If your pooch is starting to show signs of joint stiffness and discomfort when getting up on their paws, you may find that the best dog food for joint health might help. Switching to dog food that is formulated for joint health can make a real difference in the quality of your pup’s life. The recipes include ingredients and nutrients that are known for supporting joint function and reducing inflammation so your pooch can keep moving comfortably. The right diet can play a crucial role in managing any pain your pooch may be in and promoting long-term mobility.
Joint problems in dogs can develop for a variety of reasons and can, unfortunately, be more common than you might realise. Older dogs naturally experience wear and tear on their joints as they enter their twilight years, just as we humans do. That being said, even younger dogs can experience joint discomfort, especially if they’re highly active or have an underlying health issue, like hip dysplasia or arthritis. Speaking of health problems, overweight dogs are also at high risk for joint issues as all those extra pounds put additional pressure on their joints, especially in the hips, knees and elbows, so a weight loss dog food could also help with shifting some of the weight and the stress on your pup’s joints.
Larger breeds are often more susceptible to joint problems due to the extra weight their larger stature adds to their joints for support. That’s why switching to wet or dry dog food that has nutrients that can strengthen joints and reduce inflammation is all the more important.
Best dog food for joint health at a glance:
The best dog foods for joint health, more often than not, contain key ingredients such as glucosamine and chondroitin, which help to cushion joints and support cartilage repair. You can also often find Omega-3 fatty acids, like EPA and DHA, which are known for their anti-inflammatory properties, as well as antioxidants that can protect joint tissues from damage. A high-quality diet with these supportive ingredients can ease your dog’s discomfort and help them stay active and happy for longer. A nutrient-dense, balanced formula not only supports joint function but also helps manage your dog’s weight, reducing the physical strain on their joints.
Whether your dog is ageing, overweight or simply in need of extra joint support, we’ve rounded up the best dog food for joint health, taking into account the ingredients that matter the most, along with feedback from real dog owners. We’ve included top products from trusted dog food brands and paid close attention to customer reviews that have highlighted how these foods have made a noticeable difference in their pooches’ comfort and mobility. We’ve also consulted Behaviour and Training Specialist, Ciara Pollen, and Registered Veterinary Nurse, Connie Garvey, both from Woodgreen Pets Charity, to answer everything you need to know about dog mobility and joint issues in our FAQs section, so read on to discover which formulas made our list and what your four-legged friend with joint issues needs to stay active and happy.
Best joint care dog food
Best dog food for joint health overall
Pooch & Muttwww.poochandmutt.co.uk
Winning our top spot for the best dog food for joint health overall, Pooch & Mutt Joint Care Dry Food is a grain-free kibble that is packed with functional ingredients like glucosamine and chondroitin to support mobility and reduce inflammation on joints. It’s designed to not only fuel your dog throughout the day but help them move through it with total ease. As it’s made with 45 per cent salmon, it’s rich in Omega-3 fish oils that are essential for joint wellbeing. The recipe of this food is also enriched with antioxidants and prebiotics to support healthy digestion, which will give your pup more energy and lead to fewer upset tummies.
Many dog owners have reported a noticeable improvement in energy levels and their dog’s overall comfort in just a few weeks on this food. Some pet parents of smaller dogs found the kibble to be on the larger side for their pooch, so it took a bit more chomping to get through it. As it’s a fish-flavoured food, the smell may not be your favourite, but your pup won’t be able to get enough.
