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Arthritis and hip dysplasia are very common illnesses in dogs. Though they are very different illnesses, often times a dog with hip dysplasia will develop arthritis so they both require similar treatment. Finding the best dog foods for arthritis and hip dysplasia can also help your dog manage these uncomfortable health issues.
Luckily, a high quality, good dog food with the right nutritional profile can help prevent and reduce the severity and pain associated with arthritis and hip dysplasia. So if your dog is prone to arthritis and hip dysplasia or has developed one of these illnesses, there are a couple different kinds of good dog food you can consider adding to their diet.
What Is Canine Arthritis?
One out of every five dogs will develop arthritis in their lifetimes. It is a degenerative joint disease that cause stiff painful joints. Arthritis develops when the cartilage protecting the bones of the joints wears down or is destroyed. Without cartilage, the joint has no cushion so the joints rub against one another causing pain and decreased mobility. There are several things that can cause canine arthritis including age, obesity, chronic illnesses, injury, and hip dysplasia. The most commonly impacted joints are the knees, wrists, elbows, lower back and hips.
What Is Canine Hip Dysplasia?
Hip dysplasia is when the hip joints do not develop normally. The hip joint lacks the cushioning required to function and will eventually cause deterioration, lameness, and loss of mobility. Hip dysplasia is typically a genetic disorder but can be caused by a variety of environmental factors. Hip dysplasia often leads to painful arthritis around the joint.
What To Do If Your Dog Has Hip Dysplasia
Breeds That Are Prone To Arthritis And Hip Dysplasia
Typically large and giant breeds are more prone to developing arthritis and hip dysplasia. These illnesses are especially common among:
- Labrador and Golden Retrievers
- German Shepherds
- Great Danes
- Saint Bernards
- Bulldogs
- Mastiffs
- American Staffordshire Terriers
- Rottweilers
- Old English Sheepdogs
- Afghan Hounds
Though all dogs can develop these issues, especially if they have other factors like obesity and chronic illnesses. Also, some small breeds like Pugs and French Bulldogs are also specifically prone to developing these illnesses.
How To Find The Best Dog Foods For Arthritis And Hip Dysplasia
There are several ingredients to look for in order to find the best dog foods for arthritis and hip dysplasia. First of all, you want avoid anything that will causes excess inflammation like added salt, sugar and simple carbs, dairy, corn oil, and artificial colors, flavorings, and preservatives. Some veterinarians believe in finding the best dog foods for arthritis by cutting out grains and avoiding foods that are heavily processed. . Secondly, you want to look for a dog food that is high in omega fatty acids from fish oil and flaxseed oil which helps lubricate joints and reduce inflammation. You also want to find a dog food that contains glucosamine and chondroitin which can help strengthen and rebuild cartilage. Finally, you want to look for dog foods containing calcium, vitamin D, vitamin C, and iron. Calcium helps strengthen bones, reduces the risk of arthritis, and prevents further damage to joints. Vitamin D is crucial to helping the body absorb calcium and vitamin C helps rebuild connective tissues. Iron helps combat the development of anemia, a common autoimmune response to arthritis and hip dysplasia.
Top Dry Dog Foods For Arthritis And Hip Dysplasia
The best place to start to prevent and treat arthritis and hip dysplasia is to feed your the best dog food for arthritis. Here are some good dog foods for arthritis and hip dysplasia:
Wellness CORE Grain-Free Large Breed Formula
Wellness CORE Grain-Free Large Breed Formula is specifically designed to meet the health needs of the larger breeds prone to arthritis and hip dysplasia. It is formulated with a patented WellFlex system for joint support that contains glucosamine, chondroitin, and high levels of omega fatty acids. Wellness has a high protein formula loaded with rich antioxidants and contains all the calcium, iron, vitamin D, and vitamin C to combat the arthritis and hip dysplasia. Plus it is formulated with optimal fat and calories to help maintain a healthy body weight.
Victor Dog Food GMO-Free Performance Beef Meal With Glucosamine
Victor Dog Food GMO-Free Performance is specially formulated to prevent and reduce hip dysplasia and arthritis. It contains high levels of glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega fatty acids to support mobility and joint help. It also is free of corn, has no added salt, sugars, or artificial ingredients that cause excess inflammation. Also with a high protein formula from multiple meat sources and only 35% total complex carbohydrates, it helps maintain a healthy weight. Furthermore, Victor Performance contains a high level of the amino acid l-carnitine which has been shown to reduce the pain associated with arthritis and hip dysplasia.
Dogswell Happy Hips Dry Dog Food
Dogswell Happy Hips Dry Dog Food is made by Happy Hips dog food company that specializes in formulas specifically for dogs with hip dysplasia. The grain-free recipe has a high protein content and contains loads of healthy complex carbohydrates for healthy weight and energy. Dogswell Happy Hips is free of added salts, sugars, artificial additives, and corn, so there are no ingredients that increase inflammation. Also, it is formulated with high amounts of glucosamine, chondroitin, antioxidants, chelated minerals, and omega fatty acids to support joint health. Dogswell also makes Happy Hips treats so you can help prevent the damaging effects of arthritis and hip dysplasia with a comprehensive diet plan.
With one out of five dogs afflicted with arthritis and several breeds prone to hip dysplasia, it is important to consider a preventative diet for your dog. Our top three picks are made specifically for dogs who have arthritis and hip dysplasia. However, since they are such common illnesses, even if your dog does not have arthritis or hip dysplasia, when shopping for a good dog food, you should consider formulas with nutrients that prevent the development of these diseases. This is especially important if your dog is a breed prone to these illnesses, if your dog is obese, or if your dog is older.
I’ve had German Shepherds all my life and last year I discovered the greatest thing in the world and wanted to share it. It’s Newman’s hip and joint treats. My 11 Shepherd had been having trouble getting up and down and being stiff for several months. My son found the treats from the grocery store and after at least one a day for four days…. HE ACTUALLY RAN AND WAS JUMPING AGAIN!!! He hadn’t done that in years!! I never would have thought a treat could do that and I thank God every day. He doesn’t go a day without out them and no one believes how old he is because he looks and acts years younger.
North Carolina
I have a 4 month old OES with arthritis and hip dysplasia. What’s the best food for her right now?