Introduction
Dogs and humans share a lot in common—some good things and some not-so-good things. One not-so-good thing that we have in common is inflammation, which can negatively affect bodily function and lead to diseases, including pain conditions like arthritis (another thing both humans and dogs can have). The silver lining in our shared biology with dogs is that our diets can directly impact inflammation. And this silver lining gets even more, well, silver... There are certain foods that can greatly reduce inflammation, improving your dog's health and happiness (and your health too, if you eat these foods).
In this blog, we are going to explore and digest (pun intended) some of the best anti-inflammatory foods for dogs, how they work, and how you can introduce them into your pup's diet.
What is Inflammation? And Does it Affect Dogs?
While we are sure you have heard of inflammation (it seems to be a buzzword and certainly in the limelight in the health and wellness circle), what exactly is it? And how does it affect dogs? To simplify, inflammation is one of the ways your immune system protects you (yes, in small amounts, it is needed and can help heal your body). It is basically your body identifying a threat, which could be an injury, infection, or toxin, and sending help in the form of cells called cytokines to that area. Inflammation can become an issue, however, when it becomes chronic and starts identifying things that aren't necessarily threats, attacking them with those inflammatory first responders (cytokines). This can cause a downward health cycle, like your body is in non-stop emergency mode, leading to a whole boatload of other health problems.
And yes, you bet, chronic inflammation can affect dogs just as it does humans. It can stiffen their joints, causing pain when they move, lead to digestive issues, cause them to be constantly itchy, and even make them fatigued.
What is an Anti-Inflammatory Diet for Dogs, Exactly?
So, what’s the scoop exactly with an anti-inflammatory diet for dogs? Imagine a bunch of foods with key ingredients like omega-3 fatty acids, polyphenols, and antioxidants that all work in concert to kick inflammation's a**. This diet includes foods that are tasty too, like blueberries and fish (most dogs loveee fish).
Pro-Inflammatory Foods for Dogs (not good)
To really kick inflammation to the curb, it is important to not only add anti-inflammatory foods to your dog's diet but also remove pro-inflammatory foods.
Foods that are high in sugar (including an excessive amount of fruits or other human snacks) and unhealthy fats can actually increase inflammation in your doggo, so you should ditch these foods faster than you can say "inflammation."
As you start to embrace and incorporate a cleaner, more well-rounded diet for your dog, you’re not just reducing inflammation but also boosting your dog’s overall well-being. Sounds like a win-win to us, folks!
Top Anti-Inflammatory Foods for Dogs
Fatty Fish
Fatty fish, like sardines (we know, not everyone's favorite, but your dog will probably like them) and salmon, are full of good fats called omega-3s (omega-3 fatty acids, to be exact), which have powerful anti-inflammatory effects. Omega-3s can help with joint pain and brain health. They also promote a shiny coat and healthy skin.
Turmeric
Turmeric isn't just for one of my favorite dishes, a coconut curry chicken—it's a fantastic anti-inflammatory spice too! Curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, has been well-researched and shown to reduce inflammation and pain. It is safe in small amounts for dogs, so you can sprinkle some on your dog's food or mix it into some homemade treats!
Blueberries
Blueberries are absolutely jam-packed with antioxidants and vitamins that fight inflammation. Even though they are low in calories, however, don't overdo it because of their sugar content. Throw a few blueberries into your dog's bowl to sweeten up their day.
Vegetables That Fight Inflammation
Spinach
Ah, spinach, the famous leafy green that gave the cartoon character Popeye his strength (we hope you're not too young to know who Popeye is; conversely, this reference may be a sign that we're getting old!). Spinach is seemingly rich in every vitamin and mineral. Okay, maybe not everything, but definitely vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron and fiber. These nutrients all can help reduce inflammation. Try mixing some steamed spinach into your dog's meals for a nutrient boost!
Sweet Potatoes
If dogs are a man's best friend, then sweet potatoes are a dog's best friend. Sweet potatoes are a dog-friendly food—they are very easy to add to dog treat recipes, and, yep, you guessed it, they are another excellent anti-inflammatory food. They're high in inflammation-fighting vitamins and minerals, including beta-carotene.
Broccoli
Broccoli is a cruciferous vegetable (a fancy word basically meaning it belongs to the mustard family, and that it contains sulforaphane, a compound known for its anti-inflammatory properties).
