Top 3 Joint Supplements for Dogs

TL;DR:

This blog discusses the importance of joint supplements for dogs, particularly those with genetic predispositions to joint issues. It highlights three top supplements: Fish Oil, Glucosamine and Chondroitin, and MSM. It also covers the benefits of a fish-based diet for joint health. 

Main Points: 

• Importance of joint supplements for maintaining long-term joint health. 

• Common joint problems in dogs, especially in older and larger breeds. 

• Top 3 Joint Supplements: 

• Benefits of fish-based diets for joint health. 

• Importance of weight management and low-impact exercise. 

• Consult a veterinarian before adding supplements to a dog’s diet. 

Dogs are athletes and acrobats, performing impossibly agile feats during every game of fetch. As they jump and run, their joints undergo strain, which can lead to pain and health problems down the line. This can have a major impact on some breeds that are more likely to have genetic hip conditions like dysplasia.  

Joint supplements for dogs can help your canine companion maintain long-term joint health and functionality. In this blog, we’ll share a few vet-recommended joint supplements for dogs to help your pet stay active and healthy for life.  Continue reading to learn about common hip and joint problems in dogs and which supplements might be able to help. 

Understanding Joint Supplements for Dogs

As dogs age, it’s common for them to experience arthritis, which can cause inflammation and negatively impact mobility. Likewise, older dogs are more susceptible to ligament tears.  

Arthritis and injuries may seem to come on suddenly. You might notice that your dog has become less active, seemingly overnight. They might lose interest in playtime, struggle on the stairs, or avoid comfy nap spots that require them to jump. This is more common in large breeds and breeds with a predisposition to dysplasia of the elbow or hip.  

In reality, these changes don’t happen suddenly. It’s common for a dog’s ligaments to deteriorate over time. Since you can’t see this happening, the only way to prevent problems is with a proactive approach.  

Joint supplements for dogs can provide your pet with the nutritional support they need to prevent injuries. They can help pet parents get ahead of long-term mobility problems.  

In other cases, joint supplements can help reduce pain and inflammation in dogs already experiencing injuries and arthritis.  

Top 3 Joint Supplements for Dogs

Below, we’ve highlighted three quality ingredients found in good joint supplements for dogs.

1. Fish Oil

Fish oil is the only supplement medically proven to slow joint and ligament degeneration. It is high in Omega-3 fatty acids, which reduce inflammation, including joint inflammation. As this is a higher-calorie supplement, it’s best for dogs that are not currently overweight.  

Vets agree that giving dogs fish oil for joint health is as effective as many medications. As a result, this supplement can reduce the number of NSAID medications (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories) your pet needs to take for pain management.  

2. Glucosamine and Chondroitin 

Glucosamine and chondroitin may be able to help slow the progression of arthritis and joint degeneration. You’ll find this combination in many supplements intended to treat arthritis in dogs.  

Each ingredient has unique properties that can benefit dogs with arthritis. Glucosamine can help promote cartilage generation in some dogs. Chondroitin does the opposite, working to prevent cartilage destruction.  

Be aware that these ingredients are still being studied. Most of the positive results are anecdotal. While this is promising, more research is necessary to definitively prove that they’re effective.  

3. MSM

MSM stands for Methylsulfonylmethane. It’s a naturally occurring source of sulfur, which dogs need to improve their cellular health. Many vets believe supplements containing MSM may block joint inflammation in some dogs. MSM tends to be most effective for dogs that are already experiencing pain from arthritis.  

Since many dogs are deficient in sulfur, it can also be a good preventative supplement for overall health. Many vets recommend MSM for aging dogs. However, there isn’t much evidence that MSM specifically prevents joint injuries or arthritis. Even so, it’s a popular ingredient in many vet-recommended joint supplements for dogs. 

Does My Dog Need Joint Supplements? 

Ideally, you won’t need hip or joint supplements for dogs. There are many well-formulated dog foods out there that offer quality nutrient additives. These formulas contain ingredients that decrease inflammation and strengthen joints.  

If you have a large breed dog or a breed with a known genetic predisposition for joint problems, choose a food formulated for joint health. We realize it can be hard for some dogs to change their diet. If your dog likes their current food, you can add joint supplements to your pet’s favorite food to boost its nutritional value.  

For injury prevention, look for foods that contain fish oil. If your dog is already experiencing arthritis or an injury, consider food containing MSM, glucosamine, and chondroitin.  

Weight management is also a major component of preventing joint problems in dogs. For overweight pets, a nutritious, lean diet is the first method of defense.  

Focus on decreasing fat and increasing lean muscle. Prioritize low-impact exercise to help your pet maintain their fitness level. As a bonus, this can improve your dog’s overall health, including their cardiac health.  

When choosing natural joint supplements for dogs, always consult with your veterinarian. This is especially important if your dog has known food allergies or sensitivities. The best joint supplements for dogs will be science-backed and have evidence to prove they’re effective.   

The Benefits of a Fish-First Diet for Joint Health 

Fish is a natural source of Omega-3s, which naturally reduces inflammation and promotes joint health in dogs. Likewise, it is rare for dogs to experience fish allergies. That makes a fish-based diet a nutritious and safe option for many pets. If your dog is predisposed to joint issues, it may be time to make the change.  

For dogs who have a preferred food, fish oil supplements are a great addition to an injury-prevention diet. Learn about the functional health benefits of our seafood-based dog food toppers. 

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