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Joint supplements for dogs can help prevent common problems and manage existing joint conditions. There are many different kinds on the market, so we look at the relative benefits of each.
You may be surprised to learn that, although joint conditions usually present once the dog is fully grown and often later in life, they have their origins in puppyhood.
Several factors can cause joint problems, but we can do something about our diet and exercise.
When a puppy grows, its growth plates are very vulnerable to excessive exercise and to the activities of day-to-day life, such as jumping in and out of the car, on and off the sofa, running up and down the stairs and slipping on wooden/laminate floors.
Regarding diet, foods specially formulated for puppies can give the dog a distinct advantage because, up to six months, calcium absorption is passive, which means that if the diet contains too much calcium (from food not formulated for puppies).
The puppy will absorb it all in its bones. This absorption can affect bone growth, and giant-breed puppies are particularly vulnerable.
Chondroitin sulphate and glucosamine
In a healthy dog, glucosamine is produced naturally, which is impaired in a dog with osteoarthritis. Therefore, it can be administered as a supplement to compensate for the lack of glucosamine production.
Glucosamine supplements are made from the exoskeletons of shrimp, lobsters and crabs and are found in three forms: glucosamine sulphate, glucosamine hydrochloride and N-acetyl-glucosamine.
Glucosamine is used by the body to make new cartilage. Chondroitin is also sourced from animal or fish cartilage and acts in the body to slow the rate of cartilage damage. Chondroitin and glucosamine, therefore, work together to promote healthy cartilage turnover.
Most supplements contain a combination of glucosamine, chondroitin sulphate, and various other compounds, such as manganese ascorbate and flavonoids. These supplements are well-researched, and good evidence demonstrates their benefit to the joints.
Joint supplements for dogs. Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM)
MSM is a naturally occurring organic sulphur molecule and dimethylsulphoxide (DMSO) metabolite.
It may have anti-inflammatory properties; human nutrition studies have shown that it may effectively treat osteoarthritis and improve pain and physical function symptoms.
Omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are known to decrease inflammatory mediators associated with joint disease. In addition, several recent studies have supported the use omega-3 in dogs with osteoarthritis, showing improvements in lameness. Supplements are usually in either cod liver oil or pure omega-3 oil.
Omega-3 supplements are obtained from the flesh of oily fish like sardines rather than just from the fish’s liver. Therefore, good-quality omega-3 oil is a much better source of omega-3 than fish liver oils, as oils sourced from the flesh are purified and do not contain any contaminants.
In addition, there has been a lot of interest in krill as a sour omega-3 because some research suggests that the omega 3 in krill may be more bioavailable than the omega fish oil.
More research is needed on this idea.
Howey’s use of krill oil is controversial because krill make a vital part of the Antarctic food chain, and many species, including penguins, whales, seals and seabirds, are directly and indirectly affected by their declining numbers.
Turmeric (curcumin)
Curcumin is turmeric’s main biologically active compound and has been shown to have potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Existing research suggests it may be a beneficial complementary treatment for osteoarthritis in dogs. Still, more research is needed to improve its solubility absorption and bioavailability and to look at the possible side effects if given at biologically active concentrations in test tube conditions.
Curcumin is poorly absorbed across the wall of the intestine and rapidly cleared from the blood, so it would need to be given as a high-quality supplement (pharmaceutical grade) in conjunction with an oil or fish oil to maximise its absorption.
Freshly ground black pepper has also been shown to enhance absorption.
Studies have used curcumin in doses ranging from 500 to 3600 mg daily, so further research is needed to produce more specific recommendations.
Joint supplements for dogs. Green-lipped mussel
Green-lipped mussels contain several biologically active compounds, including omega-3 fatty acids, amino acids, vitamins and minerals.
Diets supplemented with green-lipped mussel extract have shown beneficial results in dogs with osteoarthritis.
Studies of green-lipped mussels have found that the flesh has a naturally occurring combination of many nutrients that benefit joint health.
Some evidence from well-controlled clinical trials supports the use of green-lipped mussels in osteoarthritis in dogs, where the supplement has been used to help control pain with no side effects. However, it was less effective than non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
However, green-lipped mussels may be helpful for dogs who cannot use NSAIDs or who need pain control in the long term.
Studies have not yet demonstrated consistent improvement, and there are concerns over the efficacy of farmed mussels and the sustainability of harvesting wild-caught green-lipped mussels.
Milk thistle
This supplement, also known as SAMe, is produced by the body from the amino acid methionine.
As it is not found in food, it may be beneficial as a supplement due to its ability to decrease pain and reduce swelling, and it has been used in clinical trials for people with arthritis.
In summary, while some very well-researched joint supplements are available for dogs, it is essential to note that using joint supplements for conditions such as osteoarthritis can only be part of a multi-modal treatment approach.
Excess weight placing undue stress on the joints is a significant factor in osteoarthritis. Therefore, dietary management plays an important role, and it might be worth looking for dog foods designed for weight management.
These foods allow you to feed your dog a standard portion size rather than simply cutting down on the portion size of their usual fare, which will help to avoid hunger between meals.
In addition, weight management foods often benefit from adding certain vital ingredients. For example, look out for foods containing L-carnitine, which helps the body use fat as an energy source and preserves muscle mass, often reduced during weight loss. Some foods also have the added benefit of including joint supplements too.
Joint supplements for dogs can help to improve joint health and mobility. They are especially beneficial for older dogs, which are more likely to experience joint pain and stiffness. Some of the most common ingredients in joint supplements for dogs include:
- Glucosamine: Glucosamine is a natural substance that helps build and repair cartilage, the tissue that cushions joints.
- Chondroitin: Chondroitin is another natural substance that helps to keep cartilage healthy and strong.
- MSM (methylsulfonylmethane): MSM is a sulfur-containing compound with anti-inflammatory properties.
- Green-lipped mussel: Green-lipped mussel is a shellfish with high omega-3 fatty acids and anti-inflammatory and joint-protecting properties.
- Hyaluronic acid: Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance that helps to keep joints lubricated.
When choosing a joint supplement for your dog, it is essential to read the label carefully and choose a product appropriate for your dog’s age and weight. It would be best to talk to your veterinarian before giving your dog any supplements, as they can interact with certain medications.
Here are some of the best joint supplements for dogs:
- YuMOVE
- JointSure
- Vetzyme
- Nutramax Cosequin
- Dasuquin
- Canine Gold
- Yumi Dogs
- Pets Purest
- Pooch & Mutt
- Vitabiotics Joint & Muscle Formula
These supplements are all made with high-quality ingredients and have been clinically proven to help improve joint health and mobility in dogs. One of these supplements may be an excellent option to help your dog maintain joint health.
Here are some additional tips for helping your dog maintain their joint health:
- Keep your dog at a healthy weight. Obesity puts extra stress on joints.
- Feed your dog a high-quality diet that is rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
- Provide your dog with plenty of exercise. Exercise helps to keep joints healthy and strong.
- Avoid activities that stress your dog’s joints, such as jumping and running on hard surfaces.
- If your dog is experiencing joint pain or stiffness, talk to your veterinarian. Several treatments can help to relieve pain and improve mobility.
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