Building an Anti-Inflammatory Diet for Dogs

May 17

Chronic inflammation is at the root of so many issues in our dogs today — joint discomfort, skin flare-ups, digestive drama, and immune dysfunction, just to name a few. Whether your dog is aging, has been diagnosed with arthritis, or you're just aiming for long-term vitality, food is one of the most powerful tools we have to reduce inflammation and support healing.

And it starts right in the bowl.

Let’s break down what an anti-inflammatory diet really means — and how you can make smart, simple choices to support your dog’s health every day.

What Is an Anti-Inflammatory Diet for Dogs?

An anti-inflammatory diet isn’t a one-size-fits-all food brand. It’s a way of feeding that focuses on minimizing the body’s inflammatory burden — while maximizing nutrients that support the immune system, joints, brain, and gut.

This kind of diet is especially important for dogs with inflammatory conditions like:

Arthritis or mobility issues
Autoimmune or immune-related problems
Chronic skin or digestive sensitivities
Age-related cognitive changes

But here’s the truth — all dogs benefit from eating this way. It’s how we build resilient wellness from the inside out.

What Goes Into an Anti-Inflammatory Bowl?

To give your dog the best anti-inflammatory foundation, aim for meals that are:

Moisture-rich
Nutrient-dense
Species-appropriate
Free of synthetic fillers and inflammatory ingredients

Here’s what that looks like in practice:

High-quality, lean protein — Think muscle meats, organs, and bone (or appropriate calcium sources). Protein helps maintain lean body mass and repair tissues — key for dogs with inflammation.
Low to moderate animal fats — We want healthy fats, but not in excess. Overly fatty meals can contribute to systemic inflammation.
Rich in EPA and DHA — These omega-3s (often from fish oils or whole fish) are powerful inflammation fighters, particularly for the joints, brain, and skin.
Low-glycemic vegetables — Minced or pureed greens like spinach, broccoli, zucchini, and herbs provide polyphenols, fiber, and phytonutrients to feed the microbiome and support detox pathways.
No grains or starchy fillers — Avoid kibble-based foods, rice, potatoes, corn, peas, and other high-glycemic starches. These can fuel inflammation and yeast overgrowth.
Whole food-based vitamin/mineral supplementation — Homemade diets often fall short in key nutrients like zinc, copper, manganese, iodine, vitamin D, and E. These must be added in whole food forms or with a high-quality supplement — especially for long-term wellness.
Smart additions — Probiotics, digestive enzymes, and green superfoods (like spirulina or chlorella) can help restore gut balance and enhance immune function.

In Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM), inflammation is often viewed as a symptom of underlying imbalance — most commonly excess Heat, sometimes combined with Dampness or Deficiency patterns. Instead of just treating the "hot" symptoms like redness, swelling, or itching, TCVM aims to restore balance in the entire system.

Inflammation can arise when there's too much internal Heat — this could be due to chronic stress, poor digestion, toxin accumulation, or overly warming foods. In older or weak animals, a deficiency of cooling, nourishing Yin energy can also lead to inflammation as the body loses its ability to regulate.

To support a dog with inflammatory tendencies, TCVM encourages cooling, nourishing, and harmonizing foods, such as:

Neutral to cooling proteins like turkey, rabbit, duck, or white fish
Cooked, pureed leafy greens, broccoli, celery, or zucchini
Small amounts of anti-inflammatory herbs like turmeric or ginger (used appropriately)
Bone broth or congee for dogs with digestive deficiency or chronic Dampness
Avoidance of heating foods like lamb, venison, or excessive fat in inflamed cases

The goal is to gently reduce excess Heat and restore the natural flow of Qi and Blood — which allows inflammation to resolve from within, rather than simply being suppressed. When paired with acupressure, herbal support, or essential oils that match the dog’s pattern, results are even more powerful.

Need help identifying your dog’s pattern or choosing energetically appropriate foods? That’s what I do.
Take the 5-Element Quiz and identify your dog’s foundational type.

Portion Control and Feeding Habits Matter, Too

Even the most nourishing diet can cause issues if we overfeed or disrupt metabolic balance.

Stick with measured portions, twice daily — This keeps blood sugar stable and reduces digestive strain.
Account for treats and extras — These add up quickly, especially with smaller or less active dogs.
Adjust seasonally or as your dog’s activity level changes — Dogs often need less food in the winter or as they age.

What If You’re Just Getting Started?

You don’t have to do it all at once.
Start by:

Swapping one meal per day to gently cooked or raw fresh food
Replacing kibble with a pre-made raw or lightly cooked formula (dehydrated or frozen)
Adding a teaspoon of pureed greens or omega-rich fish as a topper
Cutting back on commercial treats and using freeze-dried meat or veggies instead

Every change you make reduces your dog’s inflammatory load — and that adds up over time.

Want to Go Deeper with Nutrition?

If you’re dealing with a chronic issue like arthritis, skin conditions, or age-related decline, food is only one part of the solution. But it’s where we start — and it can be transformative.

Dosing, cycling of nutrients, transition plans, and long-term balancing tips are all available in the full client guide or community forum.

Top 5 Things to Start Today

Eliminate high-carb kibble and processed treats
Add EPA/DHA-rich omega-3s (like sardines or fish oil)
Use chopped or pureed low-glycemic veggies as toppers
Measure meals and track treats
Ask for help customizing the plan for your dog’s needs

Want to go deeper with support for your dog through all life stages?
Join the client forum for ongoing support and resources!
Member Forum: https://members.welloiledk9.com

Statements in this blog have not been evaluated by the FDA. Educational content only. Not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Please do your own additional research, consult your vet as needed.

Visit My Affiliate Links for curated quality products mentioned above! https://welloiledk9.com/affiliate-links

Dana Brigman