It's heartbreaking to watch our dogs suffer from joint issues like arthritis. How can we as pet parents find the best joint nutrition for dogs, providing the nutrients needed for healthy joints so our pups can run free during playtime?
Fortunately, vets are often recommending natural ingredients like glucosamine and chondroitin to help treat hip and joint issues in dogs. Glucosamine is a natural compound that helps rebuild cartilage in joints which is a marker of canine arthritis.
When searching for a good glucosamine supplement, be sure to keep an ear out for options that prioritize joint nutrition for dogs. (Bathal, 2017)
Veterinarians have evaluated glucosamine to be an effective treatment for many senior dogs who are suffering from joint related issues; however, it's important to understand how glucosamine works and what you should look for when selecting a good supplement for your pet. In this article, we'll discuss the best glucosamine supplements and how to spot them among the crowd.
SUMMARY:
4 minute read
- Gluco-What?
- How to Get the Most Benefits from Canine Glucosamine
- Easy Ways to Support Joint Health for Dogs
Gluco-What?
Glucosamine is a naturally-occurring compound found in the body, as well as in certain foods. It is a type of amino sugar which helps to form and maintain cartilage, ligaments, tendons and joint fluid. Glucosamine plays an important role in keeping aging joints lubricated and flexible by providing essential building blocks for cartilage and connective tissue — and it does all this with few and mild side effects. (Martello, 2022)
Glucosamine is a naturally-occurring compound especially important for dog nutrition, joint health, and aiding arthritis in dogs.
It can be used either alone or as part of a comprehensive joint support supplement that may also contain other ingredients such as chondroitin, MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) and omega-3 fatty acids.
How to Get the Most Benefits from Canine Glucosamine
While glucosamine is an important part of joint health for aging dogs, it is not enough on its own. Glucosamine has been found to be effective when combined with other ingredients, such as Chondroitin and MSM (methylsulfonylmethane). Chondroitin can help block enzymes that break down healthy cartilage, while MSM is well researched in animals as an effective anti inflammation agent with few and mild side effects. These additional ingredients can help provide more comprehensive support for optimal joint health. (Butawan, 2017)
Glucosamine has been found to be most effective for joint health in dogs when combined with chondroitin and MSM.
Because glucosamine alone may not be enough to improve canine joint health, we created RJX for Dogs. RJX provides a therapeutic amount of the top 3 natural joint nutrients for dogs, glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM.
MSM is well researched in animals as an effective anti inflammation agent with few side effects. Combining MSM with glucosamine is a powerful and natural treatment with few and mild side effects.
Comparing Natural Supplements and NSAIDs for Joint Health
When considering treatments for joint health in dogs, it's important to understand the differences between natural supplements like glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM, and traditional medications such as NSAIDs. While natural supplements aim to support and improve joint health over time by providing essential nutrients for cartilage repair and inflammation reduction, NSAIDs offer immediate pain relief by inhibiting enzymes responsible for inflammation. However, NSAIDs can come with potential serious side effects, including gastrointestinal issues, liver and kidney damage, and in some cases, negative impacts on joint cartilage. In contrast, glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM are generally considered safe with fewer side effects, making them a preferable long-term solution for many pet owners. (Mabry, 2021)
Easy Ways to Support Joint Health for Dogs
To support the vitality and agility of your dog, regardless of their age or current joint health, Nusentia® presents two tailored nutritional solutions designed to nurture their every pounce and leap. For dogs aged 7 years and older, we recommend our specialized therapeutic nutrition options, crafted to address the needs of their mature joints. For younger adult dogs, ensuring ongoing joint health is as simple as incorporating our carefully formulated ingredients into their daily routine, served in convenient, treat-sized doses. This proactive approach helps maintain their mobility, so they can continue to enjoy their playful and active lifestyle.
Have a look and see which supplement may be best suited for your dog:
RJX For Dogs: Natural Canine Joint Support
Extend playtime with your elderly dogs with RJX for Dogs. This is a must-have joint supplement that contains therapeutic amounts of studied natural nutrients for joint health. If your dog is over 7 years old, is slow to rise, experiences stiffness or soreness, or lags behind on walks, then RJX is for them.
Spectrin for Dogs: Vitamins + Joint Support
If you're on the market for a multivitamin treat with joint support for your young or adult dog, try Spectrin™. Packed with essential vitamins, antioxidants, flavonoids, minerals, and key nutrients, these specially formulated mobility treats are designed to fill the nutritional gaps that even the best diets may leave. Plus, your dog will be begging for them!
To Conclude
In conclusion, ensuring the joint health of our precious pups is essential for their overall well-being and happiness. With the help of glucosamine and MSM supplements, we can alleviate their discomfort and improve their mobility, particularly for senior dogs grappling with arthritis. Simply follow the directions on the label for the proper serving size. And remember, consulting a veterinarian is always wise crucial for choosing the right joint health treatment for your dog. Vets can tailor their advice to your dog’s specific needs, ensuring the safest and most effective option between, or combining, glucosamine with MSM supplements and/or NSAIDs. This informed approach helps safeguard your pet’s well-being and keeps playtime active and fun!
Visit Nusentia for natural, trusted pet care products with proven formulas to improve your furry friend's overall health.
References
Bhathal, A., Spryszak, M., Louizos, C., & Frankel, G. (2017). Glucosamine and chondroitin use in canines for osteoarthritis: A review. Open veterinary journal, 7(1), 36–49. https://doi.org/10.4314/ovj.v7i1.6
Butawan, M., Benjamin, R. L., & Bloomer, R. J. (2017). Methylsulfonylmethane: Applications and Safety of a Novel Dietary Supplement. Nutrients, 9(3), 290. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9030290
Mabry, K., Hill, T., & Tolbert, M. K. (2021). Prevalence of gastrointestinal lesions in dogs chronically treated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Journal of veterinary internal medicine, 35(2), 853–859. https://doi.org/10.1111/jvim.16057
Martello, E., Bigliati, M., Adami, R., Biasibetti, E., Bisanzio, D., Meineri, G., & Bruni, N. (2022). Efficacy of a dietary supplement in dogs with osteoarthritis: A randomized placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial. PloS one, 17(2), e0263971. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0263971