Mars Inc. was established in 1911 and is now based in McLean, Virginia.

Mars Inc. has two dry pet food manufacturing facilities for NUTRO products located in Henderson, North Carolina, and Victorville, California. For their cans and trays, they also have wet food manufacturing facilities in Columbus, Ohio, Fort Smith, Arkansas, and North Sioux City, South Dakota.

Although joint problems and arthritis are primarily seen in large dogs, small breeds can suffer the same health issues. So, if your American Eskimo buddy prefers to take smaller bites; try Nutro Natural Choice Small Bites Adult Dry Dog Food, Lamb & Brown Rice Recipe Dog Kibble. The ingredient list is topped with real lamb, providing a high-quality protein source. Also, this dry dog food is made with essential antioxidants to support healthy immunity and natural fiber to support natural digestion.

• Made with non-GMO ingredients, no chicken by-product meal, corn, wheat, or soy.
• Formulated with essential antioxidants to support your dogs immune system and natural fiber to support digestion.
• Small-sized kibble is excellent for dogs who prefer petite bites.
• Great for dogs 1 year and older.

You can feel good about serving your Eskie this nutritious and delicious meal, free of chicken by-product meal, corn, wheat, and soy. Great for smaller breeds and dogs one year and older. Nutro Natural Pet Food will prevent your small breed dog from developing arthritis and joint health problems or make your canine companion more mobile.

First 5 Ingredients:

1. Deboned Lamb
2. Chicken Meal
3. Brewers Rice
4. Whole Grain Brown Rice
5. Rice Bran

This Nutro senior food formula features antioxidants, fiber, and added calcium for bone and joint support to prevent or ease arthritis and joint health.

This dog food is manufactured by Wellpet LLC, headquartered in Tewksbury, Massachusetts, founded in 1926.

Wellness uses minimum ingredients but aims for maximum nutrition while ensuring that its recipes care for those with painful joints and compromised mobility.

Wellness Complete Health Chicken & Barley Dry Dog Food will be a wise dog food choice if you have a Bernese Mountain Dog or another large dog predisposed to joint pain and arthritis. For older dogs, this natural dry food is specially formulated to provide whole-body nutritional support. It is crafted using carefully chosen ingredients that include premium proteins and wholesome grains supported by omega fatty acids, antioxidants, glucosamine, probiotics, taurine, and beta carotene.

• Specially formulated to provide whole-body nutritional support.
• Developed without any GMOs, meat by-products, fillers, or artificial preservatives.
• Crafted using carefully chosen ingredients that include premium proteins and wholesome grains.
• Supported by omega fatty acids, antioxidants, glucosamine, probiotics, taurine, and beta carotene.
• Made in the USA using only the finest globally sourced ingredients.

Wellness Complete Health Chicken & Barley for senior dogs is available in 5-lb, 15-lb, and 30-lb.

This balanced, healthy dry dog food is designed to prevent or ease painful joints, encourage healthy brain development, optimize energy levels, and ensure healthy skin and coat while promoting whole-body health. It is developed without any GMOs, meat by-products, fillers, or artificial preservatives, so you can be sure your canine companion is always getting the right food.

First 5 Ingredients:

1. Deboned Chicken
2. Chicken Meal,
3. Oatmeal
4. Ground Barley
5. Ground Brown Rice

Wellness Complete Health Chicken & Barley is available in 5-lb, 15-lb, and 30-lb bags.

Wellness Complete Health Chicken & Barley dog food for seniors uses only natural, wholesome ingredients, with no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. It provides an excellent source of high-quality protein and essential fatty acids, for great nutrition and healthy bones and joints.

This dog food is manufactured by Wellpet LLC, headquartered in Tewksbury, Massachusetts, founded in 1926.

Wellness uses minimum ingredients but aims for maximum nutrition while ensuring that its recipes care for those with painful joints and compromised mobility.

Keep your Doberman living his best life with Wellness CORE Natural Original Turkey & ChickenDried Dog Food. This balanced, grain-free dry food for dogs is specially formulated to be packed with protein to help optimize your dudes overall health. It is crafted using carefully chosen ingredients, including premium proteins like turkey, chicken, and salmon oil. Also, fruits, vegetables, and wholesome grains are fortified with omega fatty acids, antioxidants, glucosamine, probiotics, taurine, vitamins, and minerals.

• Specially formulated to be packed with protein to help optimize overall health.
• Fortified with omega fatty acids, antioxidants, glucosamine, probiotics, taurine, vitamins, and minerals.
• Crafted using carefully chosen ingredients that include premium proteins, fruits, and vegetables.
• Developed without any meat by-products, fillers, corn, soy, wheat-gluten or artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors.
• Designed to encourage lean body mass and muscle tone, support a healthy coat and skin, and promote whole-body health.

