Better tasting food for a dog with arthritis

The folks that say to spike the Hill's with broth are on target. The reason this food helps the arthritis is because it's specially formulated to deal with that specific problem. Other foods are not set up for this. As you noticed, she's much better on the food than off of it. If she can do as well with a mix of the Hill's and another food, then you can do that as well. You can also ask your vet about glucosamine & chondroitin and see if he/she thinks that will work as well. Hill's puts a ridiculous amount of research into their foods, and we've had good, consistent health in our dogs and cats on this stuff.

Too much protien is not a good thing, especially in an older dog who already has creaky joints. This is no longer considered to be the case. Older dogs need lots of high quality protein, not low protein.

The benefit in j/d is the Omega Fatty Acids (which you can add by purchasing a high quality supplement like Eicosaderm) and the glucosamine (which you can add by purchasing a high quality supplement like Dasuquin). I have to agree with Biscotti with this statement. When you really look at the ingredients of Hills you will scratch your head trying to figure out why you’re paying so much for corn fillers and poor quality supplements that you can simply add separately. I am always astounded that vets recommend Hills and not just the specific ingredients that you’re in need of. Rumor has it that Hills gives big bucks to vet schools, and it’s in turn sold exclusively and promoted by vets. This isn’t something I have confirmed with my vet, but honestly, if you read the ingredients your going to ask yourself what is so great about this food? Use the food your dog is currently on now, and add what people have been recommending here such as Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate, Omega Fatty Acids (salmon oil) , Vitamin E, Selenium, and MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane) all help in decreasing inflammation and improving the body's ability to repair and strengthen tissues. Just find the higher quality human grade supplements. Good luck!

When our Aussie Cattle Dog and our Heeler went off their feed we mixed a little cream of chicken soup into the kibble and they scarfed it right up. It seems to be just the right favor enhancer and extra special scent to light up an otherwise dull palate. Just a tablespoon is all you need.

You don't need to keep feeding Hill's, just supplement with glucosamine/chondroitin and some omegas. That's what is helping your dog do better on the diet, there's nothing else special in the ingredients. My arthritic dog did well withhttp://www.zukes.com/woof/hip-action.html?tab_id=2 as a supplement (we fed her Wysong). Our dog loved them, and it really made a difference for her. If we ran out she would get ouchy in about a week, and feel better once we got more Zuke's.

Talk to your vet? You should be careful about spiking the food with anything rich. Too much protien is not a good thing, especially in an older dog who already has creaky joints. I have a dog that would hire people to kill me if he thought that would result in him eating more peas. He would live on peas (and cat poop and dead squirrels) if he could. Fortanately for his long-term health, he is not in charge of what he eats. There are probably a variety of things your dog really likes and you can vary the spike-treats to make sure he's still getting (and absorbing) what he needs. Your vet may have some recipies for foods you can make and freeze ahead - and then you can feed 3/4 Hills and 1/4 home-made. Also, does he need to eat twice a day? Depending on his size and where you live (weather) and other factors two meals may or may not be the best way to go - and one meal is easier than two.

Before a major diet change, I'd take the Hills Prescription Diet and just pour some cod liver oil or http://grizzlypetproducts.com/salmon_oil/salmon_oil.html over it. It's good for coats and joints and it is fishy so it makes whatever you pour it on 100% delectable for dogs.

Well, us crazy animal people (hi!) are going to point out that with Hill's mobility food, the number one ingredient is still corn. (Followed by "Chicken By-Product Meal"). Then we'll point out that dogs are carnivores and aren't often found munching on corn. (God, we're so annoying!) My pet food store named http://www.weruva.com/dog-cuisine-human-style.php food of the year. It's, you know, meat and vegetables. And with animals that need joint help, there's supplements you can give or add to meat-based natural foods. Things to consider: with animals with medical conditions, as much actual meat as you're willing to toss them is helpful. (We often pick up a pre-roasted organic chicken from Whole Foods, and skin it for them and toss chunks in with their dinner, on the principle that I'm too lazy to actually cook for animals, because I'm not THAT far gone.) And we'll say that your dog likes the Purina One in the same way I like a Big Mac once a year, basically. I would really encourage a visit to your local hippie pet store. They'll be like "arthritis? Throw in some blueberries with their food and this glucosamine and *whatever hippie thing is hot now*." And they'll likely be right. Try Urban Pet in LA, sounds like.

My 75 lb Lab/Dal mix is 16 1/2 years old. I don't know how he does it. But he's been on Eukanuba Lamb and Rice forever. (Senior formula, but I believe it'd just the same stuff as the other Lamb and Rice, just smaller bites than the Adult and Large Breed has). He's also taking metacamp every few days, but other than that food, he doesn't get any special treatment. Vet says he's healthy aside from the arthritis, which has got both his back legs and hips now. But he still gets around and can go outside to do his business without any help whatsoever. We have been mixing in some wet Nature's Choice with his food, but started that more as a 'treat' given his age now.