The Prescription Solution Navigating Canine Health through Food

METACAM (meloxicam) Solution for Injection

METACAM (meloxicam oral suspension) is for use in dogs only. METACAM (meloxicam) Solution for Injection is approved for use in dogs or cats (not indicated for osteoarthritis in cats). Repeated use of meloxicam in cats has been associated with acute renal failure and death. Do not administer additional injectable or oral meloxicam to cats. As a class, cyclooxygenase inhibitory NSAIDs like METACAM may be associated with gastrointestinal, kidney, or liver side effects. Dogs should be evaluated for pre-existing conditions and currently prescribed medications prior to treatment with METACAM, then monitored regularly while on therapy. Concurrent use with another NSAID, corticosteroid, or nephrotoxic medication should be avoided or monitored closely. Please refer to the package inserts for full product information (METACAM Oral Suspension, METACAM Solution for Injection).

Helping your aging dog thrive

The advice about what to feed your dog can be conflicting, and much of the available information is fueled by company marketing. How do we know if our older dog should be on a specialized senior diet?

There is no true reason to feed a senior diet to our aging dog unless there are noted problems, such as lean body wasting, arthritisor obesity, says Joseph J. Wakshlag, Ph.D. '05, D.V.M. '98, professor of clinical nutrition and sports medicine and rehabilitation. These conditions all require different approaches to nutrition so there is no one-size-fits-allfor senior dogs making this something to discuss with your veterinarian. It can be complex.

He continues, Typically, we like to see slightly higher protein diets;however, many of the senior diets on the market are lower protein. We like to see more long chain omega-3 fatty acids using marine oils, but in the end, this increases fat, so we have to be careful of the fats we use.

Protein is a priority

Lean body mass comprises everything in your dog except fat.

If the dog is losing lean body mass then a diet higher in protein may be necessary, saysWakshlag. Protein is necessary to build and maintain muscles, and as dogs age, they often stop synthesizing as much protein on their own increasing the need for it in their diet. Decreasinglean body mass is associated with increased risk of illness and death.

However, it is possible for both an overweight and an underweight dog to have the same lean body mass. The overweight dog may look healthier at first glance because the extra fat fills outtheirbody, but both dogs are lacking muscle tissue. The easiest parts of the body to evaluate muscle mass and tone are the dogs thighs and shoulders. Loss of muscle mass can be a normal part of aging, or can be indicative of an underlying disease such as cancer, heart diseaseor kidney disease.

Fatty acids

Long-chain omega-3 fatty acids such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) may be beneficial for dogs with arthritis or related mobility challenges, but high doses are necessary to see improvement.

If you want to ensure your dog gets enough EPA/DHA, you can use a 1,000 mg fish-oil supplement capsule, which usually has about 300 mg of EPA/DHA. The dosage is 1-2 capsules per 10 pounds of body weight, says Dr. John Loftus,assistant professor of small animal medicine.

For example, a 50-pound dog could receive 5-10 capsules a day to help with lameness due to arthritis.

Caloricneeds

Most dogs become less active as they age, which means they have lower energy requirements. This makes them at a higher risk of developing obesity if they continue to be fed the same amount as duringtheir prime.

Monitor your dogs body condition and weigh them on a regular basis to be aware of any significant changes. Its difficult to seeslow weight gain on your own dog, which is why regular weighing can help.If your dog is still going for long hikes and is otherwise active every day, there is no need to decrease portions. But if your dog is spending more time lounging at home and starting to gain weight, then it is time to decrease portionsor switch to a lower-calorie food.

Palatability counts

Your dogs senses may diminishas they agetoo.

Scent plays a huge role in canine appetite, so if your dog cant smell theirfood, then theymay not want to eat. Your dog may start by turning down standardkibble but happily eat canned food(which is more palatable and has a stronger scent).

Appetite stimulants such as Entyce (capromorelin oral solution) can be used for dogs who are not eating. (But Entyce is only available with a prescription from your veterinarian).

Prescription diets

Prescription diets can be beneficial for specific needs.

Purina JM and Royal Canin Mobility both help dogs struggling with arthritis. Purina NeuroCare is an option for dogs experiencing canine cognitive disorder.Purina Bright Mind is an over-the-counter diet designed to support brain function.

You will need to talk with your veterinarian about these options to determine if theyre right for your dog.

Supplements

Glucosamine and chondroitinhelp support your dog's joints, and other options include "avocado and soybeanunsaponifiables"and curcumin. SAMe (S-adenosyl methionine) supports liver health, and omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids can be beneficial for brain function.

