Nutritional Care of Ageing Joints
By Kate Jones BSC (Hons) Nutritionist for NAF
Joint wear and tear is an inevitability of growing older, and that applies just as much to our dogs as it does to us. Often the problem is exacerbated or triggered by conformation or predispositions of certain breeds – for example hip dysplasia in German Shepherds and Labradors. While in other cases joint degradation is simply a result of straight forward old age.
Management is important, including regulation of your dog’s weight and regular, appropriate exercise. However, further help is at hand by way of nutritional support. Joint supplements can be useful throughout a dog’s life, whether during the growth phase, supporting an active, working life, or as signs of age begin to creep in. When choosing which joint supplement to feed your dog take the following information into account…
Check the formulation, which is clearly given on the back of the pack and be sure it contains the key, proven ingredients, which include glucosoamine HCl and chondroitin sulphate. Glucosamine is considered the most important (although it’s advisable to check the levels at which it’s included), but the addition of chondroitin is recommended as the two nutrients are believed to work synergistically with a beneficial effect. When these two ingredients are supported by other appropriate nutrients, such as l-glutamine and MSM the level of nutritional benefit is increased. Recent research has raised the awareness of l-glutamine for cartilage integrity whilst we are aware of the importance of MSM, a natural form of sulphur, as a particularly useful nutrient wherever comfort is an issue, and also for its role as a key building block of soft tissue, such as tendons and ligaments. Finally, specific antioxidants help to support the system against free radical toxins and their detrimental effects. They proliferate around an area of trauma of disease and cause the condition to deteriorate further, therefore, if removed from the system – antioxidants do this by mopping up excess levels – this is eliminated.
So to conclude, the ideal nutritional supplement for older dogs’ joints should include a combination of Glucosamine HCl, chondroitin sulphate, MSM, l-glutamine and targeted antioxidants. Check for these and be sure you are giving your aging best friend the best nutritional care you can.
For further information or advice
please call the NAF Freephone Advice Line: 0800 373106 or visit www.naf-uk.com
Recommended NAF products: Superflex Tablet Treats, Superflex Liquid.
Available from NAF stockists throughout the area.
