If Your Dog Has Arthritis - Avoid These Ingredients in Dog Foods

foods to avoid joint health

Joint and mobility issues for dogs, such as arthritis and ACL problems, are some of the most common health problems dogs face. Arthritis symptoms in your pooch may range from subtly noticeable to very debilitating, and it is extremely difficult to watch your dog's health decline. While arthritis in dogs is not curable, there are many things you can do to help keep their symptoms on the lower end of the discomfort spectrum. Feeding your dog an anti-inflammatory diet is an important part of supporting their joint comfort.

There are many great dog food companies out there, many of which make claims about being beneficial to your dog's health. However, it's hard to know which ones are trustworthy. Some foods branded as beneficial for arthritic dogs still contain fillers and artificial ingredients that actually contribute to inflammation. Why? Because it's cheaper for manufacturers, and customers often want to cut costs. Remember the old adage: you get what you pay for.

Inflammation

Arthritis in dogs causes chronic inflammation in the joints. These swollen joints lead to pain and difficulty moving. The more inflammation in your dog's joints, the more discomfort they experience, so it's important to avoid foods that contribute to inflammation.

Dog Foods to Avoid If Your Dog Has Arthritis

  • Corn — a main ingredient and filler in many dog foods. It's high in carbohydrates and provides a quick source of energy, but corn can also lead to inflammation in dogs (and humans). It doesn't cause an immediate adverse reaction, but it can gradually increase joint inflammation over time.
  • Grains — a grain-free diet may be the way to go if your dog has arthritis. Most commercially processed dog foods contain grains; rice, wheat, soy, and spelt are all inexpensive filler products. These grains can cause your dog's blood sugar to increase after meals and therefore increase swelling and inflammation.
  • Omega-6 Fatty Acids — dogs that eat a commercial diet of processed kibble or canned food will have omega-6 fatty acids in their system, found in inexpensive oils such as corn, soybean, safflower, sunflower, and canola, as well as in beef and poultry. While a normal part of a dog's diet, they should be minimized for arthritic dogs because they contribute to inflammation. Omega-3s are a healthier fatty acid, found in fish and some vegetable oils.
  • Fatty Proteins — when a dog is overweight, it puts more pressure on achy joints, which is why fatty proteins should be kept to a minimum. Try to feed leaner proteins with fewer calories, such as turkey, salmon, tuna, lamb, and grass-fed meats. Even slightly overweight, a dog can experience heavily increased arthritis discomfort and a decreased quality of life.
  • Salts and Sugars — it's best to avoid processed foods. The more processed a food is, the more sugars and salts it contains, and these additives increase inflammation.

Read food and treat label ingredients carefully. Avoid giving your pet items that contain these ingredients, because they only contribute to discomfort.

Dog Food Ingredients to Promote Healthy Joints

  • Glucosamine Sulfate Potassium — the specific type of glucosamine needed for cartilage formation in mammals. Laboratory tests suggest that glucosamine sulfate potassium helps support joint cartilage. Of the various types of glucosamine, this is the form we use to support joint health.
  • Cetyl Myristoleate (CM8) — similar to the omega-9 fatty acid found in olive oil, CM8 is a natural esterified fatty acid found in certain mammals. It's an all-natural fatty acid that supports joint comfort and the immune system.
  • Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) — this naturally occurring, easily absorbed sulfur is an essential building block for cell membranes. It's an antioxidant that supports healthy connective tissue and joint comfort.
  • Vitamin C — also known as L-ascorbic acid. Unlike some animals, dogs are unable to synthesize vitamin C, so it's an essential part of the diet. It's necessary for the growth, development, and repair of body tissues, and is involved in collagen formation, iron absorption, the immune system, wound healing, and the maintenance of cartilage, bones, and teeth.
  • Collagen Type II — the main component of cartilage in your dog's body. Type II collagen gives cartilage its strength and elasticity, supporting and cushioning joints.

The good news? All of these ingredients can be found in one joint supplement — FlexPet. Our FlexPet supplements are made in the USA with all-natural, human-grade ingredients. They also contain a digestive enzyme to help your pet process these ingredients without upsetting their stomach.

About FlexPet: FlexPet is a joint supplement for dogs built around CM8® (cetyl myristoleate) — made in the USA and trusted since 1999. See what makes CM8® different →