Why would your dog need glucosamine?
ADVERTISEMENT: Improving senior dogs' health with these nine food options
Writer’s note: The following post was originally published on July 1, 2020 at the now-defunct website Dog Struggles. Originally written as a listicle with 10 food options, one is no longer available. This listicle has been significantly edited and rearranged to correct some factual errors, along with clarifying technical details and improving readability. (If you’re interested in reading non-pet-related top 10-, 15- and 20 lists, click here.)
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If you don’t hear seniors talk about it, you may see them hobbling a bit. As people age, more often than not, they’ll start joking about “shrinking,” “old bones” and “bad knees.” Why does this keep happening though?
Glucosamine, which is produced naturally in the body, plays a key role in building cartilage, according to Mount Sinai. This tough, connective tissue cushions the joints. Glucosamine is documented in multiple scientific studies as an effective treatment for osteoarthritis (OA), a type of arthritis that occurs when cartilage breaks down due to injury or a normal part of aging.
So why is this an issue for your dog? For dogs, especially senior dogs, arthritis is a major concern. When the cushioning between the bones thins away, it can make the dog’s bones rub against each other. This can lead to dogs having a tougher time climbing, walking and running.
While it can be an unfortunate result of aging, the process can also be escalated from trauma and diseases. There is no cure to prevent canine arthritis, but glucosamine supplements may be able to alleviate the symptoms of joint damage. Chews are commonly used to prevent early arthritis in pets.
According to American Kennel Club, “No one knows exactly what the mechanism of action is, but glucosamine, an amino sugar, appears to improve the synthesis of glycosaminoglycans, one of the building blocks of cartilage.”
For dog owners who would like it incorporated into a dog’s food, glucosamine options can be combined with another natural substance, chondroitin sulfate. The latter is also used to stimulate cartilage repair. Chondroitin is made from cow or pig cartilage. It’s also derived from the shells of crabs, oysters and shrimp. For vegan and vegetarian pet owners who are horrified by this idea, laboratories can also synthesize it from plant sources.
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Before allowing your dog to eat any of the options below, check with your veterinarian first. Choose from the options that a licensed pet health professional would suggest.
Of course, you would always choose options that the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) approved as dietary supplements. But since they are not subjected to the usual FDA review and approval process as pharmaceuticals, you still should check with the veterinarian who knows the best options or common pet pitfalls.
What to consider when purchasing glucosamine dog food?
In a report from the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association (via American Kennel Club’s site), they found that “preparations containing glucosamine provided a ‘moderate level’ of comfort, and were on a par with some prescription drugs.”
So just as some prescription drugs may work and may not, don’t expect each supplement to magically make your older dog run around like his puppy days. And as with any other medication, and sometimes food in general, there are side effects.
A few side effects that medical pet professionals have found include:
allergies
excessive thirst and urination
fatigue
insomnia
heightened concern about sugar substances for diabetic dogs
The easiest, and probably the most stress-free option, of glucosamine, is in the form of flavored tablets, liquids, pills or powders. Supplements can be found in pet supply stores, veterinarians’ offices and online sources.
Before buying random pet products online though, make sure they are only purchased from reputable online merchants. This is not the time to bargain buy with the cheapest seller.
If the veterinarian specifies a certain kind of tablet or capsule, buy that brand and that amount. But as with every option above, notice that there will not be a universal five-star review average for all of them.
Should all my dogs have glucosamine?
Two dogs in the same household could react differently to the same meal. If one doesn’t work out, that doesn’t mean you should just give up on glucosamine meals altogether.
You may just need to test out a small bag first to see how your dog reacts and get comfortable with the potential reactions to it. Maybe you’ll need to test out a few.
But under no circumstance should you try them out all at the same time. If your dog has a reaction to one but not the other, it will be that much harder to figure out where the winning meal is.
If you see alarming signs with one, consult your veterinarian first. Decide together whether to stop this meal. Ask that health professional should you try a new one or wait a few weeks (or days) with the old food before testing the doggie dish again.
What are the ingredients in glucosamine?
