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  • Joint health nutrition for dogs and cats | Animal Wellness Magazine

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    Support your dog or cat’s joint health with anti-inflammatory foods and easy recipes that help ease arthritis and improve mobility.

    Many companion animals experience joint problems such as arthritis, especially as they age. Feeding them a joint-supportive diet helps alleviate discomfort and improve mobility. Let’s look at joint health nutrition for dogs and cats, along with recipes you can share with your beloved companion 

    10 joint-healthy foods for dogs and cats

         1.Cold water fish: Salmon, sardines, trout and mackerel are good sources of inflammation-fighting Omega-3 fatty acids.

         2.Green leafy vegetables: Kale, Swiss chard, spinach and Bok choy are packed with antioxidants like vitamins A, C and K. These nutrients protect cells from free radical damage. Leafy green veggies also include bone-preserving calcium. 

         3. Cruciferous vegetables: Broccoli, Brussels sprouts and cauliflower contain a natural compound known as sulforaphane. Research shows that sulforaphane helps block the inflammatory process. It might even slow cartilage damage in osteoarthritis. 

    Some evidence suggests cruciferous vegetable-rich diets may help prevent the development of RA.

         4. Carrots: These colorful root vegetables are rich in vitamin A and beta-carotene, helping to fight inflammation.

         5. Apple cider vinegar: Adding apple cider vinegar to bone broth recipes releases calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, silicon, and sulphate into the broth. It also releases other trace minerals and amino acids.

         6. Parsley: This versatile herb contains vitamin C, pro-vitamin A, calcium, chlorophyll, iron, and magnesium. It also contains an essential oil called eugenol, which has anti-arthritic and anti-inflammatory properties. It improves digestion and supports kidney and urinary tract health. 

          7. Chaga mushrooms: These make a healthful addition to bone broth along with other mushrooms. Chaga contains 215 phytochemicals and 29 polysaccharide derivatives. These mushrooms also offer beta-D-glucans, polyphenols, superoxide dismutase, micronutrients and more.

    Chaga mushrooms uniquely boost the immune system or slow it down, depending on the body’s needs. This makes it great for dogs or              cats with arthritis or allergies. 

    8. Turmeric: Sprinkled on any dish, this flavorful spice is a powerful anti-inflammatory, benefiting a variety of arthritic conditions. Turmeric’s combined anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties help provide relief from the pain of arthritis and other joint issues.  

         9. First pressed/extra virgin olive oil: Researchers have studied this oil for its protective benefits, including against arthritis. Olive oil contains about 30 natural compounds, including polyphenol and oleocanthal, with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

    Studies show that the phytochemicals found in olive oil inhibit the production arachidonic acid, which contributes to inflammation.  

         10. Camelina oil: Similar to almond oil in texture and flavor, camelina oils is an excellent source of phytosterols, including campesterol, which helps prevent the inflammation that can result from cartilage damage. It’s a rich source of Omega-3 essential fatty acids and supports healthy skin and coat.

    Camelina oil has a high smoke point of 475°F, making it a great alternative for baking. It lasts a long time and resists rancidity, due in large part to its high levels of vitamin E.

    Joint health nutrition for dogs and cats is as easy as incorporating these foods into the recipes that follow!

    Recipes 

    These fabulous recipes are a great way to use nutrition to support joint health in your dog or cat!

    Fabulous Fish Cakes 

    Ingredients

    2 pounds ground salmon* or white fish

    3 whole eggs

    2 carrots

    2 teaspoons sea salt (optional)

    4 tablespoons oatmeal

    ¼ cup cold pressed oil, e.g., olive oil or camelina oil

    ¾ cup filtered water, or you can use fish or vegetable stock to replace some or all the filtered water

    Instructions

    Preheat oven to 350°F. Combine all ingredients, except the fish, in a food processor or blender. Turn out into a large mixing bowl. Add fish and combine thoroughly.

    Line cookie sheets with parchment paper and lightly grease with cold pressed oil. You can make different-sized patties for your dog or cat. Ice cream and melon scoops work well, and a fork is perfect for flattening the fish cakes before popping them into the oven.

    Bake for approximately 1 hour. Remove from the oven and cool completely. Garnish with fresh parsley, or with fresh oat, barley or rye grasses.

    Note: Do not feed raw salmon to your dog; it can contain flukes that cause poisoning.

    Poached Fish

    Poach fish easily by following these steps:

    • Use a pan that’s large enough to lay each piece of fish down flat. 
    • Add enough liquid, such as filtered water or sodium-free broth, to just cover the fish.
    • Bring to a simmer. If you see big bubbles coming up from the bottom of the pan, it’s too hot. The ideal temperature for poaching fish is between 165°F and 180°F.

