Posted by Earth's Answers on 26th Jul 2026

How to Keep Senior Dogs Mobile Naturally: Diet, Exercise, Bone Broth & Joint Support

Keeping Senior Dogs Mobile Naturally

One of the greatest gifts we can give our dogs is the ability to keep doing what they love as they grow older. Watching an aging dog continue to run after a ball, climb into the truck, or happily greet you at the door is incredibly rewarding.

The truth is, healthy mobility doesn't begin when arthritis shows up—it begins when they're young.

These same habits can benefit dogs and cats of all ages, which is why I've made them part of my daily routine for many years.

In my latest YouTube video, I shared the three biggest things I believe help keep dogs active well into their senior years. Below, I'm expanding on those ideas and sharing many of the products, recipes, and supplements I personally use with my own animals.

1. Motion is Medicine

If I had to pick one thing that makes the biggest difference, it would be movement.

Exercise keeps joints lubricated, muscles strong, circulation healthy, and helps maintain a healthy weight—all of which support long-term mobility.

A daily walk is wonderful, but don't worry if life or weather gets in the way. We all have rainy days.

Some of our favorite indoor activities include:

Tug-of-war
Hide-and-seek
Short training sessions
Tossing toys down a hallway
Puzzle games

If you have a puppy, teach them to retrieve a ball. You'll thank yourself years from now.

And if your senior dog already loves playing fetch, don't stop just because they're older. Let them play at their pace. They may not sprint like they used to, but that joyful movement is still incredibly valuable.

My Favorite Ball Launcher

I've tried several over the years.

Personally, I actually prefer the inexpensive launchers from Dollar Tree over the more expensive brands such as the Chuckit. They throw farther, feel lighter in my hand, and make playing fetch much easier.

Even my kitten Banana comes running when I launch his toys—he's convinced he's a dog!

2. Nutrition is the Foundation

A healthy body starts with good nutrition.

I prefer feeding a clean diet that's lower in unnecessary carbohydrates while including healthy fats, quality protein, and Omega-3 fatty acids.

One of my favorite ways to naturally support joints is through homemade bone broth.

Homemade Bone Broth

Making your own broth is surprisingly easy and much less expensive than buying specialty pet products.

Many grocery store broths contain onions or excessive sodium, which aren't appropriate for dogs and cats.

What You'll Need

Chicken, beef, or lamb bones
Water
A splash of apple cider vinegar
Optional additions:
- Celery scraps
- Turmeric
- Cilantro

Place everything into a large stockpot, cover with water, and simmer for about 24 hours. Longer is perfectly fine if your schedule allows.

After cooking:

Strain the broth.
Pour into pint or quart jars.
Leave headspace before freezing.
Or freeze in ice cube trays for convenient daily portions.

Fresh broth generally keeps about 2–3 days in the refrigerator, I've used mine at day 4 and 5 just fine but always use your own judgment and discard anything that smells or looks spoiled.

My Daily Wellness Blend

I’ll put this under diet, because it’s fed daily to my dogs as part of their diet, however it could be considered a supplement. I keep my blend that I make and sell as my No More Flea Blend on the counter and add to my dog and cats food daily. The blend base is food grade diatomaceous earth and is mostly silica. This stuff is amazing for joints and connective tissue. Not only will you be deworming (great for health too) feeding food grade diatomaceous earth has so many benefits.

Now you can purchase my blend in 6 oz, 1 lb or 2 lb on my website, or for my DIYers I do share my recipe (great for large fur families)

2 lbs food grade diatomaceous earth

1 cup human grade fine brewers yeast

1 tbsp MSM

1 tbsp rose hip powder

2 grams probiotic of your choice, I use L-returi in my blend.

I feed 1/2 tsp daily to my chihuahuas and cats under 20 lbs.

dogs over 20 lbs I feed 1 tsp daily

My Great Pyrenees I feed 1 tbsp daily.

Mix in wet food, broth, yogurt or something tasty they’ll eat.

As always, introduce new foods gradually and consult your veterinarian if your pet has underlying medical conditions or is taking medications.

Budget-Friendly Supplements I Love

You don't have to spend a fortune to support healthy joints.

Some of my favorite ingredients include:

Glycine ⭐ My Favorite

If I run out of homemade bone broth, glycine is the very next thing I reach for.

Glycine helps support:

Collagen production
Healthy cartilage
Tendons and ligaments
Antioxidant production (glutathione)
Digestive health

I personally purchase bulk glycine made for people because it's very economical.

Grass-Fed Beef Gelatin

A warm gelatin slurry is another inexpensive source of collagen-building amino acids.

It only takes a small amount each day.

Fish Oil or Krill Oil

Omega-3 fats help support healthy joints while also benefiting the skin, heart, brain, and coat.

Moringa Powder

Moringa is packed with nutrients and is another favorite in my pantry for both dogs and cats.

Natural Sources of Glucosamine

Instead of relying only on supplements, you can also use whole-food treats such as:

Beef trachea
Chicken feet

Whenever possible, I choose products sourced and processed in the USA.

Green-Lipped Mussel Powder - Another Star Favorite of Mine

One of my favorite mobility supplements.

I especially enjoy adding it into homemade treats.

Boswellia

Boswellia has become another staple in my home.

Buying the powder in bulk is usually the most economical option.

Important: If your dog or cat takes blood-thinning medication, speak with your veterinarian before using Boswellia or turmeric.

Bonus Tip: Red Light Therapy

Although I didn't mention it in my video, I wanted to include this because it's become one of my favorite tools.

Red light therapy may help support circulation and comfort in aging joints.

I even use it with my 26-year-old horse.

