Nutritional strategies for managing joint health in companion animals

Joint health is crucial for the quality of life of companion animals, influencing their mobility, physical activity, and overall well-being. Nutritional strategies play an essential role in mitigating joint degeneration, managing inflammation, and enhancing musculoskeletal resilience across different life stages. This review explores the impact of dietary interventions, including macronutrient balance, bioactive compounds, and specialized supplementation, in maintaining joint integrity and function. Emerging evidence highlights the significance of omega-3 fatty acids, chondroprotective agents, and antioxidant-rich diets in modulating inflammatory pathways, and slowing disease progression. Additionally, tailored nutrition during growth phases is essential to prevent developmental orthopedic diseases, particularly in large-breed dogs. A lifelong, nutrition-centered approach to joint health-integrating dietary modifications with veterinary oversight offers a proactive framework for enhancing mobility, reducing disease burden, and improving the quality of life in companion animals. This review underscores the need for further research into molecular mechanisms linking diet and joint homeostasis, facilitating evidence-based dietary recommendations for veterinary practice.