Canine Joint Wear: Nutrition for Osteoarthritis and Restricted Mobility

Table of Contents:

• Signs and Causes of Osteoarthritis in Dogs
• Nutrition for Canine Joint Wear
• Selected Nutrients to Support Joint Function
• BugBell BonePower: Food for Nutritional Support of Joint Metabolism

Joint wear in dogs – especially in the form of osteoarthritis – is one of the most common challenges in old age. Affected dogs often show restricted mobility, decreased activity, and altered gait. In addition to veterinary care, adapted nutrition for osteoarthritis also plays an important role in providing the body with all relevant nutrients and considering special needs.

Signs and Causes of Osteoarthritis in Dogs

Osteoarthritis in dogs usually develops gradually and often affects the hips, knees, or elbows. The following signs are typical:

• Stiff gait, especially after getting up
• Avoidance of climbing stairs or jumping
• Reduced playfulness
• Reluctance to go on longer walks

Causes of joint wear in dogs can include obesity, genetic predisposition (e.g., hip dysplasia), previous injuries, or high physical stress.

Nutrition for Canine Joint Wear

A specially formulated dog food for osteoarthritis can help to adequately support joint metabolism – for example, through a targeted selection of nutrients that can be helpful for age-related or stress-related changes in locomotor function.

Food for supporting joint function in dogs should consider the following:

• Appropriate content of omega-3 fatty acids (total)
• Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) as a nutritionally relevant component
• Vitamin E to support cell protection
• High-quality, easily digestible protein sources

Selected Nutrients to Support Joint Function

For nutritional support of the musculoskeletal system, the following reference values apply according to EU regulations:

• Omega-3 fatty acids (total): ≥ 29 g/kg complete feed (at 12% moisture content)
• Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA): ≥ 3.3 g/kg
• Vitamin E: for supplementation in case of increased oxidative stress

These components can contribute to meeting the nutrient requirements of dogs with increased joint needs as part of a complete diet.

BugBell BonePower: Food for Nutritional Support of Joint Metabolism

Our BugBell BonePower recipe was developed to consider the specific nutrient requirements of dogs with increased joint needs. The complete feed is tailored to the special demands of joint metabolism – for example, in older dogs or in special stress situations.

• Omega-3 fatty acids ≥ 29 g/kg
• EPA (Eicosapentaenoic acid) ≥ 3.3 g/kg
• Vitamin E in appropriate dosage
• With green-lipped mussel, collagen, and turmeric as functional components
• Based on highly digestible insect protein (monoprotein)

Note: BugBell BonePower is not a diet or medicinal feed. It is a complete feed with a specifically tailored composition for nutritional support of joint metabolism in dogs.

For individual advice on feeding for mobility needs or age-related changes, please contact us directly.