Supporting your dog’s joints should be a priority throughout their life. Young, large-breed puppies need special puppy food to support healthy joint development. These formulas have moderated energy and calcium to support healthy growth. If you are looking for a diet for a large-breed puppy, we recommend Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Large Breed Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food, Purina Pro Plan High Protein Chicken & Rice Formula Large Breed Dry Puppy Food, or Royal Canin Maxi Puppy.
The research is incomplete, but it appears that some forms of exercise are detrimental to developing joints while others are beneficial. Later in life, dogs can develop osteoarthritis secondary to wear and tear on the joints, underlying joint problems, or obesity.
Joint supplements can help, as can medications prescribed by a vet. Some pet foods are formulated with additional ingredients to help with osteoarthritis. We looked into some popular choices and have reviews of our top 8 in this article.
A Quick Look at Our Favorites
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Blue Buffalo True Solutions Jolly Joints Mobility |
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Iams Advanced Health Mobility Support Chicken |
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Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Adult Advanced |
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Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets JM Joint |
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Hill's Prescription Diet Metabolic + Mobility Weight |
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The 8 Best Foods for Joint Health
1. Blue Buffalo True Solutions Jolly Joints Mobility Support Formula Dry Dog Food – Best Overall
| Main Ingredients: | Deboned chicken, chicken meal, oatmeal, brown rice, barley, natural flavor, dried tomato pomace, flaxseed (source of omega-3 fatty acids) |
| Protein Content: | 26% min |
| Fat Content: | 15% min |
| Calories: | 395 kcal/cup |
Blue Buffalo True Solutions Jolly Joints Mobility Support Formula Dry Dog Food has everything you want in a joint diet without breaking the bank, and it’s our pick for the best overall food for joint health. Glucosamine and chondroitin are common joint-supporting ingredients used in supplements and dog food.
They are thought to work by protecting the cartilage in the joints. Omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E may reduce joint inflammation associated with arthritis. We are happy with 1.5% of omega-3s in the recipe. Blue Buffalo is free from chicken by-products, corn, wheat, and soy. There are no artificial flavors or preservatives, and the formula is enriched with antioxidants.
- Glucosamine, chondroitin, omega 3s, vitamin E
- Good for dogs with wheat allergy
- Chicken is the first ingredient
- High in calories, not the best for overweight dogs
2. Iams Advanced Health Mobility Support Chicken & Whole Grain Recipe Adult Dry Dog Food – Best Value
| Main Ingredients: | Chicken, ground whole-grain corn, ground whole-grain sorghum, chicken byproduct meal (source of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate), ground barley, dried plain beet pulp |
| Protein Content: | 21% min |
| Fat Content: | 13.5% min |
| Calories: | Approx. 375 kcal/cup |
Iams’ Advanced Health Mobility Support Chicken & Whole Grain Recipe Adult Dry Dog Food is the best food for joint health for the money. It provides the usual ingredients like omega-3 fatty acids (1%), glucosamine (540mg/kg), and chondroitin (760mg/kg). Probiotics are also included for improved gut health.
With a quality ingredient list and no artificial flavors or preservatives, we think Iams succeeds where many budget-friendly pet foods fail. The formula seems to satisfy most dogs, but as with any food, there are a few that don’t enjoy it. It only comes in a chicken flavor, so it won’t work if your dog is sensitive to chicken.
- Glucosamine, chondroitin, omega 3s
- Includes probiotics
- Real chicken is the first ingredient
- Some dogs don’t like it
- Higher in calories than some others
3. Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Adult Advanced Mobility Support Dry Dog Food – Best Premium Choice
| Main Ingredients: | Brewer’s rice, wheat, chicken by-product meal, corn, corn gluten meal, chicken fat, pea fiber, wheat gluten |
| Protein Content: | 23% min |
| Fat Content: | 10% min |
| Calories: | 316 kcal/cup |
Royal Canin’s Veterinary Diet Adult Advanced Mobility Support Dry Dog Food is unique in a couple of ways. Collagen is used instead of glucosamine or chondroitin for cartilage support. This recipe also includes turmeric extract as an anti-inflammatory joint protection, which lends the food a yellow color and can stain surfaces it comes into contact with.
