By some estimates, hip dysplasia is the most prevalent inherited disease in dogs, affecting large and giant breed dogs. Hip dysplasia is a painful and debilitating disease that can severely affect a dog’s quality of life. The condition develops when the dog’s hip joints don’t form properly, causing them to become partially dislocated and triggering early manifestation of degenerative joint disease.
”Hip dysplasia is a genetic disease that is affected by factors such as diet, environment, exercise, growth rate, muscle mass, and hormones.”
Table of Contents
This video by Dr. Karen Becker shows how a proper diet can help prevent this crippling condition.
As a veterinarian, I’ve devoted many hours to studying and advising on the finest dog foods to avoid and treat canine Hip Dysplasia.
In this article we will look at:
- The Best Dog Food to help your Dog with Hip-Dysplasia
- What to look for in dog food for Hip Dysplasia
- The best Dog Foods For Hip Dysplasia
- Signs and Treatments of Hip Dysplasia
So let’s get started!
THE 10 BEST DOG FOOD FOR HIP DYSPLASIA IN 2022
Whether you go dry or wet food, one of the easiest ways for you to determine good dog food is by reading the label and looking out for the AAFCO Statement
All of the dog foods on this list are in accordance with the AAFCO nutrient profile recommendations for dogs.
Best Dog Food for Joint Care
Hills Science Diet for Healthy Mobility
- First 5 Ingredients: Chicken Meal, Brewers Rice, Whole Grain Sorghum, Brown Rice, Whole Grain Wheat
- Key feature: Grain-Free, Weight Control, Gluten-Free, No Corn No Wheat No Soy, High-Protein
- Guaranteed Analysis: 28% Crude Protein, 17% Crude Fat, 12% Crude Fiber, 3% Moisture
- Caloric Content: 367 kcal/cup
- Type of Product: Mobility
- Life Stage: Large Breed Adult
- Best for Overall
Large-breed canine companions can be prone to joint issues, that’s why this kibble formula was designed to support their hip and joint health from day one.
It contains natural sources of glucosamine and chondroitin, which are the building blocks of healthy cartilage.
It also contains a balanced set of minerals to promote strong bones and high-quality protein and natural fibers to keep your tiny sidekick satisfied between meals.
This dog food is crafted with natural ingredients and contains omega-6 fatty acids and vitamin E to promote healthy skin and a shiny coat.
About this item
- A dry large-breed dog food shown to improve mobility in 30 days
- Supports improved joint health in big dogs with EPA from fish oil
- Supports your grown dog’s joint health with natural sources of glucosamine & chondroitin
- Uses a balanced set of minerals to promote strong bones in large dogs
- Made in the USA with global ingredients you can trust
- #1 Veterinarian Recommended
Best Joint Care Dog food for Weight Management
Wellness CORE Grain-Free Large Breed Formula
- First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Turkey, Turkey Meal (source of Glucosamine), Chicken Meal (source of Chondroitin Sulfate), Lentils, Peas
- Key feature: Grain-Free, Weight Control, Gluten-Free, No Corn No Wheat No Soy, High-Protein
- Guaranteed Analysis: 33% Crude Protein, 10% Crude Fat, 12% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
- Caloric Content: 366 kcal/cup
- Type of Product: Reduced-Fat
- Life Stage: Adult
- Best for Overall
This balanced, grain-free dry food for dogs is specially formulated to help your dog maintain a healthy weight using the power of protein and a reduced-fat recipe. It is crafted using carefully chosen ingredients that include premium proteins—like turkey, chicken, and salmon oil—as well as fruits, vegetables, and wholesome grains fortified with omega fatty acids, antioxidants, glucosamine, probiotics, taurine, vitamins, and minerals. This nutrient-rich, grain-free dry dog food is designed to encourage lean body mass and muscle tone, support a healthy coat and skin, and promote whole-body health. It is developed without any meat by-products, fillers, corn, soy, wheat-gluten or artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors
About this item
- LEANER BODY MASS AND MUSCLE TONE: Wellness CORE dog food is made with a high concentration of protein from fresh meat ingredients
- SUPPORTS HEALTHY SKIN AND COAT with guaranteed levels of omega fatty acids from ingredients such as flaxseed and salmon oil
- WHOLE BODY HEALTH: Supported by omega fatty acids, antioxidants, glucosamine, probiotics, and taurine for a healthy heart
Best Joint Care Dog Food for Digestion
Victor Dog Food GMO-Free Performance Beef Meal With Glucosamine
- First 5 Ingredients: Beef Meal, Grain Sorghum, Whole Grain Millet, Chicken Fat (preserved with mixed Tocopherols), Blood Meal Conventionally Dried
- Key feature: High-Protein, Gluten-Free, No Corn No Wheat No Soy, Pea-Free
- Guaranteed Analysis: 26% Crude Protein, 18% Crude Fat, 3.8% Crude Fiber, 9% Moisture
- Caloric Content: 399 kcal/cup
- Type of Product: Reduced-Fat, Joint Health
- Life Stage: Adult
- Best for Overall
This nutrient-dense formula has glucosamine and chondroitin for long-term joint health in adult and large breed dogs. It is specially formulated to prevent and reduce hip dysplasia and arthritis.