Wellness CORE Natural Original Turkey & Chicken Dried Dog Food for senior dogs is developed without any meat by-products, fillers, corn, soy, wheat-gluten or artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors, so you can be sure your Doberman is always getting the right food.

First 5 Ingredients:

1. Chicken
2. Chicken Liver
3. Dried Egg Product
4. Oatmeal
5. Pearled Barley

Wellness CORE Natural Original Turkey & Chicken Dried Dog Food is available in 4-lb, 12-lb, and 26-lb bags.

Optimal levels of glucosamine and chondroitin nurture solid joints and healthy mobility. Every CORE recipe includes a healthy helping of both to help keep your dog running and playing like a champ for years to come.

What are the Facts that you Should Know about Dog Foods and Joint Health?

Joint function is essential from the second mama dogs puppies are born. Puppies need to have strong joints to support their growing muscles. Puppies get all the nutrients they need from their mothers milk until they start on solids. Then, its up to their human parents to make sure they have adequate nutrition.

There are two types of joint issues in dogs, degenerative and developmental.

• Degenerative joint issues are slow loss of mobility and strength over time.
• Developmental joint issues happen when the joints do not form as they should during growth.

While most degenerative problems develop due to age, some joint issues can start from puppyhood. Regular vet visits can keep your dog healthy, ensuring proper weight and diet for their life stage. Larger breeds must have appropriate diets that help joints. If they lack during their peak growth points, they can have significant mobility issues later in life.

How important are healthy diets in preventing arthritis and joint health in dogs?

A good diet is the starting point for just about any ailments dogs can have. Nutrition is the basis of good health, especially if your canine companion has mobility issues such as arthritis and joint health. Dog food manufacturers have attempted to zero in on the food-related issues of mobility health. While a diet alone cant stop the problem, it can go a long way in preventing it.

These reviews looked at the best foods for arthritis and joint health in dogs. We are not veterinarians, and you should consult yours before making any changes to your pups diet.

What are the Food-Related Triggers of Arthritis and Joint Health in Dogs?

Its good to stay away from grains, like wheat and barley, nightshade vegetables, eggplant and potatoes, and fillers, like soy, and corn. You can also include healthy foods in your dogs diet that help reduce inflammation.

NOTE: Dog owners should keep their dogs on constant diets as far as possible, and if they change their furry friends diets, it must be a gradual process. Sudden changes to your dogs diet can trigger health problems.

What are the supplements that could enhance bone and joint health?

Arthritis and mobility issues can have many causes. They should be diagnosed by a vet who can also advise on the best dog food and what to look for on the labels. Listed below are some of the supplements for bone and joint health.

• Omega-3 Fatty Acids
• Glucosamine and Chondroitin
• Methyl-sulfonyl-methane (MSM)
• S-Adenosyl-L-methionine
• Vitamin C
• Duralactin
• Creatine

Glucosamine, Chondroitin, and creatine are commonly found in prescription and non-prescription dog food for joints and mobility.

What are some of the ingredients to look for on dog food labels?

Glucosamine and chondroitin help reduce inflammation, so look for ingredients that enhance those properties. A good supply of omega-3 fatty acids is also important. Below are sources of valuable nutrients.

• Bone-in Meat: Poultry necks and oxtails have valuable cartilage linings that can benefit joint repair and healing. Look for meat with cartilage linings such as oxtails or poultry neck. This kind of bone-in meat can benefit common joint repair and recovery.
• Wild-caught Fish: Fish is an excellent fatty acid source for enhancing mobility. It also has anti-inflammatory properties. However, always look for the wild-caught variety instead of farm fish. Salmon, herring, and sardines are your best bet.
• Green-lipped Mussels: These mussels are superfoods, and they contain lots of Omega-3s, glucosamine, chondroitin, and hyaluronic acid.
• Superfoods: Superfoods such as blueberries and cranberries are potent antioxidants. They can reduce inflammation and make your canine companions life much more manageable with arthritis or joint pain.

How do dogs life stages affect joint care for dogs?

Joint care for dogs isnt a one-size-fits-all solution. Still, there are easy steps you can take from day one to encourage a healthy lifestyle that prevents the development of joint issues down the road. Dogs life stages play a significant role in your choice of dietary nutrients in dog food to ensure joint health. Below are some of the most important ones.

Large Breed Puppies

Nutro Natural Choice Puppy Dry Dog Food, Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dog Kibble

Over the course of one year, the average golden retriever puppy grows the equivalent of an 18-year-old person. In other words, puppies grow super-fast. Like humans, rapid growth can take its toll on developing joints, so its essential to feed your puppy the nutrients they need to grow safely.

Nutro Natural Choice Puppy Dry Dog Food contains nutrients such as glucosamine and chondroitin, which are natural cartilage building blocks, and nutrients like calcium and phosphorus to support healthy bone development during puppyhood.