When considering a supplement, choose your product carefully, as supplements for animals are not always well-regulated. Purchase products through your veterinarian or another reputable source to avoid anycounterfeit products, which are more commononline.

Products bearing a quality seal from the National Animal Supplement Councilhave undergone quality control procedures to ensure whats on the label is in the jar. Other products from Nutramax, like Cosequin, have scientific studies supporting their efficacy.

What you should know

Loftus recommends:

• Consider getting an individualized diet assessment
• Remember that optimal nutrition for aging starts early
• Diet recommendations should be customized to the dog

Fill out an online form to schedule a nutrition consultation with Loftus' team.

This article has been reprinted with permission from the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicines DogWatch newsletter, published by Belvoir Media Group. When you become a member of the Riney Canine Health Center, you will receive a free subscription to DogWatch.

Veterinary diets work, but they may lack palatability

Chronic diseases such as kidney disease, diabetes, skin issues and urinary stones may be managed through prescription dog foods. Prescriptions are important because these foods are made to combat specific illnesses, and nutrition can be a powerful healthcare tool.

Even nutrition-savvy owners might not recognize all the ingredients. And they can be expensive. But and this is what matters most they can help you get control of a chronic illness. So, theyre worth a good old college try.

Your next obstacle is often your dog, who might look at the food, then you, sending a clear message that says, Im not eating this stuff. These ingredients are not always tasty. But dont give up right away. We have ways to convince your dog to still eat prescription food.

Switch brands

Years ago, choices were limited; but today, several manufacturers make acceptable prescription formulas, and most offer a money-back guarantee. If your veterinarian only carries one brand, and your dog turns up their nose, then return the food to the clinic or manufacturer and request a prescription from your veterinarian for another brand of that prescription diet. Many online retailers carry prescription foods often in a bigger variety than your local veterinary clinic.

Plus, if for example, your diabetic dog is struggling with weight loss, there might be multiple prescription formulas that fit their needs. Even if two prescription diet types have the same flavor, one formulation may be actually more appealing to your dog than the other (such as Hills w/d, r/d, or Metabolic).

Try canned

Were pretty hard-wired into choosing kibble, but for most picky eaters, canned food is more palatable due to the stronger odor and meatier flavor.

Many prescription canned foods come in multiple textures, with both a smooth pate and a chunkier stew with bits of meat and vegetables in gravy, says Kate Basedow '13, a licensed veterinary technician. Some dogs greatly prefer one texture over the other.

Wet foods are especially beneficial for dogs with kidney disease or urinary issues, and for dogs with a tendency to become constipated on dry food. The downside to canned food is that the increased water content makes it less calorie-dense, meaning that large dogs need a lot of it, says Basedow.

Some dogs might need as much as five 12-ounce cans a day to meet their calorie needs. You can offset the increased cost by mixing canned and dry prescription food using the dry food for the calories and the canned food for increased palatability.

Flavors

In many prescription diets, you have at least two choices in flavors, such as chicken or lamb. We dont need to tell you to try the other.

But you may not realize that the chicken dry and the chicken wet may taste just different enough that your dog accepts one of them. If they need canned but wont eat it, you can always add water to soften the kibble.

Add water and heat it up

To increase the natural aroma of the food and tempt your dog to eat, add some water and let it soak in. Hot or warm water is even better, or you can pop the moistened kibbles in the microwave for a few seconds to warm it up and bring out the scent even more, says Basedow.

Canned food can also be warmed up in the microwave or mixed with some extra water for increased scent. Test food with your finger to make sure it isnt too hot for your dogs delicate tongue.

Make mealtimes fun

Our dogs love to work with us, and melding mealtime with playtime or training time can make you dog more enthusiastic about eating.

Working for their food increases its value, says Basedow. If you act like the prescription food is something special that your dog has to earn, they will be more interested and get into it. Start by asking them to sit or do an easy trick, then make a big deal of praising him and offer a single kibble as a reward. Do this a couple times, then start increasing the amount of kibbles each time. Often once they have eaten a couple mouthfuls, their appetite is stimulated, and they will then finish the bowl.

For canned food, you can offer a little bit of food on a spoon as the reward.

Puzzle toys are another option that some dogs love. Food that is hidden in a funky contraption must be tasty, right? Pour kibble into a rolling ball or stuff a hollow toy with canned food and let the games begin.

Don't give up

If none of these options work, ask your veterinarian to help you formulate a home-cooked diet for your dog or see if they can recommend a veterinary nutritionist who can do that.

In addition, your veterinarian may prescribe an appetite stimulant like capromorelin oral solution (Entyce) to trigger your dogs appetite. These medications are intended for short-term use but can be very effective for jump-starting your dogs recovery.

