Cartilage, Hip & Joint Health Support

Ingredient & Nutrients Information

Glucosamine Hydrochloride (HCl)

Glucosamine is not present in any significant amount in most pet foods and if added is usually not providing an effective therapeutic or preventative dose.

Glucosamine typically comes from the shells of shrimp, lobster and crab or may be synthesized from a number of other sources. Glucosamine is an important building block used by the body to make specialized molecules called glycosaminoglycans, found in joint cartilage.

Glucosamine has been thoroughly researched and used for the treatment of arthritis and has been found to be very effective.

Glucosamine is available in several different forms. The glucosamine sulphate form has been used in most clinical trials and found to be very effective. Glucosamine hydrochloride (HCl) has been widely available as a dietary supplement for years and has been found to be as effective or only slightly more effective than the sulfate form.

Powders and liquid forms provide benefits equally well so long at the formulations deliver the same quantity. More of the sulphate form is needed to deliver the same effect as the hydrochloride form.

Chondroitin Sulphate

A number of clinical trials since the 1980s studied chondroitin and had found that it clearly helps with the conditions associated with arthritis of the knee and other locations such as the spine and hips. Most of the studies reported significant benefits in terms of reducing pain, increased mobility, and reduced anti-inflammation medication requirements.

Chondroitin is the most abundant glycosaminoglycan, the building blocks of cartilage and is partly responsible for the elastic flexibility and resiliency of cartilage.

Chondroitin is also very important in preventing the action of certain enzymes that destroy cartilage.

Most commonly chondroitin is taken in combination with glucosamine and MSM for theoretical synergistic effect.

MSM (methylsulfonylmethane)

MSM, methylsulfonylmethane, provides highly BIO-AVAILABLE sulfur, a vital building block element of joints, cartilage, skin, hair and nails, and methyl groups, which support many of the vital biochemical processes including energy production.

MSM is a found in small amounts naturally in many foods. When high quality MSM is synthesized for use as a dietary supplement it is identical to that found in nature.

MSM helps to deliver sulfur to the body, sulfur helps to maintain the structure of connective tissue by forming cross-linkages through disulfide bonds, i.e., sulfur strengthens the tissues that make up the joint.

Sulfur is critical to good joint health. Glycosaminoglycans, the fundamental building blocks of joint cartilage, are linked together in chains by disulfide bonds. As the name implies, these bonds are between two sulfur atoms, making cartilage firm and resilient. Cartilage health and integrity is thus a sulfur-dependent state.

MSM contains a large amount of sulfur – 34% by weight.

US clinical research has shown that MSM is safe and effective in increasing joint comfort and supporting a normal range of motion.

MSM can be taken alone however most commonly it is used in combination with glucosamine and chondroitin for a powerful synergistic effect.

Freeze Dried New Zealand Green Lipped Mussel Powder

Green Shell and Green Lipped are trademarks owned by the New Zealand Mussel Industry Council and can only be applied to Perna canaliculus species mussels raised and harvested at licensed marine farms within the ocean waters of New Zealand.

Freeze Dried Green Lipped Mussel Powder has been used to relieve the symptoms of joint inflammation, stiffness and pain throughout the world for over 25 years. It has proven effective when used alone and in combination with other well known complimentary natural arthritic and joint health ingredients.

Freeze Dried Green Lipped Mussel Powder is used for joint health in active athletic dogs where a high degree of strain on joints is experienced. It has been associated with improvements in mobility in those suffering from joint stiffness, swelling and discomfort.

The unique main components that have been identified as primarily being responsible for the beneficial joint health effects of Freeze Dried Green Lipped Mussel Powder working synergistically together are glycosaminoglycans, and a unique phosphorylated glycogen molecule.

Shark Cartilage Powder

The raw shark cartilage material comes from sharks that were harvested for their meat from a tightly quota managed sustainable fishing resource from pristine New Zealand ocean waters.

A proprietary drying technology is used in the process of making shark cartilage powder and is critical to maintaining the integrity of the natural components in the shark cartilage ensuring high BIOACTIVITY.

Shark cartilage powder is traditionally used as a natural supplement for sufferers of deteriorated joints and joint pain inflammation conditions. Shark cartilage powder provides chondroitin sulphate and proteins widely recognized as being associated with joint pain relief and aiding with joint mobility.

Shark cartilage powder has been recognized and used widely by holistic veterinarians in equine and canine natural supplement products to help with bone and joint problems.

Red Tart Cherry Powder

Michigan State Research scientists have found a natural source of anthocyanins in tart red cherries offering positive results for many arthritis sufferers. They may be up to 10 times more effective in fighting joint pain and inflammation than aspirin or many other NSAIDS (Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), such as ibuprofen (statistics provided by the Cherry Marketing Institute).

Hyaluronic Acid  High Molecular Weight

Hyaluronic Acid (HA) is used to improve lubrication of joints and to help cartilage become more tough and flexible. It is a macromolecule found in the synovial fluid that provides the viscous lubrication and cushioning of joints. It helps to keep joints supple and strong. The highest levels of HA are found in the synovial fluid of all joints and the skin. It is part of the glucosaminoglycan extracellular fluid that occurs naturally in the body up until the age of adulthood. Levels start to fall after adulthood as part of the ageing process and thus part of the ageing of joints and skin.

Traditionally, HA is derived from rooster combs.

ALL 3 Omega-3s

European researchers have found that a daily high-dose of  omega-3 supplements were found to decrease the severity of symptoms associated with chronic disease that mainly affects joints of the spine and hips.  The mechanism of anti-inflammatory action of omega-3 fatty acids has previously been proposed to involve the conversion of the fatty acids into the anti-inflammatory prostaglandins (PGs) of the PGE3 series.

 Research studies further confirm an ever-growing body of science linking the marine fatty acids to improved joint health, in addition to a wide-range of health benefits, including good development of the fetus during pregnancy and protection from certain cancers.