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For a dog with hip dysplasia, every calorie is either helping or hurting the joints. Extra body weight is one of the few factors owners can fully control, and treats are a common reason dysplastic Labradors, Golden Retrievers and German Shepherds stay heavier than they should. At the same time, treats are the currency of the rehabilitation exercises that build hip muscle. The best treats for these dogs are low in calories, easy to give in large numbers during exercises, and, where possible, carry a small nutritional bonus. This guide covers how to choose them and how to budget them.
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Quick answer: For most people in 2026, the best dog treats for dogs with hip dysplasia is the 25 kg / 55 lb — our #1 rated choice. See the full ranked comparison, alternatives and buying advice below.
Weight first
A lifelong study in Labradors found that dogs kept leaner lived longer and developed hip arthritis later than littermates fed more. For dogs already showing arthritis, losing a moderate amount of weight has been linked in studies with measurable improvements in lameness. That means treats must fit inside the daily calorie target, usually no more than about 10 percent, with the main meal reduced accordingly. Ask your vet for a target weight and calorie figure.
DOGSWELL Hip & Joint Jerky Dog Treats, Chicken, 24 oz Bag
Included for 'Best Dog Treats for Dogs with Hip Dysplasia' because the listing specifies Chicken and 24 oz Bag, details this guide uses to compare options.
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Nutri-Vet Hip & Joint Dog Biscuits, Dog Treats, 300mg Glucosamine, 6 lb Bag
Included for 'Best Dog Treats for Dogs with Hip Dysplasia' because the listing specifies Dog Treats and 300mg Glucosamine, details this guide uses to compare options.
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Buddy Biscuits Soft & Chewy Dog Treats, Hip & Joint Boosters, 5 oz Bag
Included for 'Best Dog Treats for Dogs with Hip Dysplasia' because the listing specifies Hip & Joint Boosters and 5 oz Bag, details this guide uses to compare options.
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Happy Hips Jerky Dog Treats, Chicken Recipe, 24 oz Bag
Included for 'Best Dog Treats for Dogs with Hip Dysplasia' because the listing specifies Chicken Recipe and 24 oz Bag, details this guide uses to compare options.
View on Amazon| Dog’s target weight | Typical breed example | Approx. daily calories (maintenance, less active) | Treat allowance ~10% |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25 kg / 55 lb | English Bulldog (large), Springer | 1,000–1,150 kcal | 100–115 kcal |
| 30 kg / 66 lb | Labrador | 1,150–1,300 kcal | 115–130 kcal |
| 38 kg / 84 lb | German Shepherd | 1,350–1,550 kcal | 135–155 kcal |
| 50 kg / 110 lb | Bernese, Rottweiler (large) | 1,650–1,900 kcal | 165–190 kcal |
These figures are approximate labelled ranges for less active neutered adults. Dysplastic dogs often exercise less than healthy dogs, so their needs may be lower, and dogs on a weight-loss plan will have a stricter target set by the vet.
Treats for rehabilitation exercises
See also: How to Pick a Heating Pad for an Arthritic Senior Dog • How to Transition a Picky Cat to a New Food
Vets and rehabilitation therapists often prescribe exercises such as sit-to-stand repetitions, slow walking over poles, controlled hill walks, and weight shifting. These build the gluteal and thigh muscles that stabilise a loose hip. A single session might involve 20 to 40 rewards, which quickly adds up. Choose soft treats you can break into pieces around the size of a pea, at 1 to 3 kcal each. Using part of the dog’s daily kibble for exercises is even better.
Treats with a joint-support angle
Omega-3 treats
Treats containing fish oil or fish skin supply some EPA and DHA, which help with joint inflammation. However, the amount per treat is usually far below therapeutic levels. They are a nice bonus, not a replacement for a properly dosed fish oil supplement.
Glucosamine treats
Many joint treats contain small amounts of glucosamine and chondroitin. Check the milligrams per treat against the dose range for your dog’s weight; you would often need several treats a day to reach it, which may exceed the calorie budget.
Green-lipped mussel treats
Some treats contain dried green-lipped mussel. The evidence for this ingredient in arthritic dogs is moderate, but again, dosage in treats varies. Avoid in dogs with shellfish allergies.
Low-calorie whole-food options
Many dysplastic large breeds are very food-motivated and happily work for carrot pieces, green beans, apple slices without seeds, or cucumber. These are low in calories and high in crunch. Avoid grapes, raisins, onions and anything sweetened with xylitol.
Chews and dysplasia
Long-lasting chews give mental enrichment for dogs whose exercise is restricted, which matters because bored dogs on rest can become frustrated. But many chews contain 80 to 200 kcal. For a dysplastic dog, use a frozen rubber toy stuffed with part of the dog’s regular meal instead.
Handling treats at the right moment
Deliver treats in a way that supports good posture. Hold the treat at nose height when the dog is standing, so it does not twist or crouch, and avoid tossing treats that make the dog spin or leap. For sit-to-stand exercises, reward in the standing position to encourage the dog to push up with both hind legs evenly.
FAQ
Do joint treats replace a joint supplement?
Usually not. Most contain small doses of active ingredients. If your vet recommends omega-3 or other supplements, use a dedicated product and treat joint treats as a small extra.
Can I use treats to encourage my dysplastic dog to exercise more?
Yes, for controlled exercises your vet approves. Avoid using treats to encourage jumping, stairs, or rough play that stress the hips.
Bottom line
The best treats for a dog with hip dysplasia are tiny, low-calorie rewards that fit the daily budget and fuel muscle-building exercises. Joint-support treats can add a small benefit but rarely a full dose. Keep the dog lean, budget treats at around 10 percent of calories, and work with your vet on pain relief and exercise.
Ready to decide? Our #1 pick for 2026 is the 25 kg / 55 lb.
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