This article has been reprinted with permission from the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicines DogWatch newsletter, published by Belvoir Media Group. When you become a member of the Riney Canine Health Center, you will receive a free subscription to DogWatch.

Best Dog Food For Arthritis And Joint Health

Many dog breeds are at risk for developing arthritis and other joint problems during their lifetime. Most at risk are large-sized dog breeds, but some small breeds are also affected by degenerative joint diseases. If youre worried about your pups joint health and are wondering if your pups dog food can help, yes, it certainly can!

Ive researched hundreds of dog food brands and formulas (and tested many over the years with my own pup). So, I have some carefully selected recommendations for the best dog food you can give your pup to address current and potential joint health. However, sometimes dog food alone wont give your pup what he needs, so I also give you advice on how to supplement your pups diet to further boost his joint health.

Note:All of the dog foods weve included in our reviews meet or exceed Association of American Feed Control Officials(AAFCO) nutritional guidelines, are made in the U.S., and contain no by-products, preservatives, or artificial ingredients (except for the prescription food).

Diet Considerations For Joint Health

Theres no one-size-fits-all diet for joint health and arthritis. According to Canine Arthritis Resources and Education (CARE), the most important things to keep in mind are: dont overfeed your pup and choose a diet thats nutritionally complete and balanced. However, some other dietary factors certainly come into play.

• One of the biggest risk factors that contributes to and exacerbates joint problems in dogs is excessive weight. If your pup is overweight, you may want to talk to your vet about a weight loss plan. This could include putting him on a special dog food for weight loss, a regular exercise routine, and more.
• Choose a high-quality, all-natural dog food. Avoid food with fillers, artificial ingredients, and preservatives, as many of these can contribute to weight gain.
• Look for dog food thats fortified with joint-friendly ingredients, such as omega-3 fatty acids (found in real fish, fish oil, flaxseed, and chia seeds), taurine, glucosamine, chondroitin, and green-lipped mussels. These ingredients help support healthy joints and manage inflammation.
• In addition to these ingredients, other anti-inflammatory foods to look out for include green leafy veggies, such as broccoli, spinach, and kale, and other antioxidant-rich foods like blueberries, carrots, and sweet potatoes.
• For large breeds, which are at a higher risk of arthritis and other joint issues, its particularly important to feed them puppy food specifically formulated for large breeds. Researchhas shown that too much calcium can make larger dogs grow faster than their bones can keep up with, which results in abnormal skeletal development and orthopedic problems.
• Several of the dog foods we often recommend are grain-free. While the FDA has not found a significant link between grain-free dog food and cardio health, it is wise to talk with your vet before switching your dogs diet. You might also consider using a fresh, grain-free food as a topper on grain-inclusive kibble to add more nutrients.

Best Dog Food For Joint Health (All Life Stages)

Many pet experts, including CARE, believe that gently cooked, fresh dog food formulated by pet nutritionists is the ideal diet for dogs with or without joint problems. Here are our two favorite fresh dog food brands that meet and exceed a complete and balanced diet.

The Farmers Dog Review

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The Farmers Dog offersfresh,human-grademeals using all-natural limited ingredients. All four recipes (beef, chicken, pork, and turkey) are rich in omega fatty acids from salmon oil and are also fortified with taurine. The chicken recipe also includes chia seeds for an even greater omega boost. Recipes feature high-quality animal protein, superfood vegetables, and fiber-rich foods.

The Farmers Dog gently cooks these whole-food ingredients to preserve nutrients and freshness. They also personalize your dogs meals for his age, weight, activity level, and other factors. Another plus, they pre-portion meals for convenient feeding. The potential downsides? All recipes are grain-free. Also, the Farmers Dog requires a subscription, but you can change recipes or cancel at any time.

Price

Our readers have access to50% off your first box.No code is needed;just usethis linkand the discount will be applied! You can also visit ourdedicated The Farmers Dog coupons page.

Ollie Review

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If youre looking for grain-inclusive fresh dog chow, Ollie is an excellent choice. Ollie is similar to The Farmers Dog in that it uses onlyhuman-grade, whole-food ingredientscarefully chosen by animal nutritionists for optimal health. Ollie alsopersonalizes your pups foodbased on his profile so its suitable for all life stages.

All five fresh recipes (beef, chicken, lamb, pork, and turkey) are fortified with salmon oil and taurine for joint health. They feature premium meats, antioxidant-rich vegetables and fruits, and easy-to-digest grains (the beef recipe is grain-free). Ollie also carries two high-quality dry formulas you can mix with fresh food to save a bit of money.