However, this healthy ingredient may provide other benefits. The recipe is also supplemented with antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids. If your dog enjoys wet food, it also comes in a canned option.
- Omega-3s, turmeric, collagen
- Comes in wet and dry formulas
- On the lower-calorie end
- Expensive
- Needs veterinary authorization
- Food can leave a yellow stain
4. Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets JM Joint Mobility Dry Dog Food
| Main Ingredients: | Brewer’s rice, trout, salmon meal, corn protein meal, poultry by-product meal, dried egg product, oat fiber |
| Protein Content: | 30% min |
| Fat Content: | 12% min |
| Calories: | 379 kcal/cup |
Pro-plan diets are up there with the most trusted veterinary formulas. Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets JM Joint Mobility Dry Dog Food contains a minimum of 1000 mg/kg glucosamine, which is a decent amount.
This formula’s protein and fat content stand above the rest on this list, which could also explain why it’s one of the higher-calorie diets. It also contains vitamin E and 0.85% omega-3 fatty acids.
- Glucosamine, omega-3s, vitamin E
- Suitable for all life stages, meaning puppies can eat this diet
- High protein for muscle building
- Needs veterinary authorization
- Not the best for dogs that need to lose weight
5. Hill’s Prescription Diet Metabolic + Mobility Weight & Joint Care Vegetable & Tuna Stew Canned Dog Food, 12.5-oz, case of 12
| Main Ingredients: | Water, pork liver, carrots, powdered cellulose, spinach, corn starch, tuna, chicken liver flavor, flaxseed, egg whites, fish oil, dried tomato pomace |
| Protein Content: | 3.7% min |
| Fat Content: | 1.5% min |
| Calories: | 210 kcal/can |
Hill’s Prescription Diet Metabolic + Mobility Weight & Joint Care Vegetable & Tuna Stew Canned Dog Food is designed for weight loss and joint care. Since a healthy body condition is extremely important in arthritis treatment, it is perfect for canines needing to shed a few pounds.
For a canned diet, Hill’s recipe is very high in fiber. One reviewer commented on the increased flatulence in their dog while consuming it, which fits in with suspected links between fiber ingestion and flatulence.
The omega-3s, glucosamine, and chondroitin provide joint support. According to Hill’s, regularly feeding them this formula can help with movement within 21 days and weight loss in 60 days! You can also get the formula in a dry kibble if you want to mix things up.
- Ideal for overweight dogs
- Comes in wet and dry formulas
- Low fat
- Expensive
- May cause flatulence
- Needs veterinary authorization
6. Hill’s Prescription Diet j/d Joint Care Chicken Flavor Dry Dog Food
| Main Ingredients: | Whole-grain wheat, whole-grain corn, flaxseed, chicken meal, corn protein meal, chicken fat, chicken liver flavor, fish oil, powdered cellulose |
| Protein Content: | 17% min |
| Fat Content: | 11% min |
| Calories: | 364 kcal/cup |
Hill’s pet food claims this formula can improve your dog’s mobility in as little as 21 days! Omega 3 fatty acids (2%), glucosamine, and chondroitin contribute to the joint support in Hill’s Prescription Diet j/d Joint Care Chicken Flavor Dry Dog Food.
There are no artificial flavors or preservatives, but you will notice there is no animal protein in the top three ingredients listed. Nevertheless, this is a premium formula that makes some great claims.
- Omega 3’s, glucosamine, chondroitin
- Higer-end dose of omega-3s
- Needs veterinary authorization
- Meat is not the main ingredient
- Expensive
7. Hill’s Science Diet Perfect Weight & Joint Support Chicken Flavored Adult Dry Dog Food
| Main Ingredients: | Chicken, brown rice, chicken meal, corn gluten meal, powdered cellulose, pea fiber, brewer’s rice, whole grain corn, dried tomato pomace |
| Protein Content: | 23% min |
| Fat Content: | 10.5% min |
| Calories: | 328 kcal/cup |
Hill’s Science Diet Perfect Weight & Joint Support Chicken Flavored Adult Dry Dog Food is a lower-calorie option. It provides the benefits of a premium diet, such as superior ingredients and no artificial flavors or preservatives.
The strategy for this food is to maintain a healthy weight and provide the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids (1%) for the joints. Antioxidants are present to support the immune system.
