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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; it 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, with 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, and liver kidneys. A sweet potato, shredded carrots, and ginger. My baby devours 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 needed.
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 through 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 are processed at high temperatures several times, so they lack the nutrients that your dog’s body needs. I recommend switching to a raw diet, but if you can’t, add some fresh food. You may want to take care of your dog’s arthritis from the inside and outside. Giving probiotics, Omega-3, digestive enzymes, and glucosamine Chondroitin MSM supplements will be helpful for arthritis.
Author: Kiyoko H.
Likes: 0
Natural Balanced, Raw, and Golden Paste, see the 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 for 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’s 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. The 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 neighbor’s dog. He could barely walk. After three weeks of giving him three treats throughout 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 of brown rice, 5 lbs of 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 rid the body of toxins. I have 4 dogs, ages 6, 8, 11, and 14, and all are very active, alert, and healthy–no arthritis here
Author: David S.
Likes: 0
Frequently Asked Questions About Foods for German Shepherds with Arthritis
1. What is the best food for a German Shepherd with arthritis?
The best food is one that supports joint health with ingredients like omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine, and high-quality protein. Some dogs also benefit from prescription joint-support diets.
2. Can diet really help with arthritis in dogs?
Yes, the right diet can reduce inflammation, support joint function, and improve mobility over time when combined with proper care.
3. Are supplements necessary for joint health?
Supplements like glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega-3 fatty acids are commonly used to support joint health and may help reduce discomfort.
4. Is raw or fresh food better for dogs with arthritis?
Some owners find that raw or fresh diets help improve overall health and mobility, but they should be balanced and approved by a veterinarian.
5. What ingredients help reduce joint inflammation?
Ingredients like fish oil, turmeric, green-lipped mussel, and antioxidants may help reduce inflammation and support joint health.
6. Should I consider a prescription joint diet?
Prescription diets formulated for joint support can be very effective, especially for dogs with moderate to severe arthritis.
7. Can probiotics help dogs with arthritis?
Probiotics may support overall health and digestion, which can indirectly benefit dogs dealing with chronic conditions like arthritis.
8. How important is weight management for arthritis?
Maintaining a healthy weight is critical, as excess weight puts additional stress on joints and can worsen arthritis symptoms.
9. Should I avoid certain foods for my dog?
Foods high in fillers, artificial additives, and unhealthy fats should be avoided, as they may contribute to inflammation.
10. When should I take my German Shepherd to the vet?
If your dog shows signs of stiffness, limping, or difficulty moving, it’s important to consult your veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment.
11. Can exercise help along with diet?
Yes, combining a healthy diet with low-impact exercise like walking or swimming can help improve mobility and reduce stiffness.
Toledo, United States.