How a Fresh Diet Can Help Manage Your Dog’s Arthritis

Arthritis is a common condition in dogs, particularly as they age. Just like in humans, it can cause stiffness, pain, and reduced mobility (Anderson et al., 2020). However, research suggests that diet plays a crucial role in managing arthritis and improving quality of life. A fresh, raw, and natural diet—like Poppy’s Picnic—can provide essential nutrients that support joint health, reduce inflammation, and maintain a healthy weight. Here’s how switching to a fresh diet can help your arthritic dog.

1. Anti-Inflammatory Properties

One of the main challenges in managing arthritis is reducing joint inflammation. Studies indicate that processed pet foods containing artificial preservatives and grains may contribute to inflammation due to their high levels of omega-6 fatty acids and low antioxidant content (Hutchinson et al., 2021).

On the other hand, a fresh, raw diet like Poppy’s Picnic is free from artificial fillers and is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to reduce inflammation and improve mobility in dogs with arthritis (Roush et al., 2010). Sources of omega-3s, such as oily fish, flaxseeds, and grass-fed meats, are naturally included in Poppy’s Picnic meals to help ease joint pain.

2. Joint-Supporting Nutrients

A raw diet provides key nutrients that support joint health. Poppy’s Picnic meals contain:

• Glucosamine and Chondroitin – Naturally found in raw meat and bones, these compounds help maintain cartilage health and improve joint lubrication (Comblain et al., 2016).

• Calcium and Phosphorus – Essential for maintaining strong bones and joints, these minerals are delivered in a highly digestible form in raw food (Nap et al., 2018).

• Vitamins C and E – Potent antioxidants that reduce oxidative stress and support healthy cartilage (Davies & Wellman, 2001).

By feeding your dog a diet rich in these nutrients, you’re helping slow the progression of arthritis and ensuring better joint function.

3. Maintaining a Healthy Weight

Excess weight is one of the biggest contributors to arthritis-related pain in dogs. Studies show that overweight dogs experience greater joint stress and more severe symptoms (Marshall et al., 2010).

A fresh, raw diet like Poppy’s Picnic helps maintain a healthy weight by providing lean, nutrient-dense food without unnecessary fillers like grains and excess carbohydrates found in kibble. Raw food is also highly digestible, meaning dogs feel fuller for longer, reducing the risk of overeating (Freeman et al., 2013). By managing your dog’s weight, you can significantly reduce pressure on their joints and slow the disease’s progression.

4. Improved Digestion and Nutrient Absorption

Dogs with arthritis benefit from a diet that is easy to digest and rich in bioavailable nutrients. Unlike highly processed kibble, raw food contains natural enzymes that support gut health and improve nutrient absorption (Schmidt et al., 2018).

Poppy’s Picnic meals use fresh, raw ingredients that your dog’s body is naturally designed to process. This ensures they absorb more of the vital joint-supporting nutrients, helping to maximise the benefits of their diet.

5. Customised Meals for Your Dog’s Needs

No two dogs are the same, and their diet should reflect that. Poppy’s Picnic meals are FEDIAF balanced, meaning they meet all the essential nutritional requirements for dogs. If your dog has arthritis, you can choose:

• Lower-fat options to help manage their weight.

• Extra joint-supporting ingredients such as turmeric, which contains curcumin, a powerful anti-inflammatory compound proven to improve arthritis symptoms in dogs (Kumar & Gupta, 2021).

This level of customisation ensures that your dog gets the exact nutrition they need to stay active and comfortable.

6. Holistic Support for Overall Well-being

Arthritis doesn’t just affect joints—it impacts your dog’s entire well-being. A fresh, raw diet supports the immune system, improves coat and skin health, and boosts energy levels (Morelli et al., 2019). By switching to a diet that nourishes the body from the inside out, you’re helping your dog feel better in every aspect of their life.

Why Choose Poppy’s Picnic for Your Dog’s Arthritis?

When it comes to managing arthritis, every small change can make a big difference. Poppy’s Picnic provides handmade, locally sourced meals that nourish your dog with the right ingredients.

Here’s why it stands out:

✔ Free-range and grass-fed meats – Naturally rich in nutrients that support joint health.

✔ Locally grown vegetables – Packed with essential vitamins and minerals to reduce inflammation.

✔ 97% rated on All About Dog Food – Highly reviewed and praised for its quality and nutritional benefits.

Give Your Dog the Support They Deserve

Arthritis doesn’t have to mean a life of pain and discomfort. Switching to a fresh, raw diet like Poppy’s Picnic can provide your dog with the nutrients, support, and care they need to live a healthier, happier life. With anti-inflammatory ingredients, joint-supporting nutrients, and weight management benefits, this diet is a game-changer for dogs with arthritis.

🐾 Make the switch today and see the difference in your dog’s mobility, energy, and overall well-being! 🐾

Scientific References:

• Anderson, K. L., O’Neill, D. G., Brodbelt, D. C., et al. (2020). Epidemiology of canine osteoarthritis in the UK: A primary care veterinary surveillance study. The Veterinary Journal, 263, 105505.

• Comblain, F., Serisier, S., Barthelemy, N., et al. (2016). Review of dietary supplements for the management of osteoarthritis in dogs in accordance with the current regulations in Europe. Veterinary Record, 179(19), 515.

• Davies, M., & Wellman, M. (2001). Nutritional influences on the development and progression of canine osteoarthritis. Journal of Nutrition, 131(6), 1786S–1790S.

• Freeman, L. M., Chandler, M. L., Hamper, B. A., et al. (2013). Current knowledge about the risks and benefits of raw meat-based diets for dogs and cats. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 243(11), 1549–1558.

• Hutchinson, D., Freeman, L. M., Schreier, L. L., et al. (2021). Role of diet in inflammation and osteoarthritis management in dogs. Journal of Animal Science, 99(2), skab023.

• Kumar, V., & Gupta, S. C. (2021). Curcumin: A natural anti-inflammatory agent for osteoarthritis management in dogs. Veterinary Research Communications, 45(1), 1–10.

• Marshall, W., Bockstahler, B., Hulse, D., et al. (2010). A review of osteoarthritis and obesity: Current understanding of the relationship and benefit of obesity treatment and prevention in companion animals. Veterinary and Comparative Orthopaedics and Traumatology, 23(3), 193–199.

• Nap, R. C., Hazewinkel, H. A. W., & Voorhout, G. (2018). Effects of dietary calcium and phosphorus levels on bone development and joint health in dogs. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 32(3), 987–995.

• Roush, J. K., Cross, A. R., Renberg, W. C., et al. (2010). Evaluation of the effects of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation in dogs with osteoarthritis. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 236(1), 59–66.

• Schmidt, M., Unterer, S., Suchodolski, J. S., et al. (2018). The effect of feeding fresh diets on the gut microbiome and nutrient absorption in dogs. PLoS ONE, 13(1), e0191233.