Pros
- Made with 45 per cent salmon so it's rich in Omega-3 fish oils that are essential for joint wellbeing
- Enriched with antioxidants and prebiotics to support healthy digestion
- Contains glucasamine and chondroitin to support mobility and reduce joint inflammation
Cons
- Some owners with small dogs found this kibble was a bit on the larger side for their pooch
| Food type: | Dry dog food |
| Food weight: | 2kg, 10kg |
| Flavour: | Salmon |
- Fresh salmon (25%), sweet potato, salmon protein (16%), potato, peas, salmon oil (3%), pea protein, dried beet pulp, linseed, alfalfa (1.6%), brewers yeast, salmon gravy (1%), dried cranberries (0.04%), dried rosehips (0.04%), green lipped mussel extract (0.04%), glucosamine (0.026%), chondroitin sulphate (0.016%), mannanoligosaccharides (0.015%), fructooligosaccharides (0.01%), mojave yucca (0.01%), lactobacillus acidophilus ha -122 inactivated (15x109 cells/kg)
Best wet dog food for joint health
Butcher's/AmazonFor dogs that need a little extra joint support and love chowing down on wet dog food, consider these Butcher's Joint & Coat Wet Dog Food Tins. These hearty tins are packed with tasty goodness in turkey, salmon and chicken flavours, plus ingredients to support mobility and coat health. With glucosamine, chondroitin and Omega-3 and Omega-6 oils thrown into the mix, this food will help to ease stiffness while leaving their coat looking shiny and healthy too.
One of the biggest draws of this food with other pet owners is the quality of the ingredients. You won't find any artificial nasties in it, just natural, nutrient-rich food that your dog will get excited about. A few reviewers mention that the packaging isn't always the easiest to store once opened, but you do need to make sure you're storing them correctly in the fridge to stop the food from spoiling. Picky eaters seem to lap this food up, according to owners online, though, so that's always a bonus.
Pros
- Made without artifical nasties, colours or preservatives to ensure your pooch is getting nutrient-rich food at mealtimes
- Contains three flavours to give your pooch variety in every bowl full
- Includes glucosamine, chondroitin and Omega-3 and Omega-6 oils in each recipe to help ease stiffness and improve coat condition too
Cons
- Some reviewers mention that the packaging isn't the easiest to store once opened
| Food type: | Wet dog food |
| Food weight: | 24 x 390g |
| Flavour: | Turkey, Salmon, Chicken |
- With Turkey: British & Irish Farmed (Chicken 35%, Beef 11%, Turkey 4%), Salmon Oil (1%), Joint Supplement (Glucosamine Hydrochloride, Chondroitin Sulphate, Hyaluronic Acid 0.006%), Parsley, Rosehip, Chicory, Mint, Minerals
- With Salmon: British & Irish Farmed (Chicken 35%, Beef 11%, Salmon 4%), Salmon Oil (1%), Joint Supplement (Glucosamine Hydrochloride, Chondroitin Sulphate, Hyaluronic Acid 0.006%), Parsley, Rosehip, Chicory, Mint, Minerals
- With Chicken: Biriths & Irish Farmed (Chicken 39%, Beef 11%), Salmon Oil (1%), Joint Supplement (Glucosamine Hydrochloride, Chondroitin Sulphate, Hyaluronic Acid 0.006%), Parsley, Rosehip, Chicory, Mint, Minerals
Best dog food for long term joint support
Eukanuba/AmazonSuitable to be fed to your pooch from one year old, Eukanuba Sensitive Joints Mobility Support Complete Dry Dog Food offers long-term support for joints as you can start your pooch on it when they're young all the way through their adulthood. As the primary protein source of this food is high-quality chicken, it's great for maintaining lean muscle mass, which helps reduce stress on joints. It's also enriched with L-carnitine, which will help your pooch manage a healthy weight, with added glucosamine and chondroitin to support cartilage health while helping to maintain joint structure, too.
Customers on Amazon have reported that their senior or stiff-legged pups are visibly more mobile and eager to play after a few weeks on this food. Some owners mentioned their dogs were a bit hesitant to eat it at first, so if you have a fussy pup on your hands, they may take a while to warm up to having something new in their bowl.
Pros
- Can be fed from one year old throughout adulthood for long-term support
- Made with chicken which is great for maintaining lean muscle mass to reduce stress on joints
- Enriched with L-carnitine to help your pooch manage a healthy weight
Cons
- Some fussy dogs didn't warm to this food to begin with
| Food type: | Dry dog food |
| Food weight: | 12kg |
| Flavour: | Chicken |
- Dried Chicken And Turkey (23% Including 14% Chicken), Maize, Wheat, Barley, Sorghum, Fresh Chicken (4%), Pork Fat, Dried Beet Pulp (2.8%), Chicken Gravy, Minerals (Including Sodium Hexametaphosphate 0.37%), Dried Whole Egg, Fish Meal, Fish Oil, Linseed, Fructooligosaccharides (0.27%), Methyl Sulphonyl Methane (0.13%), Brewer's Dried Yeast, Glucosamine (From Animal Tissues) (562mg/Kg), Chondroitin Sulphate (56mg/Kg).