    Magic Mash

    You can prepare this recipe as a raw or cooked meal topper or side dish. Try to use organic ingredients whenever possible.

    Ingredients for raw mash 

    4 to 6 cups brightly-colored fruits and vegetables, broccoli, carrots, and greens

    ½ cup filtered water

    Cold pressed oil of your choice 

    Instructions 

    Simply whirl all the ingredients in a food processor. Drizzle with cold pressed oil before serving.

    Ingredients for cooked mash

    4 to 6 cups brightly-colored fruits and vegetables

    2 tablespoons first pressed extra virgin olive oil

    1 teaspoon sea salt

    Instructions

    Chop the vegetables by hand or use a food processor. Transfer to a medium-sized saucepan, add olive oil and salt. Turn stove on high until bubbles begin to form. Turn the heat down to simmer. Gently cook the mash for 15 minutes.  

    Cool, then serve with sardines packed in spring water, or another cold-water fish such as salmon, tuna, cod, or haddock.

    Kale Krisps

    This is a delicious dish the whole family can enjoy, and you and your pets can reap so many health benefits too.  Again, try to use organic ingredients whenever possible.

    Ingredients

    1 bunch kale or large leafed spring greens

    1 tablespoon first pressed extra virgin olive oil

    1 teaspoon sea salt

    1 tablespoon hemp hearts (optional)

    A sprinkle of turmeric

    Instructions

    Preheat oven to 350°F. Line cookie sheet with parchment paper. Remove the leaves from the thick outer stems of the kale. Cut or tear the leaves into bite-sized pieces. Wash the leaves with filtered water, then dry them in a salad spinner. Or pat them dry with paper towels or a tea towel. 

    Spread the bite-sized pieces of kale on the cookie sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle with sea salt, hemp hearts, and turmeric. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, until the edges of the leaves are turning golden in color.  

    Remove from oven, cool, and enjoy! Store Kale Krisps in an open container. If they lose their crunch, simply pop them back in a pre-heated oven for a few minutes.

    Simple Bone Broth

    An article about using nutrition to support joint health in dogs and cats wouldn’t be complete without bone broth. It’s a powerhouse of nutrients, including protein, calcium, phosphorus, potassium and amino acids. 

    Bone broth is also rich in collagen, keratin, gelatin, chondroitin sulfate, glucosamine and hyaluronic acid. Bone marrow broths contain stem cells too. 

    Giving your dog or cat a daily dose of bone broth is a great way to supplement gelatin and help with joint health. Use certified organic bones for the best nutritional value.

    Ingredients

    1 to 2 pounds of chicken or turkey bones or 2 large beef marrow bones or other bones containing marrow

    1 cup mushrooms (e.g. Shiitake, Turkey Tail, Maitake, or a combination)

    1 tablespoon organic apple cider vinegar (contains the “mother”) or 1/2 lemon

    Filtered water

    Handful of fresh parsley

    Instructions 

    Place the bones and vinegar in a large soup pot, Crock Pot or Instant Pot. Cover with filtered water and bring mixture to a boil. Skim the “particulates” that rise to the top. Then turn the heat down to a simmer. Add mushrooms.  

    Leave the bones to simmer away all day or night. Add the parsley just a few minutes before you move to the next step. Then drain the broth from the bones. Discard the bones but keep all the meat and cartilage.  

    Store bone broth in glass jars in the fridge for up to one week. You can also freeze it in containers or ice cube trays for up to six months.  


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    Dr. Suzi Beber, Honoris causa

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  • How to improve senior dog mobility | Animal Wellness Magazine

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    Help your senior dog stay active and comfortable with six ways to improve her mobility. Explore everything from weight management to pain control and more.

    Dogs slow down as they age, just like us. But age itself isn’t a disease — it’s just a life stage. The good news? There’s a lot we can do to help our senior dogs stay mobile, comfortable, and happy. Here are six effective ways to improve senior dog mobility. 

    1. Manage your dog’s weight

    If you do only one thing to support your senior dog, make it this: help her stay lean. In a landmark study, dogs at a healthy weight developed arthritis three years later than their overweight littermates. They also lived an average of two years longer. That’s powerful incentive!