It contains high levels of glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega fatty acids to support mobility and joint help. It also is free of corn, has no added salt, sugars, or artificial ingredients that cause excess inflammation.
Also with a high protein formula from multiple meat sources and only 35% total complex carbohydrates, it helps maintain a healthy weight.
Furthermore, Victor Performance contains a high level of the amino acid l-carnitine which has been shown to reduce the pain associated with arthritis and hip Dysplasia
About this item
- The nutrient-dense recipe made with premium-quality beef, chicken, and pork meals
- Excellent choice for sporting dogs and dogs with high physical demands
- Glucosamine and Chondroitin promote long-term joint health
- Formulated with our scientifically advanced, proven VICTOR Core ingredients to promote healthy immune and digestive systems.
- Ideal for dogs with allergies to other meat proteins. Made from gluten-free grains.
Best Dog Food for Joints
Dogswell Happy Hips Dry Dog Food
- First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Oats, Barley, Peas, Brown Rice
- Key feature: No Corn No Wheat No Soy
- Guaranteed Analysis: 24% Crude Protein, 12% Crude Fat, 5.5% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
- Caloric Content: 360 kcal/cup
- Type of Product: High Protein, Joint Health
- Life Stage: Adult
- Best for Overall
Dogswell Happy Hips Dry Dog Food is made by Happy Hips dog food company that specializes in formulas specifically for dogs with hip dysplasia.
The grain-free recipe has a high protein content and contains loads of healthy complex carbohydrates for healthy weight and energy.
Dogswell Happy Hips is free of added salts, sugars, artificial additives, and corn, so there are no ingredients that increase inflammation.
Also, it is formulated with high amounts of glucosamine, chondroitin, antioxidants, chelated minerals, and omega fatty acids to support joint health.
Dogswell also makes Happy Hips treats so you can help prevent the damaging effects of arthritis and hip dysplasia with a comprehensive diet plan.
About this item
- Dogswell Happy Hips Dry Dog Food with Glucosamine & Chondroitin features real, hormone-free chicken as the first ingredient.
- Supports healthy hips and joints with glucosamine & chondroitin sulfate.
- Real superfood fruits and vegetables, like blueberries, carrots, sweet potato, and apples, offer antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins.
- Offers healthy carbohydrate sources, like oats, peas, barley, and brown rice, for energy.
- No added sugar. No artificial colors or flavors. No animal by-products. No corn, wheat, or soy.
Best Grain Free Dog Food for Joint Care
Wellness Core Grain-Free Large Breed Formula
- First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Turkey, Turkey Meal (source of Glucosamine), Chicken Meal (source of Chondroitin Sulfate), Peas, Dried Ground Potatoes
- Key feature: Grain-Free, Gluten-Free, No Corn No Wheat No Soy, High-Protein
- Guaranteed Analysis: 34% Crude Protein, 16% Crude Fat, 4% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
- Caloric Content: 417 kcal/cup
- Type of Product: High Protein, Joint Health
- Life Stage: Adult
- Best for Overall
Wellness Core is specifically designed to meet the health needs of the larger breeds prone to arthritis and hip dysplasia. It is formulated with a patented WellFlex system for joint support that contains glucosamine, chondroitin, and high levels of omega fatty acids. Wellness has a high protein formula loaded with rich antioxidants and contains all the calcium, iron, vitamin D, and vitamin C to combat arthritis and hip dysplasia. Plus it is formulated with optimal fat and calories to help maintain healthy body weight.