Large Breed Adults

Merrick Real Texas Beef + Sweet Potato Recipe Grain-Free Adult Dry Dog Food

Weight control is an integral part of your dogs overall health and wellbeing throughout its life. If you have a large breed dog, excess weight puts pressure on its joints, increasing its risk of arthritis, hip dysplasia, and a bunch of other health issues.

On the other hand, keeping your dog at a healthy weight has been proven to reduce the degenerative joint disease process by relieving stress on the joint. Even a small amount of weight loss reduces the risk of your dog developing arthritis, so if dogs need to lose a few pounds, its well worth helping them do it.

Large Breed Senior Dogs

Nulo Freestyle Senior Grain-Free Trout & Sweet Potato Recipe Dry Dog Food

The good news is that proper nutrition and low-impact exercise can help keep your dog moving comfortably. Treat your senior dog to a superior nutrition plan that keeps them fit and healthy for years to come.

With all the benefits of a high animal meat and grain-free formula, this senior formula also includes Glucosamine and Chondroitin to support hip & joint health. And the addition of L-Carnitine helps the metabolism of fats for dogs that arent quite as active as they used to be. Who says old pups slow down? With Nulo FreeStyle, they can get better with age. As a general rule, a preventative approach to joint care is best.

What are the other dog foods for different health conditions similar to arthritis and joint health?

Best Dog Foods for Healthy Weight

• Hills Prescription Diet 26 recipes
• Rachael Ray Nutrish Zero Grain 4 recipes
• Blue Buffalo Wilderness 18 recipes
• Nulo FreeStyle Grain-Free 4 recipes
• Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Ultamino 4 recipes

Best Dog Foods for Sensitive Stomachs

• Diamond Care Sensitive Stomach 4 recipes
• Hills Science Diet Sensitive Stomach and Skin Adult 3 recipes
• Wellness Core Digestive Health 3 recipes
• Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Gastrointestinal Low Fat Kibble 5 recipes
• Wellness Simple Ingredient 6 recipes

Most Frequently Asked Questions About Best Dog Foods For Specific Breeds With Arthritis and Joint Health problems?

In addition to the 12 Best Dog Foods for joint health discussed above, below are additional top-quality dog foods for specific breeds with joint health issues.

What is the Best Dog Food for Old English Sheepdogs with arthritis and joint health problems?

Royal Canin Large Joint Care Dry Dog Food

Royal Canin Large Joint Care Dry Dog Food is tailored dog nutrition to support your adult dogs joint health. This bone and joint formula is designed with advanced nutrients like collagen to support joint and bone health.

What is the Best Dog Food for Newfoundlands with arthritis and joint health?

Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Grain-Free Dry Dog Food Game Bird Recipe

This grain-free dry dog food contains freeze-dried raw-coated kibble and freeze-dried raw bites to give your buddy all the benefits of a raw diet. Its developed with high levels of omega fatty acids to help promote healthy skin and a shiny coat, while glucosamine and chondroitin support hip and joint function.

What is the Best Dog Food for Bull Mastiffs with arthritis and joint health?

AvoDerm Advanced Healthy Weight Turkey Meal Formula Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

AvoDerm Advanced Healthy Weight Turkey Meal Formula Grain-Free Dry Dog Food. This weight management diet was formulated for less active canine companions to help maintain a healthy weight with lean turkey meal. It contains L-carnitine to break down fat and omega-rich avocados for healthy skin and coat. This recipe also has natural chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine to help maintain healthy joints. With no wheat, corn, soy, and by-product meals, dog parents can feel confident feeding their furry friend AvoDerm Advanced Healthy Weight Turkey Meal Formula Grain-Free Dry Dog Food.

What is the Best Dog Food for St Bernards with arthritis and joint health?

Holistic Select Natural Dry Dog Food, Large and Giant Breed Adult Chicken and Oatmeal Recipe

Big dogs need big meals, and the bigger pieces of kibble in Holistic Select Natural Dry Dog Food, Large and Giant Breed Adult Chicken, and Oatmeal Recipe are ideally suited to bigger mouths. Support your dogs digestive health with a unique combination of probiotics, healthy fiber, and digestive enzymes. Combined with other vitamins and nutrients, these elements make for tasty, nutritious food that will fuel your canine companion all day long. Contains glucosamine and chondroitin for improved mobility and overall joint health.

What is the Best Dog Food for Dachshund with arthritis and joint health?

Wellness CORE Natural Small Breed Healthy Weight

This grain-free dry dog food is specially formulated to help small breed dogs maintain a healthy weight to avoid joint health problems. It is crafted using advanced natural nutrition that balances premium proteins with nutrient-rich superfoods to support whole-body health. This dry dog food is crafted in a smaller kibble size for easy eating and fortified with omega fatty acids, antioxidants, glucosamine, chondroitin, probiotics, and taurine.