Nutrition and Arthritis
Arthritis (or osteoarthritis) is a slowly progressive, degenerative disease of the joints for which there is no cure. However, proper nutritional management throughout all the stages of a dog’s life can help to prevent, delay, and manage arthritis. Michigan State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine has developed the following guidelines for managing your dog’s arthritis.
Developmental orthopedic diseases are a group of conditions where specific bones and joints do not grow or align properly. Most of these diseases are inherited and lead to deformities. Others may not result in a deformity but may cause arthritis in joints.
Balancing Nutrients in Growing Large-Breed Dogs
Large and giant-breed dogs typically weigh more than 50lbs. when they reach their adult size. Nutritional imbalances with regard to excessive energy (calories), protein, or calcium in large and giant breeds have been thought to be risk factors for developmental orthopedic diseases.
Energy (calories) – Over-feeding your puppy or feeding an energy-dense (high fat) diet can increase the risk for developmental orthopedic diseases. Many commercial diets marketed for large-breed puppies are less energy-dense than regular puppy foods.
Protein – Contrary to popular thought, no evidence exists that feeding excess protein contributes to orthopedic diseases in rapidly growing large-breed dogs.
Calcium – Research tells us that too little or too much calcium can contribute to orthopedic diseases in growing dogs. However, most commercially available diets for all dogs provide calcium (and other minerals) in a safe range.
Tips for Feeding Large-Breed Puppies
- Maintain a proper body weight and body condition for healthy growth (don’t over feed your growing pup).
- Feed a complete and balanced diet with energy, protein and calcium levels in the range for growing dogs.
- Consult with your veterinarian on how much is appropriate to feed your puppy.
- Feed 2 or 3 small meals over the course of each day, rather than a single meal.
- Avoid supplements, excess treats, and table foods. Complete and balanced growth foods do not need any supplementation.
- Monitor body weight and body condition weekly or biweekly. Ask you veterinarian about how to body condition score your dog.
- Your veterinarian is the best person to give you advice on when and how to transition to adult diets.
Avoid Obesity to Prevent Arthritis
Avoiding obesity throughout all stages of a dog’s life can help prevent the onset or severity of many diseases, including arthritis. Arthritis in an obese dog is thought to develop from the excess forces put on the joints and on the cartilage between the joints. Therefore, maintaining a lean body condition will decrease the risk for developing arthritis and/or delay the onset of clinical signs.
What if My Dog Already Has Arthritis?
Managing your dog’s body weight and body condition can slow the progression of arthritis by slowing inflammation of the joints. Reducing your pet’s caloric intake and supporting him with controlled physical therapy are two factors that could positively influence how he feels each day.
What About Offering Supplements or Nutraceuticals?
You should first consult with your veterinarian when considering giving your dog supplements or nutraceuticals for arthritis. Although there is little data at this time, some popular supplements marketed to help decrease inflammation or cartilage degeneration are listed here:
- Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate
- Omega-3 fatty acids
- Green-lipped mussel preparations
- Polysulfated glycosaminoglycans
- Hyaluronan
- Pentosan polysulfate
- Boswellia Resin
Consumers of health supplements are always cautioned to research the manufacturer to learn about sources of ingredients and quality control measures.
Summary
- Arthritis is influenced more by genetics than by the type of diet fed.
- To minimize the risk of arthritis developing in your dog, feed to a lean body condition.
- Growing puppies should be offered a commercially-prepared, complete and balanced diet designed for growth.
- Avoid obesity by maintaining a healthy weight and body condition through proper nutrition and physical activity.
- Nutraceutical supplements may help manage arthritis, but more controlled dietary trials are needed to understand dosages, time frames, and specific health benefits.
Resposted from Veterinary Medical Center-College of Veterinary Medicine Michigan State University
Additional Resource
Manual of Veterinary Dietetics. Buffington, Holloway, Abood. Elsevier, 2004