Fruits That Support an Anti-Inflammatory Diet
Apples
Apples have two inflammation-busters: antioxidants and fiber. Fiber is not just good for pooping, it can indirectly reduce inflammation by regulating the digestive system and blood sugar levels, both of which simmer the heat of inflammation.
Just be sure to remove the seeds and core before throwing your dog an apple slice or three, as apple seeds can be poisonous for dogs.
Pineapple
Pineapple contains bromelain, which is an enzyme that can help with digestion, and can help reduce inflammation. You should go light with this tropical delight, however, as pineapple is high in sugar.
Herbs That Help with Inflammation
Ginger
Candied ginger is a household favorite, but this isn't what you want to give your dog. A small amount of fresh, grated ginger can be safe and healthy for your pup. It can help dogs who have stiff joints, reducing pain and improving mobility in older dogs with arthritis.
Basil
Basil isn't just for pesto (another one of my favorite dishes!)—it has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can benefit your dog. Fresh basil leaves (again, think small amounts) can be chopped and mixed into your dog's meals for added flavor and health benefits.
Parsley
Parsley is another herb that fights inflammation. It's rich in vitamins and minerals that support overall health. Sprinkle some fresh parsley over your dog's food to enhance its anti-inflammatory effects.
Quercetin
Okay, okay, quercetin is not technically an herb, but it is a powerhouse when it comes to reducing inflammation. This flavonoid (a plant compound that has potent antioxidant properties) is found in many fruits and vegetables. It contains antihistamine (think allergy reduction) and antioxidant properties.
Where to Start: Incorporating Anti-Inflammatory Foods into Your Dog's Diet
Start Slowly, Think Balance, and Talk to Your Vet
When introducing anything new to your dog, whether it's a food or a supplement, go slowly. Dogs, like humans, can have sensitive bellies and bad reactions to new foods. Start with small amounts and be on the lookout for any allergic reactions.
While the foods we covered in this blog are all beneficial in their own way, it's key to maintain a balanced diet for your dog, including their regular dog food (which does, or should, have most of what they need from a dietary standpoint).
It might be a pain (not the inflammatory type), as it's one more thing to do, but we highly recommend consulting your vet before making any significant changes to your dog's diet. Vets went to school for this stuff, after all, and they know your dog, so they will be able to provide personalized recommendations.
Read the Signs: How Do You Know if Your Dog Needs an Anti-Inflammatory Diet
So, how do you know if your dog needs an anti-inflammatory diet? Well, to start, all dogs can benefit from anti-inflammatory foods. However, if you notice any changes in your dog's mobility, signs of pain or joint stiffness, skin conditions including chronic itching, or chronic digestive issues, then you may need to make some dietary changes for them ASAP. This includes dropping pro-inflammatory foods and incorporating healthy, anti-inflammatory snacks.
The Role of Supplements in Reducing Inflammation
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Supplements like fish oil can provide a concentrated dose of omega-3 fatty acids. These supplements are beneficial for dogs with arthritis and other inflammatory conditions.
Glucosamine and Chondroitin
Both glucosamine and chondroitin are
These supplements are commonly used to support joint health. They can help reduce inflammation and improve mobility in dogs with arthritis.
Probiotics
Probiotics are bacteria. Before you say "eww, bacteria!", hear us out! Probiotics are good bacteria (yes, for real) that can promote a healthy digestive system and reduce inflammation.
Conclusion
An anti-inflammatory diet is not just for humans. Dogs can benefit immensely from incorporating foods like fatty fish (or fish oil), turmeric, spinach, and blueberries into their diets. This could make all the difference in their overall health, allowing them to get back to the things in life they love—like chasing squirrels and barking fiercely at the mailman.
As with any new food or supplement, it is important to introduce new foods slowly, monitoring your dog closely for any adverse reactions. If you have any specific questions or concerns about anti-inflammatory foods for dogs, don't hesitate to consult your vet!
References
1) Campigotto G, Alba DF, Sulzbach MM, Dos Santos DS, Souza CF, Baldissera MD, Gundel S, Ourique AF, Zimmer F, Petrolli TG, Paiano D, Da Silva AS. Dog food production using curcumin as antioxidant: effects of intake on animal growth, health and feed conservation. Arch Anim Nutr. 2020 Oct;74(5):397-413. doi: 10.1080/1745039X.2020.1769442. Epub 2020 Jun 30. PMID: 32602378.
