Diet plays a fundamental role in your senior dog's joint health. Some foods promote inflammation and accelerate cartilage degradation, while others have natural anti-inflammatory properties that protect the joints. Here's what you need to know to adapt your companion's diet.
Why does diet impact joints?
Joint cartilage is a living tissue that constantly renews itself. To regenerate, it needs specific nutrients. Additionally, excess weight significantly worsens joint problems: each extra kilo represents 3 to 5 kg of additional pressure on the joints when walking.
Foods to favor for joints
Fatty fish
Salmon, mackerel, and sardines are rich in Omega-3s (EPA and DHA), fatty acids with powerful anti-inflammatory properties. They reduce joint inflammation and improve joint flexibility. You can add them 2 to 3 times a week to your dog's bowl (cooked, unseasoned).
Chicken and turkey
These lean meats are rich in quality protein, essential for maintaining muscle mass that supports the joints. A senior dog that loses muscle will put more strain on its joints.
Green vegetables
Broccoli, spinach, and green beans contain antioxidants that fight oxidative stress, one of the aggravating factors of osteoarthritis. They can be given cooked in small quantities (10-15% of the daily ration).
Turmeric
Curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, is a powerful natural anti-inflammatory. A small pinch of turmeric (combined with black pepper to improve absorption) can be added to your dog's bowl.
Foods to avoid
- Low-quality kibble: rich in refined grains and poor-quality fats, they promote inflammation
- Foods too rich in carbohydrates: they promote weight gain and inflammation
- Salty or spicy table scraps: bad for kidneys and joints
Special senior kibble: really useful?
« Senior » kibble is generally lower in calories and enriched with certain nutrients. They can be a good starting point, but they alone are not enough to cover the joint needs of a dog with osteoarthritis. Targeted supplementation remains necessary.
Diet + supplementation: the winning combination
The best approach to protect your senior dog's joints is to combine a suitable diet with supplementation of glucosamine, MSM, and Omega-3s. Our SilverPaws™ Mobility Pack was designed exactly with this in mind: to provide the active ingredients that diet alone cannot provide in sufficient quantities.
👉 Discover the SilverPaws™ Mobility Pack
Combined with quality orthopedic bedding, you offer your senior dog the best conditions for aging comfortably.