It’s heartbreaking to watch our furry friend struggle with joint pain and overall mobility issues caused by arthritis.
Luckily, with the right diet, you can make a huge difference in your pup’s wellbeing. Choosing the best dog food for arthritis – especially homemade food – helps manage symptoms and improve their quality of life.
Homemade food gives you control over the ingredients and the ability to create meals tailored to your dog’s nutritional needs. For instance, anti-inflammatory ingredients can ease their discomfort and boost their overall health.
But it’s essential to pay attention to their progress, and if the food you prepare makes them feel better. That’s where Maven Pet comes in.
With the Maven Pet smart collar, you can track your dog’s behavioral patterns and collect valuable insights into how well they respond to their new arthritis-focused diet.
Now, if you’re wondering what food is best for dogs with arthritis, we’ve compiled seven homemade options to help. Let’s check them out below.
Top 7 Homemade Food Options for Dogs with Arthritis
Let’s look at the top seven homemade food options that provide essential nutrients that help reduce the impact of your arthritis symptoms on your pet’s life.
1. Lean Protein Sources
Chicken, turkey, and fish provide essential amino acids to maintain and repair muscle mass, which is particularly important for dogs with arthritis. Fatty fish like salmon are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and can reduce joint inflammation thanks to their anti-inflammatory properties.
How to Prepare:
- Cook chicken or turkey by boiling or baking it with no added seasonings, fats, or oils.
- For fish, bake or steam it,
- Don’t forget to remove the skin and bones to avoid choking hazards.
- Portion lean protein as the main component of your dog’s meal, paired with other joint-supporting ingredients.
2. Bone Broth
Bone broth is a powerhouse for joint health. It’s naturally packed with glucosamine, chondroitin, and collagen, all of which help repair joint tissue, protect the cartilage, and reduce inflammation.
How to Prepare:
- Simmer chicken or beef bones in water for 12–24 hours.
- Add dog-safe vegetables like carrots or celery for extra nutrients.
- Strain and then let it cool before serving.
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3. Sweet Potatoes and Pumpkin
Sweet potatoes and pumpkin are also among the best dog food for arthritis. They are rich in beta-carotene and antioxidants, which can help reduce joint inflammation. In addition, they’re high in dietary fiber and promote healthy digestion.
Both options make excellent additions to your dog’s meals or can be used as a healthy alternative to dog treats for arthritis.
How to Prepare:
- Sweet Potatoes: Steam or bake them, then mash and serve as a side dish.
- Pumpkin: Cut the pumpkin into cubes and boil, steam, bake, or roast them with no salt or flavorings. Let them cool before serving and mix a small into your dog’s food.
4. Green Vegetables
Leafy greens and cruciferous vegetables, like spinach, kale, and broccoli, are packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that combat inflammation.
They are also low-calorie, making them an excellent option for maintaining a healthy weight—key for reducing stress on arthritic joints.
Adding greens to your dog’s diet ensures you’re giving them the best food for dogs with arthritis to support their joint health.
How to Prepare:
- Spinach and Kale: Steam or lightly sauté these greens to make them easier for your dog to digest.
- Broccoli: Serve cooked, chopped florets in small amounts to avoid overloading their system with fiber.
5. Turmeric Golden Paste
Turmeric is a natural anti-inflammatory capable of alleviating arthritis symptoms in dogs. Feeding your dog turmeric golden paste can help decrease joint inflammation and reduce pain.
Add a small amount (¼–½ teaspoon per 10 lbs of body weight) to your dog’s meals to transform them into the best dog food for arthritis meals.
How to Prepare:
- Mix ½ cup turmeric powder, 1 cup water, 1½ teaspoons ground black pepper, and ¼ cup coconut oil in a saucepan.
- Heat the mixture for 7–10 minutes, stirring constantly until it forms a thick paste.
- Cool and store in the fridge.
6. Homemade Treats with Omega-3 Supplements
Dogs with arthritis deserve treats too!
You can prepare homemade treats that incorporate omega-3-rich ingredients like fish oil or flaxseed oil to provide joint-supporting benefits in a fun, tasty form.
DIY Treat Recipe:
- Mix oat flour, mashed sweet potatoes, and a tablespoon of fish oil into a dough.
- Roll into small balls or shapes and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes.
These treats are perfect dog treats for arthritis as they help reduce inflammation while providing a delicious reward for your pup.
7. Quinoa or Brown Rice
Low-glycemic grains like quinoa and brown rice provide sustained energy without worsening inflammation. They are excellent alternatives to high-glycemic carbohydrates, which can exacerbate arthritis symptoms.
- Quinoa: High in protein and naturally gluten-free, quinoa can be cooked and mixed into your dog’s meals.
- Brown Rice: A good source of complex carbohydrates, brown rice is easy to digest and can serve as a base for homemade dog food.
Both grains help maintain your dog’s energy levels, ensuring they stay active without aggravating joint pain. These grains are staples in the best dog food for dogs with arthritis diets.
How Maven Pet Helps Monitor Progress
Transitioning your dog to a homemade, arthritis-friendly diet is a big step, which is why tracking its impact is essential.
Focusing on pet wellness, Maven Pet developed a health monitor that collects the necessary data to understand how your pet is responding to their new diet.
- Activity Tracking: Maven monitors your dog’s movement, letting you see if they’re more active and comfortable after dietary changes.
- Sleep Patterns: Maven tracks restlessness or disturbances that might indicate discomfort.
- Maven Journal: This feature allows you to log dietary changes, note improvements, and share updates with your vet.
- Health Alerts: Maven provides timely notifications if your dog shows signs of health deviations, enabling you to make adjustments quickly.
Conclusion
A nutritious diet tailored to your dog’s specific needs can make a world of difference in managing arthritis symptoms.
From lean proteins and bone broth to anti-inflammatory vegetables and turmeric, homemade meals provide a natural, effective way to support joint health and reduce discomfort.
Paired with Maven Pet’s advanced health monitoring, you’ll have the tools to ensure your dog thrives on their new diet. If you’re still looking for the best dog food for arthritis, start with these homemade options and see the difference it can make.
Explore Maven Pet today to give your furry friend the best care possible—and help them enjoy a happier, healthier life.
Maven Pet focuses on improving the quality of life of our pets with technology, using artificial intelligence (AI) to enable proactive pet care. By accurately collecting and monitoring pet data 24/7 and flagging any irregularities, Maven Pet empowers pet parents and veterinarians to stay ahead of potential health issues, ensuring the well-being and longevity of our beloved companions.