Price

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In-Depth Ollie Review

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full review of Ollie

for more details about all of their fresh and baked formulas and three subscription plans.

Best Adult Dog Food For Arthritis And Joint Health

Fresh dog food is expensive, so we want to give you some more options that may be a better fit for your budget. These are all adult dog food formulas.

Orijen Original Grain-Free Dry Dog Food Review

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Orijens philosophy is that our canines should eat food as nature intended. With this in mind, Orijens formulas include up to 85% animal ingredients. Chicken, turkey, and salmon start off this grain-free recipe, which also features organ meats, eggs, chickpeas, and lentils. Such superfoods as collard greens, pumpkin, kelp, cranberries, and butternut squash provide your pup with plenty of natural anti-inflammatory antioxidants for joint health.

This high-protein formula is packed with omega fatty acids (including DHA and EPA), glucosamine, and chondroitin to help maintain healthy joints. Its also fortified with prebiotics and probiotics for gut and immune health. If youre not a fan of grain-free chow, Orijens recipes are also available in grain-inclusive formulas.

Price

Spot & Tango Unkibble Cod & Salmon Review

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Not a fan of kibble or dont have enough fridge or freezer room for fresh meals? Spot & Tangos Unkibble could be your ideal solution. This shelf-stable, human-grade dog food is made frompremium whole-food ingredients that aredehydratedunder low temperatures to preserve nutrients. For joint health,we recommend the grain-free Cod and Salmon recipe, which is packed with such joint-friendly superfoods as real fish, flaxseed, sweet potatoes, carrots, kelp, spinach, strawberries, and more.

Spot & Tango also offers two other Unkibble formulas as well as fresh-frozen dog food. All recipes were developed by a certified vet nutritionist. Most customers rave about Unkibble, saying it has helped improve their dogs mobility, energy levels, skin and coat health, digestive issues, and more.

Price

• Unkibble plans start at $1/day
• Fresh plans start at $2/day
• Free shipping
• View all options

Looking for a Spot & Tango promo code? Visit ourdedicatedSpot & Tango coupon pageto check out the latest offer and save.

Blue Buffalo True Solutions Jolly Joints Mobility Support Review

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Popular dog food brand Blue Buffalo offers this special formula designed specifically for joint health. Its rich in glucosamine, chondroitin, taurine, and omegas from fish oil to help support healthy hips and joints. This recipe features chicken as the first ingredient, followed by easy-to-digest grains and nutrient-dense fruits and veggies, including sweet potatoes, carrots, blueberries, cranberries, and kelp.

It also includes prebiotics and probiotics for gut and immune health. Finally, this formula is fortified with Blue Buffalos LifeSource Bits, a special blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that are cold-pressed to preserve their potency.

Price

JustFoodForDogs Joint and Skin Support Review

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JustFoodForDogs (JFFD) crafts all of its human-grade dog food recipes based on scientific research, using carefully selected ingredients to address a host of health issues. This recipe, specifically formulated for joint and skin support, features vitamin and mineral-rich pork loin as the first ingredient. Other ingredients, like quinoa, kale, carrots, and Fuji apples, are loaded with amino acids, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory nutrients to help ease joint pain and improve your pups mobility.

Premium Icelandic fish oil provides omega-3 fatty acids in highly biologically available forms of EPA and DHA, and additional essential vitamins and minerals round out this super-healthy wet dog food. Although its pricey, this food is shelf-stable for two years, making it an excellent alternative to fresh food. However, if you have fridge and freezer space, JFFD also offers this recipe in a fresh formula.

Price

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In-Depth JustFoodForDogs Review

Our

full review of JustFoodForDogs

gives you more details about all of their recipes ingredients, food safety practices, and more.

Best Senior Dog Food For Arthritis And Joint Health

Many dogs dont show signs of arthritis until their senior years. Various breeds hit their senior years at different ages based on their overall lifespan. In many cases, you should look for a senior dog good at around seven years of age. These formulas have ingredients that can help your pup if hes showing signs of limited mobility.

Open Farm Senior Grain-Free Review

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Open Farm is one of ourtop-choice brands due to its superior ethical and sustainable practices(on top of quality food ingredients and strict food safety practices).Thisgrain-free senior formula includes turkey and chicken as the first two ingredients. Both are excellent sources of glucosamine and chondroitin. Its also fortified with New Zealand green-lipped mussels, which have been shown in research to reduce pain and improve mobility in arthritic dogs. It also contains joint-friendly taurine, turmeric, and omega fatty acids from salmon oil and flaxseed.