In addition to the animal ingredients previously mentioned, some chews will often have omega-3 fatty acids, glycosaminoglycans and antioxidants.
However, there are other muscle-strengthening ingredients that are used for glucosamine in the food. Byproducts are usually done away with.
In its place are ingredients like real lamb, chicken feet, oxtails, pigtails and beef as opposed to chicken “flavor” or beef “stock.” Some dry food will incorporate the ingredient in the form of capsules. Others, most of which are above, will use the real food.
So does that mean you should just skip the dry food altogether and go to your nearest butcher? While you certainly could make your own homemade meal, you would definitely have to do away with all the spices that humans normally add beforehand.
But another reason that the dry foods above are great options is that they incorporate other nutrient-rich needs: antioxidants, dietary fiber and vitamins.
It’s more to these options than just throwing your dog a slab of meat or a bowl from the butcher. Let your dog enjoy the pet-safe berries and vegetables while enjoying different meat options.
Dog age and activity level
The goal is to catch your dog’s increasing painful issues early before it’s too late.
Because cartilage can’t just be grown and snapped back into place, treating the condition and ideally slowing down the thinning process comes down to being an observant dog owner first and foremost. Although any joint can develop osteoarthritis, it will usually hit a dog in his limbs and lower spine.
German Shepherds and Labrador Retrievers (or Golden Retrievers), along with other large breeds, tend to get hit the hardest. Some dogs will get hit harder than others due to things they cannot control such as age and genetics.
On the other hand, there are completely controllable circumstances that can help your dog along the way. Dog obesity, treating fractures and ligament tears, and improper nutrition are all things that can help slow down the dog aging process.
Even dogs who are highly active and in great shape can be at risk if there’s repetitive stress from flyball, dock diving, and agility training. Just as human joggers put added stress on their limbs, so can dogs.
(It’s no accident that gymnasts tend to be shorter people because of all the pressure on their joints. Size and activity level can often work hand-in-hand.) Some glucosamine dog options are specifically intended for small breeds, large breeds or dogs of all breeds. Do not ignore this detail.
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There are different health needs (especially when it comes to bone strength and muscle) for large-breed dogs that may not be as much of a worry for smaller breeds, and the same can be said for smaller dogs who have their own set of health priorities.
As with dogs of all sizes, the meal size matters, too. If the glucosamine dog meals above are suitable for dogs of all breeds, pay attention to the directions on the back.
Only prepare that proportion size and transition amount so your dog can get used to the meal. Not only will this help him or her understand there’s something new on the menu, but it will also allow you to see how your dog reacts to the new healthier food options.
Easy to digest
Although the options in this list are all intended to make each pup’s digestive system better, there is no judge like your dog’s stomach. While some dogs will gobble down anything with peanut butter, cheese or meat on it (or anything else they find scrumptious), other dogs can be crafty. They’ll eat all of the food and spit out the pills individually.
For some dogs, you may have to actually put the medication inside of their mouths. For others, this is a nonfactor. Your dog will be the one to make that decision. However, certain foods that are easy to digest (or that your dog is willing to test) may not always be kind to your carpet, floors or even the grass. Follow the transitional process exactly as instructed.
Even if your dog loves the new recipe, high-fiber meals of any kind tend to do a number on the digestive system. Some dogs end up with diarrhea or moist stool for a short term. Others have such a hard time that it never ends. And still, others have such a tough time that they avoid the food altogether. Once your pup gets past the change in the usual byproducts in cheaper brands, he should ideally be able to digest and enjoy the food just fine.
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All nine are designed to help build and maintain strong muscles, and overall mobility. Your pup may get a boost in energy from the essential proteins and carbohydrates, along with omega 3 and 6 fatty acids. Follow all feeding instructions (including breed size and weight, and feeding amount) because some dogs may react differently (read: become sick) if the transition from your old dog food to the new dog food is too soon. Watch your dog closely for any long-term, concerning reactions.
