 |
Canine Arthritis MattersAuthor: Dr. Hannah Capon
Welcome to Canine Arthritis Matters, your go-to resource for canine health and wellbeing. Hosted by Dr. Hannah Capon, our podcast provides valuable insights and practical advice on managing canine arthritis, mobility issues, and chronic pain. Our goal is to educate and support dog owners in early identification, proactive management, and comprehensive care practices, ensuring dogs lead long, comfortable, and happy lives. Join us on this journey to improve the quality of life for your furry Have questions send them to: info@caninearthritis.co.uk https://caninearthritis.co.uk/ Language: en-gb Genres: Kids & Family, Pets & Animals Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
Listen Now...
Episode 75 - Have You Considered a Plant-Based Diet for Your Dog? - Dr. Arielle Griffiths
Monday, 2 March, 2026
In this episode of Canine Arthritis Matters, Hannah Capon speaks with Arielle Griffiths about one of the biggest yet most under-recognised drivers of chronic pain in dogs: excess weight.The discussion explores why weight conversations are so emotionally and professionally difficult, why obesity remains under-acknowledged by caregivers, and how early identification of unhealthy weight trajectories could dramatically change the future of osteoarthritis in dogs.Together they unpack the landmark Purina lifetime feeding study, behavioural and social barriers to weight management, and the ways nutritional choices influence inflammation, mobility and long-term pain. Arielle also shares her unconventional career journey into plant-based nutrition, the realities of trying to run a weight-loss clinic with no uptake, and what she now teaches caregivers about simple, achievable nutritional changes.This episode sits squarely within CAM’s March theme: weight management. Recognising unhealthy weight early and supporting caregivers with realistic, sustainable strategies is one of the most powerful ways we can reduce osteoarthritis risk and improve long-term comfort.BioArielle Griffiths is a UK veterinarian, environmentalist and founder of a plant-based pet nutrition company. After 25 years in first-opinion practice, a confronting day at the PDSA led her to re-evaluate the scale of the obesity epidemic and its connection to chronic disease.She retrained extensively in nutrition, developed a strong interest in plant-based formulations, and now works exclusively online supporting caregivers in managing weight, digestive disease and inflammatory conditions through practical, achievable nutritional changes.Key takehomes1. Weight is one of the strongest risk modifiers for osteoarthritis, yet it remains under-identified and under-discussed in clinical practice.2. Caregivers often cannot recognise overweight animals; the perception gap between what owners believe and clinical reality is substantial.3. Lifelong lean management dramatically delays OA onset, reduces severity and extends life expectancy; identification must happen early, ideally in puppyhood.4. Behavioural, emotional and social factors make weight-related conversations difficult; empathy, permission and simple actionable steps are essential.5. Even small nutritional changes and replacing inflammatory treats with whole-food alternatives can produce measurable improvements in comfort and mobility.Relevant linksArielle’s online nutritional consultationshttps://justbekind.co.ukPurina lifetime feeding study (overview)https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16549482/Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP)https://petobesityprevention.orgGeneral CAM resourceshttps://caninearthritis.co.ukGood Day / Bad Day Diary (CAM Member Zone)https://caninearthritis.co.uk/memberzoneSuspicion of Chronic Pain Documenthttps://caninearthritis.co.uk/suspecting-arthritisLearn more about CAM:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CAMarthritisInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/canine_arthritisYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CanineArthritisManagementLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/canine-arthritis-management-ltdHave questions send them to: info@caninearthritis.co.ukStay tuned to learn how early detection can make a significant difference in managing OA in younger dogs.
