Picking the best joint supplements for pets
Consumerlab.com (CL) is an independent product evaluating service which people can subscribe to for a nominal yearly fee (and I do!). They evaluate supplements, vitamins, etc. and not only provide weekly updates on products they have reviewed but also goes a step further and looks at potential drug interactions, side effects, cost, heavy metal contamination, etc.
Their most recent review was of pet supplements. I have enclosed their 2 picks for dog and cat joint supplements based on their evaluation of the components, price, and scientific evaluation that was undertaken by CL.
For dogs: Their 2 picks were Rx Vitamins for Pets MegaFlex and Cosequin Maximum Strength Joint Support for Dogs each containing substantial amounts of glucosamine and MSM and in the case of Cosequin, also chondroitin. They favored Cosequin as it was more economical costing 25% less than MegaFlex. Cosequin also contains manganese 3mg with is an important mineral in bone and cartilage formation. The one product they did NOT RECOMMEND was Zesty Paws Hip & Joint Bites because they failed to provide listed amounts of chondroitin sulfate.
For cats: Rx Vitamins for Pets MegaFlex was their choice because of economical cost, available in an easily doseable powder form with a cat-preferred dried fish smell. The product also contains Vitamin C and Sea Cucumber. Vitamin C is an antioxidant and may reduce oxidative stress in diseases in cats such as kidney disease. Sea Cucumber has antioxidant effects but no evidence exists that it does this in animals with joint disease.
So, if you are considering a joint mobility supplement for your pet, consider the above mentioned, CL evaluated products. But, as always, consult your veterinarian before starting ANY supplement!
#speakingofpets