- Premium choice that does not need veterinary approval
- Separate formulas for large and small dogs; the main difference is kibble size
- Real chicken is the first ingredient
- No glucosamine, chondroitin, or collagen for joint support
8. Purina ONE Plus Joint Health Formula Natural with Added Vitamins, Minerals & Nutrients Dry Dog Food, 8-lb bag
| Main Ingredients: | Chicken, rice flour, chicken by-product meal, whole-grain wheat, soybean meal, whole-grain corn, corn gluten meal |
| Protein Content: | 27% min |
| Fat Content: | 12% min |
| Calories: | 379 kcal/cup |
The Purina ONE Plus Joint Health Formula Natural provides glucosamine (500 mg/kg), vitamin E, and omega-3 fatty acids to improve the joints. It also contains antioxidants and relatively high protein.
The high-calorie content makes this formula less desirable for dogs who struggle to maintain a healthy weight. At 0.35%, the amount of omega-3s is lower than some of the others on this list.
- Inexpensive
- Real chicken is the first ingredient
- High protein
- Low concentration of omega-3s
Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Dog Food for Joint Health
Choose the Right Ingredients
You don’t want to waste money on products that don’t work. When looking for a joint support formula, check the ingredients listed and ensure they benefit your pup. As you have noticed from the article, not all formulas are created equal in the concentration of these ingredients.
You want to pay particular attention to ingredients like glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega-3 fatty acids. After all, the joint supporting ingredients are why you’re purchasing the brand, so make sure you don’t miss out.
Consider the Dog’s Needs
Every dog has different nutritional requirements. If your dog is known to be intolerant of a particular ingredient, you should read the ingredients list carefully to avoid it. For example, if your dog is allergic to chicken, you must find brands with other animal proteins.
You should also consider your dog’s weight. Weight loss is much harder if your dog eats a calorie-dense diet. Choose low-calorie options to support their weight loss journey if needed. This is an incredibly important part of improving their mobility.
Consult With a Veterinarian
Many of these formulas require vet authorization. You should always consult a vet if your dog is having mobility issues. A vet can evaluate their needs and discuss treatment options.
Remember, there are more ways to help your dog than just changing the diet, but it is an excellent first step. When changing the diet, do so gradually to avoid stomach issues, and monitor your pet for any changes. The new formula can replace the old one over a week or two in most cases.
Conclusion
Our top pick is Blue Buffalo’s True Solutions Jolly Joints Mobility Support Formula Dry Dog Food for the ingredients used and the price. Iams’ Advanced Health Mobility Support Chicken & Whole Grain Recipe Adult Dry Dog Food provides excellent value for the money and is the most budget-friendly option on this list without compromising the quality of its ingredients list.
The Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Adult Advanced Mobility Support Dry Dog Food is more expensive but appears to be well worth the investment based on the stellar reviews. It’s also a unique formula that includes turmeric and collagen, which is certainly intriguing. There is no one-size-fits-all recipe, but hopefully, you can find a product that works for you and your pup on this list!
Featured Image Credit: Switlana Sonyashna, Shutterstock
Contents
- A Quick Look at Our Favorites
- The 8 Best Foods for Joint Health
- 1. Blue Buffalo True Solutions Jolly Joints Mobility Support Formula Dry Dog Food – Best Overall
- 2. Iams Advanced Health Mobility Support Chicken & Whole Grain Recipe Adult Dry Dog Food – Best Value
- 3. Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Adult Advanced Mobility Support Dry Dog Food – Best Premium Choice
- 4. Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets JM Joint Mobility Dry Dog Food
- 5. Hill’s Prescription Diet Metabolic + Mobility Weight & Joint Care Vegetable & Tuna Stew Canned Dog Food, 12.5-oz, case of 12
- 6. Hill’s Prescription Diet j/d Joint Care Chicken Flavor Dry Dog Food
- 7. Hill’s Science Diet Perfect Weight & Joint Support Chicken Flavored Adult Dry Dog Food
- 8. Purina ONE Plus Joint Health Formula Natural with Added Vitamins, Minerals & Nutrients Dry Dog Food, 8-lb bag
- Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Dog Food for Joint Health
- Conclusion
