Nutrition and Canine Osteoarthritis: What Do We Know?
Osteoarthritis is a common problem among dogs and increases with age. Nutrition can be one tool for preventing and managing osteoarthritis in dogs. This
Nutrition and Canine Osteoarthritis: What Do We Know?
Osteoarthritis is a common problem among dogs and increases with age. Nutrition can be one tool for preventing and managing osteoarthritis in dogs. This article discusses the role of 4 nutritional approaches that are used to prevent or treat this disease. The value of some approaches remains uncertain, and research is ongoing. This article summarizes current research findings and provides references for more in-depth review.
The role of nutrition in development of musculoskeletal disease in growing dogs has been recognized for decades. Developmental orthopedic disease (DOD) refers to a group of skeletal abnormalities that affect primarily fast-growing, large, and giant breed dogs. Risk factors among dogs already at genetic risk are nutrient excess (calcium and energy) and rapid growth (overfeeding and excess energy in diet).1-5 Increased risk for DOD has been associated with dietary calcium >3% on a dry matter basis, despite an appropriate calcium-to-phosphorous ratio.2 Another cause of excess calcium intake is client-provided treats and/or calcium-containing supplements. For example, 2 level teaspoons of calcium carbonate (10 to 15 antacid tablets) added to a large breed puppy’s daily intake doubles the calcium intake. Diets formulated for growth of large and giant breed dogs contain less energy and calcium and higher protein than growth diets for smaller dogs. Commercial diets for puppies at risk for DOD display the following statement from the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO): “[Pet food name] is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for growth/all life stages including growth of large-size dogs (70 lbs or more as an adult).” In addition, prevention of DOD in dogs has been associated with restricted food intake during growth, which slows the rate of growth without reducing adult body size.6,7
Obesity is the condition of having accumulated body fat that negatively affects health, including increased risk for osteoarthritis. Obesity can result in osteoarthritis because of the excess forces placed on joints and articular cartilage, which may lead to inactivity and further weight gain. Thus, a vicious cycle ensues. But perhaps more clinically relevant, adipose tissue is metabolically active and pro-inflammatory; therefore, obesity may contribute to inflammation.8-12 The negative effects of excess weight may be obvious in an obese dog, especially when obesity-related disease is present, but should not be overlooked in an overweight but otherwise clinically healthy dog.
Body Condition Score
Assigning a body condition score (BCS) and muscle condition score is essential for preventing the conditions of being overweight (BCS 6-7/9) or obese (BCS 8-9/9). Quantitatively, obesity is defined as exceeding ideal 