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Hip dysplasia in dogs is a genetic condition where the hip joint doesn’t fit into the hip socket properly. This misalignment causes abnormal wear and tear on the joint, leading to pain and arthritis over time.
It can affect any dog of any size at any time, but tends to be more common in larger breeds.
The following video by Dr. Anthony Cambridge tells how to recognize this disorder.
If your dog is suffering from hip dysplasia, regular check-ups with a vet are essential. They can recommend treatments, pain management strategies, and monitor the progression of the condition.
Your vet might prescribe pain relief and anti-inflammatory medications to help manage discomfort and inflammation.
Keeping your dog at a healthy weight is crucial as excess weight puts additional stress on the hips, which can exacerbate the condition. A balanced diet and regular exercise are key.
When selecting a food for your dog with hip dysplasia look for ones which include: high quality protein, glucosamine, chondroitin, omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants such as vitamin E, vitamin C, and selenium, MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane).
To help you, we have produced this list of top rated foods all highly recommended by our team of researchers for dogs with hip dysplasia and joint health generally.
Best Dog Foods for Hip Dysplasia December 2024
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Best Food For Senior Dogs With Hip Problems
Now Fresh Grain-Free Senior Recipe Turkey, Salmon & Duck
We believe this grain-free dry food is the best for senior dogs with hip problems because it contains high levels of protein — from turkey, salmon and duck — to help maintain muscle mass and support tissue repair.
Salmon is also an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA), which have anti-inflammatory properties and can help reduce joint inflammation and pain associated with hip dysplasia.
This formula by Now Fresh is specifically designed for senior dogs and dry matter label analysis reveals it contains 27% protein, 12% fat and 53% estimated carbohydrates, with a fat-to-protein ratio of 46%.
Read our review of the full Now Fresh Dog Food (Dry) range here
Things we like
- Added glucosamine and chondroitin to support healthy hips and joints
- L-carnitine for fat burning
- Minimally processed to retain more nutrients & flavor
Main Ingredients De-boned turkey, peas, potatoes, potato flour, pea fiber Texture Dry Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 27% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Dogs and senior dogs Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"This is the best dog food I've tried in years. Both my dogs like it, and it seems to be meeting their needs. My dogs are older, so the additives help with joint pain. "
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Best Dry Dog Food For Hip Dysplasia: Nulo Freestyle Senior Trout & Sweet Potato
Many of the ingredients in this dry dog food help reduce inflammation in dogs with hip dysplasia; including trout and sweet potatoes.
Nulo’s patented BC30 probiotic aids in digestion and supports a healthy immune system too. It contains proper levels of calcium and phosphorus — minerals that support bone and joint strength, which is important for dogs with hip dysplasia to maintain healthy bones and joint function.
This particular recipe derives the bulk of its protein from trout, a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids. Dry matter label analysis reveals it contains 33% protein, 13% fat and 45x% estimated carbohydrates, with a fat-to-protein ratio of 40%.
Read our review of the full Nulo FreeStyle Dog Food (Dry) range here
Things we like
- Protein-rich to support weakened hips
- Omega 3 & 6 fatty acids
- Glucosamine and chondroitin to aid in hip and joint health
Main Ingredients Deboned trout, turkey meal, salmon meal, yellow peas, sweet potato Texture Dry Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 33% AAFCO Standards All life stages Best For All dogs Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"My 12 year old lab had gained weight and was suffering from achy joints and no longer had desire to take walks. He seemed miserable. His skin was extremely itchy too. I switched to this food and used supplemental salmon oil and I see improvements in all areas. He is more active and happy."
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Best Wet Dog Food for Hip Dysplasia
Just Food for Dogs Pantry Fresh Joint & Skin Support
Made with human-grade ingredients, this Just Food for Dogs Pantry Fresh recipe is designed specifically for joint support. It is free from fillers, artificial preservatives, or additives that could exacerbate inflammation or cause sensitivities, helping to minimize unnecessary strain on joints.
Wet food is often easier to digest than dry kibble, making it ideal for senior dogs or those with compromised digestion. This ensures the dog gets maximum nutritional benefits, which is especially important for supporting joint health.
This particular recipe derives the bulk of its protein from pork and dry matter label analysis reveals it contains 33% protein, 5% fat and 55% estimated carbohydrates, with a fat-to-protein ratio of 15%.
