Best Natural Anti-Inflammatory Foods for Arthritic Dogs
Best Natural Anti-Inflammatory Foods for Arthritic Dogs. Having a once active and vibrant dog that slowly limps around due to the pain and inflammation caused by arthritis is a difficult experience. From the stiffness when jumping down or trying to get off the sofa after a nap to the obvious unwillingness to do the things that use to bring them so much joy, you see the light in their eyes dim as inflammation takes over their body. While there is nothing as reliable for relief as your veterinarian approved medications, there are quite a few foods we can feed our arthritic dogs that actually act as some of nature’s greatest inflammatory combatants. In this article we discuss some of the best anti inflammatory foods for dogs with arthritis, pulling on the latest research and providing an easy to follow guide for home feeding that can make a world of difference for your best furry friend.
Understanding Arthritis and Inflammation in Dogs
Canine OA (Osteoarthritis) is a chronic, progressive, degenerative joint disease which can afflict up to 25% of the dog population, caused by loss of cartilage and characterized by chronic joint inflammation. These inflammation signals are the primary cause of the pain, stiffness, and restricted movement associated with OA in our dogs, and importantly specific nutritional components are available that act against these signals, reducing inflammation.
Best Natural Anti-Inflammatory Foods for Arthritic Dogs
The most researched nutrient with respect to dietary therapy in canine arthritis has been the omega-3 fatty acids, specifically eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).
Fish Oil (EPA/DHA): Fish oil is rich in both Omega-3 fatty acids and it is also an powerful anti-inflammatory. Evidence demonstrates that feeding supplements containing enriched Omega-3 fish oil can demonstrate clinical improvements in signs of oxidative stress and inflammation in arthritic canines. Most excitingly, it has been demonstrated that diets high in EPA and DHA can alleviate clinical signs of osteoarthritis; decreased signs of pain upon manipulation, improved range of motion and decreased lameness. In addition to decreasing levels of certain chondrocytic enzymes that promote cartilage destruction.
Green-Lipped Mussel: Yet another valuable Omega-3 nutrient, and used successfully in dogs. A green-lipped mussel supplement has proven to demonstrate chondroprotective activity
Nature’s Pain Relievers: Spices and Herbs
Two compounds that have gotten a lot of attention scientifically for dogs and arthritis currently rest in my spice rack: Curcumin: As you know, curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, has long been established as a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory natural compound. We now know that it has a capacity to thwart the “catabolic” processes (breakdown) caused by inflammation in the canine cartilage systems. One particular study showed that dogs treated with OA fed a diet including curcumin extract and also containing hydrolysed collagen and green tea extract showed improved results.
This dietary component actually has evidence that shows effectiveness that was superior to glucosamine and chondroitin in humans.
A more recent study found that a new co-micronised formulation of curcumin (which is mixed with palmitoyl-glucosamine to aid absorption), helped maintain the benefits of NSAID treatment in a way that allowed a reduction in NSAID dosage. Boswellia Serrata: Another popular herbal extract from the Indian frankincense plant. A number of human studies have found it to be beneficial for arthritis and there is mounting interest in it for use as complementary therapy in canines. It inhibits inflammation via different pathways to curcumin and many practitioners have reported impressive results.
Also Check: How to Use Coconut Oil for Dry Itchy Skin on Senior Cats?
Whole Foods with Anti-Inflammatory Benefits
Also, other popular fresh foods can form an anti-inflammatory diet to include for your dog:
Blueberries: The “power packed fruits” are full of antioxidants and Vitamin C. In part, the antioxidants aid in fighting the inflammation, and there’s also silicon that help build connectiveness between your bones to your joints.
Sweet potato: Full of beta-carotene antioxidant, sweet potato fights off the inflammation that the disease causes; plus amino acids are contained within the potato which builds up muscle-crucial in stabilizing your joints
Papaya: Papaya is also a very good source of Vitamin C and other anti-oxidants to guard against cell damage as well as the inflammation, AND easy to digest because of their reduced citric acid component
Leafy Greens as well as Cabbage, they have antioxidants, along with something called glucosinolates which have an amazing anti-inflammatory nature, great when it’s affecting dogs to whom get Arthritis; light cooking will help the digestibility
Emerging and Alternative Options
Avocado/Soybean Unsaponifiables (ASU): In a controlled trial where dogs had experimental arthritis, supplementation with ASU inhibited cartilage lesions . This supplement works through a chemical inhibition of enzymes that degenerate cartilage.
