Best Joint Health Dog Food – Joint Support & Bone Health Combo

* This post contains affiliate links, and we will be compensated if you buy after clicking on our links.

Joint support and health is a issue many dogs suffer from everyday. These issues are more common in older dogs but they can also appear to younger dogs as well.

But what if we told you there was ways to help prevent joint issues just by following these tips in this article.

In fact, there are several ways you can support your dog and help them manage there symptoms.

Feeding your dog a food formulated to support there joints should typically be one of its main focuses. You can also start adding supplements to their diet (which we’ll also discuss here).

Ready to get stared? Good, let’s go!

Best Dog Food To Prevent Scooting

• Merrick Real Texas Beef + Sweet Potato Recipe Grain-Free Chicken-Free Adult Dry Dog Food
• Purina ONE +Plus Joint Health Formula Adult Dry Dog Food
• Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets JM Joint Mobility Dry Dog Food
• Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet
• The Farmer’s Dog Chicken Recipe
• Hill’s Science Plan Mature Adult Small And Mini Dry Dog Food
• Blue Buffalo Baby Blue Healthy Growth Turkey & Potato Recipe – Best for Puppies
• Blue Buffalo Prescription Mobility Support

Now you might be asking, What Makes a Dog Food Good for Joint Health?

Are you curious about what makes a food good for promoting joint health and helping prevent joint injuries? When choosing the right food, you’ll want to keep an eye out for some specific ingredients.

Supplements that support joints are crucial to have. Glucosamine and chondroitin are two joint-supporting supplements that should be included in your dog’s diet, especially if your dog’s breed is more susceptible to joint injuries.

Taurine, which helps control canine inflammation, and omega-3s (often provided in the form of fish oil supplements) are additional helpful ingredients.

Some other ingredients that are also good to have include formulas that have a balanced calcium to phosphorus content. Not only does your dog need to eat enough calcium and phosphorus, but he also needs to get them in the right proportions. This is crucial for large breed dogs, and it’s also one of the main arguments in favor of why veterinarians advise against using homemade diets.

The foods that is best for joint health will also be lean and will be focused on keeping your dog lean and healthy. The reason here is because many times when a dog is overweight, they develop joint issues and health issues. The strain on the extra weight your dog is carrying when they are overweight can be uncomfortable, painful and unnecessary for your dogs joints.

Natural Foods and Supplements For Joint Health

When it comes to treatments to help ease joint pain, pain relievers and dietary changes are among the top recommendations.

But there is a much easier way to help treat your dogs joint pain, and that is by adding anti-inflammatory foods and joint supplements to their diet. These added supplements are great add on’s and can even prevention of arthritis can benefit from them. The foods and supplements listed below are some of the best anti-inflammatory options for dogs, but they should all be given in moderation.

Glucosamine and Chondroitin

Glucosamine acts as a mild anti-inflammatory and is used by the joints to make cartilage components. Chondroitin prevents the breakdown of cartilage components and encourages their production.

Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, glucosamine can help your dog feel less pain. Very rarely do side effects occur. increases mobility and aids in naturally restoring joint health. increases joint lubrication in your dog.

Our top Glucosamine and Chondroitin choice is Nutramax Laboratories.

It is loaded with Glucosamine and Chondroitin to make sure your dog is getting enough and has been a staple in our large dog breeds diets for years. The reason why we love Nutramax is because your dog needs a good amount of glucosamine and chondroitin otherwise it is useless.

In fact, The following is a good rule of thumb for a daily glucosamine dosage: Less than 25lbs: 250-500 mg. 25lbs to 50lbs: 500 mg. 50lbs to 90lbs: 1,000 mg. With other brands, you will be getting onl 100-200mg per serving, meaning it might look cheaper but you will need to give your dog 6 times more servings (for them to get the amount they need.)

With Nutramax, you’re getting 600mg of glucosamine per tablet. A perfect amount for a 60-80lb dog.

As for Chondroitin you want to focus on 15-30 mg/kg (mg per kilogram) or 33-66 mg per pound of body weight 

Turmeric

Turmeric is a very good supplement for joint support and health. Due to its inherent ability to heal, turmeric has been used in medicine for centuries. Including its capacity to lower inflammatory responses within the body. In fact, studies have shown that it can relieve human arthritis pain just as well as ibuprofen.