Best dog food for joint health for all ages
Purinawww.petsathome.com
Whether you've got a bouncy puppy or a golden oldie who needs a little help getting around, this vet-recommended Purina Pro Plan Vet Diet Joint Mobility Dry Dog Food is designed to support joint function from the inside out. It's packed with Omega-3 fatty acids, including EPA and DHA, which help support your dog's natural anti-inflammatory processes. It also features natural sources of glucosamine and chondroitin, which are ingredients known for their joint support qualities. It's not just about joint support, though. This dog food also helps with weight management as it has a high-protein, moderate-fat formula that will help to get your pooch in tip-top shape, meaning their body will put less stress on their joints.
Customer reviewers are overwhelmingly positive across the internet, with dog owners reporting visible improvements in their pets' mobility and overall comfort since switching to the food. A few users mentioned the kibble is a bit on the firm side for very small or senior dogs who can't crunch their food like they used to, but most found it easy to manage with a little water added to soften it up.
Pros
- Can be fed from puppyhood into adulthood and beyond
- Packed with Omega-3 fatty acids that are naturally anti-inflammatory as well as glucosamine and chondroitin for joint support
- Formula is high-protein and moderate-fat to keep your pooch in shape so their body puts less pressure on joints
Cons
- Some reviewers felt the kibble was on the firm side for small/senior dogs
| Food type: | Dry dog food |
| Food weight: | 12kg |
| Flavour: | Salmon |
- Rice, dehydrated salmon protein, wheat flour, dehydrated poultry protein, maize gluten meal, dried egg, maize, digest, fish oil, pea fibre, animal fat, minerals
Best dog food for joint health for big dogs
Royal Caninwww.petsathome.com
If you've got a big dog with even bigger joints to look after, Royal Canin Joint Maxi Breed Adult Dry Dog Food is scientifically formulated to offer support for large, active dogs that weigh between 26 to 44kg to keep them on the move without feeling the strain. This formula packs a punch with advanced nutrients, including collagen, to support cartilage during the ageing process while helping your pooch to maintain mobility and reduce stiffness in their joints. With fewer calories than your typical dog food, it's also great for weight management to help your pup lose a few pounds to reduce pressure on their hips and knees.
The kibble itself is tailor-made for larger jaws, with a shape and texture designed to slow down those pups who gulp down their food and encourage thorough chewing. With that in mind, this food isn't suitable for puppies and small to medium-breed dogs. Pet parents have raved about noticeable improvements in their dogs' mobility and energy levels after just a few weeks on this food, making this nutritionally rich, vet-recommended food a fab choice for large dogs with joint issues.
Pros
- Contains collagen to support cartilage during the ageing process while helping your pooch to maintain mobility and reduce stiffness in their joints
- Has fewer calories than your typical dog food so it's great for weight management to help your dog lose weight to reduce pressure on their joints
- Kibble is tailor-made for larger jaws with a specifically designed shape and texture
Cons
- Not suitable for puppies and small to medium breed dogs as this food is made with those pups weighing over 26kg in mind
| Food type: | Dry dog food |
| Food weight: | 10kg |
| Flavour: | Poultry |
- Maize, dehydrated poultry protein, wheat, animal fats, vegetable fibres, vegetable protein isolate
Best dog food for joint health for weight loss
Hill's Prescription Dietwww.petsathome.com
Designed to tackle two health concerns in one dog bowl, Hill's Prescription Diet j/d Joint Care Reduced Calorie Adult Dry Dog Food has benefits for both joint support and weight management. Its science-backed recipe is packed with Omega-3 fatty acids, L-carnitine and includes ingredients with sources of glucosamine and chondroitin, which all work towards reducing joint inflammation and improving mobility so your pooch can enjoy long walks and jump up onto the sofa more easily again. The reduced calorie content helps your pooch avoid weight gain, which is a huge bonus since extra pounds can put serious stress on already sore joints. Plus, the recipe is complete and balanced, so your dog can get all the essential nutrients they need to stay happy and healthy.