We love that this recipe includes such superfoods as sweet potatoes, carrots, pumpkin, cranberries, and raspberries. All of Open Farms pet food recipes are formulated by a team of animal nutrition experts. While their dog food is pricey, we think their many formulas are among your best choices for commercial kibble.

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In-Depth Open Farm Review

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Wellness Complete Health Senior Review

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If you prefer grain-inclusive dog chow, this Wellness Complete Health Senior formula could be a fantastic option for your arthritic older pup. It features chicken, easily digestible grains, such as oatmeal and barley, and antioxidant-rich carrots, spinach, blueberries, and sweet potatoes.

This formula is fortified with plenty of omega fatty acids, glucosamine, chondroitin, and taurine to help relieve joint inflammation and improve mobility. To top off all of these joint-friendly ingredients, its also fortified with prebiotics and probiotics. These help support gut and immune health, two major needs for senior pups.

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Nulo Freestyle Senior Grain-Free Trout & Sweet Potato Review

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This premium grain-free kibble features deboned trout, turkey meal, and salmon meal as the first three ingredients all are excellent for joint health. Sweet potatoes, carrots, blueberries, and apples offer powerful antioxidants to help with inflamed joints. Its also fortified with high levels of glucosamine and chondroitin.

This formula is also a fantastic option for weight control at 396 calories per cup. Also beneficial for older, less active dogs is the addition of L-carnitine, an amino acid derivative that helps the body better metabolize fats.

Price

Best Prescription Dog Food For Joint Problems

For advanced or severe cases of arthritis, your vet may recommend a prescription dog food.

Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Adult Advanced Mobility Support Review

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Royal Canins Advanced Mobility Support is a popular choice for many vets. Scientifically designed by pet nutritionists, this formula supports joint cartilage health with carefully selected nutrients, including collagen. It provides a blend of antioxidants supplemented with long-chain omega-3 fatty acids. Lower calories also help with weight maintenance. Many pup parents call this food a game-changer for improving their dogs mobility. It does require approval from your vet.

Price

• Starting at $48.99 (8.8-lb bag)

Should I Consider Supplements?

In addition to feeding your pup healthy, high-quality dog food, you may want to consider adding a daily joint supplement to your furry friends diet. Thebest dog joint supplementsand arthritis supplements for dogs may help reduce the symptoms and severity of joint problems. As with all supplements, you should first get your vets approval.

What Breeds Are At A Higher Risk For Arthritis & Other Joint Issues?

Experts estimate that arthritis affects 80% of dogs over the age of eight years old and up to 35% of dogs of all ages. While any breed can develop arthritis, particularly those who are chronically overweight, some breeds are more prone to arthritis due to genetics. Some of these popular breeds include:

1. Boxers
2. Bulldogs
3. Daschunds
4. German Shepherds
5. Golden Retrievers
6. Great Danes
7. Labrador Retrievers
8. Pugs
9. Rottweilers
10. Saint Bernards

How Can Pet Insurance Help?

Arthritis is a chronic, degenerative disease that may require expensive veterinary treatment for years. If your pup is at a higher risk for developing arthritis, you may want to consider signing up for pet insurance before symptoms appear (otherwise, its considered a pre-existing condition and wont be covered). Pet insurance is one of the best things you can do for your dog not only for the health of your pup but to save you from financial trouble should any illnesses, accidents, or pet emergencies arise.

Our Methodology

We analyze hundreds of dog food brands and individual formulas to provide our recommendations for the best nutrition. Each of the following elements helps us determine the best dog food for any dietary need. Our in-depth research includes:

• Scrutinizing all ingredients included in every formula
• Having firsthand experience with our dogs for many of the foods we recommend
• Assessing the guaranteed analysis for every formula, including protein, fat, fiber, and caloric content
• Investigating the latest scientific studies on dogs nutritional needs and benefits of ingredients
• Researching the specific dietary needs for breed sizes and health conditions
• Reading hundreds of customer reviews
• Staying informed on every dog food recall
• Diving into every pet food brands history and reputation
• Keeping on top of pet food trends

Unlike many other review sites, we give unbiased reviews based on countless hours of research. Our goal is to provide our readers with the healthiest options for their pups.

Why Trust Canine Journal?

Sally has researched and reviewed hundreds of different dog food brands and specific formulas. Shes an expert at analyzing dog food ingredients based on current nutritional guidelines and scientific studies for the healthiest food for our pups. Shes part of a team of dog specialists at Canine Journal who have over a decade of experience in researching, testing, and writing about everything you need to know to keep your pup healthy and happy.

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