So you’ve decided that the time is now, your pet needs help with their stiff joints but where do you go first, what do you try?
The challenge with joint supplements is that they are not licensed by any objective authority and therefore there are no independent bodies which can tell you which one works and which ones don’t. Moreover, even if there are ingredients in one that are in another you have no idea what the source is for these ingredients or what the quality, purity or consistency may be. It’s a minefield….
So, you talk to friends, or you may have experience of some ingredients yourself but to any newcomer, the list of ingredients is bewildering, where would you even start?
My view is that the only one that has been proven in medicines to have any benefit is hyaluronic acid. There are injectable preparations of hyaluronic acid that have passed regulatory authority approval and been shown to be effective in treating arthritis and degenerative joint disease through anti-inflammatory and lubricative effects. So, choosing a joint supplement with hyaluronic acid is probably a good start.
But, remember what I said about quality and consistency, well hyaluronic acid is available from a number of sources. It can be recovered from chicken combs or by chemically denaturing cartilage as a by-product of food production or it can be made under lab conditions by a biofermentation process. The latter is by far and away the best. The hyaluronic is long chain, closest to what occurs naturally, it’s consistent and it’s pure from any contamination.
So how do you find a hyaluronic acid like this? Well, they are generally not mixed with other ingredients, so they are hyaluronic acid only, they are generally liquid and they are all suitable for vegans. Now, I’m not saying that your dog needs vegan products but that’s just how you can identify it!
Not all products work with all animals and all conditions, the key is to start somewhere, be objective about how your pet is progressing and don’t be afraid to change.
A list of ingredients commonly found in canine joint supplements:
- Glucosamine: Glucosamine is a natural compound found in healthy cartilage. It is believed to help maintain joint health by supporting the production of cartilage and promoting its repair.
- Chondroitin: Chondroitin is a molecule that is a major component of cartilage. It is thought to enhance the elasticity of cartilage and inhibit the enzymes that break down cartilage in joints.
- MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane): MSM is a sulfur-containing compound that is believed to have anti-inflammatory properties. It is thought to help reduce joint inflammation and alleviate pain associated with joint conditions.
- Omega-3 fatty acids: Omega-3 fatty acids, such as EPA and DHA found in fish oil, have anti-inflammatory properties and are believed to help reduce joint inflammation and improve joint mobility in dogs with arthritis.
- Hyaluronic acid: Hyaluronic acid is a substance naturally present in the synovial fluid of joints, where it acts as a lubricant and shock absorber. Supplementing with hyaluronic acid is thought to help improve joint lubrication and reduce friction between joints.
- Vitamin C: Vitamin C is an antioxidant that plays a role in collagen synthesis, which is essential for the formation of healthy cartilage. It is believed to help support joint health and reduce the risk of cartilage degeneration.
- Manganese: Manganese is a mineral that is important for cartilage formation and maintenance. It is thought to support the production of glycosaminoglycans, which are essential components of cartilage and connective tissue.
- Turmeric: Turmeric contains curcumin, a compound with powerful anti-inflammatory properties. It is believed to help reduce joint inflammation and alleviate pain associated with arthritis and other joint conditions in dogs.
- Green-lipped mussel extract: Green-lipped mussel extract contains a variety of nutrients, including omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine, and chondroitin. It is believed to have anti-inflammatory properties and support joint health in dogs with arthritis and other joint conditions.
- Boswellia serrata: Boswellia serrata is a plant extract that contains compounds known as boswellic acids, which have anti-inflammatory properties. It is believed to help reduce joint inflammation and alleviate pain associated with arthritis and other joint conditions.
- Eggshell membrane: Eggshell membrane contains collagen, glycosaminoglycans, and other nutrients that support joint health. It is believed to help reduce joint pain and stiffness in dogs with arthritis and other joint conditions.
- Devil's claw: Devil's claw is a plant native to South Africa, and its extract is believed to have anti-inflammatory properties. It is often used to alleviate pain and stiffness associated with arthritis and other joint conditions in dogs.
- Yucca schidigera: Yucca schidigera is a plant native to the southwestern United States and Mexico. Its extract is believed to have anti-inflammatory properties and may help reduce joint inflammation and pain in dogs with arthritis and other joint conditions.
- Collgen: Collagen is a protein found in connective tissues, including cartilage. Supplementing with collagen is believed to help support joint health by providing the building blocks necessary for cartilage repair and maintenance.
- Vitamin E: Vitamin E is an antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. It is believed to have anti-inflammatory properties and may help reduce joint inflammation in dogs with arthritis and other joint conditions.
- Zinc: Zinc is a mineral that plays a role in collagen synthesis and cartilage formation. It is believed to support joint health and may help prevent cartilage degeneration in dogs.
- Selenium: Selenium is an essential mineral that acts as an antioxidant and helps protect cells from damage. It is believed to have anti-inflammatory properties and may help reduce joint inflammation in dogs with arthritis and other joint conditions
- Bromelain: Bromelain is an enzyme derived from pineapple stems and fruit. It has anti-inflammatory properties and may help reduce joint inflammation and swelling in dogs with arthritis and other joint conditions.
- Papain: Papain is an enzyme derived from papaya fruit. It has anti-inflammatory properties and may help reduce joint inflammation and pain in dogs with arthritis and other joint conditions.
- Calcium: Calcium is a mineral that plays a crucial role in bone health. While primarily known for its role in bone formation and strength, calcium also supports joint health by contributing to the maintenance of cartilage and connective tissues.
- Boron: Boron is a trace mineral that plays a role in bone metabolism and joint health. It is believed to help support the maintenance of healthy cartilage and may benefit dogs with arthritis and other joint conditions.
- Copper: Copper is a trace mineral that plays a role in collagen synthesis and connective tissue formation. It is believed to support joint health by contributing to the maintenance of cartilage and may help reduce the risk of cartilage degeneration in dogs.
- Vitamin D: Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that plays a crucial role in calcium absorption and bone health. It is believed to support joint health indirectly by promoting strong bones, which are essential for overall joint integrity