This food is a popular pick for dogs with osteoarthritis or recovering from orthopaedic surgery, but it is a great choice for any dog that needs to lose weight and give their joints a bit of TLC. Customers love the difference they've seen in their pooch since switching to this food, saying they seem more playful in just a few weeks. As this is a veterinary dietetic food, you should always consult with your vet before switching to it.
Pros
- Tackles two health concerns with one recipe, joint health and weight management
- Reduced calorie content so your pup can lose pounds and in turn put less stress on joints
- Includes a series of ingredients that are known for their joint support properties
Cons
- As this is a veterinary dietetic food, you should always consult with your vet before switching to it
| Food type: | Dry dog food |
| Food weight: | 12kg |
| Flavour: | Chicken |
- Maize, brewers' rice, flaxseed, pea bran meal, soybean meal, chicken (13%) and turkey meal, maize gluten meal, digest, cellulose, animal fat, dried beet pulp, fish oil, minerals, L-carnitine, vitamins, pork cartilage (source of Chondroitin sulfate), crustacean shell hydrolysate (source of Glucosamine), trace elements and beta-carotene. With a natural antioxidant (mixed tocopherols)
Best veterinarian-recommended wet dog food for joint health
Hill's Prescription Dietwww.animed.co.uk
This wet food from Hill's Prescription Diet comes vet-recommended for its ability to support joint health. The recipe is enriched with Omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine, and chondroitin sulfate, which are all key nutrients that help cushion joints and support cartilage repair. Added L-carnitine helps to manage your pup's weight so there's less strain on their joints, while antioxidants give your pup's immune system a helpful boost.
Pet parents appreciate that this wet food is appetising enough to lure even the fussiest eaters to the bowl and that it is also easy to serve and gentle on sensitive stomachs. Just like the dry version we've featured above, you should always consult with your vet before switching to it, as it's a veterinary diet food. It's also not recommended for puppies or pregnant or nursing dogs. You can serve it to your pooch on its own or mix it in with the dry version, depending on your pup's preferences.
Pros
- Enriched with Omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine, and chondroitin sulfate, which are all key nutrients that help cushion joints and support cartilage repair
- Added L-carnitine helps to manage your pup's weight so there's less strain on their joints
- This wet food is appetising enough to lure even the fussiest eaters to the bowl
Cons
- It's not recommended for puppies or pregnant or nursing dogs
| Food type: | Wet dog food |
| Food weight: | 12 x 370g |
| Flavour: | Chicken |
- Pork liver, chicken (8%), rice, rice flour, flaxseed, fish oil, digest, cellulose, minerals, soybean oil, maize dextrine, vitamins, trace elements, pork cartilage, crustacean shell hydrolysate and beta-carotene.
How we chose the best dog food for joint health
All of these joint-care dog foods have been hand-selected by our team of Take A Break Pets shopping experts. We carefully considered ingredients, nutritional value and overall quality in our selection of the best. Our team has spent hours investigating and researching dog food for joint health to make it easier for you to find the very best, and we'd never recommend a product we don't believe in.
With pets big and small on our team, where possible we'll share the best products that have been tried and tested by our own furry friends who have given their paw of approval. And, with help from veterinary experts, we share their knowledge to ensure everything we choose is paw-fect for your pet.
Ask the expert: Best dog food for joint health
We asked Behaviour and Training Specialist, Ciara Pollen, and Registered Veterinary Nurse, Connie Garvey, both from Woodgreen Pets Charity, all the most frequently asked questions about dog food for joint health and other dog joint care.
Best dog food for joint health: FAQs
What foods are best for dog joints?
"The best food for your dog's joint health will contain the right vitamins, minerals, nutrients and calories to support your individual dog. Things to look out for include:
• Omega 3 fatty acids, found in fish and algae. EPA and DHA are especially beneficial for our dogs as they reduce inflammation. Look for things like fish-based foods, and add salmon oil to their meals.
