Regarding the best natural joint supplements for dogs, the first name that comes to mind is GLM, or green-lipped mussels, referred to scientifically as Perna canaliculus. They are available primarily in the coastal areas of New Zealand, known for how pristine the waters are over there.
They contain glucosamine in its natural form. It is a substance that helps repair joint damage and manages inflammation and pain over time.
Hence, glucosamine is an essential ingredient in a lot of joint supplements. However, the problem is glucosamine is often synthetically produced.
As a result, there is a high chance that the dog’s digestive system may not recognize the substance as such. It may absorb differently. Moreover, it implies that the supplements with synthetic ingredient would not help him as it is supposed to.
Natural sources of glucosamine, such as GLM, can prove to be a great option. It can improve the joint health of your dog. It is a significant fact about GLM compared to other supplements out there. Moreover, the usefulness of GLM comes backed by extensive research on the same.
Natural eggshell membrane
Natural eggshell membrane is also known as NEM. We already know that eggs are a great source of nutrition. However, you may not know that eggs contain a substance that could be valuable for joint support. It is NEM. It is a thin membrane located within the eggshell.
You can peel the membrane off yourself and give it to your dog. However, that would take quite a lot of work indeed. A much easier way to go about it would be to buy NEM supplements. Studies done on humans have shown that NEM can improve joint functioning and reduce pain.
Research has now shown that it can also be helpful in the case of dogs. Scientists performed a trial on 51 dogs for six weeks. They found that compared to placebo, it improved joint pain by 23.6%. The improvement in the quality of life mapped was at 26.8%.
The study also looked at CTX-II, a marker of cartilage degradation. The study showed that dogs administered NEM showed an improvement of 47.9%. If you distribute any NEM supplement to your dog, please ensure it carries the NEM trademark.
Turmeric
Among all the herbs you get these days, turmeric is the one on which the maximum research got done. Much of that has focused on how effective it can be for joint pain. The most important constituent of turmeric is a substance named curcumin.
People also refer to it as Cure-cumin because of its long list of benefits. All these benefits make turmeric one fantastic herb. Besides decreasing inflammation, curcumin can also relieve stiffness and pain in your system.
In several studies, turmeric has performed better than anti-inflammatory drugs, arthritis medicines, painkillers, and steroids.
If you want to give turmeric to your dog, you should add it to their food. You should not add more than 1/4th of a teaspoon daily for every 10 pounds of your baby’s body weight. At the very least, this should be 1/8th of a teaspoon.
It is significant to ensure that the turmeric you are feeding is organic. These days, you get turmeric joint supplements. Add the same to the food your little one has. However, please follow the directions on the label of the product.
CBD Oil
CBD (cannabidiol) oil comes from a plant named cannabis. Such oil is different from marijuana. Marijuana contains high levels of THC or tetrahydrocannabinol. The CBD oil you feed your dog must not exceed 0.3% THC. Otherwise, your dog would get high.
The thing with CBD oil is that it can provide your dog relief from such joint pain. The cannabis plant contains different chemicals, and CBD oil is one of them. However, you must know that the cannabinoid receptors in a dog’s body differ from that of a human.
If you can feed those receptors, the benefits would be great. CBD oil is among the cannabinoids that possess commendable anti-inflammatory effects. Studies discovered that such oil is capable of decreasing chronic inflammation.
It also helps stop premature aging owing to oxidative stress and reduces pain. If you want to administer CBD oil to your dog, ensure it is a full-spectrum product with a strength of around 500 or 1000 mg.
You may wonder how much of this you should administer to your dog. It is better to talk to the vet and find out the right product for your dog.
Astaxanthin
Astaxanthin is a powerful antioxidant that is released by certain types of algae when they get stressed. As far as joint supplements for dogs go, these are the most popular options. They can clean the cells in your body and relieve inflammation & pain.
It can also block and handle various chemicals, which lead to pain. It is also ideal for your heart health and overall immune system. It slows down the process of aging and prevents cancer.
Chondroitin
Chondroitin is the most critical glycosaminoglycan found in your cartilage. Often you would find supplements that contain this along with glucosamine so that the effects get doubled. The substance can inhibit destructive enzymes in your cartilage and joint fluids.
It can help your body repair damaged cartilage and restore the integrity of your joints. It also helps with shock absorption.
Chondroitin also saves your existing cartilage from breaking down before it should. It also keeps the tissues over there hydrated. You can find such supplements at your local stores that sell healthy food.
Conclusion
The best natural joint supplements for dogs offer a valuable solution to support their joint health, mobility, and overall well-being. Prioritizing quality and consulting with a veterinarian ensures optimal care for our beloved canine companions.
FAQs
Que: How do natural joint supplements for dogs work?
Answer: Natural joint supplements for dogs typically contain glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega-3 fatty acids. These ingredients help promote joint health by reducing inflammation, supporting cartilage health, and improving mobility and flexibility in dogs.
Que: Are natural joint supplements safe for all dogs?
Answer: While natural joint supplements are generally safe, consulting a veterinarian before starting new supplements is essential. They can assess your dog’s specific needs, health condition, and potential interactions with other medications to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the supplements.
Que: How long does it take to see results from natural joint supplements for dogs?
Answer: The time it takes to see results from natural joint supplements can vary depending on the dog and the severity of its common issues. Some dogs may show improvement within a few weeks, while others may require more time. Consistent use and following the recommended dosage are crucial for optimal results.