It contains the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiviral, antifungal, and antibacterial substance curcumin. It can benefit a variety of illnesses in dogs, including joint pain.

You can get a powder version or pills, we recommend pills as many dogs may not like the taste of powder.

Our top turmeric choice is Amazing Turmeric for Dogs which can be found here.

15mg to 20mg of turmeric per pound of body weight per day is the recommended dosage for dogs, or, to put it another way, 1/8 to 1/4 tsp per day for every 10 pounds of body weight. This is a rough estimate to begin with, but you can increase it to about a Tbsp for larger dogs from there.

With Amazing Turmeric, you’ll be getting 300mg per chew (About 3 a day for dogs that weigh 50-75LBs.

Cinnamon

If your dog is not a fan of the Turmeric another option is cinnamon. Cinnamon is a common ingredient in dog treats and is completely safe for dogs. It even benefits brain function and is loaded with anti-inflammatories to help with joint pain and muscle soreness. Dogs also enjoy the taste!

For every 15 pounds of body weight, dogs should consume 1/8 teaspoon.

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil on a daily basis can help arthritic joints. Numerous fatty acids found in it contribute to increased mobility and decreased joint pain. Some joint damage may even be repaired, according to research. A teaspoon per pound of body weight can be mixed into the food for dogs, but this should be done gradually. Dogs with sensitive stomachs or pancreatitis should avoid it.

Fish Oil

Omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants are found in oily fish. This strengthens the immune system and lessens arthritis-related inflammation.

Salmon, tuna, sardines, and anchovies are among good, lean fish that are great for dogs. Fresh fish should never be given to a dog with the bones still in it. Giving your dog fish oil and fish food (like salmon) is ideal. Just make sure the formula is clean.

Alfalfa

Alfalfa makes a fantastic addition to meals and, according to veterinarians it significantly reduces arthritis symptoms in dogs. Loaded with antioxidants, alfalfa can guard against cellular damage, which can speed up joint deterioration.

Additionally, it contains a lot of chlorophyll, an anti-inflammatory antioxidant that may help dogs with arthritis feel less pain and discomfort. Take a tiny pinch and sprinkle it over your dog’s regular meal to serve it to them.

Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are another great ingredient and supplement to add/look for. They contain a lot of beta-carotene, an anti-inflammatory. They have amino acids in them, which can aid in retaining and recovering wasting muscles. Additionally, it is among the best sources of vitamin A for dogs, which supports the maintenance of healthy skin, fur, and eyes.

As a carbohydrate, sweet potatoes should be thoroughly cooked and consumed in moderation.

Fruits

Fruits like blueberries and apples are ideal here. Apples are a fantastic source of vitamin C, vitamin A, and quercetin. All of which have high antioxidant content and may help dogs with arthritis feel less inflamed and move more freely.

For dogs, one or two slices of an apple are a sufficient serving. Just make sure to remove the core because cyanide is present in the seeds.

For older dogs, a handful of blueberries is a nice treat. They are stuffed full of anthocyanin, an antioxidant, as well as fiber, vitamins, and anti-inflammatories. This strengthens the immune system and assists in the fight against physical and mental aging.

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

Merrick Real Texas Beef & Sweet Potato is a great option for dogs who have joint problems. Even though it is not marketed as a recipe that supports joints, it is loaded with joint support ingredients. This is the best option for the majority of dogs with arthritis or other joint issues because it contains the majority of the qualities of a great all-around food in addition to three different kinds of joint-supporting ingredients.

Given that this dog food recipe contains glucosamine and is also grain-free, it’s also a great choice for Retrievers, Shepard’s, pit bulls or any other breed that is prone to experiencing joint problems as well as allergy problems.

Some of the benefits to help joint health and joint support in this formula include the fact thatOmega-3s, glucosamine and chondroitin are added for joint support and it includes blueberries, salmon oil, and beef liver, all which are beneficial to overall joint support & health.

