There’s nothing better than seeing your dog run around the park, full of life and happiness. But for dogs with hip dysplasia, those carefree moments can be painful and hard to enjoy. 

Whether you're aiming to prevent or manage hip dysplasia, the food you choose plays a big role in helping your dog stay mobile and live life to the fullest. Feeding your puppy a real food diet makes a world of difference to their development. If your mature dog is already showing signs of hip dysplasia, a fresh and healthy diet can support their joints, easing discomfort and keeping them active for longer. 

Let’s explore how real food can unlock a happier, more mobile life for your pup. 

What is hip dysplasia in dogs? 

The hip is a ball and socket joint where the rounded top of the thigh bone (femur) fits snugly into the socket. Cartilage and thick synovial fluid cushion the joint, allowing smooth movement.  

Hip dysplasia is when the ball doesn’t fit properly into the socket creating a loose and unstable joint. Surrounding tissue tries to compensate for the laxity, but over time the joint deteriorates, and can lead to discomfort, lameness, and arthritis.  

First signs of hip dysplasia in dogs 

If your dog has hip dysplasia, you might notice signs including: 

• Limping or lameness 

• Weakness or pain in their hind quarters 

• Uncoordinated or wobbly legs 

• Reluctance to run and jump 

• Difficulty lying down or standing up 

• Unusual walking gait  

• Decreased activity 

If you suspect your dog has hip dysplasia, your vet can do a physical examination to confirm the diagnosis. This may involve taking an X-ray to see what’s happening inside. 

Some puppies may show some of these early signs, while others may not show symptoms until they’re 1-2 years old. This is because their joints often compensate for the instability until it becomes more difficult to do so.  

The link between nutrition and hip dysplasia in dogs 

Hip dysplasia is a hereditary and developmental condition. It can happen to any dog, but certain breeds are more genetically predisposed. It typically affects large or giant breeds (like German Shepherds and Great Danes) and small breeds (like Pugs and French Bulldogs). 

Even if a dog inherits the genes for hip dysplasia, other external factors, like diet, can influence whether it develops or not. Uncontrolled, rapid growth during puppyhood, caused by too many calories or excess calcium, is a very common cause of hip dysplasia.  

Large and giant breed puppies grow at a faster rate than smaller dogs. Following a slow-growth feeding plan can minimise the risk of developing musculoskeletal conditions like hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and patellar luxation. 

🐶 Read more: How slow-growth feeding promotes safe puppy growth (with charts)→

How can a real food diet help dogs with hip dysplasia? 

Carefully controlled calcium

Calcium helps bones grow, but too much too soon can lead to issues like hip dysplasia. 

The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) recommend a ratio of calcium to phosphorus between 1:1 - 2:1.  

Lyka meals are designed by veterinary nutritionists to provide an optimum lower ratio of 1.1-1.3 (calcium) to 1 (phosphorus), leaving room for the occasional bone. But always check with your vet before giving bones to your pup. 

Custom-portioned meals  

All dogs should be fed a complete and balanced diet that provides the right nutrients and calories for their age and life stage.  
 
Contrary to popular belief, puppies don’t need special puppy food, if their diet is nutrient-dense and carefully portioned. If you’re aiming to prevent hip dysplasia in your puppy, Lyka calculates their nutritional needs based on age, weight, activity levels, and breed. As your young pup reaches growth milestones, Lyka adjusts the portions, so your dog always receives the right nutrients without risking excess calories or calcium. 

Excess weight puts additional strain on a dog’s joints. If your dog already suffers from hip dysplasia, maintaining a healthy body condition is an important part of their ongoing management. Lyka’s custom-portioned, low-fat meals can help to keep them in good shape. 

🐶 Read more: Puppy vs adult food: what our experts want you to know→
 

Healthy fats 

Omega-3 fatty acids are rich in anti-inflammatory agents that promote joint health. 
Lyka meals contain omega-3s from fish oil, sardines and flaxseed oil to help keep your dog feeling their best, whether they’re running after a ball or relaxing at your feet — great for dogs with hip dysplasia, arthritis, or senior pups needing extra joint support.  
 

Joint supplements

Supplements can be a great way to boost your dog’s nutrition with targeted ingredients to promote their joint health. Lyka Joint Supplement are made from active, real food ingredients like curcumin, green-lipped mussels, and Boswellia extract known for their anti-inflammatory properties to help reduce painful swelling.  

Other factors that contribute to hip dysplasia

Environment 

Steps and slippery floors can affect a puppy’s joints, especially if their tendons and muscles have to work extra hard to keep them balanced and stable.  

Exercise

Too much, or too little exercise can impact a puppy’s growth plates and joints. The rule of thumb for puppies is 5 minutes of exercise per month of age.  
Consider the type of exercise too: running on concrete may be too hard for juvenile limbs, playing on grass is a softer alternative.  

Genetic history and hip scoring 

If you’re considering welcoming a puppy into your home, ask your breeder if they’ve performed hip scoring on the parents, which can indicate the litter’s risk factor.  
 

Good joint health starts with good nutrition 

Supporting your dog through the challenges of hip dysplasia can start with simple but impactful choices — like the food they eat. Real food is more than just nourishment: it’s a proactive step toward a happier, healthier life for your pup.  See how a fresh, balanced diet can help your dog live their best life, so you can enjoy every run, jump, and play together!