Canine Joint Protective Supplements
- Everwell Pets
- Sep 17, 2024
- 9 min read
Updated: Sep 9
Synthetic Supplements & Natural Alternatives For Canine Joints
Joint protection is essential in supporting canine arthritis, which is often caused by the gradual wear and tear of joint cartilage over time, much like osteoarthritis in humans. Joint protective support helps maintain joint health, reduce inflammation, and provide the necessary nutrients to keep your dog’s joints functioning smoothly, allowing them to stay active and comfortable as they age.
What Is A Joint Protective Product?
A joint protective product is a dietary supplement specifically formulated to support and promote the health and function of joints in your pet's body. These supplements typically contain a combination of ingredients such as glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane), hyaluronic acid, and various vitamins and minerals.
Remember, these products are all lab-designed synthetic elements. Before you reach for any bottle—whether it’s a supplement or a prescription—get your pet on a raw dog food diet that incorporates whole food nutrition and reduces inflammation. It’s crucial that we provide the body with the right building blocks for proteins they’re naturally designed to create on their own.
Supplement Ingredients: Glucosamine & Chondroitin
The use of glucosamine and chondroitin to ease joint pain and combat arthritis has been a topic of ongoing debate in both the human and pet world. These two compounds are classified as disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs, and they have intriguing properties.
Glucosamine plays a pivotal role in proteoglycan biosynthesis, promoting cartilage cell synthesis, reducing inflammation, and potentially slowing down arthritis progression. Chondroitin is a glycosaminoglycan and boasts anti-inflammatory properties while stimulating the production of hyaluronic acid, a natural lubricant found in healthy joints.
Non-steroidal Anti-Inflammatories
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have long been the go-to pharmaceutical therapy, but they come with their share of risks, like gastrointestinal ulceration, negatively impacting liver and kidney function, destruction of the gut microbiome and long-term use resulting in further joint damage. Though Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate, often hailed as nutraceuticals, have been a common alternative, the evidence surrounding their benefits remains mixed.
Conflicting Efficacy Results: A Scientific Review
Numerous clinical studies have reported positive outcomes, indicating that glucosamine and chondroitin can alleviate joint pain and improve function in individuals with osteoarthritis of the knees, hips, and spine. However, not all studies yield consistent results, and some have even suggested that these supplements are no more effective than placebos.
Back in 2018, a significant systematic review [1] raised doubts about their effectiveness in reducing pain and enhancing physical function in osteoarthritis patients. Then in 2022, researchers conducted additional systematic reviews and meta-analyses, aggregating data from multiple studies to assess the overall impact.
One such meta-analysis, conducted in 2022 [2], incorporated eight randomized controlled trials involving 3,793 patients.
Their findings demonstrated significant differences in pain, function, and stiffness between those who took the combination of glucosamine and chondroitin compared to a placebo or chondroitin-only group. (Worth noting :the combination did not surpass the efficacy of NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) due to their rapid action).
So, why did the follow-up analysis only four years later yield different results from the 2018 systematic review? The crucial distinction lies in the inclusive of studies that included the combination of glucosamine and chondroitin, which is often overlooked in other clinical trials that examine each substance separately.
A New Scientific Case For Green-Lipped Mussels
PCSO-524, a marine-based fatty acid compound derived from New Zealand's green-lipped mussel, and EAB-277, a blend of phospholipids from krill oil and lipid fractions from the green-lipped mussel. These promising compounds showcased their potential in providing relief from canine hip OA pain, making them worthy contenders in the realm of pet health.
A recent study (2023) embarked on a journey to evaluate glucosamine hydrochloride and chondroitin sulfate compounds alongside marine-based fatty acid compounds (PCSO-524 and EAB-277) and carprofen for their pain-relieving potential in dogs with hip OA.
This was no ordinary study; it was a prospective, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial, involving seventy-five dogs grappling with hip OA. These furry participants were randomly assigned to five treatment groups: PCSO-524, Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate, EAB-277, carprofen, and Placebo (sunflower oil).
