I’ll give recommendations of products I consider good in America, but also why they’re good compared to other products.

This article won’t cover your dog’s main diet, but I urge you to read the reviews and make sure you’re feeding something decent. I can’t stress this point enough, as your dog’s main diet will be their best medicine and offer the best comfort and longevity.

Recommended treats for dogs with Arthritis

I’ll start with recommendations for any readers who simply want the best arthritis treats for their dog. So here you go:

Eureka offer a wide range of excellent treats. For arthritis, take a look at the Joint & Mobility Bone Broth which is a supplement, but also the treats such as Rockin’ Roo Chews which include sardines and green lipped mussels – great for joint support.

The best thing about the Eureka range of treats is they’re exactly what they say on the tin (or packet). Dried meat, dried fish, and naturally digestible and beneficial for your dog.

The Eureka dog food itself is an excellent way to support your dog’s health all round, including joints, so read the Eureka dog food review here.

The Hemp Pet HEMP treats are very well formulated, being organic beef liver and various hemp ingredients like hemp oil. These should work well as a daily treat to alleviate your dog’s joint inflammation.

Vetalogica are a popular American brand, and the Vetalogica Vitarapid treats for arthritis look to be the biggest seller.

On closer inspection these treats have a lot of potato, peas, and tapioca starch, even if meat is listed first. This means the smaller inclusions are more beneficial – namely glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM to benefit joints and arthritis.

Bell & Bone offer a range of collagen treats. Like the Vetalogica Vitarapid treats, these contain some tapioca and vegetable matter which aren’t overly beneficial for your dog. There’s some meat in there too, which is good, but the real benefit is the small inclusion of collagen.

I’ll discuss shortly how many treats use fairly pointless ingredients and throw in a small amount of something beneficial to market it as a joint or arthritis-specific treat, but out of the options above I find the Eureka and Hemp Pet treats the best in terms of nutrition.

Beneficial ingredients in treats for dogs with arthritis

Glucosamine and chondroitin are the most common inclusions in an arthritis/joint supplement or treat, but there are other beneficial ingredients.

1. Glucosamine and Chondroitin:
   • Glucosamine is a natural compound found in cartilage, and chondroitin helps maintain cartilage elasticity.
   • These ingredients help improve joint health by supporting the regeneration of cartilage, reducing inflammation, and lubricating joints.
   • Commercial products often contain these substances in specific ratios designed to promote joint function.
2. Omega-3 Fatty Acids:
   • Omega-3 fatty acids, commonly sourced from fish oil, have anti-inflammatory properties.
   • These fatty acids can help reduce joint inflammation and relieve pain associated with arthritis.
   • Commercial supplements often contain precise doses to ensure your dog gets the right amount.
3. MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane):
   • MSM is a sulfur compound that aids in reducing pain and inflammation in arthritic joints.
   • It can enhance the effectiveness of other joint-supporting ingredients in commercial products.

As well as the above core components, you may find treats include various sources of the components without specifically listing them.

For example, shark cartilage treats – cartilage is good for supporting cartilage. The hemp oil treats I mentioned earlier provide fatty acids from hemp rather than fish oils, but research has shown this to be beneficial for arthritis.

What treats should you avoid?

Please keep in mind many dog treats claim to benefit conditions such as arthritis, and many are branded “joint treats”, when the ingredients suggest they may not be as beneficial as you think.

A good treat for dogs with arthritis should not be made from cereals, starches, and sugars. It is common for treats made from these inappropriate ingredients to have glucosamine or chondroitin in a small amount, and this allows them to market the product as a treat for joint support. That doesn’t mean it’s healthy, or you should feed many of them.

Why not make homemade arthritis treats?

While commercial products can be effective, some pet owners prefer to make homemade treats for their dogs with arthritis.

Here are some ingredients commonly used in homemade treats:

Turmeric

Turmeric contains curcumin, which has natural anti-inflammatory properties. Including turmeric in homemade treats can help reduce joint pain and inflammation in dogs.

Bone broth

Bone broth is so easy to make at home with a slow cooker. It’s rich in collagen, glucosamine, and chondroitin, making it a natural joint-supporting ingredient and superb for your dog’s health (and yours if you share!)

Blueberries

Blueberries are packed with antioxidants and can help reduce inflammation. Adding fresh or frozen blueberries into homemade treats not only adds flavor but also provides nutritional benefits for joint health. Or you can simply give your dog the odd blueberry!

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) that have anti-inflammatory properties. Mixing a small amount of coconut oil into homemade treats can be a beneficial addition for joint health. Most supermarkets offer coconut oil in a jar, and it’s easy to add some to your dog’s regular meals – choose a good brand.

Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are a good source of vitamins and fiber. Although you should keep carbohydrates to a minimum in your dog’s diet, sweet potatoes can create tasty and nutritious treats if you slice them and bake/dehydrate them.

Final thoughts

When it comes to managing arthritis in dogs, there are various options available, including both commercial and homemade treats and supplements.

Why not give your dog a combination of all of these, and consider their main diet as well?

Quality commercial products like Vetalogica Vitarapid Joint Treats offer convenience and targeted joint support, but be wary of cheaper treats in the supermarkets which claim to be for joint health but may not be very effective.

If you opt for homemade treats, keep them to a moderation unless you’re confident you’re giving your dog a balanced diet. If in doubt, use the 10% rule of thumb – don’t make treats more than 10% of your dog’s diet.