Main Ingredients: Deboned Beef, Lamb Meal, Salmon Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Potatoes, Peas
Guaranteed Analysis: 34% Crude Protein, 15% Crude Fat, 3.5% Crude Fiber, 11% Moisture
Caloric Content: 379 kcal/cup
Type of Product: Balanced

Purina ONE +Plus Joint Health Formula Adult Dry Dog Food – Best Value

Formulated for joint health by Purina One +Plus. This food is intended to have a high protein content and be able to give you dog wholesome energy. This formula is highly digestible and intended to support a stronger, healthier heart in addition to providing fish oil and glucosamine to support improved mobility and joint health. With all the vitamins, minerals, and nutrients your adult dog needs for healthy maintenance, real chicken serves as the main ingredient.

This is ideal for older dogs as it supports a robust immune system and lowers joint inflammation. Despite recent manufacturing issues, it is also made in the USA and has a lot of positive reviews on bothe Chewy and Amazon.

The calories in this dog food are perfect for active dog breeds and making sure your working dog is getting enough food throughout the day.

Main Ingredients: Chicken, Rice Flour, Chicken By-product Meal, Whole Grain Wheat, Soybean Meal, Whole Grain Corn
Guaranteed Analysis: 27% Crude Protein, 12% Crude Fat, 4.5% Crude Fiber, 12% Moisture
Caloric Content: 379 kcal/cup
Type of Product: Best Value

Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets JM Joint Mobility Dry Dog Food

An excellent option for helping to keep your dog free of joint pain is Purina Pro Plan Joint Mobility Dog Food. This food is high in protein, with the majority of the protein coming from trout, chicken, salmon, and eggs. It also contains glucosamine, omega fatty acids, and other supportive nutrients. You’ll be happy to learn that this food is pea-free, which supports heart health.

This food is quite pricey, just like many other foods on this list that are good for joints. Fortunately, there are a variety of bag sizes available. You’ll also see that it contains more calories than other foods, which, if not carefully monitored, could cause problems with weight management.

The formula includes fish oil, glucosamine and other vitamins all which help and support joint health. You do need a prescription from a vet to purchase this blend.

Main Ingredients: Brewers Rice, Trout, Salmon Meal, Corn Gluten Meal, Poultry By-Product Meal (Source Of Glucosamine)
Guaranteed Analysis: 30% Crude Protein, 12% Crude Fat, 4% Crude Fiber, 11% Moisture
Caloric Content: 401 kcal/cup
Type of Product: Joint Support

Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet

Available in both an adult formula, and a puppy formula, Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet is a great option for joint support. It has glucosamine and chondroitin added specifically to support the joints and general mobility of adult dogs. Additionally, it contains important vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that give your dogs extra nutrients.

This recipe is made with a wide range of impressive ingredients to support your pet’s overall wellbeing in addition to the joint supplements that are included.

With omega 3 & 6 fatty acids also included, the Blue buffalo formula is another great option.

Main Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Oatmeal, Barley, Pea Starch, Peas, Flaxseed
Guaranteed Analysis: 22% Crude Protein, 12% Crude Fat, 6% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
Caloric Content: 352 kcal/cup
Type of Product: Joint

The Farmer’s Dog Chicken Recipe

This tasty, fresh dog food’s main ingredient is USDA-grade chicken. Additionally, you’ll discover fantastic ingredients like broccoli and Brussels sprouts that are great for enhancing immunity, skin, and fur. However, you’ll be glad to know that this food includes fish oil along with other vitamins and minerals beneficial for strengthening bones and promoting healthier joints, which will benefit your dog’s joints.

We must admit that we’re happy with The Farmer’s Dog Fresh Chicken Recipe. The only problem your dog might experience is that if they are picky eaters, they might not like the broccoli or Brussel sprouts in the food.

The Farmers Dog basically works as follows: you provide them with information about your puppy, and they provide you with a special blend and formula for your dog and their needs. It’s genuinely unique.

The Farmer’s Dog will indicate how much food to serve at each meal if you just squeeze it into a bowl.

The one significant drawback is that you must subscribe in order to buy this dog food, but the good news is that you can start with a nice discount and that you can cancel at any time without incurring any fees.

The food is incredibly fresh, delicious, and convenient because all you need to do is take a pouch and give it to your dog.

Main Ingredients: Chicken, Brussel sprouts, chicken liver
Guaranteed Analysis: (wet matter basis) 11.5% crude protein, 8% crude fat, 1.5% crude fiber, and 76% moisture.
Caloric Content: 590 Per Pound/Customized per your dog – check out what they say here
Type of Product: Fresh

Hill’s Science Plan Mature Adult Small And Mini Dry Dog Food

The food promotes mobility by utilizing a chicken meal, brown rice, and barley recipe. It now contains easy-to-digest glucosamine and chondroitin from natural sources.

