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25 Best Foods for a German Shepherd with Arthritis

By: Zyra Capalac
Zyra is a Special Project Coordinator of HomeLife Media and a writer for iHeartDogs.com. She has 3 dogs namely Skye, Luna, and one of them is a rescue, named Tesla.Read more
| May 4, 2023
Is your german shepherd suffering from joint pain or arthritis? You’re not alone. Members of our I Love My German Shepherd Facebook community recently shared their insights on the following question: What food would you recommend for a German Shepherd with arthritis? We received hundreds of helpful replies and below have compiled some of the best responses.

 

Always remember to consult your veterinarian before making any health changes to your german shepherd’s diet, especially if they are suffering from arthritis or other medical issues. iHeartDogs is reader supported, so some of the links below may be affiliate links where we receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.

25 Best Dog Foods for a German Shepherd with Arthritis or Joint Pain

My dog has arthritis and my vet recommended Hills JD (joint and displace) it is a prescription and is a little pricey but it works

Author: Roy R.

Likes: 9


I would look into CBD for your pet. It’s a wonder drug, helped my dogs joint issues. I did MCT infused oil and added it to her food. You can get it in treats to but they sell for way too much.

Author: All-Wright J.

Likes: 6


Science Diet JD works

Author: Clay H.

Likes: 1


My boy has severe arthritis… I feed him raw and add Yumove supplements and salmon oil, he also has monthly Librela injections and paracetamol if he’s really struggling. Good luck to you both, it’s heartbreaking seeing them in pain… the injections are marvellous tho

Author: Angie P.

Likes: 0


I feed Purina Senior and give him joint supplements and rimadyl if he needs

Author: Lea Ann B.

Likes: 1


Give my big boy who had 2 cruciate ligament operations and is now 10 years raw food with lots of fruits and vegetables and I supplement him with green lipped mussel, glucosamine and chondroitin and coconut oil with turmeric, vet couldn’t believe how he improved no sign of arthritis

Author: Jackie M.

Likes: 1


Check out Dr Marty, listen to his full story, my GSD is 11 years old, slight arthritis. If I knew then what I know now and to watch my dog eat now as compared to how he ate before. I was truly amazed. Dr Marty has a freeze dried food that you can use as a topper, I chop up all animal chicken hearts, chicken livers, chicken gizzards, beef hearts liver kidneys. A sweet potato and shredded carrots, ginger. My baby devour this food. Please just listen to all he has to say, you can try it or not. I hope whatever you do try , praying it helps

Author: Evelyn Ross S.

Likes: 0


I feed my 10 year old GSD rotated commercial raw and supplemented for her osteoarthritis; PEA for pain, Valtrex recommended by Dr Steve Marsden for pain and inflammation, Dasuquin till it’s gone and have added Jope to replace the Dasuquin, 1-TCD by works SO well, hyaluronic capsules., plus monthly Adequan shots. Trying not to use pain meds unless truly need.

Author: Joanne T.

Likes: 0


I’d recommend cod liver oil capsules and calcium tablets every day as much as you can give them. Calcium helps absorb the cod liver oil. It helps with joint pain.

Author: Paul C.

Likes: 0


Purina for joint pain. Order thru petjoy with a one time prescription from a vet.Works great.Also glucosamine with MSM.Both work great for my huge chocolate lab.I hope this is helpful.

Author: Kenneth S.

Likes: 0


Diamond natural with glucosamine and chondroitin

Author: Brenda May B.

Likes: 1


My boy has arthritis, he gets cosequin twice a day, he is on ibuprofen (dog kind), he eats Victor brand and does water treadmill pt bi-weekly

Author: Gina Lola J.

Likes: 0


Wellness whitefish and sweet potato

Author: Stacey L.

Likes: 0


Even prescription kibbles processed in high temperature several times so they’re lack of nutrients that your dog’s body needs. I recommend switching raw diet but if you can’t, add some fresh food. You may want to take care of your dog’s arthritis from inside and outside. Giving probiotics, Omega-3, digestive enzymes and glucosamine Chondroitin MSM supplement will helpful for arthritis.

Author: Kiyoko H.

Likes: 0


Natural Balanced, Raw, and Golden Paste, see Turmeric Life website for Doug English Vet recipe and info. Amazing results

Author: Helen B.

Likes: 0


Raw or steamed I do steamed I feed my dogs steamed chicken liver or duck with steamed veggies and steamed rice on the side I’ll give them cottage cheese , yogurt or fruit they eat what we eat but steamed with no seasoning at all I tried raw but from pups they would not eat plus I don’t like it people and the vet say raw is the best way to go but my dogs don’t like it…

Author: Pete R.

Likes: 0


I use purina pro plan for all life stages it has joint supplements in it. And I add a supplement in the winter to seniors. It’s not so much the food though you can just add supplements to the food you already have.

Author: Kelli O.

Likes: 0


Gelatin!!! How much gelatin should I take for arthritis?For a powder, 1 to 2 Tbsp per day should be enough; and for a capsule supplement, follow manufacturer instructions. You can also drink bone broth (which is high in gelatin) or eat gelatin-rich cuts of meat (anything that is on the bone or has connective tissue attached) such as shank, oxtail, and even pig’s feet.

Author: Antoinette T.

Likes: 0


Victor.. has large doses of Glucosamine. And protein to help protect muscle if he is starting to become less active.

Author: Brian S.

Likes: 0


Pro Plan for large dogs has glucosamine and EPA for joints. Vet may also prescribe meds.

Author: Diane B.

Likes: 0


I have a GS with bad allergies and a pit mix with a bad hip and who’s overweight. I go to my local Mennonite store and buy a brand called Zero. It has chondroitin and glucosamine and no soy, corn or gluten. My dogs love it and we have less shedding, no allergies and my pit mix is doing better with her hip. She’s more active now and will follow my son to the river now like she used to so I’m hoping she’ll start losing some weight now.

Author: Ashley B.

Likes: 0


I made treats for the neighbors dog. He could barely walk. Three weeks of giving him three treats through the day he was able to climb the steps from the yard to the house. Look for a recipe that has Turmeric in it. It’s natural, works great. Turmeric has natural pain and swelling relief components

Author: Lana W.

Likes: 0


Nutro large breed food is full of glucosamine.

Author: Jennifer L.

Likes: 1


Freshpet and a cbd joint supplement worked wonders for my boy!

Author: Michelle P.

Likes: 0


Make your own and add glucosamine chondroitin, Turmeric, Milk thistle and cranberry extract. I make my dog’s food with 4 lbs brown rice 5 lbs various beans, a gallon can of green beans, and I add the vitamins and herbs to their bowls. The first two vitamins help with arthritis, the last two help to improve immunity and rod the body of toxins. I have 4 dogs, ags 6, 8, 11, and 14 and all are very active, alert and healthy–no arthritis here

Author: David S.

Likes: 0


 

Managing arthritis in german shepherds requires a holistic approach that emphasizes a well-balanced, anti-inflammatory diet. Integrating ingredients rich in fish oil for dogs, antioxidants, and natural supplements like glucosamine for dogs and chondroitin can significantly improve joint health and mobility. Consult with a veterinarian to personalize your german shepherd’s dietary plan, accounting for breed, size, and specific health requirements. By incorporating these food recommendations and maintaining a healthy weight, you will not only alleviate your dog’s arthritis symptoms but also boost their overall well-being, ensuring a happier, more comfortable life for your german shepherd. 
iHeartDogs is reader supported, so some of the links above may be affiliate links where we receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.

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