How to Feed a Dog with Arthritis

by Katherine Khoo December 25, 2025 5 min read

Arthritis limits your dog’s mobility, making daily activities painful and difficult. Luckily, the right diet can make a huge difference but what’s a good diet for an arthritic dog? To feed a dog with arthritis, focus on a diet that’s rich in anti-inflammatory foods like fatty fish and leafy greens, and consider supplements such as omega-3s, glucosamine, and chondroitin. Let’s dwell further into all the necessary elements that make a good diet for arthritic dogs.

Maintain a Healthy Weight

Weight matters in dogs with arthritis. Excess weight is one of the most powerful contributors to arthritis progression. Studies have shown that even modest weight loss, just 6% to 8% of your dog’s body weight, can significantly reduce lameness and improve quality of life. In some cases, dogs have needed less medication or no medication at all after losing weight.

The best way to determine if your dog is over or under weight, is to determine his Body Condition Score. The body condition score is a visual and hands-on way to assess fat coverage. There are two recognized BCS scales for dogs: a 5-point scale (scores range from 1 to 5) and a 9-point scale (scores range from 1 to 9). The 9-point scale allows for more subtle distinctions in condition than the 5-point scale. Here’s the link to WSAVA’s 9-point Body Condition scale.

So, if your pet is overweight, the first step to improving his arthritic condition is to lose weight.

Before starting any weight loss programme, discuss with your dog’s veterinarian. A comprehensive veterinary examination may be essential.The veterinarian will conduct a thorough health assessment to rule out underlying medical conditions that may contribute to weight gain like hypothyroidism or Cushing's disease.

Next comes the weight loss diet plan. A prescription weight-loss diet may be recommended. These diets typically contain higher amounts of fibre content to promote satiety, higher protein levels to preserve lean muscle mass during weight loss, and adequate vitamins and minerals to prevent nutritional deficiencies.

Anti-Inflammatory Foods to Include

Arthritis is driven by chronic inflammation in the joints, which leads to pain, stiffness, and gradual cartilage breakdown. Including anti-inflammatory foods in your dog’s diet helps counter this process. These foods are rich in nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and phytonutrients that work to:

Reduce joint inflammation

This helps decrease swelling and discomfort, allowing better movement.

Slow down cartilage degeneration

Chronic inflammation speeds up the breakdown of cartilage. Anti-inflammatory nutrients help protect joint tissue.

Support overall mobility

Dogs fed anti-inflammatory diets often show improvements in ease of movement, willingness to exercise, and general comfort.

Enhance the effects of supplements and medication

A supportive diet can make joint supplements more effective, and in some cases, may even allow reduced reliance on pain medication.

Improve long-term quality of life

Reducing inflammation doesn't just relieve symptoms. It slows arthritis disease progression.

Common anti-inflammatory foods that can help with arthritis are:

1. Fatty Fish

Sardines, salmon, mackerel, and herring are rich in natural omega-3s. Feeding small amounts regularly (or using fish-based toppers) supports an anti-inflammatory diet. Even changing your dog’s treats to freeze-dried fatty fish like The Paw Grocer Freeze Dried Sardines can be helpful too.

2. Leafy Greens

Spinach, kale, and bok choy contain antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress, one of the contributors to joint degeneration. Lightly steamed these veggies and add 1 to 2 tablespoons to your dog’s diet.

3. Turmeric (Curcumin)

Curcumin has strong anti-inflammatory properties and may reduce joint stiffness. It’s often more effective when combined with black pepper or oil for better absorption. Use appropriate dog-safe formulations and dosages.

4. Blueberries & Other Berries

Blueberries are rich in antioxidants, they help fight inflammation and support overall health.

5. Bone Broth

Bone broth provides collagen, glucosamine, and chondroitin in a natural, highly digestible form. It's also an excellent topper for picky eaters or senior dogs with reduced appetite.

Joint-Supporting Supplements

Diet alone can make a meaningful difference, but targeted supplements can further support joint health, reduce inflammation, and improve mobility. Not every dog will need all of these, so always speak with your veterinarian before starting new supplements, especially if your dog is on medication.

Below are the most common joint-supporting supplements for arthritic dogs and how they help:

Omega-3 Fatty Acids (EPA & DHA)

Omega-3s are among the most well-studied supplements for canine arthritis. EPA and DHA are found primarily in cold-water fish. These nutrients help reduce the inflammatory processes that contribute to joint pain and cartilage breakdown. Studies have shown that dogs supplemented with omega-3s often experience improved weight-bearing, reduced limping, and may even require lower doses of pain medications. Good supplement sources include fish oil and green-lipped mussel oil.

Green-Lipped Mussel (GLM)

Green-lipped mussels provide a natural combination of omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine, chondroitin, vitamins, and minerals. GLM also contains a rare omega-3 called ETA (eicosatetraenoic acid), known for its strong anti-inflammatory effects. Pet parents commonly report increased mobility, easier rising and walking, and less stiffness after a few weeks of supplementation. Freeze-dried green-lipped mussel powder is often used as part of a multimodal arthritis plan.

Collagen

Collagen is a structural protein that supports cartilage, tendons, and ligaments. In dogs with arthritis, collagen may help maintain joint integrity and reduce discomfort associated with cartilage wear. Hydrolysed collagen (which is easily absorbed) can help improve joint flexibility and may be especially useful for senior dogs or large breeds prone to mobility issues.

Glucosamine, Chondroitin Sulfate and MSM

Glucosamine is one of the most widely used joint supplements. It supports cartilage repair, improves joint lubrication, and helps reduce pain associated with osteoarthritis. Chondroitin helps prevent the breakdown of cartilage and supports its repair. It also draws water into cartilage, helping it stay cushioned and functional. MSM is a natural sulfur compound known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It can help reduce swelling and joint pain while supporting connective tissue repair.

These nutrients are often paired together for their synergistic effect. They may take several weeks to show benefits, but long-term use often results in better mobility and less stiffness, especially when combined together. Here’s a joint supplement that includes all these three nutrients to slow arthritis progression and support joint lubrication - NaturVet Glusosamine DS Plus Level 2 (Time Release) Moderate Care Joint Support.

Hydration Matters Too

Hydration is important because joint cartilage is mostly water. Dehydrated dogs may experience stiffer joints and reduced mobility. Encourage hydration through:

Fresh water available at all times
Adding moisture to meals, especially if your dog is on a dry kibble diet
If necessary, feed fresh or wet food instead of dry kibble

In conclusion, for a dog with arthritis, focus on a diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods like fatty fish, and consider adding supplements such as omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine, and chondroitin. And, if your dog is overweight, losing weight will significantly reduce stress on their joints, helping to ease joint pain and stiffness. The right diet, combined with weight management and joint-supporting supplements, can significantly improve your dog’s comfort and quality of life.