The team of researchers closely monitored these dogs at various intervals throughout the study. They assessed their progress through two crucial measures: Peak Vertical Force (PVF)** and Subjective Orthopedic Assessment Scores (OAS).
The findings were nothing short of intriguing. After just two weeks, the carprofen group showed a significant increase in PVF, indicating an improvement in their symptoms. But the real revelation came after four and six weeks of treatment.
The marine-based fatty acid compounds (PCSO-524, EAB-277), and carprofen groups exhibited significant increases in PVF, significantly outperforming the placebo and glucosamine/chondroitin groups.
Furthermore, the results suggested that marine-based fatty acid compounds (PCSO-524 and EAB-277) were particularly effective in relieving hip OA pain, rivaling the efficacy of carprofen.[3]
In a world where OA affects a significant portion of the canine population, this study opens up new avenues for exploring safe and effective treatments. As the study suggests, green-lipped mussels and/or krill, could be valuable additions to our arsenal, helping our pets enjoy a life free from the discomfort of OA.
Joint Health From Whole Foods
Discover the secret to enhancing your furry friend's joint health with natural glucosamine sources - a game-changer in nutrient absorption and bioavailability. Unlike traditional supplements, natural glucosamine gets digested and delivered directly to your dog's cells, offering immediate and effective relief.
By including some glucosamine-rich foods (listed below) in their diet regularly, they'll be getting a natural, healthy dose.
Trachea:
This is not just a chewy delight but a cartilage powerhouse with about 5% glucosamine. Just a 1 oz piece of trachea can provide your pup with over 1400 mg of glucosamine and a single chicken foot packs around 400 mg of glucosamine. *Note: For every 25 lbs of your dog's body weight, shoot for approximately 500 mg of glucosamine daily. [5]
Whether it's beef, lamb, goat, or even exotic ostrich, trachea is a canine favorite. It's a treat they'll not only love but will benefit from, absorbing nutrients effortlessly. Whether served raw or dehydrated, trachea is a crunchy delight that supports joint health.
Chicken Feet:
These are not your average snack! Chicken feet are packed with natural glucosamine. Some dogs even prefer them frozen, making for a cool, crunchy treat. And don't fret about the toenails - they're perfectly safe! Expand the menu with duck, turkey, goose, or guinea fowl feet for a varied, glucosamine-rich diet.
Tantalizing Tails: Oxtails and pig tails are more than just meat; they're cartilage-rich sources of glucosamine. Make mealtime exciting and nutritious by adding these tails to your dog's diet.
Beef Knuckle:
These bones are a canine's dream! Loaded with cartilage and therefore glucosamine, beef knuckle bones are not just a tasty chew but a long-lasting source of entertainment and joint support.
Shellfish:
The shells of shellfish are hidden treasures of glucosamine. Instead of commercial supplements, why not go natural with shellfish shells? Treat your dog with shrimp shells, or make a delicious, glucosamine-rich broth by simmering any shellfish shells in water.
Bone Broth:
Crafting a batch of bone broth is a labor of love with immense benefits. This gelatinous, nutrient-packed broth, simmered for hours, is a goldmine of glucosamine and other joint-supporting goodies. It's a warm, hearty addition to your dog's diet, filled with countless health advantages.
Joint Health From Additional Natural Sources
Green-lipped mussels, as mentioned above, are a joint protective powerhouse that has been proven to alleviate arthritis symptoms in both dogs and humans. These New Zealand natives packed with vital glycosaminoglycans like chondroitin sulfate and hyaluronic acid, offer a natural remedy for your dog's arthritis. However, freshness is key! Opt for cold-extracted or freeze-dried supplements to preserve their potency.
But why stop there? Explore the wonders of Natural Eggshell Membrane (NEM®), the thin layer inside eggshells, brimming with joint-protecting glycosaminoglycans. This remarkable supplement not only eases pain but also enhances joint function, with research [4] showcasing a significant improvement in both human and canine arthritis. A 6-week trial on dogs reported a noteworthy enhancement in pain relief and quality of life.
Looking for both Green-lipped Mussels and NEM? Look no further than 4 Leaf Rover's "Hip & Joint".
What's My Take On Joint Supplements?