    Best of all? You can start today:

    • Get your dog’s current weight at the vet’s office or a local pet store.
    • Track everything she eats for five to seven days, including treats and table scraps.
    • Measure her food precisely, using a kitchen scale or measuring cup.
    • Estimate your dog’s daily calorie needs using the Pet Nutrition Alliance calculator.
    • Swap high-calorie treats for green beans, carrots, or air-popped popcorn.
    • Talk to your vet about your senior dog’s goal weight, possible underlying issues, and diet options.
    • Add gentle exercise such as short leash walks or light play.

    Weight management is a low-cost high-impact way to improve senior dog mobility. It’s often the single most effective thing you can do.

    1. Adapt the home environment to your dog’s needs

    Make your dog’s environment safer and easier to navigate. Simple changes can make a big difference:

    • Add traction by placing yoga mats or non-slip rugs over slick floors. Focus on frequently-used areas like paths in and out of the house, or around food bowls.
    • Use ramps or pet stairs so your dog can more easily access beds, couches, or the car.
    • Elevate food and water bowls to reduce strain on her neck and back.
    • Provide orthopedic beds in draft-free areas — ideally on each floor.
    • Block off stairs with baby gates if your dog struggles with them.
    • Try mobility harnesses to support your dog and lower the risk of straining your back.

    These changes reduce injury risk and help your dog conserve energy for movement.

    1. Give her joint-friendly supplements

    Supplements can help protect an older dog’s joints, reduce inflammation, and improve comfort. While not miracle cures, they can be helpful, especially when you use them consistently alongside other care. Evidence-backed options include:

    • Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA/DHA): Reduce inflammation and support joint health; marine sources like fish oil are best.
    • Glucosamine and chondroitin: Building blocks for cartilage; helpful with long-term use.
    • Green-lipped mussel: Contains beneficial Omega-3s and joint compounds; supported by clinical trials.
    • Undenatured type II collagen (UC-II): A promising newer supplement with anti-inflammatory effects.

    Consult your vet for proper dosing and high-quality products. 

    1. Factor in pain management

    Does your older dog hesitate on stairs, struggle to rise, or slow down on walks? Pain may be the cause, even if she doesn’t vocalize it. Dogs often mask discomfort, but these subtle signs are telling.

    Pain relief can improve not just quality of life, but also mobility and mood. Talk to your veterinarian about these conventional and alternative therapies:

    • NSAIDs: Often the first-line treatment for arthritis.
    • Gabapentin or amantadine: Helpful for nerve pain or chronic discomfort.
    • Injectable therapies: Include joint lubricants, anti-inflammatory injections, or regenerative treatments like PRP or stem cells.

    1. Explore integrative therapies

    Complementary therapies can work well alongside conventional care. Many dogs respond beautifully when these techniques are applied consistently by trained professionals.

    • Acupuncture: Reduces inflammation and chronic pain; many dogs visibly relax during sessions.
    • Chiropractic: May relieve nerve compression and improve gait.
    • Massage therapy: Helps release muscle tension and support lymphatic drainage.
    • Laser therapy: A non-invasive tool to reduce inflammation and promote healing.

    Ask your veterinarian for recommendations on local professionals trained in these therapies. 

    1. Consider physical rehabilitation

    Dogs benefit from physical therapy much as people do. A certified canine rehabilitation therapist can create a tailored plan based on your dog’s individual needs, abilities, and comfort level. Physical rehab may include the following: 

    • Safe strengthening exercises: Therapeutic movements such as controlled walking over poles, sit-to-stand exercises, gentle incline walking, or balancing on wobble boards help your dog build muscle safely. 

    Always introduce these gradually and with professional guidance to avoid overexertion or injury. Even a few minutes a day can make a noticeable difference in strength and stamina.

    • Passive range-of-motion exercises: Gently moving the joints through their normal motion helps maintain flexibility and joint health.
    • Stretching and myofascial release: These hands-on techniques target tight fascia and muscles to improve posture, comfort, and ease of movement.
    • Hydrotherapy: Swimming or walking on an underwater treadmill offers a low-impact way to build strength and endurance while protecting the joints.

    These therapies are especially valuable for dogs recovering from surgery or dealing with arthritis. They’re also helpful for neurological issues or general age-related weakness.

    One step at a time

    Supporting your senior dog’s mobility doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start with the basics: manage weight and improve the home environment. From there, layer in supplements, pain control, and integrative therapies as needed.

    Every dog is different, but with consistent care, most can enjoy their golden years with comfort, dignity, and joy.

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    Add traction by placing yoga mats or non-slip rugs over slick floors.

    Swap high-calorie treats for green beans, carrots, or air-popped popcorn.


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    Cheryl Cross, DVM, CVA, CCRP

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