How are Marleybones' meals made?

We only use high quality, freshly prepared ingredients, which are sealed raw in their aseptic packaging and slow-cooked, reaching temperatures of over 100°c for just a few minutes. This method not only locks in essential nutrients, moisture and natural flavours, but also keeps our meals as fresh as possible without the need for preservatives or freezing. Marleybones is the easiest way to feed healthy!

Is Marleybones suitable for puppies?

All our meals have been specially formulated for all life stages, taking the issue out of having to switch your dog's food as they grow. Our quiz algorithm adjusts so that puppies between the ages of 2-12 months receive extra nutrition to ensure they grow strong and healthy!

Do I need to freeze the food?

One of the benefits of Marleybones meals, is that you don't need to clear your freezer of ice-cream and just need to store them in a cool, dry place. As a bonus, they take up much less space than traditional food, and they're easy to stack and store. At Marleybones, we are proud to offer pantry fresh meals that remain fresh for up to 18 months when stored in a cupboard. Unlike other products that use preservatives, additives, or other undesirable ingredients that compromise the nutritional balance of the food, our innovative packaging and cooking methods help us achieve a shelf-stable product without sacrificing quality.

Can I easily stop my subscription?

Marleybones subscription service is easy to manage. You can both push your delivery date or stop your subscription altogether. You're of course welcome back anytime.

What is the best dog food for a dog with joint problems?

The best dog food for a dog with joint problems is one rich in omega-3 fatty acids, high-quality protein, and anti-inflammatory ingredients — with controlled calories to prevent excess weight. Fresh, minimally processed food delivers these nutrients in a more bioavailable form than heavily processed alternatives. A vet should always be consulted for dogs showing persistent or worsening joint symptoms.

Marleybones , Team

Jun 16, 2026

At a glance

Omega-3 fatty acids — especially EPA and DHA from fish oil — reduce joint inflammation directly
High-quality protein preserves muscle mass, which takes pressure off damaged joints
Maintaining a healthy weight is one of the most effective ways to slow joint deterioration
Ingredients like green-lipped mussel, glucosamine, and chondroitin support cartilage and joint fluid
Heavily processed foods with fillers and cheap carbohydrates can contribute to inflammation and weight gain

What should you feed a dog with joint problems?

The best dog food for a dog with joint problems is one that actively reduces inflammation, supports cartilage health, and keeps body weight in check. Joint disease — whether arthritis, hip dysplasia, or general age-related stiffness — is driven in part by chronic inflammation. Diet can make a meaningful difference to how comfortable a dog feels day to day.

Omega-3 fatty acids are the most evidence-backed dietary intervention for joint inflammation in dogs. EPA and DHA, found in oily fish and fish oil, work at a cellular level to reduce the production of inflammatory compounds. Studies show that dogs fed diets enriched with EPA and DHA show measurable reductions in lameness scores within 6 to 12 weeks.

Fresh, whole-ingredient diets tend to deliver these nutrients more effectively than ultra-processed alternatives, because cooking methods that preserve nutritional integrity matter as much as what goes into the bowl. The relationship between diet and common health conditions is well established, and joint health is one of the clearest examples of food making a measurable difference.

If your dog's symptoms are severe, getting worse, or affecting their quality of life, speak to your vet before making dietary changes. Diet supports joint health — it does not replace veterinary treatment.

Which nutrients actually help dogs with joint problems?

Several nutrients have strong evidence behind them for joint support. These are the ones worth prioritising.

Nutrient	What it does	Best sources
Omega-3 (EPA and DHA)	Reduces inflammatory compounds in joint tissue	Salmon, mackerel, sardines, fish oil
Glucosamine	Supports cartilage repair and joint fluid production	Green-lipped mussel, chicken cartilage, supplements
Chondroitin	Slows cartilage breakdown	Green-lipped mussel, bovine trachea, supplements
High-quality protein	Maintains muscle mass to reduce joint load	Chicken, beef, lamb, salmon
Vitamin E and C	Antioxidants that reduce oxidative stress in joint tissue	Fresh vegetables, quality complete foods
Controlled calories	Prevents obesity — each extra kilogram adds significant joint pressure	Accurately portioned complete food

Green-lipped mussel deserves a specific mention. It contains a unique class of omega-3 fatty acids not found in standard fish oil, along with naturally occurring glucosamine and chondroitin. Research shows it reduces pain and improves mobility in arthritic dogs within 4 to 8 weeks of consistent supplementation.

Marleybones' Joint Health Supplement combines green-lipped mussel with additional joint-supporting ingredients, designed to work alongside a complete fresh diet rather than as a substitute for good nutrition.

Does fresh food make a difference for dogs with joint problems?

Fresh food helps dogs with joint problems for two main reasons: better nutrient retention and fewer inflammatory ingredients.

Ultra-processed kibble is typically manufactured at very high temperatures — extrusion can reach above 150°C. This degrades heat-sensitive nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids and certain vitamins. A diet built from fresh, whole ingredients cooked at lower temperatures preserves more of what matters for joint health.

Heavily processed foods also tend to contain high levels of refined carbohydrates and fillers. These drive blood sugar spikes and contribute to low-grade systemic inflammation, which worsens joint symptoms over time. A cleaner ingredient list with identifiable whole proteins and vegetables reduces this background inflammation.

Marleybones meals are freshly prepared and slow-cooked in-pack at low temperatures, which means nutrients are retained without the need for artificial preservatives. The Sassy Salmon recipe delivers oily fish as the primary protein — one of the richest natural sources of EPA and DHA for joint support. Every recipe is vet-developed and FEDIAF compliant, meeting complete nutrition standards for all life stages.

Every dog is different — build your personalised Marleybones feeding and health plan tailored to your dog's age, size, and health requirements.

What should you avoid feeding a dog with joint problems?

Some ingredients actively make joint problems worse. These are the ones to cut out or reduce:

High-sugar or high-carbohydrate foods — promote weight gain and systemic inflammation
Foods with vague protein sources like

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About the author Marleybones , Team

Marleybones is a team of passionate dog lovers on a mission to transform the way we feed and care for our dogs. Every article we create is rooted in science-backed research, expert insight, and real-life experience - whether it's from our in-house team or trusted partners. We believe in a holistic approach to canine wellbeing, combining high-quality nutrition with behavioural support to help dogs thrive at every stage of life. Our content is designed to educate, empower, and support pet parents in making informed, confident choices for their four-legged family members.