Dog Vitamins with Glucosamine

Dog vitamins with glucosamine are formulated to reduce joint pain in dogs with hip dysplasia and arthritis. Glucosamine naturally occurs in cartilage and joint fluid, providing comfort for the joints. Scientists now believe that supplementing your dog's diet with glucosamine can strengthen joints and reduce pain.

Glucosamine Tablets

Glucosamine tablets don't need to come in a fancy package. Many owners see success from using simple glucosamine tablets that are available at any grocery or health food store. The same tablets that you use may be equally effective for your dog.

Obviously, higher quality pills will cost more, but many owners report success from the generic glucosamine tablets purchased at the grocery store. These may include another joint supplement, such as chondroitin, but they may not. Consult your veterinarian or a consumer website about the dog vitamins you decide to purchase.

Chondroitin and MSM

Chondroitin is almost always found in glucosamine tablets because it's another amino acid found in the cartilage and joint fluid. Chondroitin is necessary for the conversion from glucosamine into its active form, so both are commonly supplemented together.

MSM is often included in supplement mixes with glucosamine and chondroitin, not because it promotes stronger joints but because it helps the body absorb vitamins and nutrients. This naturally occurring amino acid is often used in supplement combinations and can help your dog absorb the glucosamine and chondroitin.

MSM is also a strong antioxidant and can reduce inflammation in joints.

Hyaluronic Acid

Though called by a different name, hyaluronic acid capsules are a form of glucosamine tablets. Hyaluronic acid is formed when glucosamine forms with glucoronic acid. This is the active form found in the body, so hyaluronic acid supplements may be more effective than simple glucosamine tablets, because it's already converted to active form. As with most types of joint supplements, tablets are available that include both hyaluronic acid and glucosamine as well as chondroitin.

Cetyl Myrisoleate

Another highly regarded joint supplement is cetyl myristoleate, a fatty acid derived from myristoleic acid which was discovered to be the cause of good joint health in mice. These tablets, which can be purchased online and at pet stores, also contain glucosamine and chondroitin to promote joint health.

Cetyl-M has been effective in helping many pets recover from severe hip dysplasia and arthritis, but it is more expensive than traditional glucosamine pills, which are often equally effective.

Senior Vitamins

Many supplements combine joint health tablets with other ingredients that promote good health in your dog. Since older dogs are more likely to suffer from joint problems, glucosamine is often added to senior dog vitamins, which add other supplements your older pet may need.

Additional ingredients may include dried fish oil, vitamins A and E or milk thistle, which promotes liver health. These dog vitamins can be purchased online or at pet stores and can be found in many forms, depending on your dog's needs.

 

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