In the world of pet health and wellness, a common question I hear is, "What kind of glucosamine should I use?" or "Which glucosamine is the best?" It’s understandable—many pet parents use "glucosamine" as a catch-all term for joint supplements that include various ingredients. However, I’ve never been a big advocate for relying on glucosamine alone or even combined with chondroitin. Over my years as a dog chiropractor, I’ve seen that its effectiveness can often be underwhelming, which is why I tend to explore more natural whole food options that might offer more consistent results.
Nevertheless, I wholeheartedly support the concept of joint protective supplements, and I urge pet parents to explore a diverse array of options from different brands. My rationale behind this approach is rooted in the understanding that every animal is unique, and their responses to different products on the market can vary significantly.
Moreover, I strongly advocate making the switch to a raw dog food diet as the first step. This transition aims to reduce the consumption of processed foods rich in carbohydrates, which has the potential to alleviate inflammation throughout the body. Such a reduction in inflammation can have a substantial positive impact on arthritic joints, reducing the need even to introduce a joint protective product until a later date.
The Art of Rotation
If you do decide to use synthetic supplementation, I am a strong advocate for the art of rotation. Yes, that's right—switching things up can be the secret sauce to maintaining your pet's vitality. Picture this: when you shuffle through different joint protective products, each with its unique blend of ingredients, you're essentially keeping your pet's body on its toes. By doing so, you prevent it from settling into a comfortable routine with a single supplement. Our clever pets' bodies have a knack for adapting and, sometimes, getting a little too complacent when they get used to one thing for too long. And guess what happens when they get complacent? They start to downplay the body's natural response, and those wonderful relief benefits you first witnessed may start to fade away.
So, here's my advice to all my clients: Experiment with various products to discover which one resonates best with your pet's unique needs. Start with whole food additions like trachea, then, if needed, move on. Try a bottle or two of your top pick, then switch it up with a different one, and perhaps another. And guess what? You can even circle back to that initial favorite. In this way, you're bound to uncover the one that truly suits your pet's body. The key, my friends, is to keep the rotation wheel spinning – because when it comes to pet health, variety may just be the spice of life. Rotate, rotate, and rotate some more!
In Summary
In summary, when it comes to protecting your dog’s joints, there are several options to consider, including glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, and whole food products. However, the foundation should always start with a raw food diet, which provides the most natural and balanced nutrition for joint health. From there, you can add these supplements as needed, but remember to rotate them to keep your dog’s system responsive and balanced. A varied approach ensures your pup gets the best support possible for their joints, keeping them happy, healthy, and active.
Book a Pet Wellness Coaching Session With Dr. Andi Today!
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Citations
[1] Rheumatol Int. 2018 Aug;38(8):1413-1428. doi: 10.1007/s00296-018-4077-2. Epub 2018 Jun 11; "Effect of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate in symptomatic knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized placebo-controlled trials" ; https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29947998/
[2] Arch Orthop Trauma Surg. 2023 Jan;143(1):409-421. doi: 10.1007/s00402-021-04326-9. Epub 2022 Jan 13; "Efficacy and safety of the combination of glucosamine and chondroitin for knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis"; https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35024906/
[3] Front Vet Sci. 2023 Feb 1:10:1033188. doi: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1033188. eCollection 2023. "Study of the effectiveness of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate, marine based fatty acid compounds (PCSO-524 and EAB-277), and carprofen for the treatment of dogs with hip osteoarthritis: A prospective, block-randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial "; https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36816197/
[4] Mod Rheumatol. 2017 Sep;27(5):838-848. doi: 10.1080/14397595.2016.1259729. Epub 2016 Dec 21. "Beneficial effects of natural eggshell membrane (NEM) on multiple indices of arthritis in collagen-induced arthritic rats "; https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27846748/
**Peak Vertical Force (PVF) is a measurement used in biomechanics and gait analysis to assess the maximum amount of force exerted vertically by an object or living organism during a specific motion or activity. In the context of human and animal movement, PVF typically refers to the highest point of force applied in a vertical direction, often in relation to ground reaction forces.