1. Blue Buffalo Life Protection
Key Features and Perks
Available in seven sizes
10 meat options (Real meat is the first ingredient)
Wholesome whole grains
Antioxidant fruits from blueberries and cranberries
No artificial flavors
No preservatives
2. Purina Pro Plan
Key Features and Perks
Made for dogs with sensitive skin and stomachs
8 meat options
Fish oil and sunflower oil
Oatmeal
No poultry byproduct
No artificial colors
No artificial flavors
3. Purina Pro Plan
Key Features and Perks
Shredded blend chicken
Rice formula
Live probiotics
35 pound bag
26% of protein or an optimal protein-to-fat ratio
Vitamin A and linoleic acid
Omega-6 fatty acid
Assists with healthy skin and a lustrous coat
4. SmartBlend
Key Features and Perks
Antioxidant blend of vitamins E and A, and minerals zinc and selenium
Chicken & Rice (or Lamb & Rice)
Available in four sizes
No fillers
5. Wellness
Key Features and Perks
Family-owned natural dog food product
Five meat options
Combination of turkey, blueberries, spinach and flaxseed
Available in two sizes (4 pounds, 12 pounds)
Deboned turkey and oatmeal recipe
Chicory root extract
Healthy option has an optimal calorie count
Guaranteed levels of omega-3 fatty acids
Salmon oil
Included ingredients (calcium, phosphorous, vitamins A, and C)
No meat byproducts
No fillers or artificial preservatives
6. IAMS ProActive
Key Features and Perks
Wholesome fiber and natural prebiotics for healthy digestion
Available in three sizes
Two meat options (chicken, lamb & rice)
Beet pulp
Garnish of carrots
Formulated with L-carnitine
No fillers
7. Nutro
Key Features and Perks
Made for large breed dogs
Available in two sizes
Farm-raised chicken and rice
Helps clean teeth and reduce plaque
No chicken byproducts
No artificial flavors, byproducts, soy or wheat
8. Merrick
Key Features and Perks
Available in seven meat options
Omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids
Vegetables (peas, sweet potatoes)
Available in five sizes
Grain-free recipe
Includes apples and blueberries
9. Diamond Naturals
, this adult pet food combination is made with beef, fish protein, and real fruits and vegetables.
Key Features and Perks
Family-owned since 1970
Available in two meat options (beef, lamb and rice)
Available in three sizes
Vegetables and fruits (kale, blueberries, carrots, papaya)
Fiber-rich ingredients (chia seed, pumpkin, dried kelp, coconut)
Includes 10%-20% superfoods (kale, blueberries, chia seeds, pumpkin, quinoa, coconut and spinach)
No artificial colors, flavors or preservatives added
No corn, wheat or soy filler
Bottom Line
It’s tough to see your dog age. You want instant results and to make the aging transition as easy as possible. Walk into a specialty pet store or even the pet aisle of a retail store, and all of the dog food products will try to sell dog owners on why they’re “the best.”
Depending on the breed and the needs of your particular dogs, these nine options above may work. Then again, they may not. That’s why there are so many to try. Your veterinarian would be the most credible person to listen to before you purchase new food, chewies and/or other medication. Then your dog is the second living being to listen to.
Every dog does not react to food or medication the same way, which means that you will need to pay close attention to your dog when transitioning him from one kind of diet to another.
As is common with humans, there may be initial disinterest in meals that aren’t as tasty as their favorites. Don’t let that stop you. But what should stop you is continuous physical illness or changes in your dog’s behavior.
Checking the dog’s dish to see how much is eaten is one thing. It’s up to the owner to take notes regarding what other behaviors change. It could be as obvious to anyone looking (ex. limping) or discrete (ex. more sleeping than usual).
On the other hand, medication or healthy foods should not lead to your dog feeling worse than before over an extended amount of time. If you see any drastic changes or no improvement, contact your veterinarian within an agreed-upon time to confirm whether these new meals should continue. You may just have to tough it out and let your dog get through a small change in behavior.
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Shamontiel is a dog lover to her core: 605 completed walks with 99 dogs, eight dog-housesittings and six dog boardings at the time of this publication.
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