About this item
- LEANER BODY MASS AND MUSCLE TONE: Wellness CORE dog food is made with a high concentration of protein from fresh meat ingredients
- SUPPORTS HEALTHY SKIN AND COAT with guaranteed levels of omega fatty acids from ingredients such as flaxseed and salmon oil
- WHOLE BODY HEALTH: Supported by omega fatty acids, antioxidants, glucosamine, probiotics and taurine for a healthy heart
Best Joint Care dog Food for Weight Loss
Blue Buffalo Healthy Weight Adult Chicken and Brown Rice Formula
- First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Barley, Pea Fiber
- Key feature: Weight Control, No Corn No Wheat No Soy
- Guaranteed Analysis: 20% Crude Protein, 9% Crude Fat, 10% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
- Caloric Content: 326 kcal/cup
- Type of Product: Healthy Weight & Joints
- Life Stage: Adult
- Best for Overall
About this item
- REAL MEAT FIRST: Blue Buffalo foods always feature real meat as the first ingredient; High-quality protein from real chicken helps your dog build and maintain healthy muscles; Plus they contain wholesome whole grains, garden veggies, and fruit
- WEIGHT MANAGEMENT DOG FOOD: Formulated with reduced calories from fat, BLUE Life Protection Formula Healthy Weight dry dog food provides a satisfying meal without an excessive amount of calories from fat to help dogs achieve and maintain a healthy weight
- ANTIOXIDANT-RICH LIFESOURCE BITS: A precise blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals carefully selected by holistic veterinarians and animal nutritionists to support immune system health, life stage needs, and a healthy oxidative balance
- A NATURAL DOG FOOD: BLUE dry dog foods are made with the finest natural ingredients enhanced with vitamins and minerals; BLUE contains NO chicken (or poultry) by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors, or preservatives
Best Vitamin Joint Care Dog Food
Blue Buffalo True Solutions Jolly Joints Dry Dog Food
- First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Oatmeal, Brown Rice, Barley, Natural Flavor, Dried Tomato Pomace
- Key feature: No Corn No Wheat No Soy
- Guaranteed Analysis: 26% Crude Protein, 15% Crude Fat, 7% Crude Fiber, 9% Moisture
- Caloric Content: 395 kcal/cup
- Type of Product: Mobility Support
- Life Stage: Adult
- Best for Overall
This adult dry dog food is formulated by Blue Buffalo’s team of veterinarians and animal nutritionists.
It’s crafted with real chicken first for the high-quality protein and packed with vitamins, minerals as well as other nutrients, this recipe is rich in glucosamine and chondroitin to help support your dog’s hip and joint health.
Plus, there’s fish oil to support her overall mobility!
About this item
- MOBILITY SUPPORT DOG FOOD: Formulated with glucosamine and chondroitin, clinically proven to support hip and joint health, plus EPA from fish oil for mobility support, and optimal minerals for strong bones
- NATURAL INGREDIENTS RECOMMENDED BY VETERINARIANS: BLUE True Solutions is enhanced with vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients and includes antioxidant-rich LifeSource Bits
- ONLY WHOLESOME INGREDIENTS: BLUE True Solutions is a science-based dog food with NO chicken (or poultry) by-product meals and NO corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors, or preservatives
- Contains one (1) 24 lb. bag of BLUE True Solutions Jolly Joints Mobility Support Adult Dog Food, Chicken
Grain Free Joint Care Dog Food
AvoDerm Advanced Healthy Weight Turkey Meal Formula Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
- First 5 Ingredients: Turkey Meal, Peas, Tapioca Flour, Pea Flour, Garbanzo Beans
- Key feature: Grain-Free, Weight Control
- Guaranteed Analysis: 27% Crude Protein, 8% Crude Fat, 12% Crude Fiber, `10% Moisture
- Caloric Content: 385 kcal/cup
- Type of Product: Mobility Support
- Life Stage: Adult
- Best for Overall
This weight management diet was formulated for less active Dogs and helps maintain a healthy weight with lean turkey meal. It contains L-carnitine to break down fat and omega-rich avocados for healthy skin and coat. This recipe also has natural chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine to help maintain healthy joints and support activities that maintain a healthy weight, plus vitamins, minerals, and antioxidant nutrients to help support your dog’s immune function and health. This formula contains no wheat, corn, soy, and no by-product meals.
