Pets today are living longer with chronic diseases at an all-time high. This is largely due to pet parents being more educated on what goes into feeding their animal companion vs. the old school “feed your cat and dog XYZ brand and they’ll be fine” mentality. Today, we know that diet plays a huge role in maintaining good health and extending longevity – especially when it comes to mobility. With that said, veterinarians still see many pets with joint pain secondary to degenerative joint disease, arthritis, or other conditions that cause inflammation of the joints (a leading risk factor for developing osteoarthritis in humans). You may have even noticed an increased focus on the subject in the recent pet market.

Natural Joint Supplements for Dogs and Cats

The best joint supplement is one that is void of any synthetic ingredients, is formulated by a veterinarian and follows Good Manufacturing Practices guidelines. Natural joint supplements are typically recommended by veterinarians as a first line of defense to help reduce signs of joint inflammation and slow the progression of degenerative joint disease in pets. Dogs and cats of any age can experience joint pain, but some certain breeds and lifestages are more at risk for developing degenerative joint disease. I recommend adding a good joint supplement to the diet of every adult dog.

When looking for products for my own pets, these are the ingredients that I think are most important:

Glucosamine

Glucosamine is a naturally occurring amino sugar molecule found in joint cartilage and other connective tissue. Dogs and cats produce their own glucosamine, but there is evidence to suggest that as pets age, the amount of glucosamine produced decreases. Glucosamine is a key component in keeping cartilage healthy and maintaining mobility in older pets. Studies show that glucosamine can increase the production of hyaluronic acid, a lubricating substance found in joint cartilage that helps keep joints healthy. As pets age, they are more likely to develop osteoarthritis and cartilage breakdown. Glucosamine helps to decrease the progression of these conditions. Glucosamine is safe to give to pets of all ages, however, studies have shown that it is more effective in pets over the age of 12 months.

Chondroitin

Chondroitin is a polysaccharide and one of the major components of cartilage. As dogs and cats age, they are more susceptible to developing degenerative joint disease and chondroids can help slow the progression of this disease. Chondroitin also helps to decrease pain associated with osteoarthritis. Veterinarians commonly recommend a combination of glucosamine and chondroitin for pets at an increased risk of developing degenerative joint disease or for those with existing joint pain.

Collagen

Collagen is a protein found in connective tissues, skin, and bones. Studies indicate that collagen supplementation may be helpful in maintaining joint health and decreasing joint pain in pets. Collagen supplementation is recommended for pets with degenerative joint disease and those that are at an increased risk for developing chronic joint pain.

I love making Home Made Bone Broth for my pets, but I don’t always have time, so I love when a joint supplement has some included.

Psoralea Fruit (Bu Gu Zhi)

Psoralea is an Asian herb also known as Bu Gu Zhi. It has been traditionally used to support joint and bone health. It has been shown to reduce joint swelling and pain in pets with existing joint disease. Psoralea is safe to give to pets of all ages and is a great addition to glucosamine and chondroitin.

Fish Oil

Fish oil contains omega-3 fatty acids which are anti-inflammatory and reduce joint pain in pets with existing joint diseases. Fish oil is safe to give to pets of all ages. Along with being great for joint health, Omega-3 fatty acids are important for heart health and support brain and eye development. They also play an important role in keeping the skin and coat healthy and can decrease allergies in dogs with atopic dermatitis. With so many benefits, you can see why adding fish oil to your pets’ diet is a no-brainer. Fish oil can be added by using whole foods like sardines or through a liquid or capsule supplement.

My Favorite Joint Supplements

Nordic Naturals is my brand of choice for Fish Oil for my pets and for myself! Their products are sustainably sourced, non-GMO verified and 3rd party purity tested.

For joint supplements, I love Sunlight Herbal Nutriherb-Joint. My favorite thing about this product is that it blends traditional joint supplements and Chinese Herbals in 1 product.

Nutriherb joint includes

NEUTRACEUTICALS: Glucosamine Sulfate Potassium Chloride (230mg), Chondroitin Sulphate Sodium (180mg), Undenatured Type-II Collagen (10mg)

AND

CHINESE HERBALS: Psoralea Fruit (Bu Gu Zhi), Drynaria Rhizome (Gu Sui Bu), Morinda Root (Ba Ji Tian), Cyathula Root (Chuan Niu Xi), Pubescent Angelica Root (Du Huo), Eucommia Stem Bark (Du Zhong), Cassia Twig (Gui Zhi), Notopterygium Root and Rhizome (Qiang Huo), White Mulberry Young Twig (Sang Zhi), Siler Root (Fang Feng).

Sunlight Herbals is made by Jing Tang Herbals, one of the most well-known veterinary herbal manufacturers in the world. Their products are always in compliance with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) guidelines. Jing Tang Herbals are also only sold through veterinarians so you know that when you order this product your getting the real deal and not a fake product that can be sold through amazon.

Please reach out to me via email(wholehealthholisticvet@gmail.com) or text if you are interested in purchasing this product!

It can be shipped anywhere in the USA.

The cost of a 90G bottle is $75 including shipping.