7 Foods for Healthy Joints in Dogs
This post shows you the 7 Foods for Healthy Joints in Dogs.
Did you know that certain foods can naturally support joint health and reduce inflammation? Joint health is essential for keeping dogs active, especially as they age.
In this article, we’ll share 7 foods that promote healthy joints for dogs. These foods are not only nutritious but also easy to make and easy to share with your dogs, and you probably have most of them at home!
Why joint health matters for dogs
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common condition in dogs that affects their joints and can eventually lead to mobility issues. Sadly, there’s no cure yet, and treatments mostly focus on easing the symptoms. But here’s the good news: certain dietary supplements might help!
Research has shown that supplements like chondroitin sulfate, glucosamine, collagen, curcumin, and omega-3 fatty acids can help dogs with joint pain, inflammation, and arthritis issues.
These natural options might not replace medications, but they could be a great addition to your dog’s care plan.
The tricky part? Some of these supplements aren’t absorbed very well by the body. Scientists are working on new formulas to improve how well they work, but more research is needed to confirm the benefits.
If your dog has arthritis, it’s worth asking your vet about adding supplements to their routine. While they’re not a magic fix, they can be a helpful way to manage OA and keep your dog moving comfortably for longer.
How can your dog improve joint health with food?
Since supplements can be tricky to give and, as studies show, they’re not always absorbed well, focusing on the right foods can be a great alternative.
Certain nutrient-rich foods naturally provide glucosamine, chondroitin, omega-3 fatty acids, and other compounds that support cartilage (a flexible, connective tissue that cushions joints), reduce inflammation, and keep your dog’s joints flexible.
Including these foods in their diet can help your dog stay active and comfortable without relying solely on supplements.
1 Salmon
Salmon is one of my favorite foods for healthy joints in dogs! The main reason is that it’s rich in so many good nutrients; it has multiple health benefits.
It’s a great source of protein and fat, which means it gives dogs energy. At the same time, it’s easy to prepare (just cut a small piece for your dog and don’t add any salt or garlic).
Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for joint mobility and a healthy immune system. Omega-3 reduces inflammation, and at the same time, it helps your dog have healthy and non-itchy skin!
Some of the alternatives are mackerel and sardines, as well as seafood like scallops and calamari!
2 Sweet potatoes
Sweet potatoes are a good source of antioxidants and beta-carotene, which reduce inflammation and protect cartilage.
An additional benefit is that they’re rich in fiber, so they also improve your dog’s gut health and digestion. Since sweet potatoes are low in calories, you can include them in your dog’s diet without worrying about weight gain.
The best way to prepare sweet potatoes is to boil them and mash them with a fork. You can also cut them into small pieces and serve them with lean protein like salmon or cooked meat.
You can also include carrots and pumpkin, but sweet potatoes are definitely the best!
3 Blueberries
Blueberries are probably one of the most popular anti-inflammatory fruits out there! And for a good reason!
Blueberries are great for dogs! They are rich in antioxidants and vitamins. Antioxidants protect cells from inflammation, which is a huge issue for dogs with joint problems.
The best part about blueberries is that a little goes a long way, so you can start giving your dog a couple of blueberries here and there until they get used to them.
Then, you can mix blueberries with some yogurt and other fruits and prepare homemade treats for dogs!
If you’re looking for something similar, blackberries and raspberries are great options, too!
4 Bone broth
Bone broth is packed with joint-supporting nutrients like glucosamine, chondroitin, and collagen, which help keep your dog’s joints strong and flexible.
These compounds are naturally found in connective tissues, so when you simmer bones for hours, they break down into the broth, making them easier for your dog to absorb.
When your dog eats or drinks bone broth, these nutrients get into their digestive system, where they are absorbed into the bloodstream.
From the bloodstream, they travel to the joints and cartilage. This helps rebuild, protect, and maintain healthy joint function over time.
By feeding your dog bone broth, you’re giving them a natural source of these essential joint nutrients in a form that’s easy to digest and absorb. This makes it a great addition to a senior dog’s diet or for any dog prone to joint issues.
Making bone broth is easy but takes some time. Simmer bones (no seasoning, please!) for several hours, strain out the broth, and let it cool. Once it’s ready, you can pour it over your dog’s kibble or serve it as a warm treat. It’s a simple way to boost joint health while keeping them hydrated.
5 Chicken feet
Chicken feet might not sound appealing to us, but they’re fantastic for dogs! They’re a natural source of glucosamine and chondroitin, which are amazing for joint health.
If you’re feeding raw, make sure you’re buying high-quality chicken feet you can trust. For more tips on this, check out my article Can Dogs Eat Chicken Feet?
If you’re not fond of dogs eating raw chicken feet (which I can totally understand), dehydrated chicken feet are one of the few cooked bones that are safe for dogs since they’re mostly made of cartilage.
You can find them online or in your local pet store. Look for chicken feet without additives that don’t have a strong smell!
Don’t give your dog cooked chicken feet! Cooked bones are dangerous and they can splinter and cut your dog’s throat and intestines.
6 Spinach
Spinach isn’t just great for humans—it’s excellent for dogs, too! It’s rich in antioxidants and vitamin K, both of which help maintain strong bones and cartilage. Plus, it supports joint flexibility and reduces inflammation.
To make it easier for your dog to digest, lightly steam or blanch the spinach before serving. A small amount mixed into their food or offered as a treat can be a healthy addition to their diet.
If spinach isn’t their favorite, try kale or Swiss chard for similar benefits!
7 Turmeric
Turmeric is one of those simple, natural ingredients that can make a big difference in your dog’s joint health. It’s known for its powerful anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce joint pain and improve mobility—especially in dogs with joint issues and arthritis.
The magic comes from curcumin, the active compound in turmeric. Curcumin is very popular for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. It’s very popular in many dog biscuits and treats!
Joint pain is quite often caused by chronic inflammation. Curcumin blocks inflammatory pathways in the body by lowering the production of COX-2 enzymes and cytokines, which are responsible for swelling and stiffness. Turmeric helps reduce inflammation and keep your dog’s joints more flexible and comfortable.
This study explores how curcumin may help protect cartilage by inhibiting certain enzymes and inflammatory pathways.
You can easily add turmeric to your dog’s meals by sprinkling a pinch of turmeric powder on their food or mixing it into bone broth. They probably won’t even notice, which is great as you can start small and then increase the amount.
My favorite way to add curcumin is to mix it with cooked pumpkin and meat and add some to homemade biscuits.
By adding these seven foods to your dog’s diet, you can support their joint health naturally and keep them active for years to come.
Which of these foods does your dog already love? Share your tips in the comments below!
Don’t forget to pin this post so you’ll always have these foods handy!
Love, life, and fur forever!
This post showed you 7 Foods for Healthy Joints in Dogs.
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