The food is vet-recommended, American-made, and has received overwhelmingly positive Amazon reviews. The difference the food seems to make in their dog’s activity level and mobility is praised by the food’s purchasers. Dog owners with sensitive stomachs also adore the product.

With small kibble perfect for small breeds, EPA from fish oil promotes mobility and joint health in small-breed dogs and the added natural sources of glucosamine and chondroitin support your adult dog’s joint health, this formula is highly recommend.

Made in the USA with natural, global ingredients you can trust, plus added vitamins, minerals and amino acids.

Main Ingredients: Chicken Meal, Brewers Rice, Whole Grain Sorghum, Brown Rice, Whole Grain Wheat
Guaranteed Analysis: 17% Crude Protein, 10% Crude Fat, 3% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
Caloric Content: 359 kcal/cup
Type of Product: Small Breed

Blue Buffalo Baby Blue Healthy Growth Turkey & Potato Recipe – Best for Puppies

We recommend Blue Buffalo Baby Blue Healthy Growth Turkey & Potato Recipe for puppies’ joint health.

The majority of the protein in this wet food comes from Turkey and helps to support healthy muscle growth. Fish oil, omega-3, and omega-6 fatty acids are also included to help your dog’s joints.

For large breed puppies who are prone to joint and mobility problems, this is especially beneficial. You’ll be happy to know that this food is loaded with vitamins and minerals to support the healthy growth and development of your dog.

Before placing your pup on a grain-free diet, speak with your veterinarian to determine whether it is necessary.

Main Ingredients: Turkey, Chicken Broth, Chicken, Chicken Liver, Potatoes, Pea Protein, Flaxseed
Guaranteed Analysis (wet matter basis): 10.5% Crude Protein, 7% Crude Fat, 1.5% Crude Fiber, 78% Moisture
Caloric Content: 425 kcal/can/cup
Type of Product: Puppy

Blue Buffalo Prescription Mobility Support

The W+M Recipe from Blue Buffalo is a fantastic option for joint support and mobility. This salmon and chicken recipe requires a prescription to purchase, but it is well worth the effort due to its high omega-3 fatty acid, glucosamine, and chondroitin fortification levels.

It’s also a great dog food to help a dog maintain a healthy weight that won’t aggravate joint problems as a weight management formula.

Formulated with EPA, omega 3 fatty acids, glucosamine and chondroitin to help support joint health and mobility.

Prescription-only food made without the grains for dogs with certain food sensitivities.

It is available in a wet formula as well giving picky eaters more options.

Main Ingredients: Deboned Salmon, Chicken Meal, Pea Protein, Powdered Cellulose, Peas
Guaranteed Analysis: 30% Crude Protein, 12% Crude Fat, 17% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
Caloric Content: 325 kcal/cup
Type of Product: Balance

Buyer’s Guide – Selecting the Best Dog Foods for Joint Health

When it comes to getting the best dog food that helps support your dogs joints, you probably have a lot of questions like what is best for joint health? What should I be looking for? And many more!

The nutrition your pet needs to stay healthy and active should be the primary focus of any food you give them. This also means that it ought to encourage your dog to maintain a healthy weight because obesity can put more strain on your dog’s joints.

Ingredients that help your dog’s mobility and pain relief should be included in dog food made for healthy joints.

Now that we’ve shared our selections for the top 8 dog foods for joint health, and the best supplement/add ons to add to your dogs diet for joint health and support, let’s look more closely at some other factors you should also be looking into.

Nutrition

No matter what kind of dog food you give your pet, proper nutrition is essential, as we already mentioned. There are a few ways you can find out what your dog needs if you’re unsure. Speak to your veterinarian first.

Healthy, Balanced Weight

The weight of your dog is a key aspect of joint health. An overweight dog will experience more joint pain than a healthy dog. This is a result of carrying extra weight.