Remember – arthritis management is not one-size-fits-all, and a combination of treatments, including diet, exercise, and veterinary care, will put you on the right track to help improve your dog’s quality of life.

In summary, the key to helping your dog with arthritis is understanding their unique needs and providing them with the care and support they deserve. Whether you choose commercial or homemade treats, your dog will appreciate the love and attention you give them in their time of need.

If you feel you can add useful information, hints, or tips, which can benefit other Aussie dog owners, then feel free to say so in the comments!

What treats do you give your dog with arthritis?

I find with many debilitating conditions it’s very likely diet (or let’s say a bad diet) is the underlying cause, and this can very well be true for degenerative joint disease in dogs. This is often overlooked as it can take many years for such a condition to become symptomatic.

For these reasons you must always consider what you are feeding your dog and how good it may be for long term health.

Let’s take a look at how diet can affect joint health in dogs…

Degenerative joint disease in dogs

Throughout their lifetime, dogs tend to develop specific health issues. Some are even born with genetic conditions which can lead to joint disorders. Highly active dogs can develop joint issues from years of running and playing in the park (which happens to be the case for my Border Collie).

Osteoarthritis or Degenerative Joint Disease are the most common conditions dogs face, and pose a great challenge for their health and general wellbeing.

If your dog is suffering any kind of degenerative joint disease, it’s never too late to make dietary adjustments to minimise their pain, repair cells, and reduce inflammation.

Some types of food and supplements directly affect your dog’s joint health and can help with overall symptoms. Whether your dog is suffering from a degenerative joint disease, or you don’t want your dog to be that 1 in 5, then assessing diet or supplements is well worth considering.

What is osteoarthritis?

Let’s start from the basics. Osteoarthritis usually appears in older dogs, but sometimes even younger canines can be affected due to an injury, genetic predisposition, or improper joint and bone development.  

A joint is a place where two or more bones meet. Between them, a flexible tissue called cartilage prevents bones from rubbing against each other. As your dog ages, this cartilage wears down, causing the bones to rub together.

This condition causes various symptoms to appear, such as difficulty getting up and down, limping, stiffness, limited mobility, tenderness, swelling and pain.

Quite often we miss these early symptoms. As our dogs get older we more readily put these conditions down to “old age”, without realising the pain they may unnecessarily be feeling.

Dogs, sadly, are unable to verbalise their pain, which is why as pet parents we need to pick up on small behavioural changes in our dogs which suggest any kind of discomfort.

Can obesity cause arthritis in canines?

Without a doubt, obesity is one of the causes of dog arthritis. Numerous studies have indicated a strong connection between osteoarthritis and obesity, which probably comes as no surprise. A recent study also suggests degenerative joint disease can more likely occur in pups with higher body weights.

Because of these studies, we can conclude a dog’s diet significantly impacts their health.

Paying attention to what your dog eats can make a huge difference. Even though a balanced diet is important (and by this I don’t mean the “Complete & Balanced” statements plastered on most dog foods), the choice of food and the quality of ingredients play a crucial role.

Can you prevent joint issues with food?

There has been no evidence to support this claim entirely. However, there are still some things you can do to make your dog’s life a bit easier.

To decrease the risk of developing joint disorders, make sure your pup maintains a lean body weight while combining low-impact exercise with a good diet.

One study investigated the connection between probiotics and bone metabolism. They research managed to conclude the use of probiotics increased bone density and reduced inflammation. You could check out probiotics for dogs America to test this theory. Their products are perfectly safe and specifically designed for canines.

Foods that can help with dog arthritis

Dogs require different types of nutrients to stay healthy and active. Their diet needs to include vitamins and minerals, fats, carbs and proteins. If you don’t know how to feed your dog, consult your vet for a specific feeding guideline.

In addition to making sure your dog’s diet is balanced, there are certain foods they may benefit from if suffering a condition like osteoarthritis. For instance, omega-3 fatty acids, commonly found in fish and fish oil, are known to have multiple health benefits.

Ingredients like barley and oats can minimise the risk of obesity and help your pup maintain an optimal body weight, which is great for alleviating osteoarthritis symptoms. Make sure to include ingredients like coconut oil, celery, papaya and sweet potato, which are highly beneficial as well.

There are also important supplements that can treat pain caused by joint diseases, and some of them have proven potential in regenerating cartilage. You’ve probably heard of glucosamine and chondroitin, which are common components in many joint supplements. They can boost joint health and alleviate pain linked to advanced stages of osteoarthritis.

How to choose the best dog food?

Besides consulting a vet, there are a couple of general pointers which can help you select the best food for your pup.

Always pay attention to the company that manufactures food. Review their credentials and reputation. The more reputable the company is, the more likely they are going to produce high-quality food and obey pet food legislation.

Learn to read the label to know whether the ingredients are safe, natural and nutritious. Choose the food that fits your dog’s age, nutritional needs and medical condition they might have. If in doubt, a very good place to start is one of our reviews – you should find a review for any dog or cat food sold in America if you use the search (at the top!)

You should avoid giving your dog food loaded with calories, especially if they suffer from osteoarthritis. This can lead to excess body weight, further putting more pressure on their joints and causing more pain.

Always keep your dog’s daily caloric intake in mind and choose lean meat instead of fatty protein. Avoid processed food because it will often contain too many carbs.

While obesity is the most obvious link between joint health and your dog’s diet, making sure your dog eats balanced meals is equally important for their overall health. A combination of high-quality food and joint supplements can prevent many joint disorders in dogs.