About this item
- Healthy Weight Management Formula: Reduced Fat And Low-Calorie Diet For Overweight Or Less Active Dogs
- Made With L-Carnitine: Formulated With Added L-Carnitine, A Compound That Helps Break Down Fat
- Promotes Healthy Skin & Coat: Premium Dry Dog Food Made With Omega-Rich Avocados To Promote Healthy Skin And Coat
- Grain-Free Natural Dog Food: Wheat Free, Corn Free, And Soy Free. No By-Products Meals, No Artificial Flavors, No Artificial Colors
Best Joint Care Dog Food for Puppies
Wellness Large Breed Complete Health Puppy Deboned Chicken, Brown Rice & Salmon Meal
- First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Peas, Ground Brown Rice, Salmon Meal
- Key feature: Grain-Free, Weight Control
- Guaranteed Analysis: 29% Crude Protein, 13% Crude Fat, 5% Crude Fiber, `10% Moisture
- Caloric Content: 385 kcal/cup
- Type of Product: Mobility Support
- Life Stage: PUPPY
- Best for Overall
This puppy food from Wellness, a respected name in canine nutrition for years, is designed to provide fast-growing large breed puppies with appropriately controlled caloric density needed by these puppies to avoid rapid growth and has the proper calcium (1.3% min), phosphorus (0.9% min) and vitamin D content, as well as calcium: phosphorus ratio (1.3:0.09).
Deboned chicken is offered as the primary source of protein, and it is supplemented with chicken meal.
This provides a lean source of measured protein without adding too many extra calories. In fact, this formula is specifically designed to provide just the right amount of it, so that puppies are not given too much, which can be as bad for their growing bodies as too little.
Other nutrients are provided by a blend of fruits and vegetables and extra joint protective Omega-3 fatty acids are provided by the salmon meal.
About this item
- This large breed puppy dry dog food’s #1 ingredient is chicken; high-quality protein with wholesome grains like rice
- Designed to support the unique health needs of larger dogs through nutrient-rich whole foods
- No meat by-products, fillers, or artificial preservatives
Best Joint Care Dog Food for Sensitive Digestion
Diamond Naturals Dry Senior Dog Food Formula Made with Chicken, Egg, and Oatmeal with Protein, Probiotics, Superfoods & Antioxidants
- First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Whole Grain Brown Rice, Cracked Pearled Barley, Ground White Rice
- Key feature: No Corn No Wheat No Soy
- Guaranteed Analysis: 25% Crude Protein, 11% Crude Fat, 3% Crude Fiber, 11% Moisture
- Caloric Content: 318 kcal/cup
- Type of Product: Mobility Support/sensitive digestion
- Life Stage: Senior
- Best for Overall
Diamond Naturals dry formula is enhanced with superfoods and guaranteed probiotics, for optimal nutrition and digestive support.
Optimal protein and fat levels help your senior dog maintain ideal body condition, while added glucosamine and chondroitin support joints.
Probiotics and added fiber help support digestion even in sensitive pets.
About this item
- Real, cage-free chicken is the #1 ingredient, and glucosamine and chondroitin support joint health in senior dogs.
- Contains balanced protein and fat levels to meet the needs of aging dogs. This recipe also contains omega fatty acids for skin and coat health and features vitamins and minerals from superfood fruits like blueberries and oranges.
- Each serving includes species-specific K9 strain proprietary probiotics, plus antioxidants and prebiotics to help support healthy digestion, immune system health, and overall wellness.
- Made without corn, wheat, artificial flavors, or colors.
