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Osteoarthritis affects 20 % of adult dogs and 80 % of those over 8 (Anderson 2018). BARF offers powerful levers: omega-3, natural glucosamine, weight control. This guide details the anti-inflammatory nutritional protocol.
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease: cartilage erosion, synovial inflammation, bone remodeling. Irreversible, but progression can be slowed.
Causes: dysplasia (hip, elbow), cruciate ligament rupture, obesity, aging, intense work. Predisposed breeds: Labrador, German Shepherd, Rottweiler, Great Dane, Bernese Mountain Dog.
Signs: stiffness on rising, difficulty on stairs, intermittent lameness, compulsive joint licking, muscle loss. Diagnosis: orthopedic exam + radiographs.
EPA+DHA: marine omega-3 fatty acids reduce pro-inflammatory PGE2 and LTB4 production. Bauer 2011 shows significant pain reduction at 200 mg/kg/day over 90 days.
Natural glucosamine and chondroitin: present in tendons, ligaments, cartilage, skin. A BARF ration with 10-15 % connective tissue delivers a functional daily dose.
Weight control: Impellizeri 2000 shows that a mere 6 to 8 % weight loss significantly improves lameness scores in obese arthritic dogs.
Antioxidants: vitamin E, selenium, plant polyphenols (blueberries, turmeric) neutralize free radicals from chronic inflammation.
No pro-inflammatory preservatives or additives.
Ration at 2.5 % (500 g/day) for a moderately active senior. Includes a 'fish' meal 3×/week.
| Turkey (skinless thigh) or horse | 300 g |
| Raw chicken feet (bone + cartilage) | 60 g |
| Poultry liver + heart | 40 g |
| Whole fresh sardines (3×/week replacing part of the meat) | 80 g (fish days) |
| Zucchini + blueberries | 50 g |
| Green-lipped mussel powder | 0.3 g (~300 mg) |
| Wild salmon oil (non-fish days) | 3 g |
| Natural vitamin E | 40 IU |
Osteoarthritis requires veterinary diagnosis (exam, X-rays). Nutrition is adjuvant, not a substitute for NSAIDs, physiotherapy or surgery when indicated. Therapeutic omega-3 doses may interact with anticoagulants.
Clinical effect appears in 6 to 12 weeks (Bauer 2011). Prostaglandins have a short half-life, but tissue modulation is gradual. Patience.
No. Flaxseed contains ALA, which dogs convert very poorly to EPA/DHA (< 5 %, Bauer 2008). Only marine sources (fish, krill, algae) deliver active EPA/DHA.
Bierer 2002 and Pollard 2006 showed significant pain reduction at 450 mg/kg/day over 6 weeks. It's a validated supplement, not placebo.
Omega-3s benefit kidneys (reduced proteinuria). But the ration needs phosphorus and protein adjustment: our 'renal' mode or a veterinary nutritionist consultation is recommended.
Little. Bones mostly provide calcium and phosphorus. Glucosamine comes from connective tissue (cartilage, tendons). Favor chicken feet, trachea, ears.
A pinch (about 50 mg) per 10 kg of body weight, mixed with oil for bioavailability. Caution with dogs on anticoagulants (turmeric potentiates them).
Yes — it's synergistic and sometimes allows NSAID dose reduction. Never stop an NSAID without veterinary advice.
Our calculator includes a dedicated omega-3 module. Get the exact EPA+DHA dose based on your dog's weight and pain level.