Homemade Mobility Treats

One of my favorite ways to add beneficial ingredients is by baking my own treats.

That allows me to include ingredients like:

Glycine
Turmeric
Beef tallow
Shredded coconut
Grass-fed gelatin
Green-lipped mussel powder
Homemade bone broth powder

It's surprisingly affordable, and I know exactly what goes into every bite.

(Recipes below.)

Favorite Healthy Flours

Some of my favorite baking flours include:

Einkorn
Oats
Quinoa
Millet
Sorghum
Amaranth

These whole grains and seeds provide fiber, minerals, and plant-based nutrients while making excellent homemade treats.

Bonus Recipes

Banana Coconut treats

Ingredients

½ cup organic banana, lightly mashed
6 tablespoons unsweetened shredded coconut
2 tablespoons grass-fed beef tallow, softened
1¼ cups all-purpose einkorn flour
1 large egg, beaten
1 tablespoon food-grade diatomaceous earth
¼ teaspoon glycine powder
¼ teaspoon ground turmeric
⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper
⅛ teaspoon sea salt
Up to 1 tablespoon water, only if needed to bring the dough together

? Optional additions: You can also add 1 tablespoon grass-fed beef gelatin or 1 tablespoon homemade bone broth powder for an extra boost of collagen and amino acids.

Crunchy Joint Support Dog Treats

These crunchy homemade treats are one of my favorite ways to add extra joint-supporting nutrients to my dogs' diets. They're packed with wholesome ingredients and are easy to make in a big batch to keep on hand.

Why I Use These Ingredients

Quinoa Flour – A high-protein, fiber-rich, naturally gluten-free seed flour that provides essential minerals and plant-based protein.
Coconut Flour – Adds healthy fats and extra fiber while helping create a sturdy, crunchy biscuit.
100% Pure Pumpkin Purée – Supports healthy digestion and provides natural fiber. (Be sure to use plain pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling.)
Egg – Helps bind the dough together while providing quality protein.
Grass-Fed Beef Tallow – Adds healthy fats and makes the treats extra tasty.
Beef Organ Bone Broth Powder – Rich in collagen-building amino acids that help support healthy joints, cartilage, and connective tissue.
Green-Lipped Mussel Powder – One of my favorite ingredients for supporting joint health and mobility.

Ingredients

1½ cups quinoa flour
½ cup coconut flour
1 large egg
¼ cup 100% pure pumpkin purée
2 tablespoons grass-fed beef tallow, softened
2 tablespoons water (add a little more if needed)
1 tablespoon beef organ bone broth powder
½ teaspoon green-lipped mussel powder

Baking Instructions

Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
Combine all ingredients in a large bowl until a crumbly dough forms.
If the dough is too dry, add a little extra water until it comes together.
Roll the dough to approximately ¼-inch thick.
Cut into 1-inch squares or your favorite cookie cutter shapes.
Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Bake for 10 minutes, then flip each biscuit and bake for another 10–15 minutes, or until the treats are dry and crunchy.
Allow to cool completely before serving.

Feeding Guide

Because these treats contain concentrated nutritional ingredients, I use them as a daily supplement, not a free-feed treat.

Dogs under 20 lbs: 1 small biscuit daily
Dogs 20–50 lbs: 2 small biscuits daily
Dogs over 50 lbs: 3 small biscuits daily

Note: These treats contain green-lipped mussel powder, which is intended as a nutritional supplement. If your dog has a medical condition or is taking medications, check with your veterinarian before adding new supplements to their diet.

I'll be sharing more healthy homemade treat recipes soon, including everyday treats that are perfect for regular snacking!

One More Thing...

Never underestimate the healing power of affection.

A walk.

A game of fetch.

A belly rub.

A quiet evening together.

Those moments reduce stress for both of you and are some of the healthiest "supplements" you'll ever give.

Your dog doesn't care how expensive their toys are or how fancy their bed is.

They simply want to spend time with you.

Cherish every gray muzzle, every slower walk, and every happy tail wag.

They're worth every minute. ❤️

For an entire list of things I mention in this blog, envisit my Amazon Affiliate store and look for the list

My Essentials for Senior Dogs and Cats

Frequently Asked Questions

At what age should I start giving my dog joint supplements?

As early as possible. I prefer supporting joints before stiffness develops rather than waiting until mobility declines. Large breeds and highly active dogs may especially benefit from early nutritional support.

Is bone broth safe for dogs and cats?

Yes, when made without onions, excessive salt, or other ingredients that aren't appropriate for pets. Homemade bone broth is one of my favorite ways to add moisture, collagen, and flavor to meals.

What is the best exercise for an older dog?

Daily walks are wonderful, but let your dog set the pace. Swimming, gentle hikes, fetch, and even indoor games can all help maintain muscle and joint mobility.

Can cats benefit from these same supplements?

Many of them can. Bone broth, omega-3 fatty acids, glycine, and quality nutrition can all be part of a healthy routine for cats as well. Always introduce new foods gradually and check with your veterinarian if your cat has health concerns.

How often should I feed homemade mobility treats?

I use them as a daily supplement, not as a meal replacement. Because they contain concentrated ingredients, moderation is key.

What are the first signs of arthritis in dogs?

Some of the earliest signs include:

Slower getting up
Hesitation to jump
Sleeping more
Stiffness after resting
Less interest in playing fetch
Lagging behind on walks

The earlier you notice changes, the sooner you can support their joints.

Can puppies benefit from joint-supporting foods?

Absolutely! Supporting healthy joints isn't just for seniors. Good nutrition, regular exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight help build strong joints from the very beginning.