Read our review of the full JustFoodForDogs Pantry Fresh Dog Food range here
Things we like
- Affordable
- Contains Type II Collagen to support healthy joints
- No additives, preservatives or growth hormones
Main Ingredients Pork, quinoa, kale, carrots, apples Texture Wet Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 33% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Dogs and senior dogs Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at justfoodfordogs.com"Easy to keep and the food has helped her joints."
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Best Dog Food For Hips And Joints
Orijen Senior Formula
Orijen Senior is a good choice to keep dogs’ hips and joints healthy. It contains high-quality animal proteins such as chicken and turkey, which support muscle maintenance and overall health.
This formula includes glucosamine and chondroitin and omega 3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for joint health and can help manage symptoms of hip dysplasia.
Orijen Senior is also low in carbohydrates which can help in weight management — maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for managing hip dysplasia.
Dry matter label analysis reveals it contains 43% protein, 21% fat and 28% estimated carbohydrates, with a fat-to-protein ratio of 47%.
Read our review of the full Orijen Dog Food (Dry) range here
Things we like
- High-quality animal protein
- Naturally occurring glucosamine and chondroitin
- Low in fat to help maintain weight
Main Ingredients Chicken, turkey, salmon, whole herring, chicken liver Texture Dry Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 43% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Dogs and Senior Dogs Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"My dog Po has been on this for the past 3 months and I am keeping him on this food until he passes. He absolutely loves this food. I wish Orijen had a couple other proteins for senior dogs but I make sure he gets what he needs. Po is a very buff boy on this food. If you want your senior dog to lose all that fat and have some muscle mass I recommend this food."
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Best Affordable Dog Food for Joint Health
Wellness CORE Grain-Free Senior Deboned Turkey
This food provides good joint support at a more affordable price point compared to some premium brands. It is designed for senior dogs and has a lower calorie content to help manage weight, which can reduce stress on the joints.
Wellness CORE Grain-Free Senior derives the bulk of its protein from turkey, which provides a high-quality source of protein to support muscle maintenance and overall health.
It’s grain-free, which can be beneficial for dogs with food sensitivities or allergies. It also helps in maintaining a healthy weight, which is important for managing joint issues.
Dry matter label analysis reveals this food contains 36% protein, 13% fat and 43% estimated carbohydrates, with a fat-to-protein ratio of 38%.
Read our review of the full Wellness Core Grain Free Dog Food (Dry) range here
Things we like
- Premium affordable brand
- High quality protein
- No meat by-products or fillers, grain, corn, soy, wheat-gluten or artificial preservatives, colors or flavors.
Main Ingredients Deboned turkey, chicken meal (source of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate), lentils, peas, dried ground potatoes Texture Dry Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 36% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Dogs and Senior Dogs Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"He loves feeding time and still gets excited after two years of this food. He has maintained a level weight and seems happy and healthy. I scrutinized the ingredient list and was pleased to find everything that is recommended and nothing that is not. "
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Best Premium Dog Food for Joint Health
Open Farm Grain-Free Turkey & Chicken Senior Recipe
While it may be slightly more expensive, the quality of ingredients in Open Farm Homestead Turkey & Chicken Senior makes it a great choice for joint health, as it contains glucosamine and chondroitin, essential for joint support, helping to maintain cartilage health.
With turkey and chicken as the primary protein sources, this formula supports muscle maintenance, which is crucial for stabilizing and reducing the strain on the joints.
Dry matter label analysis reveals it contains 34% protein, 14% fat and 44% estimated carbohydrates, with a fat-to-protein ratio of 50%.
Read our review of the full Open Farm Gently Cooked Dog Food (Fresh) range here
Things we like
- Contains New Zealand green lipped mussels they contain compounds that may help with joint health, reduce inflammation, and improve mobility
- High quality protein source
- 100% traceable ingredients from certified family farms
Main Ingredients Turkey (source of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate), chicken (source of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate), sweet potato, ocean whitefish meal, peas Texture Dry Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 38% AAFCO Standards All life stages Best For Dogs and senior dogs Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at openfarmpet.com" I have a senior dog that is 10 yrs old and has joint issues. The dog food he was on didn’t have all natural ingredients. Since I have changed him to Open Farm, he is getting the nutrients he needs for his joints and he has even put on weight too. "
More Top Picks
To view more top dog foods by category… click the link below that best meets your personal feeding needs.
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