Food And Supplements Tips For Dogs With Arthritis

The very first thing you should do for your arthritic dog is to see a holistic veterinarian and determine exactly which type of arthritis is present and which treatment is best for your dog.

Although most dog owners assume that their dog has osteoarthritis, there are actually three different categories that can effect dogs:

1. Degenerative Joint Disease aka DJD or Osteoarthritis is caused by erosion of the joints.
2. Rheumatoid aka Immune Mediated Arthritis is caused by a weakened immune system.
3. Infectious Arthritis aka Septic Arthritis caused by an infection in the tissues surrounding the joint and the joint itself.

Here are natural foods and supplements that can work as remedies for arthritis pain that you should discuss with your vet.

Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are high in beta-carotene, which is helpful in fighting inflammation. They also contain amino acids, which aid in building muscle that may have started to fade with old age and lack of exercise due to the arthritis pain. Amino acids increase antioxidant activity in the body, which fights cell damage that contributes to a number of conditions.

Fish Oil

Fish oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids that act as an anti-inflammatory and increase joint mobility. It can also add calories to your dog’s diet, so make sure you balance it with other calorie sources to avoid harmful weight gain. Fish oil has a host of other benefits for your dog’s body, which is a bonus. Many owners use it to keep their dog’s skin and coat healthy. Avoid cod liver oil as it is too high in vitamins A and D.

Turmeric

Turmeric contains circumin and other anti-inflammatory compounds that reduce pain and stiffness. Circumin can also slow cell damage from free radicals with its antioxidant properties, as well as inhibiting enzymes that are known to cause swelling and pain.

Glucosamine And Chondroitin Sulfate

Glucosamine is a compound of sugar and an amino acid and is naturally produced by the body. It is extracted from shellfish, and it aids in the production of joint lubricants and shock absorption for healthy cartilage and joints. It is often paired with chondroitin sulfate, which is naturally found in cartilage. Supplements help the body repair cartilage and protect it from breaking down.

Ginger

Ginger is in the same family as turmeric and has many of the same benefits. It acts as an anti-inflammatory that can reduce pain. Ginger contains gingerol, which has been shown in lab tests to relieve the pain associated with arthritis by preventing inflammation and joint destruction.

Alfalfa

Alfalfa contains antioxidants that prevent cellular damage that can contribute to joint degradation. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that reduce swelling and pain. It’s rich in protein, nutrients, and vitamins, and has a lot of other health benefits for your dog as an added bonus.

Papaya

Like many fruits, papaya has antioxidant properties that prevent cell damage, and they’re high in vitamin C. They have the added benefit of being lower in citric acid that other fruits that have antioxidants, making them easier on the stomach and more digestible for dogs. Mangoes have similar properties to papayas and can also help fight the pain of arthritis.

Blueberries

Blueberries are the strongest antioxidant fruit grown in North America and are great for fighting inflammation and other conditions like cancer. They are also a good source of vitamin C. The silicon in blueberries helps strengthen bones and the connective tissue in joints.

Celery

Celery is an anti-inflammatory that is low in calories, which helps with keeping weight in balance and preventing additional strain on joints. It is also high in antioxidants and fiber, which is important in fighting obesity and osteoporosis that can worsen the pain of arthritis. The amino acids, calcium, and vitamins it contains also help keep bones and joints strong. Celery also helps move uric acid out of the body. Uric acid can worsen arthritis.

Coconut Oil

Coconut is an anti-inflammatory that helps to lubricate joints. It contains valuable fatty acids and is used to fight viral, bacterial, and fungal infections that can all contribute to arthritis pain. Coconut oil can also give your dog an energy boost that can help with moderate exercise to keep up muscle and fight obesity.

By Mike Clark