Keeping Fido healthy and active has big benefits for his human companion, too. A study in the journal Circulation found that dog ownership was associated with a 24% reduced risk of death from any cause and a 31% lower risk of death from cardiovascular issues, with researchers citing increased exercise motivation as a likely influence. Other studies show that having to walk a dog can increase their human’s adherence to a fitness program, with dog owners logging an average of 300 minutes of physical activity per week. After all, when your pup is wagging his tail at the door expectantly, how can you not grab the leash and head out?
One key factor in keeping those happy walks going day after day is staying ahead of the curve on joint deterioration. Some breeds such as large dogs like German Shepherds and Golden Retrievers, are more prone to hip dysplasia, osteoarthritis and other degenerative joint conditions as they age, but nearly all dogs can benefit from early intervention on joint care. (I recommend that owners use Embark, a DNA test for dogs, to get a comprehensive sense of their dog’s risk for hip and joint condition.)
Nutrition support in the form of supplements and quality food is critical to delaying and slowing the progression of joint issues. Opting for high quality, anti-inflammatory pet food is the first line of defense against degenerative joint conditions and I recommend pet owners start their dog on a joint supplement protocol within the first two to three years of life. Fortunately, with the vast array of supplements in the form of soft chew treats, lickable purees and dog food toppers now available on the market, getting Fido to take his supplements is easier than ever.
Retailers who want to capitalize on the rising demand for pet joint supplements should be armed with the knowledge and education materials to steer their customers to the most effective and clinically studied ingredients that can actually make a noticeable difference in Fido’s mobility and behavior. If pet owners can see the benefits of supplement in a happy wagging tail, they are more likely to become repeat buyers.
To that end, it’s worth noting that while glucosamine and chondroitin are the most commonly recommended supplements in this space, there are significant concerns in the manufacturing history of these products. These ingredients are typically derived from shellfish and produced overseas, so it’s important to vet them for quality and purity. I recommend stocking products that have been tested and approved by an independent and carry the NASC seal of approval.
There are two main ingredients that I recommend for joint health over glucosamine and chondroitin:
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Natural egg shell membrane (branded as NEM from Stratum Nutritrion). NEM is a natural source of collagen, hyaluronic acid, glucosamine and other proteins that have been shown to decrease the breakdown of cartilage tissue surrounding joints, and maintain healthy muscles, tendons, and ligaments surrounding the joints. In a clinical study, dogs who were given an NEM supplement daily showed a 28% improvement in quality of life markers and 23.6% improvement in pain, plus a 47.9% improvement in biomarkers related to cartilage breakdown over 6 weeks.
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SierraSil. This unique hydrothermal mineral complex has been shown in human clinical studies to help to reduce inflammation, support healthy cartilage, and maintain lubrication in joints lubricated. SierraSil is sourced from mineral deposits in the Sierra mountains and produced right here in the USA.
In addition to NEM and Sierrasil, I recommend stocking products that feature omega-3s, turmeric, MSM and collagen peptides. Most clinically-backed ingredients that are recommended for human joint health will also have benefits for dogs, and retailers should be vetting the pet supplements with the same rigor they would any human supplement. WF