• Glucosamine and Chondroitin are compounds that support your dog's cartilage and slow down any degeneration. They are found in healthy cartilage and green-lipped mussel. Adding bone broth or natural chews like trachea or chicken feet to your dog’s diet can give them natural sources of these amino acids, but they're also often added to joint supplements/treats or specialised joint-support foods.
• Moderate calories will prevent your dog from becoming overweight, which reduces the strain on their joints day to day."
How can I improve my dog's joint health?
"The biggest contributor to arthritis in dogs is obesity, so keeping your dog at a healthy weight is most important. A healthy weight for your pup means you'll be able to easily feel their ribs but not their spine. If you can't feel their ribs without pushing hard, they could do with losing some weight. If you can feel their spine easily, they could do with putting a little weight on.
"Keep your dog's joints strong and mobile through regular, moderate exercise. It's much better to walk your dog every day for 30 minutes than to do two, two-hour walks at the weekend. Also, reflect on how your dog feels after exercise and the next day. If they seem lethargic, slow to get up and down, or reluctant to jump or climb after certain types of exercise, dial these down in future.
"Speak to your vet about ideal dog supplements or medications for your specific dog. They will be able to suggest what's best to keep your dog happy, healthy, mobile and pain-free. Right now, there's no evidence that supplements (sometimes called nutraceuticals) will cure or improve any joint problems, but there's also little evidence that they'll harm your dog."
What is bad for dog joints?
"Excessive jumping and hard stopping, like lengthy games of fetch, should be avoided until your dog is at least 12 to 18 months old. This will depend on the breed, as larger breeds mature more slowly. Even then, little and often is better than hours of ball throwing for your dog. Running or jumping on slippery or unstable surfaces can cause sprains and slips and strain your dog's joints.
"Think about ways to give your dog more grip in everyday situations, like putting down rugs on hard floors and adding non-slip matting underneath to keep them stable. You can also consider dog ramps or steps to help your dog get onto high surfaces like the sofa or car. Lastly, avoid high-intensity play on uneven surfaces like rocky beaches, as there's a higher risk of your dog injuring themselves.
"Poor breeding is another factor. If you're buying a dog, make sure you only buy from a breeder that carries out hip and elbow dysplasia screening to ensure the puppies have strong joints. If one or both parents have joint problems, this increases the risk that the puppies will, too."
What age do dogs start having joint issues?
"Your dog is at increased risk of developing joint problems at a young age if they're overweight, have past injuries, or are a large or giant breed. Sadly, this means joint issues can appear at any age and aren’t only seen in older dogs.
"For all dogs, the age they start having joint issues will depend on their genetics, size and general lifestyle. To minimise the risk of your dog developing problems, keep them a healthy weight, feed them a complete diet with natural enrichment like trachea, chicken feet and bone broth, and avoid high-intensity exercise under one year of age and on unstable or slippery surfaces."
This article contains expert advice from Ciara Pollen and Connie Garvey.
Ciara Pollen is a Behaviour and Training Specialist at Woodgreen Pets Charity, where she supports dogs and their people through one-to-one consultations, group classes and professional training. With a Master’s degree in Zoology from Bristol University and an Advanced Diploma in Applied Animal Behaviour (Canine) underway, she combines scientific insight with practical experience to tackle real-world challenges. She’s been working in dog training since 2017 and holds membership with the Association of Pet Dog Trainers. Her special interest lies in helping dogs manage frustration and reactivity using kind, effective, evidence-based methods.
Connie Garvey is a Registered Veterinary Nurse at Woodgreen Pets Charity, working in mostly independent practices for 25 years before joining Woodgreen three years ago. She’s passionate about co-operative care and stress reduction for patients within the veterinary clinic environment.
Rosie Floyd is a Senior Home & Pets Product Writer for Take A Break Pets, specialising in all things dogs. She grew up always having at least one dog as part of the family and has experience in owning a variety of breeds, including Labradors, Cockapoos and Yorkshire Terriers.