Of course, there are a number of ways you can assist your dog in keeping its weight under control. One is to keep them active. A dog needs exercise every day. The other is by picking a dog food that has the right amount of calories as well as the right nutrition. As we all know, puppies and growing dogs require more calories due to their daily calorie expenditure. Your dog enters the maintenance stage of life as they get older.

What Kinds of Joint Problems Do Dogs’ Suffer? 

The most common joint issues dogs usually deal with include:

1. Arthritis: Osteoarthritis is the medical term for arthritis, which is characterized by the cartilage in a dog’s joints becoming inflamed and degenerating over time.
   
2. Dysplasia: When a dog’s joint does not fit properly into its socket, it develops dysplasia, which results in abnormal growth, inflammation, and lameness.
   
3. Luxating Patella: Dogs with luxating patellas, which are more frequent in smaller breeds, experience an abnormal movement of the kneecap.
   
4. Osteochondrosis: In large breed dogs, this condition results from abnormal cartilage development.
   
5. Trauma: In dogs, cruciate ligament tears, fractures, and dislocations can all cause joint issues.

Dogs’ joint problems can result from a number of conditions. Therefore, it’s crucial to visit a veterinarian to examine the root of your dog’s issues so that you can deal with them appropriately.

Signs and Symptoms of Joint Pain in Dogs 

• Limpining/Lameness
• Struggle to move
• Tired/Lethargy
• Licking
• Yelping when touched 
• Swollen joints
• Muscle loss
• Limping/Hopping when running
• Slowing down or lack of interest in activities
• Stiffness

It’s time to take your dog to the vet if they show one or more of these signs.

How Are Joint Issues Treated for Dogs? 

Supplements: Joint support supplements can help dogs with joint problems feel their best and serve as a preventative measure for puppies who are at risk. Glucosamine and chondroitin are the two most popular dietary supplements.

Medication: Your dog may be given medicine to treat inflammation or chronic pain.

Physical therapy: A great option for dogs who aren’t candidates for surgery because it can strengthen their joints and increase their range of motion.

Surgery: In some circumstances, a surgical procedure, may be able to address the underlying cause of your dogs joint injury.

Weight loss: Excess weight may be the root of or a contributing factor in your dog’s joint problems. Losing weight can make your dog happier and help with some of their symptoms.

Food For Dogs With Joint Pain: FAQ

What foods should dogs with arthritis avoid?

Gluten-containing foods like wheat, rye, and barley can aggravate arthritis symptoms by bringing on inflammation in the body. Inflammatory foods include nightshade vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, and eggplant. Owners ought to stay away from anything that contains filler ingredients like peanut or cornstarch.

What are the symptoms of arthritis?

Dogs with arthritis may have a limp or have trouble walking/moving. See above for the full list.

What Is Glucosamine and chondroitin?

Glucosamine and chondroitin are the building blocks of cartilage, they are structural elements. Natural substances like glucosamine and chondroitin are present in healthy cartilage, the connective tissue that cushions joints.

They exist in the body naturally and can be purchased as supplements to enhance joint health. Additionally, it is included in canine supplements for luxating patella.

Supplements are either created in a lab or from the cartilage of animals like cows, pigs, or shellfish. There are several forms of glucosamine available for purchase, including glucosamine sulfate and glucosamine hydrochloride. Although glucosamine and chondroitin can be purchased separately, they are most frequently sold as a single supplement.

Where to find a natural source of glucosamine?

Beef, lamb, goat, pig’s tails, Other animal bones with chunks of cartilage attached (commonly in raw food). Other animal bones with chunks of cartilage attached, shellfish shells, green-lipped mussels, bone broth are all natural sources of glucosamine for dogs.

What are the best joint supplements for dogs?

The best supplements are ones that include glucosamine and chondroitin. Some other helpful ingredients include fish oil and turmeric. Our top supplement pick is Nutramax Laboratories and we like to add on Turmeric that is safe for dogs like Amazing Turmeric.

Conclusion

Sadly, a lot of dogs experience joint problems at some point in their lives. Fortunately, these dog foods that support joints can help your pet manage his joint issues and feel his best.

We also always like to recommend adding supplements to your dogs diet. They allow your dog to get the extra dosage/proper dosage of these ingredients that will help them and help their joints.

As always, we sincerely hope that we were able to assist you in choosing a pet. As always, check out some of our other articles if you want more advice on the best dog food for your pet.