Osteoarthritis in Dogs and Cats; How Can Nutrition Help?

Osteoarthritis in dogs and cats; how can nutrition help?

Overweight and osteoarthritis (OA)
Overweight conditions increase the prevalence and severity of OA. This is caused by an increased and altered pressure on the joints as well as by the release of proinflammatory cytokines from the adipose tissue. Treatment of OA is impaired by obesity because these animals are exercise intolerant and need more anti-inflammatory drugs.

Aim of dietary management
Weight loss is our main goal in case of obesity and OA. With the weight loss, the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines decreases, and as well as the altered and increased pressure on the joints. Apart from weight loss, the aim is to reduce the inflammatory response as well as reduction of the production of matrixmetalloproteinases (MMPs).

Nutrient composition
The production of pro-inflammatory cytokines can be reduced by the loong chain polyunsaturated fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). As well as by glucosamine hydrochloride (Glu) and chondroitin sulphate (CS). Glu+CS are building blocks of the cartilage matrix and inhibitors of MMPs. For weight loss the diet should promote satiety by increasing the fibre content as well as by increasing the protein content. The increased protein content also supports (maintenance of) muscle mass and increases palatability (especially for cats).