Nutrition, Weight, and Preventing Arthritis Progression

Welcome back to Day 4 of Arthritis Awareness Week! Today, we’re focusing on how proper nutrition and maintaining a healthy weight can make a lasting difference in protecting your dog’s joints.

Understanding what goes into your dog’s bowl is one of the most powerful ways to support long-term comfort and movement.

To explore this further, we’re joined by Dr. Danielle Conway, integrative veterinary nutritionist and founder of Verity Pet Nutrition, and Dr. Jeremy Adjovi, veterinarian and co-founder of JOPE.

Together, they'll share what every pet parent should know about the science of nutrition, weight management, and supplements that truly support joint health.

Building a Foundation

When it comes to arthritis prevention and management, maintaining a lean body condition is key. Dogs at a healthy weight experience less pressure on their joints and are more likely to stay active, mobile, and comfortable as they age.

Overweight dogs don’t just carry extra pounds, they also carry extra risks. Being overweight puts your dog at higher risk for heart disease, diabetes, and joint problems. This extra fat fuels inflammation, creating a vicious cycle, especially with joint issues.

As Dr. Conway explains, supporting joint health isn’t just about calories, it’s about clarity and consistency in what you feed.

In today’s pet food market, it’s easy to get lost in buzzwords like natural, premium, or vet-approved. Many of these claims sound reassuring, but without transparency or supporting data, they don’t tell the full story.

Pet parents deserve better: real ingredients, clearly listed active nutrients, and products that stand behind their science.

Nutrition Tips for Arthritic Dogs

Diet plays a crucial role in managing arthritis. First, focus on EPA and DHA, two Omega-3 fatty acids proven to reduce inflammation and support joint health. 

Be cautious with most over-the-counter fresh diets as they tend to be high in calories and can lead to weight gain. If time is a concern, there are companies that can custom-cook diets specifically formulated for your dog.

Remember, a balanced diet combined with regular exercise can make all the difference in managing arthritis and keeping those extra pounds off.

Supplements can also play an important role in supporting joint health and easing arthritis symptoms. Consider UC-II® collagen, which has been shown to improve joint function in both healthy and arthritic dogs.

Dr. Jeremy helped build JOPE, a high-quality UC-II® supplement option, with fellow veterinarian Christine Colamonico from a simple belief: pet supplements should meet the same standards of honesty and efficacy as human health products.

Each chew contains precisely measured, research-backed ingredients:

• UC-II® collagen (20 mg): clinically shown to improve joint flexibility and comfort
• EPA (59 mg) and DHA (39 mg): active omega-3s that actually matter
• Curcumin (50 mg): inflammation support backed by published research

Claiming an amount is one thing, but ensuring it’s truly there is another. Independent studies have shown that many human supplements don’t always match their label claims, and the same issue exists in pet supplements.

That’s why Jope goes a step further, testing every single batch in an independent laboratory. The Certificate of Analysis is available on their website, and you can request the one that matches your dog’s specific batch number.

Dr. Jeremy explains it simply: “In the supplement space, transparency isn’t optional anymore. Pet parents deserve to know what’s in every chew and why it works.”

Making Smart Choices for Your Dog's Health

Dr. Conway encourages pet parents to approach nutrition and supplements with a scientist’s mindset.

Here are the key points she highlights:

• Control your dog's portion sizes. Weigh their food on a gram scale to ensure accurate portions and consistent meals.
• Always look for EPA + DHA amounts, not just “Omega-3s.”
• Start low and go slow when adding supplements to help avoid tummy troubles.
• Try using treat dispensing toys to combine mealtime with low-impact activity and mental stimulation.
• Track your dog’s weight regularly and maintain consistent habits for long-term joint health.
• Question “cure-all” claims (they belong in fairy tales, not feeding guides).
• Evidence should always guide your decisions, so you can love your pet and still rely on data.

Supporting your dog’s joints doesn’t stop at food and supplements. Barker Beds orthopedic beds help protect joints from the outside, providing a comfortable, supportive surface for rest.

When paired with other evidence-backed products, your dog gets comprehensive joint support: nourishment from the inside and protection on the outside.

Taking care of your dog’s joints and overall mobility is all about informed, thoughtful choices. By focusing on evidence-backed solutions and asking the right questions, you can confidently support your dog’s health and keep them active, comfortable, and thriving for years to come.

Learn more with Unbiased Bites and reclaim your role as your pet’s best advocate here!