Hip dysplasia is a joint condition where the ball and socket of the hip don’t fit together as they should. Instead of moving smoothly, the joint is loose and unstable. Over time, this can cause pain, stiffness, and eventually arthritis.
What Causes Hip Dysplasia?
A few factors can play a role:
Genetics - some dogs inherit it from their parents
Rapid growth during puppyhood
Carrying extra weight which puts strain on the joints
Too much or too little exercise during growth
Poor nutrition affects healthy bone and joint development
What a Healthy Hip Looks Like
In a healthy hip joint, the ball and socket fit neatly together. This allows smooth, stable movement with no rubbing, inflammation, or discomfort. Weight is spread evenly across the joint, helping keep it strong and pain free.
When a dog has hip dysplasia, the ball and socket don’t align properly. The joint becomes loose, causing friction, pain, and instability. Over time, this ongoing wear leads to inflammation, reduced mobility, and arthritis.
Common Signs of Hip Dysplasia
Many dogs show subtle changes at first. You may notice things like:
Stiffness, especially after rest
A limp or bunny hopping gait. This is where the back legs move together
Difficulty getting up, jumping, or climbing stairs
Reduced interest in play or walks
Sensitivity when the hips are touched
Muscle loss around the back legs
If you notice any of these, it’s always best to check in with your vet.
How Butternut Box Can Help
While hip dysplasia can’t be reversed, there’s a lot we can do to help support dogs living with it and nutrition plays a big role.
Keeping Your Dog at a Healthy Weight
Maintaining a good body condition is one of the most effective ways to reduce pressure on painful joints. Even a small amount of extra weight can put more pressure on the hip joints, so choosing the right meals and keeping portion sizes on track can make a real difference to their comfort.
That’s where our leaner recipes can help. Options like Chicken, Turkey, Game, and Veggie are all under 6% fat on an as-fed basis, making them a great choice for dogs who need something lighter but still nutritious and delicious. They’re gentle on tummies, easy to digest, and ideal for helping your dog stay at a healthy, comfortable weight.
Choosing Meals That Support Joint Health
A healthy, balanced diet can make a real difference for dogs with hip dysplasia, especially when it includes naturally beneficial ingredients that help support mobility and comfort.
Our Wham Bam Lamb recipe includes turmeric, a natural antioxidant that’s been used for centuries to help soothe sore joints. It won’t cure hip dysplasia, but it can offer gentle support for mobility and comfort.
If your dog prefers fishier flavours, Salmon to Love naturally contains omega 3 fatty acids, which are well known for helping to ease inflammation and support joint health.
Our Duo of Duck and Chicken also features salmon oil, a rich source of DHA and EPA, two powerful omega 3s that support joint function, brain health, skin, and overall wellbeing.
And in all our other meals, you’ll find flaxseed, another natural source of omega 3s that supports healthy joints, digestion, skin, and general comfort.
None of these ingredients can cure hip dysplasia, but alongside your vet’s guidance, they can be a lovely addition to your dog’s routine, offering gentle, everyday support to help them feel more comfortable.
We’re Always Here to Help
Our team of in-house vet nurses are on hand if you’d like to talk through your dog’s symptoms, weight, feeding plan, or anything else you’re unsure about.
If you ever want advice or to adjust your dog’s box, just reach out, we’re always happy to support you and your pup.