10 Foods That May Help with Your Dog’s Mobility

Joint issues can affect our furry friends as they grow older, leading to a lack of mobility. If you notice your dog having some trouble getting around, you need to ensure that their diet is supporting their joint health. Here’s a list of natural foods and spices that may work as remedies for joint issues in dogs.

Of course, degenerative joint problems can also get worse with your dog’s age if you don’t treat it. To find out more about our joint supplements for pets, click here.

Fish

Your dog needs omega-3 fatty acids if they are going to be able to manage the pain of arthritis and have joints that move more freely. Omega-3 is a healthy fat that benefits the heart and joints, and fish is a rich source of this nutrient. You can use dietary supplements that accomplish the same thing, but it is always better to give your dog nutrients from whole food sources like mackerel, salmon, and tuna. If you can afford fresh dog food, Nom Nom Now offers customizable meal plans based on your dog’s profile and any health issues, including joint issues. You can check out a review here.

Blueberries

You might not think of your dog as much of a fruit eater, but some fruits are actually very healthy for dogs. Blueberries are a rich source of antioxidants, which help to keep your dog’s immune system strong. They are also high in beta carotene, which fights free radicals that cause ageing effects. In other words, your dog will live longer and healthier with some blueberries and their antioxidant benefits in their diet.

Tomatoes

The acidic nature of tomatoes means that you need to use them sparingly in your dog’s diet, but they can be a great source of antioxidants and beta carotene as well, just like blueberries. Bear in mind that if you stew, fry, or otherwise cook tomatoes, they can lose some of their effectiveness and nutritional value.

Turkey

Turkey is a classic lean meat. It is low in fat and high in protein, which is good for dogs that suffer from excessive weight. If your dog is overweight, that can cause mobility issues. Your dog may have trouble getting around; and using lean meats like turkey instead of fatty meats like beef and pork can be a great way to get your dog’s weight under control.

Lobster

We think of lobster as a luxury meat, but it contains a vital ingredient that is great for joint health- glucosamine. This is found in all types of shellfish- so crab, shrimp and crawfish can all be excellent sources of glucosamine. This nutrient builds collagen, which is what ties the joints together, allowing for smoother joint operation, stronger joints and less pain for your dog.

Beef

Your dog can benefit from the nutrient known as chondroitin, which is most commonly found in cow cartilage. That means not all cow meat will contain chondroitin, but if you get a cow bone along the joint, that helpful cartilage nutrient will be there. You can get this most easily by the butcher shop, but some cuts of meat in the grocery store will contain cartilage in them.

Whole Grains

For humans, whole grains are a good source of heart healthy fiber. They offer that for dogs too, but they also help with joint health, since they contain a supplement known as MSM. This nutrient is both an anti-inflammatory and an antioxidant. It helps with joint issues and joint health, leading to a healthier immune system and less pain from problematic joints. Your dog will have better mobility and be able to deal with joint issues far more easily if you feed them some whole grains.

Turmeric

Your dog may not be big on spices, but slipping a bit of turmeric into their food won’t destroy their appetite. It can really help with joint issues. If your dog has slowed down, adding some turmeric to their food can help alleviate their joint issues and help them stay more mobile. Numerous clinical studies have shown that turmeric is a great way to ease discomfort, particularly in the joints of people and animals that are suffering from joint problems.

Sweet Potato

For a long time, sweet potatoes have been used as filler for canine meals. This healthy vegetable is delicious to them and a good source of vitamin C, which is essential for cartilage regeneration.

Bone Gristle

While you need to be careful about giving your dog whole bones to crunch on, bone gristle is a good source of chondroitin and glucosamine. Your dog will love this addition to their meals, which you can supply them by grinding up some bones or giving them a bone meal. You can find these sold at stores as a soup ingredient, but dogs absolutely love it, and it offers a variety of health benefits for your canine.

Maintaining Your Dog’s Mobility

You can change up your dog’s diet without a lot of hard work by adding a few of these foods into what they regularly eat. You can also check the ingredient list of dry and wet dog foods to see if they contain any of these foods or their essential nutrients. You’ll help your dog’s joint and cartilage health and improve their mobility, even in an advanced time of life.