Just like humans, dogs can develop joint problems due to the stress they experience over the years from running and playing. Poor joint health is more common in older dogs. A well-balanced diet with a healthy dog ​​food can help maintain healthy joints. There are specific ingredients we use to provide the right balance for your dog’s joint health.

How does nutrition affect joint health?

Joints are complex structures that allow the body to move, stretch, bend and rotate. Nutrients travel to the joints through synovial fluid, which helps lubricate the joint for easier movement. By design, joints rely on a complex balance of strength, flexibility and lubrication for proper range of motion. They are continually used during both rest and activity. A complete and balanced diet allows each component of the joint anatomy to receive the proper nutrients needed to carry out normal cellular regeneration and metabolic processes.

What are glucosamine and chondroitin?

Glucosamine and chondroitin are molecules that are part of the structure of cartilage in joints. The body can either manufacture them from other nutrients or use what is provided by the diet through ingredients that contain cartilage components. Glucosamine is a small carbohydrate molecule that is rapidly and almost completely absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract in dogs. Chondrocytes (cartilage cells) can produce glucosamine from glucose (a sugar) and glutamine (an amino acid). This is a rate-determining step in the cycle and can therefore delay the production of large structural molecules in cartilage. Therefore, dietary glucosamine intake may be important during times of high demand. Chondroitin sulfates are preformed structural molecules that stimulate cartilage production by providing the necessary “building blocks.” Chondroitin sulfates are large molecules with a less predictable dietary fate than glucosamine because digestion destroys some of the chondroitin before it is absorbed. In addition to glucosamine and chondroitin, the diet can provide other nutrients important in cartilage structure, including glutamine, sulfur amino acids, and glucose.

The Role of Glucosamine and Chondroitin in Joint Health

The levels of glucosamine and chondroitin in our healthy dog ​​food line are designed to maintain the nutrient balance of healthy joints. Joints are active tissues; old cartilage is constantly being broken down and replaced with new cartilage. The levels of glucosamine and chondroitin provided by our dog food support the natural renewal and daily rejuvenation of cartilage. Glucosamine and chondroitin in dog food are not intended to heal joint health that has been damaged by arthritis. That would require much more than can be provided by pet food. Furthermore, the research to support such a benefit has not yielded conclusive results. Studies using high levels of glucosamine and chondroitin supplements in dogs have shown both no effect and positive effects on joint health^{1 2}, meaning that these high levels may or may not have a beneficial effect on joint health. These studies used doses of 1000 to 1500 mg of glucosamine hydrochloride and 800 to 1200 mg of chondroitin sulfate for dogs weighing 20 to 40 kg. For a typical dog, its food would need to provide 2300 to 3850 mg/kg of glucosamine and 1860 to 3115 mg/kg of chondroitin, depending on its size, to achieve daily amounts similar to those found in these studies. These levels far exceed current levels in dog food formulas, which are typically less than 1000 mg/kg.

Glucosamine and Chondroitin in Healthy Dog Food

Glucosamine and Chondroitin come from natural ingredients such as meat and meat meal. We use chicken, lamb, salmon, chicken meal, lamb meal and fish meal in our healthy and natural dog food. Any product containing these ingredients will have some levels of glucosamine and chondroitin already present naturally. We also add glucosamine hydrochloride and chondroitin sulfate to help support joint health.

What benefit do New Zealand green mussels add to dog food?

New Zealand green mussels (NZGM) provide the nutritional value needed to nourish healthy joints and promote overall mobility. NZGM contains a unique profile of omega-3 fatty acids not found in any other species, including high levels of eicosatetraenoic acid (ETA), which is an intermediate in the metabolism of ALA to EPA. Nutrients provided by NZGM include:

• • Omega-3 fatty acids (ETA, EPA, DHA) which support the natural rejuvenation of healthy joints;
  • Amino acids such as glutamine and the “building blocks” for cartilage, such as glucosamine and chondroitin;
  • Vitamins, including vitamins E and C, and the minerals copper and manganese, which act as antioxidants.

Together, these components provide the nutrients needed for healthy joints.

Acronyms
NZGM – New Zealand Green Mussel
ETA – Eicosatetraenoic Acid
ALA – Alpha-Linolenic Acid
EPA – Eicosapentaenoic Acid
DHA – Docosahexaenoic Acid