Eating to move better:

diet as the invisible therapy for animal osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis means more than pain

It brings limitation, frustration, and a progressive loss of quality of life. When a dog hesitates before jumping into the car, or a cat abandons its favorite observation posts on the shelves, we are not facing simple “dignified aging,” but a degenerative disease affecting the joints. And while non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or chondroprotectors often take center stage, nutrition is the silent supporting actor that, if well chosen, can change the entire story.
Scientific evidence in veterinary medicine shows that certain nutrients not only nourish, but directly interfere with the inflammatory and degenerative processes of osteoarthritis. Put simply: what we put in the bowl can make the difference between a painful walk and one full of vitality.

Weight control: the first and most important treatment

Let’s imagine an overweight dog: every extra kilo is not just a kilo more on the scale, but up to four kilos of extra load per joint with every step. The result: excess weight acts like a jackhammer on the knees and hips. In cats, the problem multiplies: obesity not only worsens osteoarthritis but also complicates any treatment due to the associated metabolic risks.
Furthermore, adipose tissue is not an “inert fat store,” but an active endocrine organ. It produces adipokines and pro-inflammatory cytokines, molecules that circulate throughout the body, amplifying pain and joint inflammation. In other words: obesity not only weighs, it also inflames from within.
That’s why many diets for osteoarthritis are low in calories but highly satiating, thanks to functional fibers like beet pulp or cellulose. This way, animals feel like they are eating enough but actually consume fewer calories. In cats, weight reduction must be gradual and always supervised by a veterinarian, since rapid weight loss can trigger hepatic lipidosis, a potentially serious complication.
In cases of advanced osteoarthritis, it is recommended that animals be kept up to 10% below their ideal weight, as this additional reduction significantly decreases joint load and improves mobility.

Kibble, wet food, or homemade diet?

An adapted diet can reduce the need for anti-inflammatories by up to 25% in dogs with moderate osteoarthritis.
Commercial prescription diets are undoubtedly the safest and most practical option. They are not just “special food”: they are a true therapeutic tool that improves quality of life. These products have been developed after controlled clinical trials, ensuring both ingredient quality and bioavailability. In addition, they offer the exact balance of functional nutrients without the risk of deficiencies or excesses.

Eurovet and therapeutic nutrition: our choice for osteoarthritis

At Eurovet Clinic, we know that diet is an essential pillar in managing osteoarthritis. That’s why we have carefully selected the most effective therapeutic diets to support our patients with joint problems.
Our main reference is Virbac Joint & Mobility (Virbac J), a food specifically formulated for dogs with osteoarthritis. It contains high levels of EPA and DHA (long-chain omega-3 fatty acids) that reduce joint inflammation, hydrolyzed collagen to promote cartilage regeneration, and chondroprotectors such as glucosamine and chondroitin. Its balance of high-quality proteins helps preserve muscle mass, while its moderate calorie content prevents overweight – a key factor in managing the disease. This combination makes it a very complete, effective, and safe diet that we use as our reference diet at Eurovet.
As an alternative by request, we also recommend Hill’s Metabolic + Mobility j/d, which combines weight control and joint support, particularly useful in animals with obesity associated with osteoarthritis.
In short, both Virbac J and Hill’s j/d are backed by scientific research, but we have chosen Virbac J as our first option because of its balanced composition, excellent digestive tolerance, and visible effect on patient mobility.

And what about homemade diets? They are also possible, but always under the supervision of a veterinary nutritionist. While prescription diets have standardized formulation and clinical evidence, an imbalanced homemade diet can worsen systemic inflammation. The greatest risk of homemade recipes is imbalance: excess phosphorus, calcium deficiency, lack of fat-soluble vitamins or trace elements. If correctly formulated, they can be a valid alternative, but they require close monitoring with regular blood tests and constant adjustments.