Selecting the right food for your dog with arthritis will give him a healthier diet that better controls his weight. Doing so is one of the most important things a pet owner can do to keep their animal comfortable and in shape.
Older Dogs With Arthritis Are Less Active
Older, arthritic dogs are usually overweight because they do not get as much exercise as younger dogs; less activity often leads to weight gain. This exacerbates the effects of their arthritis as more weight on the joints creates more stress, and therefore, pain. There are a number of diet options available to maintain the dog's weight so that less exercise doesn't adversely affect the dog's health and happiness.
A Good Diet Food Will Help Your Dog
Various "light" or "diet" foods are available which are low in calories, sold by major brands such as Eukanuba, Science Diet and Iam's. Many feeds also contain special formulas with additives like glucosamine chondroitin, Omega-3 fish oils, and creatine. However, while these nutrients target the problem area of the animal's particular arthritis concerns, they can tend to be higher in calories, so this is something to watch out for.
Make Sure Food Is High In Protein
Also check the grain content of the feed. Grain, when fed to animals, produces insulin in their bodies and that can make it difficult to maintain a healthy weight. After all, grains act as carbohydrates in all animals and carbs, as we all know, are used to help bulk up, not slim down. Meat should be the main ingredient in the dog food.