Homemade Dog Food For Arthritis (Easy Make-Ahead Recipe)

In order to best fight arthritis in dogs, you’ll need a recipe that makes use of ingredients like prepared oats, carrots, kale, celery, spinach powder, parsley, flax seeds, and coconut oil, with an inoffensive protein such as chicken breast and maybe a bit of cottage cheese to taste. This homemade dog food for arthritis is easy to prepare—you will only have to combine all the ingredients and it’s ready to serve.

As is true for any vertebrate that’s getting on in years, dogs can develop arthritis as they get older, although it can come up sooner. They also tend to be more prone to the disease than most other common pets. Fortunately, it’s easy to help dogs who suffer from arthritic conditions with proper nutrition. You will have to trade up affordable dry kibble and other types of commercial dog food, as they tend to be filled with refined grains and other ingredients that aren’t ideal for arthritic dogs because of their potential to worsen inflammation.

But the great thing is that apart from that, you’re not too restricted when it comes to ingredients. There are even some people food recipes that work great for dogs with arthritis if you want to meal prep for both you and your pup with one go. But the homemade dog food for arthritis recipe I’m going to share with you in this article isn’t anything like that. Instead, it’s what I’ve found to be provide both optimal nutrition quality for your dog, as well as having potent anti-inflammatory properties. But if you’re busy pet parents and cooking just doesn’t fit in your schedule, getting the best fresh dog food brands or subscribing to the best dog food delivery service companies is also a great solution, as they can prepare special meals for dogs with specific dietary needs.

Signs of Osteoarthritis in Dogs

Dogs, just like people, can suffer from arthritis. Arthritis is caused by deterioration in the joint tissues. The following are some of the signs of osteoarthritis in dogs. 

• Loss of interest in daily activities
• Limping
• Difficulty getting on and off furniture
• Stiff joints
• Reduced mobility
• Difficulty with stairs or getting up on ledges
• Licking or chewing at sore joints

If your dog exhibits any of these signs, it may be necessary to see your vet. In addition to homemade dog foods, many pet owners find CBD oil for canine arthritis beneficial. 

What Causes Arthritis in Dogs?

Canine arthritis has various causes^[1].

The following are some of the most common ones. 

• The aging process (Related article: Homemade Dog Food For Senior Dogs)
• Hip dysplasia and other congenital defects
• Osteochondritis
• Elbow dysplasia
• Old injuries or surgeries
• Repeated joint trauma
• Poor or compromised immune system
• Metabolic diseases like diabetes
• Obesity

Is Your Dog Overweight?

One of the first things you need to consider when your dog has arthritis is if he is overweight. Overweight dogs are more likely to experience arthritis pain due to the high weight pressure placed on their vulnerable joints.  

Your vet can help you determine if your dog is overweight. If your dog is found to be overweight or obese, the best thing you can do apart from making use of homemade dog food recipes is to cut down their caloric intake, which a vet can help you with. 

Discuss Dietary Changes With Your Vet

It is important to note that not all homemade food is right for every dog’s nutritional needs. Please discuss any dietary changes with your vet before making the switch. 

I recommend you feed your arthritic dog about one cup of homemade dog food for every 25 pounds of body weight. You should split up this serving throughout the day into smaller portions. 

Homemade Dog Food Recipe For Arthritis

After years of being a dog owner, extensive research on dog food ingredients, and a whole lot of trial and error, I’ve arrived at this recipe as being one of the best homemade dog food recipes for arthritis, if not the best. I prefer it for the ease of getting ingredients for it, and its highly time-efficient and simple procedure. You can freeze your dog’s food in small portions, and it will be good for a week in the fridge. 

Ingredients:

• 1 pound of cooked and chopped chicken breast
• 1 cup of prepared oats
• 1/2 cup of cooked and chopped carrots
• 1/2 cup finely chopped kale
• 1/4 cup finely chopped celery
• 1/4 cup cottage cheese
• 1 teaspoon of spinach powder
• 1 pinch of parsley
• 1 tablespoon flax seeds
• 1 tablespoon of coconut oil

Instructions 

Combine all ingredients in a large mixing bowl until mixed thoroughly. Once that’s done, you’re ready to feed your dog. If taking out leftovers from the fridge, slightly heat the food or allow it to come close to room temperature before serving your dog. 

This recipe is ideal for dogs that suffer from arthritis as it is one of the best anti-inflammatory foods. This homemade dog food is rich in Omega-3s which excels at reducing inflammation in general. The beta carotene in the carrots also fights inflammation, particularly in your dog’s joints. If you don’t have any carrots on hand, you may also try sweet potatoes, however bear in mind that these are starchy and thus high in carbs.

Consider adding Green-Lipped Mussels

While I did not list green-lipped mussels in this recipe, you may want to consider adding them to your dog’s diet because they help arthritis pain.

As always though, it would be good to ask your vet about this addition to be sure if it will help your dog’s arthritis symptoms improve.

Frequently asked Questions

1. What natural foods are good for dogs with arthritis?

Foods that are rich in Omega-3s are integral for joint health. Salmon, sardines, and mackerel are all oily fish that offer a high level of Omega-3. Omega-3 is a beneficial anti-inflammatory that also lubricates the joints and promotes mobility without discomfort. 

2. What can I cook for my dog with arthritis?

In addition to the homemade dog food recipe above, there are other options available. Cooking your dog lean ground sirloin is an excellent way to treat his arthritis. This protein source is packed with Omega-3s which will help improve your dog’s mobility.

3. What can I give my dog daily for arthritis?

Arthritis is a serious condition that can degrade your dog’s joints and lead to the need for a wheelchair or even joint replacement. 

While some pet parents give their dogs over-the-counter pain medications, this is not recommended and could be dangerous. Your vet can offer canine-safe NSAID options like Galliprant, Meloxicam, and Carprofen. 

4. Are eggs good for dogs with arthritis?

Some dogs suffer inflammation when eating eggs. If your dog suffers from arthritis, feeding eggs may not be a good idea. You can feed your dog eggs occasionally because they are an excellent source of vitamins and protein. Eggs are not a food you should feed daily. 

Diet Plays an Essential Role in Controlling Arthritis Pain

Diet plays an integral role in controlling the progression of osteoarthritis in dogs. Getting your dog’s weight under control is also critical. 

Your dog’s arthritic condition needs management from the vet. If your dog does not respond to diet changes alone, your vet may have other beneficial recommendations. 

Arthritis damage cannot be reversed, but it can be slowed. Your dog’s diet can increase or decrease inflammation, depending on what you feed him. You should avoid refined grains because these increase inflammation. 

With the homemade dog food recipe above and the help of your vet, you should be able to give your dog relief. The earlier you start making changes, the less damage will be done.