We all have favorite things for ourselves and of course, our dogs. If you are so inclined, please take a look at the new Favorite Things page - a running list of items: tried & true favorites, recommended, wish list. Expect it to evolve. We'll kick it off with....
Joint Support Supplements
There are many good reasons why my border collies benefit from joint support supplements. They are very active dogs - indoors and outdoors. Though they do not compete in agility, flyball, disc or herd sheep, they move just like athletes (run, jump, start/stop, turn quickly, etc.). After strenuous exercise, they are sore and limp around for a few hours or days. Josey, more than Lucas, will also show stiffness in her limbs. Osteoarthritis? No. Well, maybe not yet.
This is where I believe supplements are extremely helpful (in addition to rest periods). Table below lists joint support supplements I've given to my dogs and a couple of new ones to try. We've had excellent results with all but prefer powder over tablets (simply add to food every day for maintenance & load up (double) as necessary). Rotating between different brands & formulations makes sense, too.
I look for three key ingredients: Glucosamine HCL or glucosamine complex, Chondroitin Sulfate & Methyl Sulfonyl Methane (MSM). Powder forms are made with flaxseed, bee pollen, spirulina, kelp, garlic and yeast providing an array of whole foods w/ naturally occurring vitamins, minerals and trace elements. Tablet forms contain fillers (dextrose, cellulose, silicone dioxide) and flavorings. More expensive or advanced supplements contain these ingredients: Perna canaliculus (green-lipped mussel), Dimethylglycine (DMG), Hyaluronic Acid and manganese. Dosage amount will vary per product & weight of the dog. Dosage amount shown is per day for a 40 lb. dog.
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Product Form Dosage Glucosamine Chondroitin MSM
/Manufacturer Amount HCL Sulfate
NUPRO Silver Powder 1 oz. 500 mg Unknown 300 mg
/Nutri-Pet Research (≈ 3 tbsp.)
Longevity Powder 8 g. 398 mg 398 mg 398 mg
/Springtime Inc. (≈ < 2 tsp.)
Joint Health Tablet 2 tablets 500 mg 350 mg 600 mg
/Springtime Inc.
HylaSport Powder 5 g. 750 mg 500 mg 500 mg
/PupSup Products (≈ > 1 tsp.)
Missing Link Plus Powder 2 tsp. 334 mg Unknown Unknown
/Designing Health
GlycoFlex II Tablet 1 tablet 750 mg Unknown 500 mg
/Vetri-Science
Run Free Powder 1 scoop 800 mg 800 mg 800 mg
/The Wholistic Pet (≈ 1 tbsp.)
Notes
Vitamin C may be considered "controversial" in joint supplements so here is more info:
* Longevity: Vitamin C 198.95 mg, Citrus Bioflavonoid Complex 198.95 mg
* Joint Health: Ascorbic Acid 250 mg, Citrus Bioflavonoid Complex 200 mg
* HylaSport Canine: Vitamin C 75 mg; Hyaluronic Acid 10 mg
* Missing Link Plus: No Vitamin C
* GlycoFlex II: No Vitamin C; Perna canaliculus 600 mg, DMG 100 mg, manganese 10 mg
* Run Free: Calcium Ascorbate 150 mg
* Run Free: Calcium Ascorbate 150 mg
These supplements come in every price point. A favorite BC rescue recommends Trader Joe's Glucosamine Chondrotin for Dogs - $9.99 for 100 chewable tablets (Glucosamine HCL 250 mg/tablet, Chondroitin Sulfate 200 mg/tablet, no MSM). Liquid joint supplements are also popular but I have not tried any yet. If you are a stickler about quality of the ingredients, testing and auditing of products, purchase from manufacturers who are members of the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC).
Disclaimer
I am not a veterinarian. I do not have any formal training in any medical field. This information is not meant to replace a vet's advice or prescribed medications. My only intent is to share experiences with supplements based on my research and my dogs' conditions.
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