How to Choose the Best Joint Supplement For Dogs and Cats
More and more people are conscious of their diets and supplements when it comes to joint health. They are also increasingly asking about what they're giving their pets, searching for supplements with ingredients on par with what they would consume themselves. Just like us, our pets get the same joint aches and pains as they enter their senior years. It's hard to see our pups go from having endless energy and always being up to play, to older and less energetic couch potatoes. Many people add a joint supplement to their daily regimen to support joint comfort. So, how do you choose the best joint supplement for dogs and cats?
Keeping a healthy body weight for your pet's size and breed helps ease the load on their aging joints. However, the natural aging process causes your pet to slow down. Luckily, there are supplements to help support joint comfort in your pet.
One of the most common health issues regarding pets that people seek out is support for joint health. Joint issues are among the most common health problems our pets face. One study of x-ray images from 100 cats found that 91% of cats suffer from joint disease. The study found that while there is a strong correlation between age and prevalence of osteoarthritis, even young cats are susceptible to the disease.
Remember to check with your vet before making changes to your pet's diet. And, definitely consult your vet if your dog or cat is experiencing arthritis discomfort so they can offer options. Here are three important supplement ingredients that can help your pet age more comfortably.
What to Look For on the Label
Not all joint supplements are created equal, and the differences are easy to miss on a busy shelf. When you're comparing products, a few things separate a quality supplement from a weak one:
- Made specifically for pets — formulated and dosed for a dog or cat, not a repackaged human product.
- The right form of glucosamine — glucosamine sulfate potassium rather than the cheaper hydrochloride form.
- Complementary ingredients — MSM, collagen, and others that work alongside glucosamine rather than glucosamine alone.
- Quality sourcing — human-grade ingredients made in USA facilities that follow FDA guidelines.
- Honest dosing — meaningful amounts of the active ingredients, not trace "fairy dusting," with clear serving guidance for your dog's weight.
Below are three of the most important ingredients to look for. (Curious why so many products underdeliver? Our founder digs into that in why most pet joint supplements don't work.)
Glucosamine Sulfate
There are different kinds of glucosamine. These are glucosamine sulfate potassium, N-acetyl glucosamine, and glucosamine hydrochloride. Check to see what kind of glucosamine is in the supplement. There is significant research regarding the benefits of glucosamine sulfate potassium.
Glucosamine sulfate potassium is an amino sugar that helps support the structure and function of joints. It occurs naturally in the body. And, it plays a key role in cartilage construction. Because of the research backing glucosamine sulfate potassium, we believe this is an important ingredient in choosing the best joint supplement for dogs and cats.
Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM)
MSM is a sulfur compound that occurs naturally in plants and animals. Humans and pets need MSM to form connective tissue. It supports healthy connective tissue and joint comfort. MSM is also an antioxidant. Due to the aging process, MSM levels decrease. And, as a result, your pet may develop skin and joint changes. There is a reason why MSM is often paired with glucosamine in joint supplements. MSM increases the absorption rate of larger compounds like glucosamine. This allows the body to better process both compounds and increases effectiveness.
Cetyl Myristoleate (CM8)
Cetyl Myristoleate (CM8) is a natural compound that was discovered by a National Institute of Health researcher (Dr. Harry Diehl). He was researching arthritis. He found that certain mice were resistant to arthritis, and the compound cetyl myristoleate was responsible. Dr. Diehl created a way to recreate the compound. CM8 has been studied for joint health.
How Flexpet Fits These Criteria
Flexpet joint supplements specifically contain CM8. CM8 is a version of cetyl myristoleate named for 8 markers that are used to determine the quality of cetyl myristoleate. This ensures that it is the same compound discovered by Dr. Diehl. Only Flexpet has CM8. In fact, Flexpet contains all three of these important ingredients - glucosamine sulfate potassium, MSM, and CM8, as well as hydrolyzed collagen type II, bromelain, and a blend of enzymes for easy absorption.
The Flexpet formula is all-natural and contains the highest quality ingredients that are manufactured and sourced in the USA in FDA regulated facilities. Flexpet is an easy daily addition to your pet's routine.
Flexpet combines 6 carefully selected ingredients in one supplement that nourishes the joints and supports lubrication and comfort. It's available as a chewable tablet and as soft dog joint chews. If your pet's discomfort seems significant, also talk with your vet about pain relief options for dogs. If your dog could use extra joint support, we invite you to try Flexpet today and help keep them active and playing like a pup. Flexpet comes with a 90-day satisfaction guarantee.
At Flexpet, we care about you and your pets. We want to help you keep them as healthy as possible. We have a fantastic and knowledgeable customer care team available to answer any of your questions about our joint supplement products and how they may help your dog or cat. Our Flexpet joint care supplements have excellent reviews on social media. You can follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, email, or by phone at 1-800-505-0575.