Breeds Prone To Hip Dysplasia Include:
- Labrador (12%* of dogs affected)
- Rottweiler (21%* of dogs affected)
- German Shepherd (20%* of dogs affected)
- Pug (69%* of dogs affected)German shepherd
- Golden retriever
- Saint Bernard
- Newfoundland
What are the signs of hip dysplasia?
Hip dysplasia is a frequent problem, especially in large breed dogs, with hind limb lameness and stiffness being the primary symptoms. The latter is generally most apparent after resting following exercise. Difficulty to stand up and avoiding jumping or exercising are also typical indications. Young dogs may exhibit a rolling hip action, while Restlessness, crying, and licking the pelvic area are also additional signs.
The cause of hip dysplasia is an abnormal formation of the joint, known as subluxation or partial dislocation. The femoral head (the top part of the thigh bone) can partially slip out of the pelvic cavity, which causes pain and lameness.
The most common signs are those that develop when the dog is young and growing (five to ten months of age) or adult (perhaps a few years old). The instability of the hip is what causes pain in puppies, whereas osteoarthritis causes discomfort in adult canines.
Causes of Hip Dysplasia
The causes of CHD are complex, but hereditary is the most important single risk factor. The development of CHD might be complicated by rapid weight gain and excessive nutritional intake. Hip dysplasia is most common in large breed dogs.
COMMON TREATMENTS FOR HIP DYSPLASIA
- Exercise. Regular, low-impact activity such as swimming or leash-walking will help reduce some of the pain in your dog’s joints. It will also lead to increased tendon and muscle strength.
- Physical therapy can really help reduce your dog’s pain and increase his mobility. From massages to hydrotherapy.
- Joint prescription diets or formulas, recommended by your veterinarian, can help decrease inflammation and promote cartilage healing.
- NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), to reduce pain, but only as directed by your veterinarian..
- Acupuncture as an adjunctive therapy also can be of benefit
- Surgery can help in many cases. Various surgical procedures have been described including juvenile pubic symphysiodesis and total hip replacement. Your veterinarian will advise you of the various surgical procedures.
Best Fish Oil for Dogs
Other treatment strategies include:
- Maintaining a healthy, lean body weight to relieve joint stress – a must for any dog with hip dysplasia.
- Supplements, such as glucosamine and chondroitin, may benefit some dogs.
- Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation has also proven to be effective for animals and humans alike.
Best Joint Supplement for Dogs
Did you know that there is an all-natural method to relieve inflammation, pain, and discomfort in dogs that works better than pharmaceuticals? Check out our page on Canine Cush for Dogs.
Foods Good for Dogs Joints
There are a number of ingredients to look for to discover the best dog foods for arthritis and hip dysplasia. To begin, you want to avoid anything that causes inflammation, such as: excessive salt, sugar, and simple carbohydrates, as well as dairy products, corn oil, and artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives.
Second, you should search for a dog food that is high in omega fatty acids from fish oil and flaxseed oil, which help to lubricate joints and reduce inflammation. You should also look for a dog food that contains glucosamine and chondroitin, both of which may aid in the strengthening and repair of cartilage.
Finally, seek out dog foods that include calcium, vitamin D, vitamin C, and iron. Calcium helps to build bones and minimize the incidence of arthritis. Vitamin D is required for the body to absorb calcium and vitamin C aids in the healing of connective tissue and Iron is essential for fighting anemia.
The bottom line
It’s critical to think about a preventative diet for your dog, as one in five dogs suffers from arthritis and several breeds are susceptible to hip dysplasia.
It is crucial to select high-quality dog food with nutrients that can help your dog avoid developing these illnesses, regardless of whether he or she has arthritis or not. If your pup is one of the unlucky ones, some foods can help alleviate symptoms. The best way to find out what food is best for your dog, is to talk to your veterinarian.
Did you know that a dog’s gut health has a significant influence on its overall health? A recent scientific study reports that 70% to 80% of all illness begins in the gastrointestinal tract!
Discover why this supplement is essential for your dog’s immune system and overall health – read our blog on: The Best Probiotics for Dogs.
References:
- https://www.petmd.com/dog/centers/nutrition/dog-food-label-lessons-what-is-an-aafco-statement
- Dr Karen Becker
- https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/animal-health-literacy/complete-and-balanced-pet-food
