Food for Dog with Arthritis

[more adventurous]

Hi, I'm an occasional lurker here, but hoping you guys can help me out. We've recently discovered that our older dog (13 YO Husky/German Shepherd Mix) has developed arthritis. We've started giving her Dasuqiun chews based on the recommendation of our vet, and last time I went to pick them up the tech gave us a sample of Science Diet Metabolic + Mobility, saying that it's helped her dog greatly. I did a little research and quickly realized that although this has some good supplements in it, it also has a bunch of crap (like corn). 

So, I started researching what the best diet would be for arthritis and quickly fell down the rabbit hole. It seems like there's conflicting research on whether or not cutting out grains and plants from the nightshade family (potatoes, tomatoes, etc.) actually helps or not. Can anyone speak from experience on what has helped their pup? I'm just wondering, should I try simply grain-free, or go full out and be sure to exclude potatoes, too? I would ask our vet but I don't think they'll be much help since they're recommending Science Diet.

Right now, she's on Nutro Adult Lite (Chicken, Whole Brown Rice & Oatmeal). I'm considering switching her to Orijen Senior and maybe adding in extra fish oil (although maybe that isn't necessary since it already has fish in it). It's about double what we're paying now, which isn't a problem...I just want to be sure that it will actually make a difference.

Any insight is appreciated! 

[mmp]

Acana is a good line of grain free, made by Orijen. Orijen is more for working dogs that need all the protein for fuel.
Try some SeaPet with Vitamin e. It has to have the vitamin e to absorb.

Hyaluronic acid is also supposed to help, as well as tumeric..

[more adventurous]

May 14, 2015 18:56:21 GMT -5 mmp said:

Acana is a good line of grain free, made by Orijen. Orijen is more for working dogs that need all the protein for fuel.
Try some SeaPet with Vitamin e. It has to have the vitamin e to absorb.

Hyaluronic acid is also supposed to help, as well as tumeric..

Hm...where do you get that Orijen is more for working dogs? Do you mean just because it has more protein? The formula that I'm looking at is specifically made for seniors, so that seems odd. I was hoping for a senior-specific formula since our pups are both older and less active, but maybe we would be ok just giving them less of the Acana? I just want to be sure they aren't getting too many carbs. 

Thanks for the tips on the supplements. 

[mmp]

Acana has a grain free line. Same company as Orijen, but not as high protein. It falls in the 30s% range, not the 40s like Orijen.
Both are top notch foods. I also like Fromm and Wellness CORE.

I worked with a nutritionist when my older German shepherd was sick. Before he was sick, I had him on Orijen. I was having it shipped from Canada before it was available here. It's a great food.
The owner of the pet store I started buying the Orijen from told me to switch to Acana bc of my dog's activity level. He was actually pretty active, but no where near a working dog. I don't think Orijen was offering a senior formula back them. I don't remember.
He also had HD, but had a hip replacement when he was 2. Try the Seapet w D, some tumeric, and maybe some coconut oil. That's what the nutritionist had my guy on. We also switched from Dasuquin to Glyco flex III.

Springtimeinc.com has quality supplements, but my dog wouldn't eat his food when i tried them.

[mmp]

PS. Acana is less expensive, too

[pooh8402]

I just look for high amounts of glucosamine and chondroitin in the food. First Eukanuba Large Breed, then Blue Buffalo Wilderness Large Breed. They've served my dog well for years, although we'll be switching to Wellness Core after this bag is finished. He has congenital hip displaysia and arthritis, and he's only 8. He's only recently shown signs of increasing severity so we're adding g+c supplements to his routine. His vet has never been worried about my dog's arthritis.

[Deleted]

My mom has an 11 year old husky/lab mix. She's recently developed arthritis as well.  She's now on glucosamine chondroitin supplements (from trader joes) and seems to feel better. Huskies tend to have this issue (and usually at a younger age). She has not switched her regular diet that I'm aware of...im not sure what she feeds her.