The 7 Best Anti-Inflammatory Dog Foods! (2024)

What is inflammation?

Inflammation in dogs is a complex biological response of the dog’s body tissues to harmful stimuli, such as pathogens, damaged cells, or irritants. It occurs when plasma and white blood cells are drawn to a part of the body to fight infection, remove dead cells, and initiate tissue repair. In addition, your pup’s chronic inflammation may be due to an underlying health condition or dietary issues.

Finding a diet rich in anti-inflammatory ingredients is vital for helping your pup feel better. Look for foods high in omega-3 fatty acids and other essential nutrients like Vitamin E, selenium, zinc, and B vitamins. 

Omega-3 fatty acids help reduce inflammation, while other nutrients support overall health. Additionally, look for foods free of common allergens like wheat, corn, and soy which can cause inflammation in some dogs. 

The benefits of feeding superior dog food formulas with safer ingredients and fewer toxins include improved immune system functions, enhanced digestion and absorption of nutrients, better skin and coat health, increased energy levels, decreased gas and digestive upset, fewer allergies, fewer ear infections, and more. 

Difference between inflammation and chronic inflammation in dogs

Inflammation is the body’s natural response to injury or infection. It is characterized by redness, swelling, pain, and heat. This type of inflammation lasts for a few hours or days and helps the body heal itself. Chronic inflammation, on the other hand, can last for months or even years. 

It is usually caused by an underlying health condition such as arthritis, allergies, or cancer. This inflammation can be painful and lead to long-term damage if not treated properly. In addition, pet parents need to recognize the symptoms of chronic inflammation to get their dog the treatment it needs. 

Symptoms may include a loss of appetite, weight loss, lethargy, red and swollen joints, lameness, or difficulty walking. If you notice any of these symptoms in your dog, contact your veterinarian for an evaluation as soon as possible. 

With the right treatment plan, chronic inflammation can be managed and prevented from causing long-term damage. Remember to take out pet insurance to cover any treatment needed during puppyhood before your pet has health issues.

Raw frozen pet food

This is minimally processed and is always a good option for dogs suffering from inflammation. Raw, frozen dog food retains moisture because it’s minimally processed and does not need any heat application that can destroy the benefits of vital nutrients and minerals. Heating proteins can also change them and allow for them to be allergenic and create toxins.

Some inflammatory conditions in dogs include the following:

Arthritis: Arthritis is one of the most common inflammatory conditions that affect dogs and can cause pain and discomfort. An anti-inflammatory diet rich in Omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce inflammation and associated pain. 

In osteoarthritis, inflammation may occur in response to damage to the cartilage in the joint; an anti-inflammatory diet can help promote healthy joint function. Other causes include infections, age, obesity, joint fractures or dislocations, and autoimmune disorders. These involve inflammation together with loss of joint fluid. To keep joints healthy, opt for omega-3 fatty acids to enhance joint fluid quality and chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine for cartilage protection.

Allergies: Allergens such as food, pollen, and dander can cause inflammation in dogs. An anti-inflammatory diet rich in Omega-3 fatty acids helps reduce inflammation associated with allergies. Additionally, it is important to avoid common allergens such as wheat, corn, and soy.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Inflammatory bowel disease is an immune-mediated disorder that can cause chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. 

An anti-inflammatory diet helps reduce inflammation associated with IBD, promoting a healthier digestive system. Additionally, it is important to work with your veterinarian to determine the best treatment plan for your pup.

Steatitis is characterized by inflammation of the body’s fatty tissue, most commonly of the liver. It looks like lumps under the skin. “This is a painful inflammatory condition of adipose tissue, that may result from excessive intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids or ingestion of rancid fat,” explains a study published in Science Direct. “Although this condition is uncommon, it may occur if the antioxidant activity of the food is not adequate if the food is fed beyond the effective time of included antioxidants.”

It can also affect other organs, such as the kidneys and pancreas. Symptoms of steatitis may include abdominal pain, jaundice, dark urine, weight loss, nausea, and vomiting. Treatment of steatitis often involves dietary changes and medications to reduce inflammation.

Diets for longevity and wellness

Dr. Gerald Buchoff, DVM, has served as the president of (AHVMA) the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association, and the Northern New Jersey Veterinary Medical Association. He has practiced traditional and integrative veterinary medicine for over 35 years and recommends feeding dogs a diet that avoids grain, soy, chemicals, dairy, or cooking. He advises that diets include approximately 75% raw meat, steamed vegetables, and supplements. 

Dr. Buchoff validates research on “grain-free” diets and DCM but adds that pets don’t need grains or starchy carbohydrates, and they should not consume them. “High carbohydrate diets lead to obesity and metabolic and autoimmune diseases like diabetes, arthritis, allergies, and cancer.”

“Raw, unadulterated food offers good beneficial bacteria and digestive enzymes that are a very important part not only of the pet’s nutrition but of their overall immune system. Your pet’s food should also include not only the meat of the animal but tissues from many or all animal organs. 

From the science of glandular therapy, consuming organ meats offer healing to the whole body of the pet,” explains Dr. Buchoff via PetsPlus Mag. He also recommends green tripe for probiotics and garlic for immune system support to truly maximize their wellness potential. These functional ingredients can also help to protect the body from bacterial, fungal, and viral infections.

The 75% protein can include meats from raw chicken, beef, turkey, lamb, or fish, of which 25% should be made up of natural organ meats such as kidneys, heart, liver, spleen, stomach, glands, and intestines. He adds that the remaining 25% portion should be for “carbohydrate vegetables” like sweet potatoes and squash. 

The other half should include kale, carrots, spinach, cauliflower, collard greens, bok choy, broccoli, and cabbage. He also recommends an organic calcium supplement, a whole food vitamin-mineral phytonutrient supplement mixture, and an aloe vera concentrate. Dr. Buchoff adds that hygiene will reduce the risk of salmonella. 

Benefits of superfoods

Phytochemicals, also known as superfoods, are beneficial for dogs because the dark green colors of kale, broccoli, and other veggies are rich in compounds like glucosinolates and sulforaphane. Both help cells “clean up” and remove carcinogenic substances. Adding a bit of green and fruits to your pup’s feed can help reduce inflammation and cancer risk. Try adding asparagus bits and even broccoli with their stems.

Consider cell health

When choosing dog food diets for inflammation, evaluate all the ingredients in your dog food in terms of proteins, minerals, and phytochemicals. Look at what your dog food formula offers and how it can help keep cells healthy and prolong life.

Vitamins and minerals help cells do their job, reducing inflammation throughout the body and allowing your pup to live a long and healthy life.

Routine veterinary examinations

If you’re parenting a senior pup, ensure yearly blood panels to monitor your pet’s health. Yearly checks help prevent health issues from becoming serious problems. You should also bring your pet in for regular examinations. 

Your vet will check their eyes, ears, nose, teeth, and overall health to ensure they are healthy and happy. Additionally, vaccinations should be kept up-to-date according to the recommended schedule for your pet’s age and lifestyle. 

Finally, ensure your pet receives parasite-prevention medication, as this can help reduce the likelihood of flea, tick, and heartworm infestations. Regular examinations with your vet are a great way to ensure that your pet remains in optimal health throughout their lifetime.