Alpha Lipoic Acid: It is a nutrient and antioxidant some in found in foods and mentioned in a patent as an additive in the diet for diseases such as inflammatory conditions like arthritis in pets.
Important Caveats: What to Avoid and Proceed With Caution
When selecting supplements aimed at improving joints health, it’s essential to realize that not all of them offer equivalent benefits. The commonly selected compounds, namely glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate, while widely promoted, possess a mixed clinical trial evidence base. A human systematic review identified supplements such as curcumin to have a greater impact than the formerly nominated supplements.
The bio availability of glucosamine and the efficacy seem questionable; some trials report induced insulin resistance.
High quality studies observed that diets supplemented with glucosamine and chondroitin only showed statistical significance in less than half of the instances and in some occasions only showed a tendency. These should not take priority as anti-inflammatory agents over evidence based agents.
The Gut-Joint Connection and Diet
An interesting field is exploring the connection between the gut flora and arthritis. Gut health is a known correlate of osteoarthritis pain scores. The evidence suggests that a healthy gut flora fostered by an appropriate diet can possibly reduce symptoms in arthritic joints as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I just give my dog human fish oil capsules?
You should use fish oil specifically designed for dogs. Human fish oil capsules may vary in the strengths you use, can include various harmful additives and have an EPA / DHA ratio that’s not optimized for dogs. A good quality veterinary fish oil supplement is what you’re after.
How much fish oil should I give my dog?
A general recommended daily dosage is between 20 to 55mg per pound of body weight (based onEPA alone ). You’ll need to consult your veterinarian and calculate an exact dosage based on your dog’s weight, your individual health situation and the product’s strength ( EPA / DHA content) you’re using.
What kind of side effects do natural anti-inflammatories have?
While these natural alternatives are quite safe, there can be some side effects. Fish oil supplementation can result in a bit of an upset stomach, such as loose stool or vomiting in very high doses, so it’s wise to start small and work your way up.
Can these foods/supplements replace my dog’s arthritis medication?
No, not in my humble opinion! You should never stop or cut down your dog’s prescribed painkillers and anti-inflammatory medication without first discussing this with your veterinarian. These natural anti-inflammatories are a holistic approach which may reduce the dosage needed to achieve a similar effect. However they are unlikely to be the only thing you need.
Are there any foods I should avoid giving my arthritic dog?
Certainly, and here it is. Avoid foods higher in omega 6, such as corn oil as these may actually promote inflammation and it is important that the dietary formulation you are aiming for treating osteoarthritis have a particular n-3 : n-6 ratio of 4 or more . High calorie, highly processed treats should also be avoided, as added weight only adds to the stress on joints.
What’s the best natural anti-inflammatory to give your dog?
Of all the natural anti-inflammatories to help treat osteoarthritis, fish oil is the most widely considered the gold standard due to the sheer volume of clinical research supporting its benefits. Curcumin would be a very close second and is also incredibly promising.
Can I just give my dog pure turmeric powder I have in my kitchen cupboards?
No! The amount of active compound (curcuminoid) in turmeric powder is relatively small (as low as 3-5%) and it’s not very well absorbed into the blood system.
How long does it take for you to see results from a change in diet?
It’s not an immediate fix! While your dog might not see and respond for quite a few weeks, to get the true benefits of these natural anti-inflammatories we would consider anything between 2-3 months and a significant and measurable change in his/her arthritis-related joint health and function would typically have been achieved.
Are glucosamine and chondroitin good to give?
The scientific consensus has slowly shifted. Recent clinical trials suggest they may not be effective as originally thought to some extent when given to supplement the diet. However, this is a controversial subject and some owners still report improvements so I would go with other natural alternative rather than be a one of the owners where the product didn’t work.
Any other lifestyle recommendations?
Diet is only one aspect of the puzzle, maintaining your dog’s ideal lean body weight is the single most important thing that you can do as it directly reduces the load on those painful joints.
